United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Congratulates the Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Commends the school's students, volunteers and supporting organizations for their hard work putting together another recordbreaking THON.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and make available for sale not more than 2 million silver national medals, containing one ounce of silver each, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. Declares that all sales of medals under this Act shall include a surcharge of $10 per medal, which shall be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Iran Human Rights Sanctions Act - Directs the President to impose visa entry and financial sanctions on a person determined to be complicit in human rights abuses committed against Iranian citizens or their family members on or after June 12, 2009, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Iran. Requires that: (1) the list of such persons required by this Act be made available to the public and posted on the Department of the Treasury and the Department of State websites; and (2) the President consider data obtained by other countries and nongovernmental organizations that monitor Iran's human rights abuses in preparing such list. Terminates sanctions upon presidential certification to Congress that: (1) the sanctioned persons have ceased complicity in human rights abuses; and (2) the government of Iran has released all political prisoners, ceased its killing and abuse of Iranian citizens engaging in peaceful political activity and prosecuted those responsible, committed itself to free elections and respect for human rights, and ceased broadcast interference.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2010
Congratulates the New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV. Recognizes the significant contributions made by the team in the recovery efforts of New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast Region.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Prohibits any funds appropriated or made available to the Department of Justice (DOJ) from being used to commence or continue a prosecution in an Article III court of any individual suspected of involvement in the attacks on the United States and its citizens on September 11, 2001, who is not a citizen of the United States and is subject to the jurisdiction of a military commission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 119 Station Road in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, as the "Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Recognizes: (1) First Friday Main Line and its executive director Sherry Tillman and publicist Carla Zambelli for launching Operation Angel Wings; and (2) Lt. Col. Kenneth Marx, M.D. for his service in Afghanistan and his efforts to help U.S. troops connect with Afghan children and promote future peace. Congratulates First Friday Main Line staff, volunteers, and the Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, community for their support of Operation Angel Wings.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Expresses: (1) condolences and sympathy for the horrific loss of life and the physical and psychological damage caused by the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti; and (2) solidarity with Haitians, Haitian-Americans, and all those who have lost loved ones or have otherwise been affected by the tragedy. Commends the assistance efforts of: (1) the people of the United States, including the Haitian-American community; and (2) the men and women of USNS Comfort and the U.S. Navy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Helping Small Business Compete Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to increase from 23% to 25% the government-wide small business procurement contract goal. Requires the President, before the close of each fiscal year, to establish new goals. Requires each federal agency to have an anuual goal at least equal to the federal goal. Sets forth provisions concerning methods for goal achievement, including requiring procurement training for senior executives and a limitation on incentive awards for failure to meet goals. Redefines the term: (1) "bundled contract" to mean a contract or order entered into to meet procurement requirements that are consolidated in a bundling of contract requirements, without regard to its designation by the procuring agency or whether a study of the effects of the solicitation on civilian or military personnel has been made; and (2) "bundling of contract requirements" to mean any bundling methodology to satisfy two or more procurement requirements for new or existing goods or services, including any construction services, that is likely to be unsuitable for award to a small business due to the specialized nature of performance, the dollar value of the award, or the geographical dispersion of the contract or order performance. Makes the revised definitions inapplicable for contracts under $65 million for construction services and, for all other types of contracts, under $5 million. Requires notification to Small Business Administration (SBA) procurement center representatives of identifying information on incumbent contract holders, a description of the industries potentially interested in bidding on the contract requirements, and the number of small businesses listed in the industry categories that could be excluded from future bidding if the contract is bundled. Allows the SBA Administrator, if there is cause to believe a contract combines requirements or a contract or task or delivery order for construction services or includes unjustified bundling, to request a statement of work for goods and services, and to request that the solicitation process be postponed at least 10 days (but not more than 30) to allow the Administrator to review the statement and make recommendations. Allows a small business adversely affected by a proposed procurement that includes contract bundling to take specified actions. Allows the SBA, whenever the head of a contracting agency makes a decision concerning the Administrator's challenge to a bundling of contract requirements, to file a challenge with the appropriate agency board of contract appeals. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning good faith compliance with small business subcontracting plans and requirements. Provides criminal penalties for violators making false statements in an effort to obtain a federal contract.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Expresses support for: (1) designation of a National Autism Awareness Month; and (2) devoting new resources to researching the root causes of autism, identifying the best methods of early intervention and treatment, expanding programs for individuals with autism, and promoting understanding of their special needs. Commends parents and relatives for providing for the special needs of children with autism. Stresses the need to begin early intervention services. Recognizes: (1) the shortage of appropriately trained teachers to teach, assist, and respond to special needs students; and (2) the importance of worker training programs tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled persons.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Congratulates: (1) the Villanova University women's cross country team for for winning the 2009 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I national championship; and (2) the Villanova University men's football team for winning the 2009 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA).
