United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Veterans Hardship Outreach for Priority Eights (HOPE) Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide grants and other assistance to states for the purpose of providing outreach to veterans who may be able to apply for a change in priority under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system due to hardship. Requires priority for such grants and assistance be given to states with: (1) veteran populations of at least 500,000; and (2) unemployment rates exceeding the national average unemployment rate. Sets a limit on the amount of such grants and assistance provided to any one state in any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Clean Cities Program Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to carry out a Clean Cities program, as a partnership between government and industry, to encourage and accelerate the use of non-petroleum based fuels, alternative fuel vehicles, and other advanced vehicle technologies and practices that achieve significant reduction in the overall use of petroleum in the transportation sector. Requires the program to: (1) promote the establishment of vehicle and infrastructure projects that incorporate petroleum reduction technologies, including educational efforts on the benefits and advantages of using alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles; (2) provide training, technical assistance, and tools to end-users that adopt petroleum reduction technologies; (3) collaborate with and train fire officials, emergency first responders, and safety code officials; (4) undertake coordinating efforts between federal, local, and state agencies and the alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle industry; (5) facilitate the development of necessary refueling and service support infrastructure for petroleum reduction technologies; and (6) develop Internet-based tools and resources for the education and training of consumers and program stakeholders. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to local and state government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle stakeholders who are working with Clean Cities coalitions to support the deployment and use of alternative fuels and petroleum reduction technologies in on-road vehicles. Directs the Secretary to encourage and support the voluntary formation of local Clean Cities organizations around the country.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Automobile Dealers Fair Competition Act of 2009 - Makes it unlawful for any new automobile manufacturer to unreasonably discriminate against or deny a franchise to an automobile dealer who applies for the retention of its franchise. Permits an automobile dealer to file an expedited action in a U.S. district court to restore its franchise. Defines: (1) "new automobile manufacturer" as an automobile manufacturing company established in 2009 that is the successor to another automobile manufacturing company and acquires the assets of the predecessor company in an transaction governed by federal bankruptcy law; and (2) "automobile dealer" as any automobile dealer in the United States that, on January 1, 2009, held a franchise granted by an automobile manufacturing company that was the predecessor company to a new automobile manufacturer to sell that company's automobiles, but has not entered into an agreement with the new manufacturer to continue serving as a franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Bear Protection Act of 2009 - Prohibits any person from: (1) importing bear viscera into, or exporting it from, the United States; or (2) selling bear viscera, bartering, offering it for sale or barter, or purchasing, possessing, transporting, delivering, or receiving it in interstate or foreign commerce. Subjects persons who violate such prohibitions to specified penalties. Waives such prohibition for wildlife law enforcement purposes where a valid permit has been issued. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to continue discussions concerning trade in bear viscera with the appropriate representatives of Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and with other representatives of countries that are not party to the Convention which are determined to be the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products, in order to establish coordinated efforts with such countries to protect bears. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect state regulation of bear population or to affect the lawful hunting of bears under state law.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Short Sea Shipping Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance tax commercial cargo (other than bulk cargo) loaded at: (1) a port in the U.S. mainland and unloaded at another such port after transport solely by coastal route or river or unloaded at a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System; or (2) such a port in Canada and unloaded at a port in the U.S. mainland. Defines the "Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System" as the waterway between Duluth, Minnesota, and Nova Scotia, encompassing the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the Saint Lawrence River.
