United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives to the people who marched on Washington, D.C., on September 12, 2009, to show their love of liberty and their grievance with recent government actions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Considers the "Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict" (Goldstone Report) to be biased and unworthy of further consideration or legitimacy. Supports the Administration's efforts to combat anti-Israel bias at the United Nations (U.N.). Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose endorsement of, and measures stemming from, the Report. Reaffirms support for Israel's right to defend its citizens from violent militant groups and their state sponsors.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Honors the service and achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female veterans. Expresses support for groups that raise awareness about the service and achievements of such women.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to: (1) take all necessary steps to begin installation of cameras in room H-313 of the Capitol during the next recess lasting 10 calendar days or longer; (2) during the next such recess, begin and complete installation of such cameras; and (3) coordinate with the Chair of the Committee on Rules to provide for live broadcasting of the proceedings of such Committee on the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Military Family Month. Recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of military families and their contributions to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Recognizes Biblica (an international society that translates and distributes Bibles and biblical resources) as an integral part of U.S. history and commends Biblica for the contributions it has made to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Recognizes the energy savings and innovations achieved by the United States Air Force. Honors the leadership of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base for their energy savings. Congratulates Tom Denslow, Danny Dobbs, Ron Miller, and Daniel Thatcher of the Department of the Air Force at that base and Steve Dumont of the Department's Air Combat Command for their efforts to reduce energy use and to make that base a model of efficient energy use.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any meetings held to determine the final content of sweeping health care legislation be held in public view and not behind closed doors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Peace Through Strength Act of 2009 - Sets forth congressional findings regarding: (1) Iranian support for terrorism, (2) Iran's ballistic missile fleet; (3) Iran's nuclear program; (4) the threat to the United States of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack; (5) Iran's dependence on petroleum imports; and (6) Iranian human rights violations. Sets forth U.S. policy regarding normalization of relations with Iran. Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to state that it shall be U.S. policy to encourage foreign governments to: (1) direct state-owned entities to cease all investment in Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum resources to Iran; and (2) persuade, and where possible, require private entities to cease all investment in Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum resources to Iran. Directs the President, with respect to sanctions against Iran, to (1) reduce the dollar threshold for imposition of sanctions against persons making investments that contribute to Iran's petroleum resource development; (2) enlarge the scope of activities that trigger sanctions against persons providing Iran with petroleum resources which contribute to Iran's ability to develop chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons; (3) impose sanctions against persons importing Iranian goods or services other than news publications into the United States or exporting to Iran goods or technology for other than humanitarian purposes; and (4) include among listed sanctions foreign exchange, banking, and property transaction prohibitions. States that the United States is capable, willing, and ready to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapons capability. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) develop military options to prevent Iran's development or deployment of a nuclear weapons capability; and (2) submit a related annual report to the appropriate congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the chair of a committee, within 24 hours after commencing a meeting to consider a measure or matter, to cause its text to be made publicly available in an electronic form. Requires a committee chair to do the same with an amendment to such measure or matter within 24 hours after adopting it. Amends Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to prohibit a committee report on a measure or matter from including recommended amendments after it was ordered reported, except technical and conforming changes authorized by the committee to correct section numbers, cross-references, punctuation, grammar, spelling, or to maintain mathematical consistency.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009
Recognizes Louisiana HonorAir for its 20 chartered flights of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the National World War II Memorial. Honors the invaluable service and dedication of the World War II veterans to our nation. Supports the designation of a Louisiana HonorAir Day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Recognizes the valuable, historic, and continued contribution of Echo Company of the 100th Battalion of the 442d Infantry of the U.S. Army to the citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States. Commends the efforts and contributions of such soldiers and the sacrifices of their families. Recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of Congress to support the mission of Echo Company. Honors the lives of Echo Company soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2009 - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 90 session days or legislative days after such resolution is introduced, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth procedures of the House of Representatives and the Senate for joint resolutions: (1) approving major rules; and (2) disapproving nonmajor rules.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should: (1) continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities; and (2) support programs designed to end domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - Requires federal public land management officials to exercise their authority under existing law, including regarding land use planning, to provide for the use of, and access to, federal public lands and waters for fishing, sport hunting, and recreational shooting, except as described in this Act. Requires the heads of federal public land management agencies to exercise their discretion in a manner that supports, promotes, and enhances recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting opportunities, to the extent authorized under applicable law. States that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands, excluding lands on the Outer Continental Shelf, shall be open to recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting unless the managing agency acts to close lands to such activity. Permits closures or restrictions on such lands for purposes including resource conservation, public safety, energy or mineral production, energy generation or transmission infrastructure, water supply facilities, national security, or compliance with other law. Requires publication of a public notice preceding any such closures or restrictions, unless mandated by other law. Requires annual reports on closures of federal public lands to recreational fishing, sport hunting, or shooting. Sets forth requirements for specified closures or significant restrictions involving 640 or more acres of federal public lands or waters to fishing or hunting. Establishes the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council and the Sporting Conservation Council.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Honors Hannah Giles and James O'Keefe III for their work as journalists investigating the Association of Community Organization for Reform Now (ACORN).
