United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008
Recognizes and supports the expansion of voluntary recycling programs initiated at retail locations throughout the country. Commends state and local governments that have taken steps to establish or require plastic bag recycling programs and encourages them to continue to pursue such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008
Recognizes the sacrifices made by disabled veterans and their families. Calls on the people of the United States and local, state, and national organizations and governmental institutions to honor all disabled American veterans. Supports the goals and ideals of Disabled American Veterans Week.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008
Declares that Congress: (1) recognizes the Honorable Yvonne Brathwaite Burke for her public service in many positions, including as the first African-American woman on the House Appropriations Committee; (2) believes that her record demonstrates she is a woman of indomitable compassion, courage, character, and commitment; (3) believes she will be remembered for the changes she made in the lives of minorities, women, and the economically disadvantaged; and (4) congratulates her on her retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008
Reaffirms that youth should be involved in long-term, visionary solutions to violent conflicts. Honors the accomplishments of Seeds of Peace in its 15 years of promoting understanding and peace among youth from the Middle East and other regions of conflict around the world. Views Seeds of Peace as a creative and successful effort to achieve reconciliation among peoples from areas of conflict which inspires hope that nations in conflict can learn to live together in peace.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008
Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008 - Revises or adds provisions relating to the disability compensation system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) require a study on adjusting the schedule for rating veterans' disabilities; (2) establish the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation; (3) require a study on the employee work credit system of the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA); (4) require a study on the VBA's work management system; (5) require the certification and training of VBA employees responsible for processing claims; (6) require an annual independent assessment of the VBA's quality assurance program; (7) provide for the expedited VBA treatment of fully developed claims and a checklist for individuals submitting incomplete claims; (8) require a study of the VBA's need to employ additional medical professionals to act as a medical reference for employees handling claims; (9) provide for the assignment of partial disability ratings to certain veterans; (10) require a review and revision of VBA use of information technology; and (11) allow a claim beneficiary to be substituted as a claimant in the case of the death of a veteran claimant while a claim is awaiting adjudication or appeal. Requires the Chief Judge of the U.S.Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to report annually to the congressional veterans' committees on the Court's workload. Revises provisions concerning the jurisdiction and finality of decisions of the Court.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008
Eliminating Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a breast cancer treatment quality performance system to: (1) assess and disclose publicly, through the use of quality measures, the quality of care provided for the treatment of breast cancer by specified health care providers; and (2) base payment to such providers for such treatment on their performance with respect to such measures. Requires reduced payments to providers that either do not submit data in accordance with the reporting process in the system, or furnish low quality care for treatment of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the International Joint Commission's proposed Plan 2007 does not provide the necessary level of environmental protections and benefits for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River; (2) the views of the public and the state that has jurisdiction of waters to be regulated must be fully considered when a new plan for the management of water levels is selected; (3) any water level management plan should make every effort to maximize hydropower production at existing facilities; and (4) the Secretary of State should not approve a plan that fails to meet such criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008
Recognizes that the incredible diversity of different racial and ethnic groups, including Asian American and Pacific Islander, is a source of strength for the United States. Recognizes that the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is influential and crucial to the society and culture of the United States. Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to the goals and ideals of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Celebrates the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month (April 2008). Recognizes that sarcoidosis: (1) has played a prominent yet hidden role in America's workforce history, being the chief diagnosis of the deaths of fluorescent light bulb workers in Salem, Massachusetts, in the 1940s; (2) disproportionately affects factory workers and Navy deckgrinders; and (3) was the first diagnosis for an overwhelming majority of rescue workers who assisted with the rescue and recovery operations after the attacks on September 11, 2001. Supports research efforts to better understand the links between sarcoidosis and specific occupations where sarcoidosis is disproportionately represented.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2008
Providing Responsible Oversight and Testing of Equipment for Combat Troops Act of 2008 or the PROTECT Act of 2008 - Removes provisions requiring the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation in the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide guidance to and consult with the Secretary of Defense, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, and the Secretaries of the military departments with respect to operational test and evaluation or survivability testing (or both) in the DOD of force protection equipment (including nonlethal weapons). Adds items of (or key components of) personal equipment designed to provide some degree of protection to the user in combat to provisions requiring survivability and lethality testing before full-scale production.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2008