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 · 31 July 2009
Commends the people of Iraqi Kurdistan for reaffirming, in the July 2009 parliamentary elections, the region's dedication to democratic ideals. Pledges to work with the President of the United States and the newly elected Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to strengthen the bonds between the United States and Iraqi Kurdistan and to advance the cause of peace in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Expresses support for the designation of Celebrate Safe Communities Week and for Crime Prevention Month. Commends the efforts of local law enforcement agencies and their community partners in the fight against crime. Encourages the National Sheriffs' Association and the National Crime Prevention Council to continue to promote action to reduce crime and build safer communities. Encourages government agencies, civil groups, schools, businesses, and youth organizations to educate the public, showcase their accomplishments, and explore new partnerships during Crime Prevention Month.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Medical Debt Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit a consumer reporting agency from making any report containing information related to a fully paid or settled medical debt that had been characterized as debt in collection for credit reporting purposes, which, from the date of payment or settlement, antedates the report by more than 30 calendar days.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Improving Assistance to Domestic and Sexual Violence Victims Act of 2009 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to: (1) amend certain definitions, grant conditions relating to confidential information, and matching fund requirements under such Act; (2) expand the role of the national resource center on workplace responses to domestic violence to require information and assistance to victim service providers and other community-based organizations and coalitions; and (3) expand requirements for providing culturally and linguistically specific services to domestic and sexual violence victims. Amends grant provisions under the violence against women program of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) impose limits on Internet publication of protection order information in domestic violence cases; (2) exempt victims of dating violence from certain costs for criminal proceedings and protection orders; (3) provide for sexual assault forensic medical personnel examiners to collect and preserve evidence in sexual assault cases; and (4) expand grant purposes to include HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment for victims of sexual assault. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to expand visa eligibility for aliens who are victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 to permit certain aliens lawfully present in the United States to qualify for low-income housing assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 with respect to the state-established individual emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA). Extends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through December 31, 2010. Amends the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act to extend through January 1, 2011: (1) federal-state agreements increasing regular unemployment compensation payments to individuals; and (2) requirements that federal payments to states cover 100% of EUC. Requires a further additional Tier-3 period for deposits to an individual's EUCA, using the current formula, if, at the time the amount added to such individual's account under the Act is exhausted or at any time thereafter, the individual's state is in an extended benefit period. Prescribes a formula for determining if a state is in an extended benefit period. Allows the Tier-3 period augmentation to be applied to the individual's EUCA only once. Authorizes a state to pay extended compensation to an otherwise eligible individual before any further additional EUC, if such individual claimed extended compensation for at least one week of unemployment after the exhaustion of additional EUC. Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to extend through December 31, 2010, the temporary increase in extended unemployment benefits for employees with 10 or more years of service and for those with less than 10. Makes additional appropriations to cover such cost. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to make additional appropriations to the Railroad Retirement Board to cover administrative expenses associated with such additional extended benefits. Amends title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act to require information entered into the data base of the National Directory of New Hires to be deleted 48 (currently, 24) months after its entry. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to permit federal departments and agencies or their agents to use data in each component of the Federal Parent Locator Service and information reported by employers to assess the effectiveness of federal programs in achieving positive labor market outcomes. Allows personal identifiers to be provided to such entities, subject to certain privacy provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability and Consistency Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of payments of $600 or more made to corporations; (2) set forth criteria and rules relating to the treatment of workers as employees or independent contractors; and (3) increase penalties for failure to file correct tax return information or comply with other information reporting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue an annual report on worker misclassification.