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Recognizes the significant contributions of the Military Working Dog (MWD) Program to the U.S. Armed Forces. Honors retired Air Force MWD Ben C020 for his lifetime of service. Supports the adoption and care of these quality animals after such service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Ensuring the Future Physician Workforce Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the formula for calculating payments for physicians' services. Resets to 2009 the base year for application of the sustainable growth rate formula, which shall be eliminated in 2011. Amends SSA title XVIII to extend the current transitional bonus payments through 2011 at 3%. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a reporting system for quality measures relating to physicians' services that focus on disease-specific high cost conditions. Amends SSA title XI to create safe harbors to antikickback and civil and criminal penalties for provision of health information technology (HIT) and training services. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the impact of such safe harbors. Amends SSA title XVIII to create an exception to the limitation on certain physician referrals for the provision of HIT and training services to health care professionals. Directs the Secretary to report annually to: (1) each physician information on the physician's total Medicare billings; and (2) each individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) on the amount of Medicare payments made to or on behalf of the individual during the year involved. Directs the Secretary to collect data on annual savings in expenditures in the Medicare program due to physicians' services that resulted in hospital or in-patient diversion. Requires the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to monitor and examine the extent to which the different funding mechanisms under Medicare parts A, B, and D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) provide an appropriate alignment with the program goals of the respective parts. Requires the Secretary to provide for a study of, and report to Congress on, health care disparities in high-risk health condition areas and minority communities with respect to the impact reporting requirements may have on physician penetration in such communities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
FHA Taxpayer Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the National Housing Act to increase the downpayment requirement for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage loan from 3.5% to 5%. Repeals the current inclusion in the principal amount of an FHA mortgage loan of any initial service charges, appraisal, inspection, and other fees that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approves. Prohibits the inclusion of such charges and fees in the principal amount of an FHA mortgage loan. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and the mortgage insurance programs under which the insurance obligations are obligations of such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
1863 Gettysburg Campaign Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the history and memory of the 1863 invasion of Pennsylvania, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Gettysburg Address of President Abraham Lincoln.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should: (1) enact into law a meaningful national standard to protect commercial and government data, including a robust definition of encryption tied to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); and (2) adopt legislation that requires that sensitive data be protected through meaningful encryption technology and require government subcontractors having access to sensitive and personally identifiable information to comply with the same standards as federal agencies and departments; and (3) encourage leaders of government agencies and private enterprises to actively manage and rigorously protect the data collected and stored within their institution by making data security a priority within the institution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Declares that the House of Representatives is committed to: (1) promoting and sustaining the spirit of unity shared by members of the United States Submarine Force; (2) paying tribute once again to the seven submariners who were awarded the Medal of Honor, including two who were awarded the medal posthumously; and (3) keeping alive the memory of the Submarine Force veterans so that the American people never forget their courage and sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Transparency and Executive Accountability Act - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require individuals subject to financial disclosure filing requirements by virtue of an appointment to a position in the Executive Office of the President to file required reports with the Director of the Office of Government Ethics (curently, with the ethics official of the individual's employing agency).
