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![Official portrait of Rep. Hodes, Paul W. [D-NH-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h001043_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
744 records where Rep. Hodes, Paul W. [D-NH-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008
Supports the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh and expresses appreciation for the decision of the caretaker government of Bangladesh to hold free elections by the third week of December 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008
Declares that Congress commits to pass, and urges the President sign, within 18 months, legislation that guarantees health care for all and that: (1) recognizes the role of women as health care consumers, caregivers, and providers; (2) guarantees inclusion of benefits essential to achieving and maintaining good health; (3) promotes primary and preventive care; (4) provides a choice of public and private plans and direct access to a choice of doctors and health care providers to ensure continuity of coverage and a delivery system that meets the need of women; (5) eliminates disparities on the basis of gender, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health status, or sexual orientation; (6) shares financing responsibility among employers, individuals, and the government while taking into account small business needs; (7) ensures affordable access to health care; (8) enhances quality and patient safety; (9) ensures a sufficient supply of qualified providers through expanded medical and public health education and adequate reimbursement; and (10) promotes administration efficiency and is easy to utilize.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008
Accuracy in Fuel Economy Standards Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to calculate maximum feasible fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and non-passenger automobiles based on the most recent high gasoline price projection issued by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Defines the "applicable high gasoline price projection" as the greatest of a range of estimated gasoline prices that the EIA issues as part of its annual energy outlook, short-term energy outlook, or similar analyses for: (1) the year (or years) corresponding to the model year (or model years) for which the Secretary is prescribing an average fuel economy standard; and (2) the range of years considered by the Secretary in determining the costs and benefits associated with such standard.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008
Veterans Health Equity Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to each of the 48 contiguous states, to ensure that veterans eligible for hospital care and medical services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have access to: (1) at least one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the state; or (2) hospital care and medical services comparable to that provided in full-service hospitals through contract with other health providers in the state.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to define "energy commodity." Prohibits the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from permitting a foreign board of trade to provide its U.S-located members with access to the CFTC electronic trading system and order matching system for energy or agricultural commodities unless such board meets requirements similar to those imposed upon U.S. exchanges. Subjects swap transactions, transactions for agricultural and energy commodities, and large traders in over-the-counter contracts to reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Commission to: (1) set position limits for any one person with respect to designated contract markets, derivative transaction execution facilities, and electronic trading facilities; (2) convene a Position Limit Agricultural Advisory Group and a Position Limit Energy Group; (3) appoint at least 100 new full-time employees; (4) review prior actions to ensure compliance with this Act; and (5) review over-the-counter markets. Revises the core principles applicable to position limits for contracts in agricultural and energy commodities to require position limits for speculators. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study of: (1) the international regime for regulating the trading of energy commodity futures and derivatives; and (2) speculators' effects on agriculture and energy futures markets and prices. Directs the Commission to: (1) require regular reporting of fungible over-the-counter agricultural and energy transactions; and (2) determine if such transactions have the potential to disrupt market liquidity or cause market or price disturbances, and if so, to use its discretion to impose position limits. Authorizes the Commission to use expedited procedures to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide medical monitoring and treatment benefits to: (1) eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Provides for cost-sharing with workers' compensation and health insurance plans, but not with eligible individuals. Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) implement a quality assurance program; (2) review the program's health care expenditures to detect fraudulent or duplicate billing and payment for inappropriate services; (3) establish the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (4) establish the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee; (5) institute a program that provides education and outreach on the existence and availability of services under the WTC program; and (6) provide for the uniform collection of data related to WTC-related health conditions. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish similar programs with respect to the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Requires the administrator to conduct or support research on physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Requires the administrator to extend and expand arrangements with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry. Authorizes the administrator to make grants to the Department to address mental health needs relating to the terrorist attacks. Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to provide, under certain circumstances, for an extension of time for filing claims under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Home Heating Fuels Cost Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based refundable tax credit for up to $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return) of the cost of heating oil, natural gas, and propane to heat a principal residence. Terminates such credit after 2009. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to states to create revolving loan funds for home weatherization loans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish cost-effective procedures to ensure that Social Security account numbers are not included on Medicare cards.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Home Energy Assistance Through Emergency Relief Act - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP Program). Makes appropriations for FY2008 to carry out the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons under the Energy Conservation and Production Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