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) establish and operate a Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network to provide for public access to an electronic national database on the incidence and prevalence of priority chronic conditions and health effects and relevant environmental and other factors; (2) award grants to states for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of state networks; (3) enter into a cooperative agreement with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to train and place applied epidemiology fellows in state and local health departments to enhance public health capacity in the areas of environmental health, chronic and other noninfectious diseases and conditions, and public health surveillance; and (4) enter into cooperative agreements with states or consortia of states to expand the scope and amount of biomonitoring data collected and analyzed by the CDC, state laboratories, and consortia of state laboratories in order to obtain robust information about a range of environmental exposures. Requires the Secretary to integrate the enactment of this Act with all funded environmental health tracking programs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Disaster Response, Recovery and Mitigation Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to: (1) require the President to award financial assistance under the pre-disaster hazard mitigation program on a competitive basis; and (2) authorize continuing appropriations for such program through FY2012. Requires: (1) the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to modernize and implement the integrated U.S. public alert and warning system; and (2) the Administrator to establish an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Advisory Committee. Makes temporary FEMA employees hired in the aftermath of a disaster eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan. Authorizes the President to transfer excess materials, supplies, or equipment acquired for response or recovery efforts in connection with a major disaster or emergency to a state, local government, or relief organization to assist victims of other major disasters, emergencies, or incidents. Directs the Administrator to: (1) continue to administer the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System; (2) provide for a national network of standardized search and rescue resources; (3) designate task forces to participate in the System and determine participation criteria; and (4) enter into annual preparedness cooperative agreements with sponsoring agencies. Provides for the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund. Authorizes the President to: (1) increase disaster mitigation assistance to states that are actively enforcing approved building codes; and (2) provide temporary assistance in the form of mortgage or rental payments for individuals and families who, because of financial hardship caused by a major disaster, are at imminent risk of dispossession or eviction from a residence. Authorizes FEMA to rescue and shelter animals during disasters and emergencies. Sets forth provisions concerning the storage, sale, transfer, and disposal by FEMA of temporary housing units. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) continue to administer the Citizen Corps and the Community Emergency Response Team Program; and (2) make grants for implementation of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training to evaluate best practices in the air carrier industry and make recommendations on specified matters. Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require air carriers to: (1) provide flight crewmembers with ground training and flight training to recognize and avoid or recover from a stall or an upset of an aircraft; and (2) establish remedial training programs for flight crewmembers who have demonstrated performance deficiencies or experienced failures in the training environment. Requires the FAA Administrator to convene a multidisciplinary panel of specialists to study and report to the FAA Administrator on methods to increase the familiarity of flight crewmembers with stick pusher systems and certain weather events. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report annually to Congress and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on NTSB air carrier safety recommendations made to and adopted or refused by the Secretary. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish an electronic pilot records database of pertinent information in FAA, air carrier, and other records that an air carrier shall access and evaluate before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot. Requires the FAA Administrator to issue a specified final rule regarding flight crewmembers and aircraft dispatchers training programs. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to review and report to the FAA Administrator on FAA aviation safety inspectors and operational research analysts. Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require air carriers to: (1) establish flight crewmember mentoring programs; (2) develop methods for ensuring that flight crewmembers have proper qualifications and experience; and (3) implement a safety management system. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on flight schools, flight education, and academic training requirements for pilot certification. Requires the FAA Administrator to report to specified congressional committees on certain voluntary safety programs. Directs the FAA Administrator to develop a plan to facilitate the establishment of an aviation safety action program (ASAP) and a flight operational quality assurance (FOQA) program by all air carriers. Treats as an unfair or deceptive trade practice for any ticket agent, air carrier, foreign air carrier, or other person to sell tickets for a flight on an air carrier without disclosing the name of the air carrier providing each flight segment before the purchase of the ticket. Requires the FAA Administrator to issue regulations to: (1) limit the number of flight and duty time hours allowed for pilots to address pilot fatigue problems; as well as (2) require air carriers to develop for FAA approval fatigue risk management plans. Directs the FAA Administrator to study and report to Congress on aviation industry best practices with regard to flight crewmember pairing and crew resource management techniques.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Protect America's Wildlife Act of 2009 - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to impose criminal penalties on anyone who knowingly violates any regulation prohibiting the shooting or harassing of birds, fish, or other animals from aircraft (airborne hunting). Increases the monetary penalty for airborne hunting from $5,000 to $50,000. Expands the exceptions to the prohibition against airborne hunting to include enhancing the propagation and survival of wildlife or preventing the extinction of a species threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Lowering Oil Price Speculation for Infrastructure Dedicated to Economic Development Act of 2009 or the LOPSIDED Oil Prices Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an excise tax on transactions in oil futures and options, to be paid by the trading facility on which the transactions occur or the buyer of the transactions; (2) require withholding of such tax; and (3) deposit revenues from the tax into the Highway Trust Fund. Exempts from such tax certain commercial oil traders