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Underscores the value of respectful speech while affirming that the freedoms of speech and religious exercise are integral to free societies and human dignity. Urges the Secretary of State to make every effort to defeat the passage of resolutions on the "defamation of religions" at the United Nations and other resolutions or international instruments that threaten the free and peaceful exchange of ideas, beliefs, and truth claims. Calls on the United Nations (U.N.) to abandon efforts to adopt the flawed concept of "defamation of religions." Urges U.N. member states to focus on protecting the fundamental freedom of individuals to peacefully express their religious beliefs and to avoid supporting resolutions that threaten freedom of expression.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
TARP Recipient Ownership Trust Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to delegate to a private entity management authority over troubled assets with respect to any entity assisted under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Prohibits any expenditure of TARP funds until the Secretary transfers all voting, nonvoting, and common equity in any designated TARP recipient to a limited liability company, to be held and managed in trust on behalf of U.S. taxpayers. Requires the trustees to liquidate the trust and its assets by December 24, 2011, unless: (1) the trustees report to Congress that liquidation would not maximize profitability of the company and the return on investment to the taxpayer; and (2) Congress enacts into law a joint resolution approving continuation of the TARP management plan established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the state of Pennsylvania and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Commends the members of the 56th Brigade Combat Team (Stryker) of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard on the completion of their most-recent deployment to Iraq. Recognizes that Team's achievements and all other formerly and presently deployed Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard units and members for their exemplary service.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Declares that all U.S. citizens should remain secure in the possession of private property and that no court, legislature, or executive shall, by predatory law or tyrannical force, obtain the property of any U.S. citizen for the benefit of another private citizen or corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Defund ACORN Act - Prohibits any federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other form of agreement from being awarded to, any federal funds in any other form from being provided to, or any federal employee or contractor from promoting any organization that: (1) has been indicted for a violation under any federal or state law governing the financing of a campaign for election for public office or any law governing the administration of such an election, including a voter registration law; (2) had its state corporate charter terminated due to its failure to comply with federal or state lobbying disclosure requirements; (3) has filed a fraudulent form with any federal or state regulatory agency; or (4) employs, has under contract, or retains to act on its behalf any individual who has been indicted for a violation under federal or state law relating to an election for federal or state office. Identifies, specifically, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and any affiliate as such an organization. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to be revised to carry out provisions of this Act relating to contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Urges: (1) the President to issue a report clearly outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and authorities of the special assistants he has appointed (commonly referred to as "czars") and to certify to Congress that such czars will not assert powers other than those granted by statute to a commissioned officer on the President's staff; and (2) Congress to hold hearings on such report and certification within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
Mourns the loss of life caused by Typhoon Morakot that occurred on August 8, 2009, in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and expresses condolences to the families of the many victims. Recognizes the deep ties between the United States and Taiwan and expresses continued solidarity with its people during this time of crisis. Expresses gratitude to the people of the United States who have supported those humanitarian aid agencies working to assist the people of Taiwan in this time of need.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Veterinarian Services Investment Act - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to carry out a grant program to develop, implement, and sustain veterinary services and relieve veterinary shortage situations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Agricultural Credit Act of 2009 - Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to authorize appropriations through FY2015 for state agricultural loan mediation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Family Farm Preservation and Conservation Estate Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from the gross estate the value of property used by a decedent and the decedent's family as a farm for farming purposes and certain qualified conservation easements; and (2) impose a recapture tax if such farmland is sold outside the decedent's family or is no longer used for farming purposes or if a qualified conservation easement is likewise sold or used in violation of the terms of such easement.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Congressional Hope for Uniform Recognition of Christian Heritage (CHURCH) Act of 2009 - Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to enter into an agreement with a private entity for the design and fabrication of a historical plaque to be permanently displayed in National Statuary Hall recognizing the seven decades of Christian church services being held in the Capitol from 1800 to 1868. Authorizes the AOC to use National Statuary Hall for a presentation ceremony for the plaque. Requires the AOC upon receiving such plaque to display it permanently in a place of prominence in National Statuary Hall.