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2010
Treats cash contributions made after January 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, for the relief of earthquake victims in Haiti as having been made on December 31, 2009, for purposes of the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Deems a contribution as meeting the recordkeeping requirements of the Internal Revenue Code if the taxpayer produces a telephone bill showing the name of the donee organization and the date and amount of the contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010
Terrorist Detention and Prosecution Act of 2010 - Replaces the term "unprivileged enemy combatant" in federal military law with the term "unlawful enemy combatant." Includes in the definition, and therefore makes subject to trial by military commissions, an individual who: (1) is closely associated with or has provided material support to al Qaeda or any other organization dedicated to committing acts of terrorism against the United States; (2) has taken up or conspired to take up arms on behalf of al Qaeda; and (3) has committed or conspired to commit acts of terrorism against the United States or American citizens or targets, regardless of the location of the individual's capture. Allows the President to authorize the detention of any unlawful enemy combatant until determining that the individual is no longer a threat to the United States or its allies.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act - States that it is U.S. policy that all nonambulatory cattle in interstate and foreign commerce be immediately and humanely euthanized when such cattle become nonambulatory. Amends the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations providing for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory cattle by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory cattle be humanely euthanized. Requires an entity to: (1) humanely euthanize nonambulatory cattle (while not limiting the Secretary's ability to test nonambulatory cattle for disease, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy); and (2) not move nonambulatory cattle while such cattle is conscious, and ensure that such cattle remains unconscious until death. Prohibits an inspector at an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory cattle, carcass, or carcass parts through inspection. Requires an inspector or other employee at such establishment to label such material as "inspected and condemned."
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize continued use of 2009 Medicare practice expense relative value units for certain cardiology services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with an independent entity to study and report to Congress on the practice expense methodology used to determine relative value units under this Act to determine whether the cost finding, indirect cost allocation, scaling, and budget neutrality methodologies used: (1) are consistent with generally accepted accounting principles; (2) distribute the burden of any necessary budget neutrality adjustments proportionally among all physicians' services; and (3) result in allowances that accurately reflect the relative direct and indirect resources involved in the provision of various physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine and encourages continued efforts to implement the United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership. Expresses support for the Ukrainian people's efforts to consolidate democratic institutions and economic reforms. Supports international financial institution measures to assist Ukraine. Urges the government of Ukraine and all political parties to ensure that the 2010 election is conducted freely.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Expresses support for a national and international celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America's birth, to be hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Region in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009
Recognizes the potential for a national fresh food financing initiative to: (1) provide a sustainable solution to the problem of limited access to healthy foods in underserved urban, suburban, and rural low-income communities; and (2) help reduce health disparities and improve the health of families and children, create jobs, and stimulate local economic development in low-income communities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of the excise tax on beer produced within or imported into the United States for brewers who produce not more than 6 million barrels of beer a year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Common Sense Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deductions for state and local sales taxes, for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers, and for tuition and related expenses. Exempts certain provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 relating to the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief, repeal of the estate tax, and the tax deduction for higher education expenses from the general terminating date of that Act (i.e., December 31, 2010). Makes provisions of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 reducing tax rates on capital gains and dividend income permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Public Private Vocational Partnership Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow corporations (other than S corporations, personal holding companies, and service organizations) a general business tax credit for: (1) charitable contributions to secondary schools, community colleges, or technical schools that provide vocational education; and (2) employing interns as part of a vocational education course approved by a secondary school or community college.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Expanding Building Efficiency Incentives Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2015 the new energy efficient home tax credit; (2) increase the rate of the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; (3) increase to $5,000 the limit on the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures and extend such credit through 2015; (4) allow a $200 tax credit through 2011 for the cost of a home energy rating; and (5) allow a $500 tax credit for the cost of training and certifying home performance auditors to conduct home energy ratings.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the establishment of scientific protocols and a robust oversight mechanism governing an infrastructure of observing, monitoring, measuring, and verification technologies, data collection methods, and peer review standards is necessary to preclude future infringements of public trust by scientific falsification and fraud; and (2) climate change research information provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change should meet federal standards for scientific research as defined by the National Science and Technology Council and the National Academy of Sciences before being used as the basis for action by the U.S. government.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009