and bona fide hedging transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Promoting Lending to America's Small Businesses Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to increase the total permissible amount of member business loans by an insured credit union (excluding those made to nonprofit religious organizations) to a limit of 25% of the credit union's total assets. Increases from $50,000 to $250,000 the maximum total extensions of credit a borrower or associated member of an insured credit union may have before any extension of credit shall be considered a member business loan. Revises the prohibition against an increase in the total amount of member business loans by an undercapitalized insured credit union until it becomes adequately capitalized. Repeals the condition of becoming adequately capitalized, and requires only that the National Credit Union Administration Board approve the increase. Excludes from the definition of "member business loan" any extension of credit, meeting other specified criteria, that is made to a member for commercial, corporate, business, farm, or agricultural purposes in an underserved area.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
US and the World Education Act - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to require the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International and Foreign Language Education to: (1) assist the Secretary of Education in administering this Act's grant program; and (2) develop an international education research repository and make it available to states and local educational agencies (LEAs). Directs the Secretary, acting through the Deputy Assistant Secretary, to award competitive grants to LEAs, or partnerships between LEAs and private organizations or institutions of higher education that provide their LEA partners with funding, to promote international education in elementary and secondary schools. Requires each grantee to use: (1) one-half of its grant on enhancing international education within core curricula, such as by increasing teacher competency; and (2) the other half on providing supplemental international education services outside of normal instruction hours. Directs the Secretary to conduct a biennial independent evaluation of such international education programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
South San Diego County Water Reclamation Project of 2009 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Sweetwater Authority, Otay Water District, and the city of Chula Vista, California, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of permanent facilities needed to reclaim, reuse, and treat groundwater and wastewater in South San Diego County. Limits the federal share of the project to 25% of the total cost.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Medicare VA Reimbursement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in cooperation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), to establish a Medicare VA reimbursement program under which the HHS Secretary shall reimburse the VA Secretary, from the Medicare trust funds, for any item or service: (1) furnished to a Medicare-eligible veteran by a VA medical facility for the treatment of a non-service-connected condition; and (2) covered by Medicare or determined to be medically necessary by the VA Secretary. Requires the HHS Secretary to enter a memorandum of understanding with the VA Secretary concerning administration of the program. Specifies required conditions in the memorandum. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the program every three years. Declares the sense of Congress that the amount of funds appropriated to the VA for medical care in any fiscal year should not be reduced as a result of the implementation of the Medicare VA reimbursement program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) high school students should spend at least one week in September of their senior year learning about the U.S. Constitution, as knowledge of this country's founding document is critical to being an effective citizen; and (2) upon reaching voting age, high school seniors should demonstrate their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship by petitioning the government on an issue of importance to them.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2009
Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to implement a roadway safety enhancement program for older drivers and pedestrians to: (1) improve roadway safety infrastructure in states that is consistent with recommendations of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in the "Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians"; and (2) achieve significant reductions in roadway fatalities and serious injuries among drivers and pedestrians 65 years old or older on all public roads. Sets forth project eligibility requirements and project identification and selection priorities. Requires the Secretary to finalize revision of the Handbook for publication. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to repeal its program for roadway safety improvements for older drivers and pedestrians. Requires the Secretary to: (1) appoint a Special Assistant for Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety within the Office of the Secretary; and (2) establish national goals for increasing driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety for persons 65 years old or older. Requires the Secretary to revise the manual on uniform traffic control devices to include a standard for a minimum level of retroreflectivity for pavement markings on all public roads.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2009
Expresses condolences to the family and loved ones of Agent Robert Rosas and stands in solidarity with the brave men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol as they remember the service and sacrifice of Agent Rosas and continue their mission to preserve and defend our borders.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2009
FLTFA Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act to reauthorize the program for the completion of appraisals and satisfaction of other legal requirements for the sale or exchange of public land identified for disposal under approved land use plans under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Makes the Act non-applicable to land eligible for sale under specified public land laws.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2009