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Healthy Savings Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to health savings accounts (HSAs) to allow: (1) spouses to make increased catch-up contributions to a single HSA; (2) Medicare Part A beneficiaries to establish and contribute to an HSA; (3) veterans eligible for service-connected disability benefits and individuals eligible for Indian health service assistance to establish an HSA; (4) HSAs to incorporate flexible spending and health reimbursement arrangements; (5) the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance; (6) payment of certain medical expenses incurred before the establishment of an HSA; and (7) payments from an HSA for prescription and over-the-counter drugs that aid in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Allows Medicare beneficiaries participating in a Medicare Advantage medical savings account (MSA) to exclude from gross income payments made to their MSAs. Treats as medical care for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses certain exercise equipment and physical fitness programs and certain nutritional and dietary supplements.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Corrosion Prevention Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a two-year business-related tax credit for 50% of net expenditures for engineering design, materials, and application and installation of corrosion prevention and mitigation technology for energy-related property comprised primarily of metals susceptible to corrosion.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any funds repaid to the federal government or any interest or dividends on those funds should be used solely for debt reduction, consistent with the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), and with Article One, Section Nine of the United States Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Deplores the violence by Iraqi security forces against the residents of Camp Ashraf. Calls upon the Iraqi government and the President of the United States to ensure the security and protection of Camp Ashraf residents.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Recognizes the exemplary service and sacrifice of the members of the 139th Airlift Wing, Air National Guard, and their families. Commends the members of the 139th Airlift Wing and their families (and all members of the Armed Forces who have served or are serving in support of U.S. military contingency operations) for their service and sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Medicare Beneficiary Freedom to Choose Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to revise requirements for the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries under which no Medicare claims shall be made. Requires any such contract to be in writing and signed by the Medicare beneficiary. Allows individuals to choose to opt out of the Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance), and makes them eligible for health savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Supports and encourages Army Community Covenant signing ceremonies between local communities and the armed forces throughout the United States. Encourages Americans to participate in or develop programs and services to support members of the armed forces and their families in their communities, especially during and after military deployments. Resolves to support members of the armed forces and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2009
Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to extend through FY2012 (under current law, through FY2010) the requirement that the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the Department of Commerce make payments from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund for a grant program to assist public safety agencies in the the acquisition of, deployment of, or training for the use of interoperable communications equipment that utilizes reallocated public safety spectrum for radio communication. Allows the Assistant Secretary to extend, on a case-by-case basis, the period of performance for any investment approved under the program for a period not to exceed two years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2009
Debt Accountability Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in either chamber to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that would increase the deficit or decrease the surplus for any fiscal year unless the appropriate chamber, by roll call vote, acknowledges the costs that would be incurred in carrying out such measure, as estimated by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and any effect those costs might have on the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2009
Ronald Reagan Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins and $1 silver coins in commemoration Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Authorizes the issuance of such coins beginning on January 1, 2013, except that sales of such coins may be initiated, without issuance, before such date. Prohibits the minting of such coins after December 31, 2013. Requires all sales of coins minted under this Act to include a surcharge of: (1) $35 per coin for the $5 coin; and (2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin. Requires the proceeds from the surcharges received from the sale of such coins to be paid promptly to the Army Emergency Fund to be used to provide financial assistance to certain soldiers and their dependents and the surviving spouses or dependent children of deceased soldiers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2009 or SAVE Act of 2009 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) accountable financing under the Secure Border Initiative; (7) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (8) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to check against terrorist watchlists those persons suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with DHS; and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Authorizes border relief grants for local law enforcement agencies within 25 miles of the southern U.S. border. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional immigration court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the eligibility of certain small insurance companies (other than life insurance companies) for the alternative corporate income tax by increasing the premium limitation used to determine such eligibility to $2.025 million (from $1.2 million), with an annual inflation adjustment after 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2009
Federal Employee Accountability Act of 2009 - Repeals provisions: (1) authorizing a federal employee representing an exclusive representative in the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement official time for such purpose during the time such employee otherwise would be in a duty status; and (2) requiring the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether any employee participating for, or on behalf of, a labor organization in any phase of proceedings before it shall be authorized official time for that purpose.