National Energy Security Intelligence Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues relating to rapidly escalating energy costs, including: (1) the short- and long-term outlook for prices, supply, and demand for key forms of energy such as crude oil, natural gas, and alternative fuels; (2) the plans and intentions of key energy-producing and exporting nations with respect to energy production and supply; and (3) the national security implications.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to transfer from the Treasury $8.017 billion to the Highway Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Honors the 28th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army for serving and protecting the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008
Securities Act of 2008 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to authorize the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to assess and impose civil penalties in a cease and desist proceeding. Creates a three tiers of increasing civil penalties for acts or omissions of increasing gravity. Authorizes the SEC to censure, place limitations on the activities or functions of, or investigate any person who at the time of specified alleged misconduct was: (1) a member or employee of the the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board; (2) a person associated or seeking to become associated with a government securities broker or dealer; (3) a person associated with a member of a national securities exchange or registered securities association; (4) a participant of a registered clearing agency; (5) an officer or director of a self-regulatory organization; and (6) an officer or director of an investment company. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt from state regulation any warrants or rights to subscribe or purchase securities offerings. Amends the Securities Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to empower the SEC to bar certain persons from being associated with a broker, dealer, investment adviser, municipal securities dealer, or transfer agent who has engaged in alleged misconduct. Amends the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 to extend its coverage to customers' claims against a debtor for futures contracts or options on commodities futures contracts received, acquired, or held in a portfolio margining account carried as a securities account pursuant to an approved portfolio margining program. Requires the SEC, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to give oral testimony annually to certain congressional committees on efforts to reduce the complexity in financial reporting to provide more accurate and clear financial information to investors. Amends the Securities Act of 1934 to require a registered securities information processor, national securities exchange, and national securities association to submit fingerprints of their staff to the Attorney General. Amends the Securities Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to revise or prescribe requirements protecting confidentiality of materials submitted to the SEC. Amends the Securities Act of 1934 to set forth requirements governing privileged information provided by the SEC to certain governmental and foreign authorities. Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to allow nationwide service of subpoenas, without application to the court or a showing of cause, in any action instituted by the SEC.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008
Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act of 2008 - Amends the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an oil and gas competitive leasing program in the National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska, that includes at least one lease sale each year during the period 2009 through 2013. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) facilitate pipeline construction to transport oil and gas from or through the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to existing transportation or processing infrastructure on the North Slope of Alaska; and (2) require certain authorized pipeline operators to certify annually that the pipeline is being fully maintained and operated in an efficient manner. Directs the President to coordinate with oil and natural gas producers on the North Slope of Alaska, and other specified entities, to expedite construction of a natural gas pipeline from Alaska to U.S. markets. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal provisions authorizing the export of Alaskan North Slope oil. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to reimpose the prohibition against crude oil exports. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing any new lease for exploration or production of oil or natural gas unless the lessee: (1) certifies for each existing lease that the lessee has diligently developed the pertinent federal lands in order to produce oil or natural gas, or is producing oil or natural gas from them; or (2) has relinquished all federal oil and gas leases that are not being diligently developed. Instructs the Secretary to ensure that lessees under leases for exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas on federal lands make prompt, transparent, and accurate royalty payments.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2008
Recognizes and honors Anne d'Hanoncourt for her contributions as an internationally-esteemed museum leader and art scholar. Expresses condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Anne d'Hanoncourt to her husband Joseph J. Rishel, and her surviving family members and friends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, across the Philadelphia region and around the world.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2008