Shingles Prevention Act - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of the shingles vaccine and its administration.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2008
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month; and (2) the findings of the President's Commission on Mental Health that the nation's failure to prioritize mental health is a national tragedy. Recognizes that mental well-being is as important as physical well-being for people, the economy, and the nation. Applauds the coalescing of national and community organizations in working to promote public awareness of mental health and in providing critical information and support to the people and families affected by mental illness. Encourages all organizations and health practitioners to use Mental Health Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness, ensure access to appropriate services, and support overall quality of life for those with mental illness.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008
Family Leave Insurance Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a Family and Medical Insurance Program, mandatory for certain covered employers. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) contract for a state to provide specified leave benefits in that state through the Program, including expansion of a pre-existing state program; or (2) at a governor's request enter an interagency agreement with the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to establish and provide Program benefits directly through a state Family and Medical Insurance Program. Entitles eligible employees to Program benefits that include specified percentages of their daily earnings for 12 workweeks of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 during any 12-month period. Authorizes any employer, with the Secretary's approval, to establish a voluntary plan meeting specified criteria. Specifies prohibited acts by an employer, and penalties for violations. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a Civil Service Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program with the same Program benefits for certain federal agency employees. Establishes the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund in the Treasury. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a family and medical leave premium on every individual and every employer to finance a Family and Medical Leave Trust Fund in the Treasury for Program benefits. Exempts from such premium: (1) employers or self-employers with voluntary plans approved by the Secretary as equivalent or better than the Program; and (2) small employers who have elected not to participate in it.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008
Calls for establishment of a National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Applauds the actions of medical professionals and others who strive to combat and raise public awareness of brain tumors and brain cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Separating Servicemember Handbook Development Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to direct the Secretary of Defense to develop and maintain, in a handbook and on a publically-available Internet website, a comprehensive description of the compensation and other benefits to which an Armed Forces member, and the family of the member, would be entitled on separation or retirement resulting from a serious injury or illness. Requires that the handbook be provided to each member as soon as practicable following an injury or illness for which the member may retire or separate.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act - Transfers marijuana from schedule I to schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act. Provides that no provision of the Controlled Substances Act or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act shall prohibit or otherwise restrict, in a state in which marijuana may, under state law, be prescribed or recommended by a physician for medical use: (1) a physician from prescribing or recommending marijuana for medical use; (2) an individual from obtaining, possessing, transporting, manufacturing, or using marijuana in accordance with such a prescription or recommendation; (3) an individual authorized under state law to do so from obtaining, possessing, transporting, or manufacturing marijuana on an authorized patient's behalf; (4) a pharmacy or other entity authorized to do so from obtaining, possessing, or distributing marijuana to such patients; or (5) an entity established by such a state or local government thereof to do so from producing, possessing, or distributing marijuana for such a prescription or recommendation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008 - Amends the National Housing Act to create the Refinance Program Oversight Board, charged with establishing program and oversight requirements for the programs established under this Act. Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure any (homeownership retention) mortgage covering a one- to four-family residence made to pay or prepay outstanding obligations under an existing mortgage on the residence. Declares that all penalties for prepayment of the existing mortgage, and all fees and penalties related to default or delinquency on all existing mortgages, shall be waived or forgiven. Sets forth terms for: (1) reduction of indebtedness under an existing senior mortgage; and (2) extinguishment of debt by refinancing. Requires any debt service payments due under a mortgage insured under this Act to be substantially reduced from the debt service payments due under the existing mortgage or mortgages. Requires the mortgage to provide that the HUD Secretary shall retain a lien on the residence which shall: (1) be subordinate to the mortgage insured under this Act but senior to all other existing mortgages on the residence; and (2) secure the repayment. Authorizes the Oversight Board to prohibit borrowers from granting a new second lien on the mortgaged property during the first five years of the term of the mortgage insured under this Act. Requires the mortgagee to document and verify