United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2010
International Prevention of Child Marriage Act of 2010 - Directs the President, through the Secretary of State, to establish a multi-year strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries and to promote the empowerment of girls at risk of child marriage. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that Department of State country reports on human rights practices include a description of the status of child marriage for countries with specified rates of child marriage. Defines "child marriage" as the marriage of a girl or boy not yet the minimum age for marriage stipulated in law in the country in which the girl or boy is a resident, or where there is no such law, under the age of 18.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. government should: (1) denounce violence and human rights violations committed against vulnerable religious communities in Iraq; (2) assist Iraq in developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to secure places of worship and religious congregation and increase the representation of such religious communities in the Iraqi government and security forces, and in the economic, social, and political aspects of its society; (3) assist in funding, training, and deploying police units; (4) urge Iraq to investigate and prosecute allegations of such human rights violations; and (5) continue processing Iraqi refugees for resettlement to the United States taking into account the ongoing targeted violence and the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Condemns the unilateral decision of the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to begin the closure of the Yucca Mountain license application review. Calls on the NRC to resume license application review activities immediately, pending further direction from Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010
Commends the city of Jacksonville, Arkansas, for its outstanding support in creating a unique and lasting partnership with Little Rock Air Force Base, members of the Armed Forces stationed there and their families, and the Air Force.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2010
Congratulates Liu Xiaobo on the award of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize and honors his courage and promotion of democratic reform in China. States that in honoring Liu Xiaobo the House of Representatives also honors those who have promoted democratic reform in China, including those who participated in the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstration. Asserts that Liu Xiaobo is a political prisoner and that Liu Xia, Liu Xiaobo's supporters, and all signers of Charter 08 who have been detained or harassed are the victims of political persecution, and urges President Obama to work for their release. Calls on the government of China to: (1) release Liu Xiaobo from prison and to release Liu Xia, Liu Xiaobo's supporters, and all signers of Charter 08 from detention; and (2) cease censoring media and Internet reporting of the Nobel Peace Prize award to Liu Xiaobo and to cease its campaign of defamation against Liu Xiaobo.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2010
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Bayh-Dole Act (amending federal patent and trademark law) and its subsequent amendments have: (1) made substantial contributions to the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge; (2) fostered dramatic improvements in public health and safety; (3) strengthened higher education; (4) led to the development of new domestic industries and private sector jobs; and (5) benefitted economic and trade policies of the United States. Reaffirms the support of Congress for such Act and the role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the future of the United States. Expresses the gratitude of Congress for the bipartisan leadership of specified former Members on the 30th anniversary of enactment of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Honors the lives of the humanitarian aid workers, doctors, and nurses who died in the tragic attack of August 5, 2010, in northern Afghanistan. Extends condolences to the families of the victims. Condemns those who committed the brutal murders. Urges the Afghan authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. Encourages all parties to respect the neutral status of humanitarian aid workers. Commends international humanitarian aid workers for their courageous efforts to save lives and alleviate suffering by providing important services to the Afghan people.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Persian Gulf War, which began on August 2, 1990. Honors the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces and armed forces of allied countries that served in the Persian Gulf since 1990 to the present. Encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities to pay tribute to Persian Gulf War veterans. Calls upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing such anniversary. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to peace and prosperity in the Persian Gulf region.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Commemorates the 100th anniversary of Mother Teresa's birth and her enduring legacy of humility and sacrifice, exemplified by nearly 50 years of actively comforting the poor, the dying, and the unwanted across the globe.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits: (1) the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion; (2) any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes coverage of abortion; and (3) the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government. Exempts from such prohibitions an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest with a minor, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the women in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Makes such prohibitions applicable to federal funding within the budget of the District of Columbia. Prohibits federal agencies or programs and states and local governments that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating against any individual or institutional health care entity on the basis that such entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, and coordinate the investigation of, discrimination complaints.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Save U.S. Manufacturing and Jobs Act - Removes duty-free or other preferential treatment eligibility under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for certain imported sleeping bags.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Recognizes the importance of honoring the nation's parents of special needs children. Expresses its sense that a National Day of Recognition for Parents of Special Needs Children should be established to honor such parents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010
Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize appropriations for FY2011-FY2013 for: (1) core programs; (2) research and development technology (R & D) for the fuel cycle; (3) certain nuclear energy research programs; and (4) nuclear energy enabling technologies, including crosscutting nuclear energy concepts. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Energy implement: (1) the nuclear power 2010 program; (2) the generation IV nuclear energy systems initiative; and (3) the reactor production of hydrogen. Directs the Secretary to implement: (1) R & D to advance fission power systems and technologies (reactor concepts) to sustain currently deployed systems; (2) a small modular reactor program to promote R&D of small modular reactors; and (3) R&D on fuel cycle options that improve uranium resource utilization, maximize energy generation, minimize nuclear waste creation, improve safety, and mitigate risk of proliferation in support of a national strategy for spent nuclear fuel and reactor concepts. Instructs the Secretary, in carrying out certain optional initiatives, to consider the final report on a long-term nuclear waste solution produced by the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program to support the integration of certain activities undertaken through R&D programs for reactor concepts and crosscutting nuclear energy concepts. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) the quantitative risks associated with the potential of a severe accident arising from the use of nuclear power; and (2) current technologies to mitigate the consequences of such an accident. Changes the location of the prototype Next Generation Nuclear reactor and associated Plant from the Idaho National Laboratory (IDL) to a construction site determined by the IDL-organized consortium of appropriate industrial partners through an open and transparent competitive selection process. Directs the Comptroller General to submit to Congress a status update of the Next Generation Nuclear Plant program. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a nuclear energy standards committee to facilitate the development or revision of technical standards for new and existing nuclear power plants and advanced nuclear technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the outbreak of the Gulf War. Honors the service and sacrifice of the armed forces of the United States and of allied countries that served in the Persian Gulf since 1990. Encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities. Calls upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing that anniversary. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to its alliance with Kuwait.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Recognizes the close relationship between the United States and the Republic of Georgia. Remembers the victims of the August 2008 military conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation. Reaffirms support for a peaceful future for the region and for the unification of Georgia. Supports the implementation of the United States-Georgia Strategic Partnership and the continued growth of bilateral relations. Encourages Georgia to expand media freedoms, increase government transparency, promote democratic electoral processes, strengthen the rule of law, and implement judicial reforms.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2010 - Directs the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to adopt underwriting standards that are consistent with the Guidelines for Pilot PACE Financing Programs issued on May 7, 2010, by the Department of Energy (DOE). Provides that liens or other property obligations that secure property taxes or assessments under a PACE program and that are consistent with such standards shall be considered to comply with the Uniform Instruments of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and shall not constitute a default on an existing mortgage or trigger the exercise of lender's remedies for a property with such a lien. Defines a "PACE program" as a property assessed clean energy program under which a state or political subdivision levies taxes or assessments on real property to finance the installation of renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. Prohibits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from requiring repayment of a PACE program tax or assessment in order for a property owner to finance, refinance, or transfer property that meets their underwriting criteria without consideration of the PACE program lien. Requires the underwriting standards to provide that, in the event that a tax or assessment under a PACE program is delinquent, only the unpaid delinquent amount along with applicable penalties, interest, and costs will be subject to foreclosure and not the entire amount. Prohibits the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and all federal agencies and entities chartered under federal law from discriminating against communities implementing or participating in a PACE program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2010 - Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to authorize the Secretary of State to provide for the preparation and dissemination of information intended primarily for foreign audiences abroad about the United States, including about its people, its history, and the federal government's policies, through press, publications, radio, motion pictures, the internet, and other information media, and through information centers and instructors. (Under current law such authority is restricted to information disseminated abroad, with a limited domestic exception.) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 to prohibit Department of State funds from being used to influence public opinion or propagandizing in the United States. (Under current law such provision applies to the United States Information Agency [USIA].) States that such provision shall: (1) not prohibit the Department from responding to inquiries about its operations, policies, programs, or program material, or making such information available to members of the media, public, or Congress; (2) not be construed to prohibit the Department from engaging in any medium of information on a presumption that a U.S. domestic audience may be exposed to program material; and (3) apply only to the Department and to no other federal department or agency.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
