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United States · Official source
2,600 records where Rep. Gohmert, Louie [R-TX-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2009
Declares that Congress disapproves the obligation of any funds that exceed specified amounts authorized for the purchase of troubled assets by the Secretary of the Treasury under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2008
Taxpayer Relief Act of 2008 - Reduces for 2008 income tax purposes: (1) the taxable income of a taxpayer by $125,000 ($250,000 in the case of a joint return); and (2) the rate of tax on taxable income in excess of $125,000 by 5%.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2008
Taxpayer Holiday Act for 2009 - Excludes up to $125,000 ($250,000 in the case of a joint return) of wages or self-employment income earned in the first six months of the first taxable year beginning in 2009 from federal income and employment taxation. Reduces income tax rates on taxable income exceeding $125,000 ($250,000 in the case of a joint return).
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2008
State and Local Sales Tax Deduction Expansion Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow all individual taxpayers a tax deduction for state and local general sales taxes (current law allows taxpayers an election to deduct either state and local income taxes or sales taxes).
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reduce to 0% the employment tax on employers, employees, and self-employed individuals during the first two months of 2009; and (2) exclude from gross income any wage and self-employment income earned during the first two months of 2009. Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to repeal procedures for authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to obligate additional amounts under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Requires the Secretary to: (1) estimate the impact of this Act on the income and balances of the social security trust funds; and (2) transfer amounts from the Treasury to such trust funds if there is any reduction in the income and balances of such trust funds resulting from this Act. Terminates the authority of the Secretary under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to purchase troubled assets or any preferred or other stock or equity in any financial institution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008
Stop the Treasury Office Nationalization of the Economy Act of 2008 or STONE - Ends the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to purchase troubled assets. Makes $100 billion of the unused funding for such program available to meet specified critical infrastructure needs of the United States, clean water grants, and certain flood control and water resource activities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and make permanent the expensing allowance for depreciable business assets; and (2) allow a tax deduction, up to $10,000, for the purchase of a motor vehicle manufactured in the United States. Terminates such tax deduction after 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008
Consumer and Automotive Recovery Act of 2008 or the CAR Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a one-time tax credit for the purchase of a U.S. manufactured motor vehicle with a gross weight rating of not more than 14,000 pounds. Limits the amount of such credit to $1,500.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to revise the definition of "dispense" to include the delivery of a controlled substance through the use of an intrathecal pump by a practitioner acting in the usual course of professional practice.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008
Responsibly Ending Authority to Purchase Act of 2008 or the REAP Act of 2008 - Terminates the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA). Amends the EESA to convert the program to guarantee troubled assets into a program to guarantee troubled mortgage-backed securities. Terminates such program on December 31, 2009. Renames the Troubled Assets Insurance Financing Fund the Troubled Mortgage-Backed Securities Insurance Financing Fund. Defines troubled mortgage-backed securities as a residential or commercial mortgage or any instrument originated or issued on or before March 14, 2008, that is based upon or related to such mortgage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for between 85% and 100% of dividends received from controlled foreign corporations by certain corporations which are U.S. shareholders. Requires such deduction to be invested in the United States pursuant to a specified domestic reinvestment plan, including as a source for the funding of worker hiring and training, infrastructure, research and development, capital investments, or the financial stabilization of the corporation for the purposes of job retention or creation. States that such reinvestment requirements shall be met if amounts repatriated are invested in distressed debt for at least one year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2008
Reliable Economic Stabilization, Capital Utilization, and Enterprise Reform Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income gain from the sale of certain residential or commercial mortgages and related securities issued on or before March 14, 2008, and acquired before January 1, 2010; (2) extend the carryback period for net operating losses to five years; (3) provide an increased dividends received tax deduction for corporations with overseas operations that make investments in the United States; and (4) treat gain or loss from the sale of certain preferred stock in the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) as ordinary income or loss. Repeals the Community Reinvestment Act. Requires the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to establish a net worth certificate program to provide capital to assist insured banks in resolving solvency problems. Government-Sponsored Enterprises Free Market Reform Act of 2008- Requires the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to: (1) terminate the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and the Freddie Mac, jointly defined as the enterprise, if the Director determines that the enterprise is financially viable; or (2) immediately appoint FHFA as receiver of the enterprise if it is found not financially viable. Limits the amount of mortgage assets the enterprise may own after the termination of its conservatorship. Requires the Director to establish mandatory minimum capital levels for the enterprise. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to repeal provisions governing enterprise authority to purchase and sell certain insured and conventional mortgages and to engage in certain lending activities. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to repeal the new housing price index. Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to repeal certain conforming loan limits. Imposes requirements for the renewal of the enterprise's charter if it becomes financially sound and for winding down its operations and dissolving the enterprise otherwise.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2008
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to increase the standard maximum amount of deposit insurance from $100,000 to: (1) $250,000 , $500,000, $750,000, or $1 million, at the option of the insured depository institution; and (2) $250,000, $500,000, $750,000, or $1 million for eligible retirement accounts, at the institution's option. Requires an annual inflation adjustment. Directs the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board to report to Congress and publish in the Federal Register any such inflation adjustments to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount and to the standard maximum share insurance amount.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2008
Net Worth Certificate Program Act of 2008 - Directs the Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to create a net worth certificate program that will settle the financial markets without significant expense to taxpayers. States that such program will be authorized to purchase net worth certificates by issuing FDIC senior notes to the banks in the form of subordinated debentures, or in any other form the Chairman determines meets program goals and requirements. Requires the Chairman to certify that a bank eligible for the program is both: (1) in danger of failing; and (2) could be viable if given more time. Requires the Chairman to issue new, strict supervision rules for banks that wish to enter the program, including oversight of top executive compensation and removal of poor management.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2008
Free Market Protection Act of 2008 - Government-Sponsored Enterprises Free Market Reform Act of 2008 - Directs the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to: (1) determine the financial viability of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government-sponsored enterprises or GSEs); (2) terminate the conservatorship of a GSE that is financially viable; or (3) appoint the FHFA as receiver for a GSE that is not financially viable. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to limit the mortgage assets held by a GSE upon its emergence from conservatorship, including an increase in its minimum capital requirements. Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to repeal the temporary increase in conforming loan limits applicable to the GSEs. Prohibits the GSEs from purchasing mortgages that exceed the median area home price. Requires the GSEs to pay state and local taxes. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on recoupment of costs for the federal guarantee regarding the GSEs. Requires the wind down of operations and dissolution of a GSE whose charter has not been renewed. Price Stability Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to direct the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee to: (1) establish an explicit numerical definition of "price stability"; and (2) maintain a monetary policy that promotes long-term price stability. Repeals the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act of 1978 (Humphrey-Hawkins Act). Amends the Employment Act of 1946 and the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to reflect the changes made by this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) prescribe a temporary zero percent capital gains rate for individuals and corporations; (2) substitute an indexed basis for the adjusted basis of certain assets in order to determine gain or loss upon disposition; (3) provide a five-year carryback of certain losses for taxable years ending during 2007, 20008, and 2009; and (4) modify the deduction for dividends received from controlled foreign corporations. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to suspend the application of fair value reporting standards to troubled assets held by financial institutions. Directs the General Accountability Office to analyze and report to certain congressional committees on the effect of fair value accounting standards upon financial institutions. Makes the Secretary of the Treasury responsible to determine the terms of a program to insure payment of up to 100% of principal and interest on each mortgage-backed security held by a financial institution on or before September 24, 2008. Establishes a Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund. Treats gain or loss from the sale or exchange of preferred GSE stock by specified financial institutions as ordinary income or loss. Requires an officer of an institution to pay to the Department of the Treasury any funds received as incentive-based or equity-based compensation during a specified period before the year in which the institution is subject to government intervention.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2008