the income of the mortgagor. Requires a mortgage insured under this Act to: (1) bear interest at a single fixed rate for the entire mortgage term; and (2) involve a principal obligation that does not exceed the limitation on the amount that would be allowable for a mortgage insured pursuant to the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. Requires the Oversight Board to establish specified underwriting standards for mortgages insured under this Act, including a limitation on origination fees. Prohibits the aggregate original principal obligation of all mortgages insured under this Act from exceeding $300 billion. Directs: (1) the Oversight Board and the HUD Secretary to monitor independent quality reviews of designated underwriters and risk; and (2) the Inspector General of HUD to conduct an annual compliance audit of the mortgage insurance program under this Act. Requires the HUD Secretary to ensure that securities based on and backed by a pool or trust composed of mortgages insured under this Act are available to be guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) for timely payment of principal and interest. Makes the insurance of each mortgage under this Act the obligation of the Special Risk Insurance Fund. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to study and report to specified congressional committees on the need for and efficacy of an auction or bulk refinancing mechanism to facilitate refinancing of existing residential mortgages that are at risk for foreclosure into mortgages insured under the National Housing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week. Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women. Calls on women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventative screenings.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Veterans Mortgage Education Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a program to advise members of the Armed Forces who are returning from active duty abroad on actions to prevent or forestall mortgage foreclosures, including credit counseling and home mortgage counseling.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision of the following benefits to a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged at the member's request pursuant to a Department of Defense (DOD) policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled: (1) continued payment, through the original agreed-upon service period, of any bonus, incentive, or similar benefit to which the member was entitled during service; (2) separation pay, even though the member has completed less than six years of active service before discharge; (3) transitional health care, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for 180 days after discharge; (4) transitional commissary and exchange benefits, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for two years after discharge; (5) veterans' housing loan, employment and training, and basic educational assistance; (6) federal unemployment compensation; and (7) veteran's preference for federal employment purposes. Makes this Act effective with respect to any such discharge granted after September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund and to allow individual taxpayers to designate on their tax returns $3.00 of income taxes ($6.00 in the case of joint returns) to be paid over to such Fund to provide assistance to homeless veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Women's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of centers to conduct multidisciplinary research on environmental factors that may be related to the development of women's health conditions. Requires each such center to: (1) conduct basic or clinical research; (2) develop protocols and conduct training programs for physicians, scientists, nurses, and other health and allied health professionals; (3) disseminate information to such professionals and the public; and (4) emphasize activities that are directed toward preventing the development in women of the diseases and conditions involved. Allows a center to use funds to provide stipends for health and allied health professionals enrolled in training programs. Requires each center to establish and maintain ongoing collaborations with community organizations in the geographic area served by the center, including organizations that represent women or children with disorders that appear to stem from environmental factors. Requires the Director to provide for the coordination of information among centers and ensure regular communication between them.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Environmental Hormone Disruption Research Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a comprehensive program to: (1) research the health effects on women and children that may result through disruption of the hormone systems; (2) carry out research, development, and demonstrations on technologies to mitigate the occurrence of hormone-disrupting pollutants in the environment and their unintended effects on ecological and wildlife health, in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey (USGS); and (3) coordinate U.S. research on hormone disruption with research conducted in other nations. Requires the program to provide for: (1) the collection and dissemination of scientifically valid information on human health effects of hormone-disrupting pollutants, the extent of human exposure to such pollutants, and the exposure of wildlife species to such pollutants and possible associated health effects; and (2) research on mechanisms by which such pollutants interact with biological systems, testing for hormone disruption, and the identity and fate of hormone-disrupting pollutants in the environment. Gives the Director principal responsibility for conducting and coordinating research on the unintended effects of hormone-disrupting pollutants on human health and the environment. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Hormone Disruption Research Interagency Commission. Establishes a Hormone Disruption Research Panel to make recommendations on the design and implementation of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Food Assistance to Improve Reintegration Act of 2008 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of food stamp eligibility for a person convicted of a felony which has as an element the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance. .