Deposit Restricted Qualified Tuition Programs Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prescribe requirements for deposit restricted qualified tuition programs which are exempt from federal income tax. Defines such a program as one in which: (1) the cash provided to it by a contributor may be invested only in deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); (2) the contributor may become a participant in the program by depositing funds through the program into an account at a depository institution participating in the program; and (3) the program may include multiple depository institutions. Deems a deposit restricted qualified tuition program to be an identified banking product for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Denies treatment as a security under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Investment Company Act of 1940 of: (1) the investment of cash in deposits at an insured depository institution through a deposit restricted qualified tuition program; (2) any certificate of deposit or other instrument evidencing any such deposit; or (3) any participation by a contributor to a deposit restricted qualified tuition program. Declares that in no event shall a deposit restricted qualified tuition program, the state entity designated by statute to oversee such program, or the administrator appointed to operate it on behalf of the state or a participating depository institution, be deemed to be an issuer of a security or an investment company.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2009
Thanks the members of the National Guard for their service in response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, and their continuing role in homeland security and military operations. Supports providing the National Guard with the necessary resources to ensure its readiness. Expresses condolences and gratitude to the families of those members of the National Guard who have lost their lives through their dedication and commitment to the freedom and security of the United States while serving in the National Guard. Honors and supports the compassionate, courageous, and dedicated members of the National Guard who serve a critical role in protecting the United States and its citizens' freedoms and treasured liberties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2009 - Provides that if a veteran claimant submits evidence in support of a case for which a substantive appeal has been filed to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, such evidence shall be submitted directly to the Board and not to a regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), unless the claimant requests that the evidence first be reviewed by the regional office. Empowers the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to affirm, modify, reverse, remand, or vacate and remand a decision of the Board after deciding all relevant assignments of error raised on appeal. Provides that whenever the Court reverses a decision on the merits of a particular claim and orders an award of benefits, the Court need not decide any additional assignments of error relating to that claim. Establishes the Veterans Judicial Review Commission to evaluate and make specific decisions to improve the administrative and judicial appellate review processes of veterans' and survivors' benefits determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Requests the Attorney General to appoint a special counsel to investigate the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and its affiliates and report to Congress on the results of such investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Commends the members and staff of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for advances made through the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Recognizes that Office for work on diversity and inclusion within the professions of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009
Fort Hood Families Benefits Protection Act - Treats members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DOD) who were killed or wounded in the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, as members killed or wounded in a combat zone or civilian employees killed or wounded in a terrorist attack or while serving in a contingency operation, respectively, for purposes of specified laws, regulations, and policies concerning compensation, awards, and other benefits for which such members and employees are eligible. Provides the maximum amount of coverage ($400,000) under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance for any member killed in such shootings, as well as any member who dies of wounds sustained in the shootings, notwithstanding that the member elected to be insured in a lesser amount. Excludes from the above provisions members whose wounds or death is the result of willful misconduct.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009
Teacher Tax Deduction Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend until 2017 the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school educators (i.e., teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides); (2) increase to $500 the allowable amount of such deduction for full-time educators (working at least 900 hours during the school year); and (3) allow such tax deduction for educators in preschool programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue the Cold War Service Medal to members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions after having: (1) served on active duty for at least 24 consecutive months during the Cold War (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991); (2) deployed outside the continental United States for at least 30 days during such period; or (3) performed other Cold War service as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite the design of the Medal as well its issuance to eligible members.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop, implement, and update a plan for the prevention, control, and medical management of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to implement programs to increase awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to: (1) support the integration of voluntary hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing programs into existing clinical and public health programs; (2) provide increased support to Adult Viral Hepatitis Coordinators to integrate prevention and control activities into existing health programs; (3) support the establishment of a hepatitis B and hepatitis C surveillance program; and (4) report on seroprevalence studies and the impact of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Directs the Secretary to support state, local, territorial, and tribal efforts to: (1) provide counseling and education on hepatitis B and hepatitis C; (2) expand the current vaccination programs for hepatitis B; and (3) provide referrals for treatment to individuals with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, the Director of the National Cancer Institute, and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct research on hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, governmental and nonprofit entities that have special expertise relating to hepatitis B and hepatitis C to support prevention activities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of SAMHSA, to develop educational materials and intervention strategies to reduce the risks of hepatitis among substance abusers and individuals with mental illness.