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to increase the standard maximum amount of deposit insurance from $100,000 to: (1) $500,000, at the option of the insured depository institution; and (2) $250,000 or $500,000 for eligible retirement accounts, at the institution's option. Requires an annual inflation adjustment. Directs the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board to report to Congress and publish in the Federal Register any such inflation adjustments to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount and to the standard maximum share insurance amount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Federal Agency Program Realignment and Closure Act - Establishes the Federal Agency Program Realignment and Closure Commission to: (1) evaluate each executive agency and its programs; and (2) submit to the President and Congress a list of the agencies and programs it recommends eliminating or realigning. Requires the Commission to recommend that an agency or program be: (1) realigned where a function performed by two or more agencies or programs can be consolidated; (2) eliminated if it performs a function that is also provided by a state or that would be more efficient if performed at the state level; or (3) eliminated if it performs a function that can be more efficently performed by a private entity.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Government-Sponsored Enterprises Free Market Reform Act of 2008 - Sets a deadline for the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to terminate the conservatorship of either the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) if the Director determines that it is financially viable. (Refers to both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as enterprises.) Requires the Director to appoint the Federal Housing Finance Agency immediately as receiver of either enterprise if it is found not to be financially viable. Restricts the authority of an enterprise to acquire mortgage assets following its emergence from conservatorship. Requires the Director to establish mandatory minimum capital levels for the enterprises. Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to repeal the temporary conforming loan limit increase for the enterprises. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to repeal provisions governing enterprise authority to purchase and sell certain insured and conventional mortgages and to engage in certain lending activities. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to repeal the new housing price index. Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to repeal certain conforming loan limits. Requires the enterprises to pay state and local taxes. Instructs the Director to assess each enterprise for the amount necessary to recoup to the federal government the full value of the benefit the enterprise receives from federal guarantees for its obligations and financial viability. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on a risk-based pricing mechanism to determine accurately the value of the benefit the enterprises receive from such federal guarantees. Requires the wind down and dissolution of an enterprise whose charter is not renewed.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Recognizes the importance of the U.S. wine, winegrape, and grape products industry to the American economy. Directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association in Grapevine, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Hurricane Ike Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits to individuals affected by Hurricane Ike. Makes specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently apply only to residents of the Gulf Opportunity Zone and the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, applicable to the Hurricane Ike recovery area, including: (1) tax-exempt bond financing, the low-income housing tax credit, accelerated depreciation and increased expensing of business assets, an increase in the rehabilitation tax credit, extended carryback of net operating losses, and investment in tax credit bonds; (2) expensing of environmental remediation costs and demolition and cleanup costs; (3) tax incentives for employer-provided housing; (4) tax-free withdrawals from retirement accounts and recontributions for home purchases; (5) employer tax credits for retention of employees; and (6) suspension of limitations on tax deductions for charitable contributions and personal casualty losses. Extends through 2009 the additional tax exemption for housing displaced individuals in the Hurricane Ike recovery area. Extends through 2009 the enhanced tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventories and of book inventories to public schools. Requires charitable organizations to provide the Secretary of the Treasury with specified information, on an annual basis, relating to their disaster relief activities. Makes the standard mileage rate used to determine the tax deduction for the use of a passenger automobile for charitable purposes equal to the standard mileage rate used for the tax deduction for medical and moving expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Senior Financial Empowerment Act of 2008 - Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to: (1) review and amend its sentencing guidelines to include the age of a crime victim in its criteria for determining whether a sentencing enhancement is appropriate; and (2) report to Congress on issues relating to the age of crime victims. Directs the Attorney General to establish and administer a competitive grant program for mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud prevention education programs for senior citizens. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to public awareness of the impact of mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud on senior citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Taxpayer Reimbursement Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, as amended by the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008, to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to suspend temporarily any allocations by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) upon: (1) the appointment of a conservator or receiver, and for the duration of a conservatorship or receivership; or (2) a finding that the federal government has not been fully reimbursed for the costs of such a conservatorship. Repeals the reduced percentages for calendar years 2010 and 2011 to require the use of 100% of certain Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allocations to reimburse the Treasury for payments on bonds of the HOPE for Homeowners Program for calendar 2009-2001. Suspends the annual goals and duties established for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac during any period it is in conservatorship or receivership.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