Timley Due Process for the Disabled Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) establish time frames, within specified limits, to ensure timely disability determinations; and (2) establish a program for the monitoring of disability determinations in reconsideration.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise requirements for the sale by the Secretary of Energy of products from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary to sell from the Reserve if the President finds that: (1) there is a severe energy supply interruption (as under existing law); or (2) the price of home heating oil threatens the health and safety of residents of the Northeast. Requires the Secretary to sell specified percentages of the quantity of products in the Reserve as of November 1 of a fiscal year if the President finds that, on successive monthly winter dates of the same fiscal year, the average retail price of No.2 heating oil in the Northeast is equal to or more than $4.00 per gallon. Requires the Secretary to use: (1) half of any revenue derived from such sales to provide assistance to low-income consumers of heating oil under the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons of the Energy Conservation and Production Act; and (2) half to provide any additional home energy assistance needs of one or more state arising from a natural disaster or other emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Tay-Sachs Awareness Month. Encourages and expresses support for education and research efforts with respect to Tay-Sachs disease.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States should not maintain a military presence in Iraq without the approval of Congress; and (2) it should be the policy of the United States to accept the principle of setting a deadline or timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008
Commends the extraordinary contributions of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Recognizes: (1) that the United States has an affirmative duty to care for the men and women who have so served; and (2) the efforts of the National Association of State Veterans Homes in providing veterans with high-quality care. Commends efforts made by state veterans homes for the past 120 years in ensuring that veterans receive the highest quality of care worthy of their sacrifices.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2008
Energy Conservation Opportunity Fund Act of 2008 or the ECO Fund Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Treasury an Alternative Energy Sources State Revolving Fund. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to use amounts in the Fund to provide loans to states and Indian tribes to provide incentives to owners of single family and multifamily housing, commercial properties, and public buildings to provide: (1) renewable energy sources, such as wind, wave, solar, biomass, or geothermal energy, for such structures; (2) energy efficiency and energy conserving improvements and features for such structures; or (3) infrastructure related to the delivery of electricity and hot water for structures lacking such amenities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2008
Small Business Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a significant increase in the price of heating fuel occurring on or after October 1, 2007. Prohibits such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the borrower is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to farm operations that qualify as a small business and that have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury on or after October 1, 2007, as the result of a significant increase in energy costs in connection with an energy emergency declared by the President or the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Medicare Card Security Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that Social Security numbers are not displayed on Medicare cards.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) for propaganda purposes within the United States not otherwise specifically authorized by law. Directs the DOD Inspector General and the U.S. Comptroller General to each conduct a study of, and report to Congress on, the extent to which the DOD has violated the prohibition on propaganda established in specified laws. Defines "propaganda" as any form of communication in support of national objectives designed to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior of the people of the United States in order to benefit the sponsor, either directly or indirectly.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Energy Markets Emergency Act of 2008 - Directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to utilize all its authority, including its emergency powers, to: (1) curb immediately the role of excessive speculation in any contract market within its jurisdiction and control on or through which energy futures or swaps are traded; and (2) eliminate excessive speculation, price distortion, sudden or unreasonable fluctuations or unwarranted changes in prices, or other unlawful activity that is causing major market disturbances that prevent the market from accurately reflecting the forces of supply and demand for energy commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer Act - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP Program).
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Recognizes the essential role played by Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) during World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and many other military and humanitarian operations. Honors the service of the Navy and Coast Guard sailors who served their country aboard the LSTs. Acknowledges the debt modern amphibious operations owe to the LST sailors and ships. Commends the many volunteers of the USS LST Ship Memorial who have preserved the LST 325 as a living memorial in honor and remembrance of the ships and veterans in their service.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2008
Supports the designation of a National Child Awareness Month to promote the awareness of children's charities and youth-servicing organizations across the United States. Recognizes the efforts of such charities and organizations on behalf of children and youth as a critical contribution to the future of our nation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2008
Congratulates the 2007-2008 National Basketball Association World Champions, the Boston Celtics, on an outstanding and historic season.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2008
Increasing Transparency and Accountability in Oil Prices Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should immediately send to Congress a request for emergency appropriations for FY2008 for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in an amount that is sufficient to: (1) help restore public confidence in energy commodities markets and federal oversight of those markets; (2) potentially impose limits on excessive speculation that may be increasing the price of oil, gasoline, diesel, and other energy commodities; (3) significantly improve the information technology capabilities of the CFTC to help it effectively regulate the energy futures markets; and (4) fund at least 100 new full-time positions at the CFTC to oversee energy commodity market speculation and to enforce the Commodity Exchange Act. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to provide for additional employees for improved enforcement. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to address the kind of case in which the CFTC grants or considers granting relief to a foreign board of trade from the requirement that it become a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity with respect to an energy commodity physically delivered in the United States. Requires the CFTC, before granting or considering such relief, to determine that the foreign board of trade: (1) applies comparable principles or requirements regarding the daily publication of trading information and position limits or accountability levels for speculators as apply to a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity trading energy commodities physically delivered in the United States; and (2) provides such information to the Commission regarding the extent of speculative and nonspeculative trading in the energy commodity that is comparable to the information the Commission determines necessary to publish a Commitment of Traders report for such a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity. Requires the Commission to disaggregate and make public monthly: (1) the number of positions and total value of index funds and other passive, long-only positions in energy markets; and (2) data on speculative positions relative to bona fide physical hedgers in those markets.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2008
Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to extend the regulatory authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to certain transactions in derivatives involving specified energy commodities ("included energy transactions"), including those on foreign boards of trade. Defines "included energy transaction" as a contract, agreement, or transaction in an energy commodity for future delivery that: (1) provides for a delivery point in the United States; or (2) is transacted on a computer terminal located in the United States. Prohibits the CFTC from exempting from regulation any "included energy transaction" unless certain notice to Congress and public comment requirements are met. Declares null and void any CFTC "no-action letter" exemptions from CEA requirements for "included energy transactions." Requires the CFTC to establish uniform limits on the aggregate number of positions with respect to "included energy transactions" which may be held by any person for the prompt month, for each month, and for all months in all markets subject to CFTC jurisdiction. Excludes swaps involving "included energy transactions" from any CEA exemption for bona fide hedging transactions. Defines "bilateral included energy transaction" as an included energy transaction executed or traded other than on or through a trading facility. Exempts such transactions from the requirement that transactions be made on or through a designated contract market. Applies to "bilateral included energy transactions" certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Instructs the CFTC to publish monthly on its website: (1) the aggregate number and value of long and short positions held by a person in any portfolio constructed to match or track the components of an index of all commodities; and (2) the portion of the positions that are net long positions in "included energy transactions." Amends the Natural Gas Act and the Federal Power Act to set forth enforcement powers of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), including cease-and-desist proceedings, temporary orders, and general implementation authority.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2008
Veterans Travel Equity Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in determining the amount of allowance or reimbursement under the beneficiary travel program (a program authorizing a travel allowance or reimbursement for the transportation of veterans to obtain medical care), to use the mileage reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees traveling on official business. Prohibits the Secretary, effective 90 days after the enactment of this Act, from imposing any income or pension eligibility requirement, or requiring any service-connected disability rating, in order for a veteran to be eligible for such allowance or reimbursement.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2008
Recognizes and honors the contributions of Timothy John Russert, Jr., as an award-winning political analyst. Expresses condolences upon his death to his wife, Maureen Orth, his son Luke, and his surviving family members and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008
Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an annual production incentive fee for federal onshore and offshore lands subject to a lease for production of oil or natural gas under which production is not occurring. Prescribes the fee amount for each acre of land from which oil or natural gas is produced for less than 90 days in a calendar year. Establishes the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund to serve as depository for fees received under this Act. Enumerates energy programs to be funded with such fees, including: (1) low-income home energy assistance; (2) advanced vehicles research, development, and demonstration; (3) new technologies to improve the energy efficiency of and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings; (4) energy storage systems to support electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution; (5) next-generation wind turbines; (6) weatherization assistance low income housing; and (7) wind and solar energy research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008
Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to make it unlawful for a person to enter into or execute an otherwise excluded swap transaction or exempt transaction involving crude oil, heating oil, gasoline, or diesel fuel (specified energy commodity), unless the person has been certified by the Commodities Future Trading Commission (CFTC) as having the capacity of accepting physical delivery of the commodity. Makes it unlawful, as well, for any person to hold a contract or agreement of sale of a specified energy commodity for future delivery, which is otherwise an excluded swap transaction or an exempt transaction, unless the CFTC has certified that the person has the capacity to produce or manufacture the commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008
Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing any new lease for exploration or production of oil or natural gas unless the lessee: (1) certifies for each existing lease that the lessee has diligently developed the lands in order to produce oil or natural gas, or is producing oil or natural gas from such lands; or (2) has relinquished all federal oil and gas leases that are not being diligently developed. Instructs the Secretary to promulgate diligent development regulations that: (1) include benchmarks for oil and gas development to ensure that leaseholders produce oil and gas from each lease within the five-year original term of the lease; and (2) require each leaseholder to submit a diligent development plan showing how the lessee will meet the benchmarks. Establishes a civil penalty for noncompliance with this Act. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Mineral Leasing Act, and the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands Act to set forth lease terms for an initial period of five years, renewable for additional one-year periods, subject to specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2008