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Honors the life and legacy of Dith Pran: (1) for his commitment to raising awareness about the atrocities that took place under the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia; and (2) by remembering his life's work and continuing to acknowledge and remember the victims of genocides that have taken place around the world.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of the Day of Silence (during which students vow to remain silent to bring attention to the harassment and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in schools). Encourages each state, city, and local education authority to adopt laws and policies to prohibit name-calling, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against students, teachers, and other school staff regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Amends the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act to authorize appropriations to the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Account for FY2010-FY2015.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Food Safety Recall Information Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require that a person that voluntarily recalls a meat product shall, not later than five days after the voluntary recall begins, submit to the Secretary of Agriculture a list of all retail stores or public school districts that are known to have purchased a meat product subject to the voluntary recall. Makes similar amendments to the the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Egg Products Inspection Act. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to prohibit the use of nonambulatory livestock for human food.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to arrange for the National Academy of Sciences to prepare a two-part study of potential impacts of climate change on water resources and water quality, addressing issues of: (1) hydrology and water quality (including the potential for impacts to wetlands, shoreline erosion, and saltwater intrusion as a result of sea level rise, as well as significant regional variation in precipitation events from historic patterns); and (2) policy considerations (including an identification of the scientific consensus, assumptions, and uncertainties related to predictions of climate change in the United States and of steps to assess emerging information and identify appropriate response actions).
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on the minimum level of sound that is necessary to be emitted from a motor vehicle, or some other method, to alert blind and other pedestrians of the presence of operating motor vehicles while traveling.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Shark Conservation Act of 2008 - Amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to list a nation in the biennial report on international compliance if the nation's fishing vessels are or have been engaged in fishing activities that target or incidentally catch sharks and the nation has not adopted a shark conservation program that is comparable, taking into account different conditions, to that of the United States, including measures to prohibit removal any of the fins of a shark (including the tail) and discarding the carcass of the shark at sea. Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to make it a prohibited act to have a shark fin (including the tail) aboard a vessel (currently, aboard a fishing vessel) without the corresponding carcass. Removes provisions creating a rebuttable presumption that any shark fins on board a fishing vessel were in violation if the total weight of shark fins exceeds 5% of the total weight of shark carcasses on board.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill individuals in certain length-of-service categories who, commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serve on active duty in the Armed Forces. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Makes individuals entitled to assistance under this Act also eligible for supplemental educational assistance for additional active duty service. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program, to be known as the "Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program," under which colleges and universities may enter into an agreement with the Secretary to cover, for certain individuals, a portion of established charges not otherwise covered and match contributions toward such costs. Requires educational assistance under this Act to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Calls on the President to not attend the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing until China: (1) persuades Sudan to end attacks in Darfur and allow for the full deployment of the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur; and (2) takes steps to stop arms sales to Sudan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half dollar clad coins as numismatic items emblematic of the traditions, history, and heritage of the U.S. Army, and its role in American society from the Colonial period to today. Requires the design for such coins to contain motifs that honor specifically the American soldier of both today and yesterday, in wartime and in peace, consistent with the traditions and heritage of the U.S. Army, the mission and goals of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, and the missions and goals of the Army Historical Foundation. Restricts coin issuance to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2011. Requires all surcharges from coin sales to be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Foundation to help finance the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Recognizes and commends the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for 50 years of service as a cultural ambassador of the United States to the world, during which it has provided world-class American modern dance to people across the globe. Recognizes that: (1) Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been a true pioneer in the world of dance by establishing an extended cultural community which provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people while using the beauty and humanity of African-American heritage and other cultures to unite people; and (2) the Ailey II company, the Ailey School, and the extensive and innovative Arts in Education and Community Programs train future generations of dancers and choreographers while exposing young people to the arts.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2008