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act - Amends the Troops-to-Teachers program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (which provides veterans with teacher certification stipends in exchange for three years of service in a high-need local educational agency [LEA] or public charter school). Expands program eligibility to cover certain individuals: (1) who, on or after September 11, 2001, serve at least 90 continuous days on active duty in the Armed Forces before being honorably released from such service; or (2) who, on or after January 8, 2002, are separated or released from active duty after at least four (currently, six) years of continuous active duty immediately preceding such separation or release, and agree to serve in the Armed Forces Reserves for at least three years. Makes any LEA that is receiving school improvement funds eligible to host Troops-to-Teachers program participants. Directs the Secretary of Education to establish an Advisory Board, composed of federal, state, and veteran service organization representatives, to collect, study, and disseminate feedback from the program and report to Congress on how the program is operating and might be improved. Reserves specified funding to carry out the Troops-to-Teachers program through FY2014.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Extended COBRA Continuation Protection Act of 2009 - Extends COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits) from 18 months to 24 months for an individual whose COBRA coverage was a consequence of termination (or reduction of hours) of employment occurring on or after April 1, 2008, and before January 1, 2010. Allows an individual to elect to continue and extend such coverage through an election similar to that permitted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Declares that the extended period of continuation under this Act shall not exceed six months. Amends ARRA to extend: (1) until June 30, 2010, the period to determine eligibility for COBRA premium assistance; and (2) the period for which premium assistance is provided to an eligible individual. Makes this Act effective as if included in the enactment of ARRA.
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
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
Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to list permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained: (1) from a licensed dealer; (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements; (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year; or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Sets forth additional monetary penalties for related violations. Prohibits federal facilities from purchasing or otherwise acquiring dogs or cats for exhibition purposes (currently, for research, experimentation, or exhibition purposes) except from: (1) the operator of an auction that comports with legal requirements; or (2) a person holding a valid dealer or exhibitor license. Prohibits dealers from selling or otherwise providing any research facility (currently, any individual or entity) with random source dogs or cats unless specified certification requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources to: (1) extend permanently the credit period for the production of steel industry fuel; (2) extend through 2011 the placed-in-service date requirement for refined coal production facilities; (3) revise the definition of "steel industry fuel" to allow mixtures of petroleum coke or other coke feedstock in such fuel; and (4) set forth ownership requirements for coal production facilities for purposes of such tax credit.
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 · 20 October 2009
Recognizes the 16th anniversary of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, a federally-funded program providing high school students from the former Soviet states with the opportunity to study and live in this country in order to promote democratic values and institutions in Eurasia. Supports and commends the FLEX program, acknowledging the positive changes that many FLEX alumni have made in their home countries.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Supports the establishment and full funding of a staff exchange program between the House of Representatives and the Parliament of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Suspend ACORN Certification Act of 2009 - Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with respect to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or any of its specified related affiliates (covered organizations), to: (1) audit all assistance within HUD jurisdiction provided to ACORN at any time; (2) determine whether each such covered organization has used the assistance in accordance with all laws, regulations, and other terms and conditions; and (3) publish such determination in the Federal Register. Bars covered organizations from being approved, certified, or authorized under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 or otherwise to provide housing counseling in connection with any HUD program or to receive HUD assistance for housing counseling activities unless and until the Inspector General has made a determination, pursuant to such audit, that all such recipients of the assistance have used all of it in accordance with its terms and conditions. Prohibits the HUD Secretary from providing any assistance within HUD jurisdiction for housing counseling activities to a covered organization unless and until the Inspector General has made such determination.
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 · 15 October 2009
Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform to study and report to both chambers on the practices of the legislative and executive branch regarding earmarks in authorizing, appropriation, tax, and tariff measures. Makes it out of order to consider a bill, joint resolution, or conference report containing a congressional earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit until the filing of such report.
![Official portrait of Rep. Gerlach, Jim [R-PA-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/113_rp_pa_6_gerlach_jim_200.jpg)