Praises the efforts by those countries in Central and Eastern Europe that have enacted legislation for the restitution of, or compensation for, private and communal religious property confiscated during the Nazi and Communist eras. Urges the countries in Central and Eastern Europe that have not already done so to return confiscated properties to their rightful owners or, where restitution is not possible, pay equitable compensation. Calls on the governments of Poland and of Lithuania to enact legislation so that persons (or their heirs) whose property was confiscated during the Nazi or Communist eras are able to obtain restitution of, or compensation for, such property. Calls on the Secretary of State to report to Congress every six months, regarding implementation of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2008
Modifies the procedures the U.S. Postal Service must follow in connection with the closing or consolidation of any post office, including: (1) requiring an assessment of the need for the closure or consolidation; (2) eliminating a requirement to consider the resulting Postal Service economic savings; (3) requiring a posting in each affected post office at least 90 days before the final decision is made; and (4) requiring (currently, allowing) suspension of the determination pending an appeal to the Postal Regulatory Commission. Provides for exceptions for emergency suspensions (as defined under Postal Service regulations) or lease termination or cancellation by a party other than the Postal Service. Defines "post office," for the provisions amended by this Act, to include an office, branch, station, or other facility operated by the Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2008
Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2008 or the SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. Establishes a Small Business Health Board to monitor the implementation of the program and make recommendations for improvements. Requires the Administrator of the program to: (1) enter into contracts with health insurance issuers to provide health insurance coverage under this Act; and (2) enter into agreements with entities to serve as navigators to provide information about the program and assist in enrollment. Requires a participating employer to ensure that each eligible employee has an opportunity to enroll in a plan. Sets forth requirements for health plans offered under this Act. Requires the Administrator to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to study the rating requirements, administrative procedures, and standards of external and internal review that apply to such plans and to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in the states and to develop recommendations concerning rating requirements. Sets forth premium-setting rules for plans under this Act. Allows a state to prohibit participation in this program if the state offers alternative health benefit plans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small employers for qualified employee health insurance expenses under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2008
Honors the life of Louis Jordan on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Recognizes his important contributions to American music as a musician, composer, and entertainer.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2008
Urges: (1) the members of the international community, including the United States, that possess the capability to expeditiously provide the tactical and utility helicopters needed for the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur to do so as soon as possible; (2) the President to personally ask other heads of state to contribute aircraft and crews for the Darfur mission; and (3) the Department of State to organize a special meeting of the U.N. Security Council, the Friends of UNAMID working group, and the U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations to resolve outstanding force and equipment issues.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008
Roosevelt Scholars Act of 2008 - Establishes the Theodore Roosevelt Scholarship Foundation as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Directs the Foundation to award scholarships in an annual nationwide competition to individuals (to be known as "Roosevelt Scholars") who are: (1) enrolled in or seeking admission to accredited full-time graduate studies that prepare such individuals for occupations that are critical to the missions of federal agencies; and (2) nominated by persons that have direct knowledge of their academic or work experience. Sets the maximum scholarship amount at $60,000 for each of up to five academic years, covering tuition, room and board, books, and fees. Requires Roosevelt Scholars to: (1) agree to serve in the federal government for a period of years equal to the number of academic years during which they received their scholarship; (2) complete a federal internship related to their studies while earning their degree; (3) participate in certain extracurricular activities designed to assist their pursuit of federal careers and development of leadership qualities; and (4) serve as sources of information regarding federal employment opportunities. Establishes the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund consisting of appropriations and gifts for such scholarships. Sets forth additional duties of the Foundation, including the creation of an online directory of all federal scholarship opportunities available to individuals pursuing federal employment and an online directory of current occupations critical to the missions of federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008
Declares that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability through economic, political, and diplomatic means is vital to U.S. national security. Urges the President to use his authority to impose sanctions on: (1) Iranian banks engaged in proliferation activities or the support of terrorist groups; (2) international banks which conduct financial transactions with proscribed Iranian banks; (3) energy companies with large investments in the Iranian petroleum or natural gas sector; and (4) all companies which do business with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Demands that the President initiate an international effort to increase economic, political, and diplomatic pressure on Iran to suspend its nuclear enrichment activities. Urges the President to lead a regional diplomatic effort to support the legitimate governments in the region against Iranian destabilization efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008
Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Requires the Secretary of HUD to conduct a program to demonstrate the effectiveness of funding a portion of the costs of carrying out energy efficiency and conservation and green building measures for multifamily housing projects for which rental assistance is provided under a covered multifamily assistance program. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary to: (1) ensure that the aggregate outstanding principal obligation of mortgages on single-family housing meeting energy efficiency standards that are insured by the Secretary is not less than $1 billion; and (2) conduct an energy efficient mortgages education and outreach campaign. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to require the disclosure of the number and dollar amount of mortgage loans that are energy efficient and location efficient. Prohibits insurers from denying homeowner insurance coverage or discriminating in coverage for structures that are not connected to, or not able to receive electricity from, electric power providers. Requires the Secretary to establish incentives for developers to: (1) increase the energy efficiency of multifamily housing; and (2) certify that trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants are planted properly. Sets forth provisions concerning energy saving techniques and energy performance requirements for manufactured homes. Requires the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to facilitate the financing of cost-effective capital improvements for covered assisted housing projects to improve their energy efficiency and conservation. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the Secretary to make grants for energy efficiency improvements in housing. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to require state and local housing strategies to include provisions to encourage sustainable development for affordable housing. Requires the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit organizations to increase low-income community development capacity. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) direct the Secretary to ensure that public housing agencies will receive the full financial benefit from reductions in utility costs resulting from contracts to undertake energy conservation improvements in connection with revitalization plans; and (2) prohibit the Secretary from making grants for demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance unless the applicant's proposed revitalization plan meets green development requirements. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to require federal financial supervisory agencies, in assessing the record of a financial institution, to consider specified energy efficiency and environmental ventures undertaken by the institution. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct: (1) federal financial institution regulatory agencies to require their standards for the performance of real estate appraisals to consider renewable energy sources for, or energy-efficiency or energy-conserving improvements or features of, the property in determining its value; and (2) the Appraisal Subcommittee to establish requirements for appraisers regarding energy-efficiency features and guidelines for appraising photovoltaic measures and training of appraisers. Directs the Secretary to require the Housing Assistance Council to establish incentives for compliance by structures assisted by the Secretary and HUD's Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development with energy efficiency requirements. Establishes in the Treasury the Alternative Energy Sources State Revolving Fund. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to require federal banking agencies to prescribe guidelines encouraging the establishment and maintenance of green banking centers by insured depository institutions to provide consumers information on home energy ratings, financing for energy-saving improvements to property, and beneficial terms for mortgages or loans that meets energy-efficiency standards.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008
Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act of 2008 - No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act of 2008 or NOPEC - Amends the Sherman Act to make it illegal for any foreign state or instrumentality thereof to act collectively or in combination with any other foreign state or any other person, when such action has a direct, substantial, and reasonably foreseeable effect on the market, supply, price, or distribution of petroleum in the United States, to: (1) limit the production or distribution of oil, natural gas, or any other petroleum product (petroleum); (2) set or maintain the price of petroleum; or (3) otherwise take any action in restraint of trade for petroleum. Denies a foreign state engaged in such conduct sovereign immunity from the jurisdiction or judgements of U.S. courts in any action brought to enforce this Act. States that no U.S. court shall decline, based on the act of state doctrine, to make a determination on the merits in an action brought under this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring an action in U.S. district court to enforce this Act. Makes an exception to the jurisdictional immunity of a foreign state in an action brought under this Act. Directs the Attorney General to establish in the Department of Justice (DOJ) a Petroleum Industry Antitrust Task Force to, among other things, develop, coordinate, and facilitate the implementation of DOJ investigative and enforcement policies related to petroleum industry antitrust issues under federal law. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study evaluating the effects of mergers addressed in covered petroleum merger consent decrees on competition in the markets involved, including the effectiveness of divestitures required in such decrees in preserving competition in those markets.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of a National Guard Youth Challenge Day to improve the education, life skills, and employment potential of America's high school dropouts though public awareness, scholarships, higher education assistance, mentoring, and job development programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2008
Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various provisions relating to energy production and conservation and to individual and business-related activities. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities and through 2011 for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, and trash combustion facilities. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2014: (1) the energy tax credits for solar energy, fuel cell, and microturbine property; and (2) the residential energy efficient property tax credit. Increases the authorization levels for new clean renewable energy bonds. Allows tax credits for investment in advanced coal electricity and coal gasification projects. Extends through 2018 the temporary increase in coal excise taxes. Sets forth special rules for refunds of coal excise taxes to certain producers or exporters. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on: (1) Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) current biofuel production. Allows a new tax credit for the production of cellulosic biofuels. Extends through 2009 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel. Allows a tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Allows a tax credit against payroll liabilities of New York Liberty Zone governmental units (i.e., New York State, the City of New York, or any agencies or instrumentalities thereof) for expenditures involving transportation infrastructure projects in or connecting with the New York Liberty Zone. Increases and extends through 2010 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for energy efficient appliances. Extends through FY2012 tax-exempt bond financing for qualified green building and sustainable design projects. Extends through 2008: (1) the election to deduct state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (2) the tax deductions for qualified tuition and related expenses and for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (3) the special rules relating to regulated investment companies and for charitable contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes; (4) tax-free distributions from individual retirement plans (IRAs) for individuals called or ordered to active military duty and for charitable purposes; (5) the election to include combat pay as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit; (6) authority for use of qualified mortgage bonds to finance residences for veterans; (7) the tax exclusion for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans; and (8) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Extends through 2008 various business-related tax provisions, including: (1) the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) the tax credits for Indian employment and railroad track maintenance; (3) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for motorsports racing track facilities, and for business property on Indian reservations; (4) the expensing allowance for environmental remediation costs; (5) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico; (6) the special rule for the tax treatment of certain payments to tax-exempt organizations by a controlled subsidiary; (7) issuance authority for qualified zone academy bonds; (8) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (9) the economic development credit for American Samoa; (10) the special rule for charitable contributions of food and book inventories; (11) the increased tax deduction for corporate contributions of computer equipment and technology for educational purposes; (12) the special rule for reductions in the basis of S corporation stock for charitable contributions of property; (13) work opportunity tax credit eligibility for Hurricane Katrina employees; and (14) increases in alcohol excise taxes payable to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Extends through 2009: (1) the new markets tax credit; (2) the subpart F exemption for active financing income earned on business operations overseas; (3) special rules for the tax treatment of payments between related controlled foreign corporations; and (4) expensing of costs of certain film and television productions. Makes permanent authorities for: (1) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) disclosure of tax information relating to terrorist activities; (2) IRS undercover operations; and (3) Social Security Administration (SSA) disclosure of tax information for veterans' benefit determinations. Allows individual taxpayers an additional standard tax deduction in 2008 for state and local real property taxes. Lowers in 2008 (from $10,000 to $8,500) the earned income threshold amount for determining the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Increases the AMT refundable credit amount for individual taxpayers with long-term unused tax credits in prior taxable years. Abates any underpayment of tax and related interest and penalties attributable to the application of special AMT rules for the treatment of incentive stock options. Allow attorneys a tax deduction in the current taxable year for reimbursable expenses and court costs which they pay or incur in connection with contingency fee cases. Modifies criteria for penalties on tax return preparers who understate tax liabilities. Allows taxpayers who claimed a casualty loss deduction for damage to a personal residence caused by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, or Wilma and who subsequently received a grant as compensation for such damage to file an amended tax return to disallow the casualty loss deduction without payment of any tax penalty. Waives deadlines for starting construction for property in the Gulf Opportunity (GO) Zone eligible for bonus depreciation. Includes Colbert and Dallas Counties in Alabama within the GO Zone for purposes of tax-exempt bond financing. Sets forth revenue provisions relating to: (1) the inclusion in gross income of deferred compensation paid by certain foreign entities; and (2) increases in estimated tax payments of certain large corporations. Delays until 2019 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008
Expresses support for the designation of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Encourages increased awareness about the prevalence of asthma and allergies and the disparities in asthma cases based on race, ethnicity, and economic status. Recognizes: (1) health care professionals that treat asthma- and allergy-related health issues; and (2) the nation's commitment to continued education surrounding asthma and allergy treatment and symptoms and to advancing care for both conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to suspend petroleum acquisition for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) through the royalty-in-kind program during the period between enactment of this Act and December 31, 2008. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to suspend petroleum acquisition for the SPR through any acquisition method during such period. Authorizes both Secretaries to resume acquisition during such period, but no earlier than 30 days after the President notifies Congress that the weighted average price of petroleum in the United States for the most recent 90-day period is $75 or less per barrel. Directs the Secretary of Energy, to the extent practicable, to: (1) accept delivery of royalty-in-kind oil scheduled for delivery to the Department of Energy (DOE) for the SPR pursuant to an existing contract with the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) negotiate deferral of any oil delivery scheduled for the SPR pursuant to a contract entered into by DOE before, and in effect on, the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008
Protecting Children's Health Coverage Act of 2008 - Nullifies any effectiveness of the August 17, 2007, State Health Official Letter issued by the Director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (with respect to extension to uninsured children of health insurance under title XIX (Medicaid) or XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)).