Recognizes: (1) National Public Health Week; (2) the efforts of public health professionals, first responders, states, municipalities, and local communities to incorporate measures to adapt health care systems to address impacts of climate change; and (3) the role of adaptation in preventing impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, the improvement of health status and equity through efforts to address climate change, and the need to include health policy in the development of climate responses. Encourages: (1) further research, interdisciplinary partnership, and collaboration to understand and monitor the health impacts of climate change, for preparedness activities, and for improvement of health care infrastructure; and (2) every American to learn about the impact of climate change on health.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Smuggled Tobacco Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require manufacturers and importers of tobacco products to legibly print a unique serial number on all packages of tobacco products manufactured or imported for sale or distribution. Imposes marking requirements for exports of tobacco products. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to require additional secure methods of identification or marking of tobacco products. Requires the Secretary to prescribe a system of tobacco tax stamps, meter impressions, or other tax-payment indicia for tobacco products. Requires tobacco products sold on Indian reservations to be visibly and prominently labeled as such. Prohibits the export of tobacco products without the posting of a bond with the Secretary. Extends permit, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements to wholesalers of tobacco products. Establishes new criminal offenses relating to the distribution of tobacco products. Increases the civil penalty for tobacco-related infractions from $1,000 to $10,000. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) extend criminal penalties for contraband cigarettes to tobacco products (i.e., cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco) and define "contraband tobacco product" for purposes of such penalties; (2) establish new unlawful acts relating to tobacco products and machines used to manufacture or package tobacco products; and (3) establish whistleblower protections for employees who provide information about violations relating to contraband tobacco.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts Act of 2008 or the SERVE Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a $1,000 refundable tax credit for individuals who are bona fide volunteer members of a qualified volunteer emergency response organization who provide firefighting, ambulance, or emergency medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Expresses the sense of the United States House of Representatives that: (1) the elimination of poverty and hunger, assurance of basic health and education for all, and resolution of environmental crises remain key foreign policy goals for the United States; and (2) a Global Marshall Plan holds potentially transformative power to foreign development assistance that would demonstrate U.S. commitment to peace and prosperity to people who may have doubted the dedication of the United States to those ideals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Condemns the Chinese government's: (1) dispersion and detention of peaceful Tibetan protesters; and (2) policy of using the Internet and news media to control society. Expresses: (1) admiration for the spiritual leadership provided by the Dalai Lama; and (2) solidarity with the Tibetan people. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should call upon the Chinese government to: (1) permit peaceful protest; (2) permit free news media coverage; (3) comply with Chinese criminal law and provide details about Tibetans detained or charged with a crime; (4) engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama and his representatives over Tibet's future; and (5) abide by international human rights agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to the nation during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year. Honors government employees who have given their lives in service to their country. Encourages efforts to promote public service careers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2008
Federal Correctional Workers Safety Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that prison facilities have secure firearms storage areas for employees authorized to carry firearms.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2008
Recognizes: (1) Gordon "Gordie" Howe on the occasion of his 80th birthday; (2) Howe's vast contribution to the sport of ice hockey and the National Hockey League; and (3) Howe as one of the greatest players in the history of ice hockey and American professional sports.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2008
Putting Our Resources Towards Security (PORTS) Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, between fiscal years 2009 and 2013, to increase the number of full-time Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, agriculture specialists, and border security support personnel for U.S. ports of entry by not fewer than 5,000, 1,200, and 350, respectively, above the number of such personnel for which funds were made available during FY2008. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) for each of FY2009-FY2013 to make improvements to existing U.S. ports of entry to improve border security and for other purposes. Directs the Administrator to give priority to ports determined to be in most need of repair in accordance with required infrastructure assessment studies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2008
Honors Army Specialist Monica L. Brown, who risked her life to save the lives of fellow wounded soldiers while serving in Afghanistan. Pledges continued support for the men and women of the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of the International Year of Sanitation. Recognizes the importance of sanitation on public health, poverty reduction, economic and social development, and the environment.