Declares that the 110th Congress should not adjourn until comprehensive energy legislation has been enacted into law that: (1) opens the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and oil shale reserves to environmentally prudent exploration and extraction; (2) extends expiring renewable energy incentives; (3) encourages the streamlined approval of new refining capacity and nuclear power facilities, and advanced research and development of clean coal, coal-to-liquid, and carbon sequestration technologies; and (4) minimizes drawn out legal challenges that unreasonably delay or prevent actual domestic energy production.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Timber Revitalization and Economic Enhancement Act II of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the reduction in the rate of tax on the net timber gain of corporations; and (2) rules for the treatment of timber real estate investment trust (REIT) gains, mineral royalty income, and prohibited transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Expresses support for the designation of American Pharmacists Month with the theme "Know Your Medicine/Know Your Pharmacist."
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008
Electricity Prize Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to carry out a competition to award a cash prize to the first participant that develops the ability to store multi-megawatt electricity for 30 consecutive days with less than a 10% decrease in the electricity stored.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008
Congratulates the men and women of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008
Supports the designation of Celebrate Safe Communities Week. Commends the efforts of law enforcement agencies and communities to fight crime. Encourages the National Sheriffs' Association and the National Crime Prevention Council to continue efforts to reduce crime and build safer communities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008
Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, as amended by the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008, to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to prohibit any golden parachute payment on or after enactment of this Act with respect to any executive officer or member of the board of directors of: (1) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and any affiliate; (2) Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and any affiliate; and (3) any Federal Home Loan Bank.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008
Center to Advance, Monitor, and Preserve University Security Safety Act of 2008, or the CAMPUS Safety Act of 2008 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to establish and operate a National Center for Campus Public Safety. Tasks the Center with strengthening the safety and security of institutions of higher education (IHEs) by: (1) training IHE public safety agencies and their collaborative partners; (2) fostering relevant research; (3) collecting, coordinating, and disseminating information and best practices regarding campus safety; (4) developing protocols to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from, natural and man-made emergencies that threaten the campus community; and (5) increasing cooperation between IHEs and the law enforcement, mental health, and other agencies and jurisdictions that serve them. Authorizes the Director to award grants to IHEs and other nonprofit organizations for activities that will assist the Center in performing its functions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
Security and Energy for America Act of 2008 or the SEA Act of 2008 - Secure Rural Schools and Counties Act of 2008 - Amends federal law governing payment for certain federal lands (entitlement land) to prescribe: (1) a transitional funding schedule for payments in lieu of taxes; and (2) transitional payments to states and counties previously entitled to payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-determination Act of 2000. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) amounts made available by a state to certain counties to support public schools should be in addition to, and not in lieu of, general state funds to support such schools; and (2) a state should not adjust education funding allocations to reflect specified receipts. State Enhanced Authority for Coastal and Ocean Resources Act of 2008 or SEACOR - Amends the Submerged Lands Act (SLA) to: (1) revise the seaward boundaries of states; and (2) except from confirmation and establishment of states' title, power, and rights any oil and gas mineral rights located within the revised seaward boundaries. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) regarding Adjacent Zones and Planning Areas in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Sets forth procedures for the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to grant and administer oil and natural gas leases on the OCS. Revises provisions concerning oil and gas leases. Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund Act of 2008 - Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund to monitor and manage wildlife and fish and other natural resources related to energy and minerals development on federal lands. Declares without force or effect existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds to: (1) conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities, or to issue a lease for any OCS; or (2) issue final commercial leasing regulations or any other function related to oil shale and tar sands. Prohibits a federal agency from permitting construction or operation of any facility, or from designating or maintaining a restricted transportation corridor or operating area, on either federal OCS or state waters that will be incompatible with oil, gas, or natural gas leasing, and with exploration and production of tracts that are geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise regulations governing onshore surface-disturbing activities. Redesignates the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Resources and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2008 - Amends OCSLA to prescribe procedures to use decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms and other facilities for artificial reef and scientific research. Establishes the Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act Fund to enable maintenance and restoration of existing and historic petroleum and mining engineering programs. Redesignates the Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act as the Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act. Instructs the Secretary to establish OCS regional headquarters for the Atlantic OCS Region and the Pacific OCS Region. Freedom Fuels Act - Establishes the Freedom Fuels Fund, to be used for specified programs including: (1) geologic and geophysical programs; (2) geothermal and geopressure energy renewable resource management; (3) unconventional energy resources management; and (4) renewable energy management. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for production of: (1) liquid fuels from strategic unconventional resources; and (2) oil and gas resources using advanced CO2 enhanced recovery. Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program, among other purposes, for: (1) geothermal and geopressure oil and gas energy production; (2) FEED grants for projects for coal-to-liquids, petroleum coke-to-liquids, oil shale, tar sands, and Alaska natural gas-to-liquids and the production of low-rank coal water fuel; and (3) production of renewable energy from designated resources. Amends the OCSLA to: (1) repeal the Coastal Impact Assistance program; and (2) revise royalty-in-kind requirements. Amends the the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) prescribe default requirements if the Secretary of Energy does not issue regulations governing payments for research, development, and demonstration leases, and for commercial leases for oil shale and tar sands; (2) require the Secretary to grant royalty relief for natural gas production from gas hydrates; (3) direct the Secretary to reduce royalties for certain federal oil and gas leases; and (4) instruct the Secretary of the Interior to use specified estimates and considerations when compiling oil and gas resource assessments. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish specified fees for conservation resources; (2) require that OCS oil and gas exploration utilize technology to minimize air emissions and discharges into the water; (3) establish Federal OCS Joint Regional Permitting Offices; and (4) develop, upon lessee request, oil spill response plans for each OCS Planning area. Exempts certain oil and gas leasing and exploration from federal agency coordination requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to delegate to the Minerals Management Service permitting and enforcement authority for specified federal OCS activities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
New IDEA (Illegal Deduction Elimination Act) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for wages and benefits paid to or on behalf of an unauthorized alien. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretaries of Homeland Security and the Treasury to jointly establish a program to share information that may lead to the identification of unauthorized aliens. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide taxpayer identity information to the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Homeland Security on employers who paid nondeductible wages to unauthorized aliens and on the aliens to whom such wages were paid. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to: (1) make permanent the pilot program for verifying the employment eligibility of alien workers (E-Verify Program); (2) apply such program to current employees in addition to new hires; and (3) establish a rebuttable presumption that employers who participate in the pilot program have not violated the prohibition against continued employment of unauthorized aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
Pledge Language is English Declaration and Government Endorsement Act of 2008 - Prohibits state or local educational agencies from requiring or permitting the Pledge of Allegiance or national anthem to be recited or sung in any language other than English in any elementary or secondary school under their jurisdiction. Withholds federal funds from state or local educational agencies that violate such prohibition, unless the funds are specifically appropriated to such agencies after they have been found to be violating the prohibition. Establishes a private right of action for persons injured by violations of such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008
National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act - Terminates all federal prohibitions on expenditures of funds to conduct natural gas, oil, oil shale, and energy production leasing and preleasing activities for federal lands. Revokes withdrawals of federal submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from leasing for natural gas and oil exploration, development, and production. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to repeal the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal the prohibition on using funds to prepare or publish final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands or to conduct an oil shale lease sale pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any lease authorizing exploration for, or development of, natural gas or oil in any OCS area that is located: (1) within 25 miles of the coastline of a state; or (2) more than 25 miles and less than 50 miles from the coastline of a state that has enacted, within one year, a law disapproving of such a lease. Provides for the allocation of sums collected under qualified leases on submerged land made available for leasing under this Act. Establishes the Conservation Reserve, the Environment Restoration Reserve, the Renewable Energy Reserve, and the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Reserve. Establishes the state seaward boundaries under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Amends the Clean Air Act to allow the use of woody biomass from federal forest lands for the production of renewable energy. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting federal procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel supplied must be less than or equal to such emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning tax credit extensions and deductions for renewable energy, alternative fuel, and energy conservation. Requires the Secretary of Energy to publish a plan for exchanging light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) for heavy grade petroleum. Establishes and provides for the allocation of the Energy Independence and Security Fund, including providing funding for: (1) researching and developing wind, solar, ocean and wave, and geothermal energy; (2) conducting energy efficiency projects; and (3) fostering the development of domestic energy production.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Declares that it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives to consider any resolution providing for adjournment for more than three calendar days during July or August of 2008 until it has approved a bill to establish a comprehensive national energy plan that addresses energy conservation and the expansion of renewable and conventional energy sources.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Giving Inmate Terrorists More Opportunities (GITMO) Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to immediately transport all enemy combatants detained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Washington, DC, where the U.S. Supreme Court shall hold such prisoners on Court grounds, confined by adequate fencing. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide shelter for such detainees outside the Court building, but on Court grounds; (2) provide guards; and (3) implement a system to ensure that the prisoners receive an appropriate amount of food and water. Directs detainees to use the restroom facilities inside the Court building. Allows any of the nine justices to guard the prisoners, or provide them with food and water, whenever they choose. Provides that, if either the Secretary or any of the justices refuses to carry out their duties under this Act, then their respective department or Court shall receive funding for the next fiscal year at half the level appropriated for the current fiscal year, or until such time as the Court no longer desires to micromanage the prisoners.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Congratulates the men and women of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the occasion of its 100th anniversary
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008
New Resources for Domestic Consumption Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the state of Alaska all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the 1002 Area of Alaska (Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge). Requires the Secretary, as a condition of any such transfer, to require Alaska to pay to the United States 50% of all amounts the state receives as a result of developing oil, natural gas, and other natural resources of the Area. Prohibits export from the United States of any oil produced in the 1002 Area after the date of transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008
American Energy Act - Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008 - Amends the Submerged Lands Act (SLA) regarding delineation of offshore state boundaries with respect to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as well as related oil and gas mineral rights. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) allow the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to grant natural gas leases in the outer Continental Shelf (OCS); and (2) revise provisions concerning oil and gas leases and withdrawals of unleased land. Provides for federal agency coordination with adjacent states on the construction of pipelines for crude oil or petroleum products or natural gas produced from the OCS. Sets forth provisions concerning the application of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to OCS programs. Declares existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds for leasing and preleasing OCS oil and natural gas to be without force or effect. Prohibits a federal agency from permitting certain activities on the federal OCS or in state waters that are incompatible with: (1) oil or natural gas leasing; and (2) full exploration and production of tracts that are geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Directs the Secretary to establish OCS Regional Headquarters in designated locations. Repeals: (1) the coastal impact assistance program; and (2) the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Requires the Secretary to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of the Coastal Plain's oil and gas resources. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to terminate the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Provides for the authorization of Special Areas to be managed so as to protect and preserve the area's unique and diverse character including its fish, wildlife, and subsistence resource values in the Coastal Plain. Requires the Secretary to designate Sadlerochit Spring as a Special Area. Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue specified rights-of-ways and easements across the Coastal Plain for the transportation of oil and gas; and (2) convey specified estates to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund and the American Renewable and Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 to terminate the prohibition against using federal funds to prepare or publish final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands or to conduct an oil shale lease sale pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth provisions concerning credits for fuel efficiency, alternative fuel vehicles, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, and renewable energy. Requires the Secretary of Energy to provide awards for activities concerning the: (1) research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of innovative energy technologies and new energy sources; (2) manufacture of midsized sedan automobiles that operate on gasoline and can travel 100 miles per gallon; and (3) manufacture of advanced batteries. Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide financial assistance to states or tribes to facilitate the hiring of personnel with expertise in federal refinery authorizations. Requires the President to: (1) appoint a federal coordinator to facilitate such authorizations; and (2) designate at least three closed military installations as potentially suitable for the construction of a refinery and at least one for producing biofuel. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain requirements regarding refinery revitalization. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal restrictions on federal agencies procuring alternative or synthetic fuel for mobility-related uses. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to auction to the public coal-to-liquid fuel put option contracts. Provides for standby loans for qualifying coal-to-liquid projects. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise provisions concerning the recycling and disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Celebrates the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Honors the efforts of the 42 delegates who attended the majority of the Constitutional Convention meetings and the 39 signers. Acknowledges the significance of the ideals established by the Constitution, including the principle of a limited federal government with a system of checks and balances. Recognizes the Constitution as the source responsible for our nation's ability to withstand calamity and preserve stability.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008
United States Parole Commission Extension Act of 2008 - Extends the U.S. Parole Commission for three years (until October 31, 2011).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008
Schoolchildren's Health Protection Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit the provision of federal education funding to state or local educational agencies that provide unemancipated minors with postcoital emergency contraception or prescriptions for such contraception on the premises of elementary or secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2008
Declares that the House of Representatives honors the life, achievements, and distinguished career of the Honorable Jesse Alexander Helms, Jr., a public servant and former Senator from North Carolina. Expresses condolences to his wife, "Dot," and their three children on his passing.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2008
Congratulates the Republic of Colombia and its military on the successful rescue mission that freed the 15 hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) without any loss of life. Thanks President Alvaro Uribe and the people of Colombia for the safe return of the three American hostages, Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes, and Keith Stansell. Recognizes the close friendship between the United States and Colombia. Calls upon FARC to release all remaining hostages and cease hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2008
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 North Texas Avenue in Odessa, Texas, as the "Corporal Alfred Mac Wilson Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
State Temporary Economic Priority (STEP) Act - Authorizes states to transfer or consolidate funds made available to them under certain federal transportation, education, and job training programs: (1) beginning with the calendar quarter after the United States experiences economic growth at an annual rate of less than 1% for two consecutive calendar quarters; and (2) continuing until 18 months after it experiences economic growth at an annual rate of 1% or more for two consecutive calendar quarters.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Requires the coin design to be emblematic of the 100 years of the organization. Restricts issuance of such coins to calendar year 2011. Subjects coin sales to a surcharge of $10 per coin. Requires payment of such surcharges to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America for efforts involved in marking the Centennial, which may include preservation efforts of the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2008
Amends the federal criminal code to allow an exception to the minimum sentencing requirement for a crime of violence while using, carrying, or possessing a firearm for a law enforcement officer who committed the offense during or in relation to the pursuit of an individual whom the officer reasonably believed committed a crime of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2008
Eminent Domain Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the conversion of property by reason of eminent domain.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2008
Encourages the President to revoke the Executive memorandum banning energy production on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. Urges the President to work with Congress to increase the production of American energy.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2008
Private Property Rights Protection and Government Accountability Act - Makes any state or political subdivision thereof that carries out a public taking for any private purpose in or affecting interstate commerce ineligible for any federal economic development funds for ten fiscal years. Entitles any owner of private property subject to such a taking to injunctive and declaratory relief. Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2009-FY2013.