Post-9/11 Veterans' Job Training Act of 2009 - Amends requirements for the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program to entitle an eligible veteran of the Armed Forces (including eligible dependents) pursuing a full-time educational program of apprenticeship or other on-job training to a monthly benefit payment equal to: (1) 75% of the monthly benefit payment otherwise payable to such individual for each of the first six months of the program; (2) 55% of such payment for each of the second six months of the program; and (3) 35% of such payment for each of the months following the first 12 months of the program. Reduces the payment an individual receives in any month in which the individual fails to complete 120 hours of training under the program of education. Entitles an eligible veteran of the Armed Forces receiving such monthly benefit to receive also a monthly housing stipend equal to the basic allowance for housing payable for an Armed Forces member with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the military housing area that encompasses the ZIP code area in which the individual resides. Requires an individual's entitlement for each monthly benefit payment to be charged at the rate of: (1) 75% of a month for each of the first six months of the program; (2) 55% of a month for each of the second six months of the program; and (3) 35% of a month for each of the months following the first 12 months of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2009
Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to carry out, in cooperation with the government of India, the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative comprised of educational, scholarly, and professional exchange programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2009
Extends best wishes to the people of India as they celebrate the 62nd anniversary of India's independence from the British Empire. Applauds the Indian-American community for the important role it plays in the U.S.-India relationship.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2009
Congratulates the American Motorcyclist Association on its 85th Anniversary. Commends it for having promoted and protected the rights and interests of motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts since 1924.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 440 South Gulling Street in Portola, California, as the "Army Specialist Jeremiah Paul McCleery Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Afterschool Flexibility to Expand Reimbursement for School Meals Act of 2009 or the AFTERSchool Meals Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to make institutions in any state eligible for reimbursement for meals provided to at-risk school children under programs organized primarily to provide care to at-risk school children during after-school hours, weekends, or holidays during the regular school year. (Currently, reimbursement is limited to institutions in 10 states.) Assists states in providing meals and meal supplements to children participating in after-school programs in elementary and secondary schools. (Currently, assistance is provided for meal supplements.) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to states to encourage institutions and schools to participate in these expanded programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Child Care Criminal Background Check Act of 2009 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to require child care providers that are licensed by a state or receive funds under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program to: (1) obtain a comprehensive criminal background check of each employee who provides child care services, each applicant for employment, and each family child care provider who provides or applies to provide such services; and (2) refuse to employ individuals convicted of crimes of violence or crimes against children. Reduces by 10% allotments to states that fail to comply with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Wage Theft Prevention Act - Amends the Portal-to-Portal Act to toll the statute of limitations for bringing a cause of action for unpaid minimum wages, unpaid overtime compensation, or liquidated damages under the Fair Standards Act and certain other Acts, starting from the time the Secretary of Labor notifies an employer of the initiation of an investigation regarding the cause of action until such employer is notified of its conclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009
Removing Impediments to Students Education Act of 2009 or the RISE Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal a provision which makes persons convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive federal student financial assistance for specified periods. Requires institutions of higher education to notify students who lost eligibility for such assistance due to a drug conviction and had not regained it prior to this Act's enactment that they are now eligible for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009
Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for conducting and supporting research on Alzheimer's disease in FY2010-FY2014. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to: (1) give priority to conducting and supporting Alzheimer's disease research; (2) increase the emphasis on the need to conduct Alzheimer's disease prevention trials within the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (3) ensure that Alzheimer's disease is maintained as a high priority for NIH's neuroscience initiative; and (4) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's disease. Requires the Director to conduct research related to: (1) the early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and its potential precursors; (2) early onset Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (3) the relationship of vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease; and (4) interventions designed to help caregivers and improve patient outcomes. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaborative research among the Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Expands the research of Alzheimer's Disease Centers to include outcome measures and disease management. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a National Summit on Alzheimer's Disease. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct activities related to risk factors and early recognition of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administration on Aging, to award a cooperative grant for the establishment and operation of an Alzheimer's Call Center. Extends and expands demonstration projects relating to Alzheimer's disease.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2009
Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to state or local educational agencies (LEAs) for the establishment or enhancement of school breakfast programs at, and through the provision of subgrants to, schools where at least 65% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches under the school lunch program. Authorizes schools to use the school breakfast subgrants to: (1) increase the quantity of local or fresh food available under their programs; (2) provide nutrition education and first-hand knowledge of food systems to students; (3) extend the period during which breakfast is available, including during the school day; (4) increase participation in their breakfast programs, including through the provision of universal free breakfasts; or (5) collaborate with institutions of higher education or other research entities in compiling data and reports on their breakfast programs. Gives priority to subgrant applicant schools at least 75% of whose students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches and which intend to use the funds to procure local produce, provide universal free breakfasts, or provide breakfast during the school day. Directs grantees, at least 180 days before the end of a grant term, to evaluate whether it would be cost-effective for subgrantee schools to provide universal free breakfasts under the school breakfast program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2009
Green Routes to Work Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) equalize and increase to $230 the tax exclusion for both transportation and parking fringe benefits; (2) make the increased transportation fringe benefit available to federal employees; (3) make self-employed individuals eligible for transit pass fringe benefits; (4) include employer-established parking cash-out programs as a qualified transportation fringe benefit; (5) allow a general business tax credit for 10% of the cost of a commuter van , with a seating capacity of between 8 and 15 adults that is placed in service before 2013; (6) allow employers a refundable tax credit for providing tax-free transit passes to employees; (7) allow a general business tax credit for expenditures to improve access for bicycle commuters; (8) allow employees to receive transit passes and reimbursements of bicycle commuting expenses as tax-exempt employer-provided fringe benefits in the same month; (9) allow an empoyer's election to expense the cost of removing architectural and transportation barriers to bicycle commuter access to employer facilities; and (10) allow a tax credit for teleworking expenses, up to $400 per year.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2009
Establishing Grants for College Access and Completion Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive five-year grants to certain nonprofit organizations for the provision of mentoring, support, outreach, and other services that encourage disadvantaged students to attend institutions of higher education. Prohibits a grant from covering more than 85% of the cost of the services the grant supports. Requires nonprofit applicants to have met certain requirements, including that they have provided scholarship and support programs to students in more than one state, and have a business plan in place to expand into other states.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2009
Directs the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly establish the Wounded Warrior K-9 Corps program for the awarding of grants to nonprofits to assist them in establishing programs to provide assistance dogs to certain members of the Armed Forces and veterans who have certain disabilities. Defines the term "assistance dog" to mean a dog specifically trained to perform physical tasks to mitigate the effects of such a disability, except that such term does not include a dog specifically trained for comfort or personal defense.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Aerospace Day. Recognizes the contributions of the aerospace industry to the history, economy, security, and educational system of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2009
Strengthen and Unite Communities with Civics Education and English Skills Act of 2009 - Amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (the Act) to allow state leadership activities grants to be used to provide technical assistance to faith and community-based organizations desiring grants under the Act. Directs the National Institute for Literacy to: (1) disseminate information regarding integrated English literacy, U.S. history, and civics education programs; and (2) study the effectiveness of distance learning or self-study programs for English language learners. Makes integrated English literacy, U.S. history, and civics education programs eligible for assistance under the Secretary of Education's national leadership activities program. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states for integrated English literacy, U.S. history, and civics education programs, with each state's grant amount tied to the size and growth of their recent immigrant population. Amends the Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to replace references to individuals of limited English proficiency with references to English language learners. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) tax credits to teachers of English language learners; (2) tax deductions for the expenses of becoming certified as such teachers; and (3) tax credits for employers' expenses in making adult education and literacy services available to their employees. Requires the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center for Education Research to establish a national research and development center for adult education and literacy, or include adult education if a center for adult literacy has already been established. Establishes the Presidential Award for Business Leadership in Promoting United States Citizenship to be awarded to companies and other organizations that make extraordinary efforts in assisting their employees and members to learn English and increase their understanding of U.S. history and civics. Renames the Office of Citizenship within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security the Office of Citizenship and Immigrant Integration (the Office). Includes among its functions, furthering the integration of immigrants into this country. Permits the Office to accept donations in support of its activities. Authorizes the Chief of the Office to provide grants to states to: (1) form State New American Councils to develop and implement comprehensive immigrant introduction plans and disseminate information pertaining to effective English acquisition and civics education programs; and (2) award subgrants, through such Councils, to local governments to assist them in integrating immigrants into communities pursuant to such plans. Establishes a New Citizens Award program authorizing the President to present a medal to up to 10 new citizens per year who make an outstanding contribution to this country.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt donations of motor vehicles to charities from the limitations and substantiation requirements applicable to such donations if: (1) the employees of the charity are solely responsible for, and perform substantially all of the services for, the daily operations of the charity's vehicle donation program; (2) the charity does not regularly use the property or services of a third party in carrying out its vehicle donation program; and (3) not more than 20% of the annual net proceeds from the sale of donated motor vehicles is paid to third parties for services used by the charity's vehicle donation program.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2009
Amends the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act to authorize the President agree to amendments to the Border Environment Cooperation Agreement between the United States and Mexico to expand the purposes and functions of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission to certify, and the North American Development Bank to finance, any infrastructure in the border region between the two countries.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2009
Urges: (1) the United States Postal Service (USPS) to issue a commemorative stamp honoring Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner; (2) basing the stamp on the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) poster from 1964 created by prominent Civil Rights movement photographer Danny Lyon; and (3) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend such issuance.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2009
Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act of 2009 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate increased and mandatory minimum penalties for drug offenses involving mixtures or substances which contain cocaine base (i.e., crack cocaine).
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2009
Adult Education and Economic Growth Act of 2009 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1988 to revise requirements for statewide and local workforce investment systems to include adult education activities. Revises member composition of: (1) state workforce investment boards to include state representatives responsible for implementing adult education, literacy, and workplace skills programs under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA); and (2) youth councils established by local workforce investment boards to include representatives of adult education. Revises requirements for five-year state and local worker investment plans. Authorizes the use of funds for: (1) statewide and local youth activities to provide opportunities for career pathways for eligible youth as well as dual enrollment opportunities; and (2) training services for local adult and dislocated workers to include integration of adult education and training. Requires the Secretary to carry out specified employment and training demonstration and pilot projects. Amends the AEFLA to include among adult education and literacy services programs activities to assist adults with limited English proficiency through postsecondary education and training to improve their English and mathematical skills and to acquire an understanding of the American system of government and responsibilities of citizenship. Revises requirements for the allocation and reservation of AEFLA funds. Revises state distribution requirements with respect to grants and contracts to eligible providers of activities for adult education and literacy and corrections education of institutionalized individuals. Expands an eligible agency's use of funds for corrections education and education for other institutionalized individuals to include academic programs for: (1) integrated education and training; (2) career pathways; (3) dual enrollment; and (4) preparation for postsecondary education and training. Replaces the National Institute for Literacy with the National Institute for Adult Education, Literacy, and Workplace Skills (Institute). Requires national leadership activities to include activties to improve workplace skills programs nationwide. Requires the Secretary of Education to allocate grants to states for integrated English literacy and civics education programs. Requires the Secretary to award grants to assist states in developing a 21st century delivery system for adult education, literacy, and workplace skills services as well as adults in developing technology literacy. Requires the Institute to establish the National Adult Learning and Technology Resource Center. Requires the Secretary of Education to direct the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center for Education Research to establish a national research and development center for adult education, literacy, and workplace skills. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer educational assistance program credit for 50% of the qualified educational assistance expenses (up to $5,250) paid per taxable year on behalf of an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2009
Honors the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Israel, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Tunisian Republic for their participation in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation. Welcomes the representatives of the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation to Washington, DC, on the occasion of the July 2009 Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe Seminar on OSCE Mediterranean Partner Engagement. Encourages the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation to continue to work with the OSCE participating states to enhance trade, economic development, security, and stability in the Mediterranean region.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory by certain noncorporate taxpayers; (2) set forth rules for determining the basis and fair market value of contributed food; and (3) limit the reduction of such deduction in 2009 and 2010 to the amount by which the fair market value of the contributed food exceeds twice the basis of such food.
![Official portrait of Rep. Filner, Bob [D-CA-51]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000116_200.jpg)