Commends Google Inc. and other companies for advocating for an uncensored Internet, adhering to free speech principles, and keeping the Internet open for users worldwide. Encourages other companies and institutions to protect freedom of speech and monitor cybersecurity issues around the world by encouraging their participation in the Global Network Initiative. Calls on the President, Secretary of State, and the U.S. Trade Representative to make Internet access for lawful uses an important part of U.S. foreign policy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Honors the Patriot Guard Riders and the contributions of its members to the surviving wives and husbands, children, families, and communities of this nation's military who perished protecting their country and the freedom of those they left behind.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Reiterates condemnation of the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, honors the victims of the attack, and expresses sympathy to the victims' relatives. Applauds the government of Argentina for its onging investigative efforts. Urges: (1) all nations to cooperate fully with the AMIA investigation; and (2) governments in the Western Hemisphere to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and to penalize those providing support for Hezbollah and other Islamist terrorist organizations. Encourages the President to direct U.S. law enforcement agencies, upon Argentine request, to cooperate in the AMIA investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010
Celebrates the 130th anniversary of U.S.-Romanian diplomatic relations. Congratulates the Romanian people on their achievements as a great nation. Reaffirms the deep bonds of trust and values between the United States and Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Recognizes the exemplary service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division of the U.S. Army, known as the Liberators, during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2010
Expresses support for the work of the United States Paralympics. Congratulates all of the U.S. Paralympic Team medal winners from the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, honors all of the athletes for their contributions to the Games, and recognizes the contributions of the athletes' families, schools, and communities to the Games and the U.S. Team.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Recognizes: (1) Japan as an indispensable U.S. security partner in providing peace and stability to the Asia-Pacific region; and (2) that the support and understanding of the Japanese people are indispensable for the stationing of U.S. Armed Forces in Japan. Expresses appreciation to the people of Japan, and especially on Okinawa, for their continued hosting of U.S. Armed Forces. Encourages Japan to continue its international engagement in humanitarian, development, and environmental issues. Anticipates another 50 years of friendship and cooperation under the auspices of the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Reaffirms the friendship and alliance between the United States and Colombia. Congratulates President-elect Juan Manuel Santos on his recent victory in Colombia's June 20, 2010, presidential election. Recognizes Colombia's commitment to the democratic process as demonstrated by the free and fair nature of the presidential elections.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Mourns the loss of life and expresses solidarity with the people affected by Tropical Storm Agatha. Commends the brave efforts of the people of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador as they recover from Tropical Storm Agatha. Recognizes the assistance of the international community during the recovery effort in providing relief to the people of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Urges the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to continue to develop a strategic plan to promote food security and recovery efforts with the goal of mitigating the current and future effects of the recent natural disasters that have devastated Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2010
Debt Buy-Down Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to designate up to 10% of their adjusted income tax liability for the reduction of the public debt. Establishes in the Treasury the Public Debt Reduction Trust Fund to hold tax revenues generated by this Act for the reduction of the public debt. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to require a sequestration of federal spending equivalent to the estimated aggregate amount designated by taxpayers under this Act to reduce the public debt. Prohibits any reduction in social security retirement benefits, veterans benefits, or interest payments on federal debt as a result of any such sequestration.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2010
Expresses support for the observance of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month to enhance thyroid cancer awareness and encourage early detection. Recognizes the work of national and community thyroid cancer organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Expresses support for the designation of Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Encourages participation in voluntary activities to support blood cancer research and education.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2010
Green Railcar Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, through 2011, a new business-related tax credit for 25% of the cost of acquiring or rebuilding freight railcars which achieve an increase in capacity or fuel efficiency of at least 8%.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2011, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010, and FY2012-FY2020. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2010-FY2020 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2010-FY2020. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Education and Labor: (3) Energy and Commerce; (4) Financial Services; (5) the Judiciary; (6) Natural Resources; (7) Oversight and Government Reform; and (8) Ways and Means. Requires the House Committee on the Budget to report a reconciliation bill that slows the growth in mandatory spending and achieves deficit reduction. Requires each House Committees to identify savings amounting to 1% of total mandatory spending under its jurisdiction from activities determined to be wasteful, unnecessary, or lower-priority. Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except for certain FY2012-FY2013 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. States that Rule XXVII (Disclosure by Members and Staff of Employment Negotiations) [ sic ] of the Rules of the House of Representatives shall not apply with respect to adoption by Congress of a budget resolution for FY2011. Prescribes requirements for legislation reported out of committee and designated as an emergency requirement. Requires the Joint Committee on Taxation to calculate the impact of any proposal to change federal revenues on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), total domestic employment, and other specified economic variables. Prohibits the chairman of the House Committee on the Budget from taking into account the provisions of any piece of legislation which propose to increase revenue or offsetting collections if the net effect of the bill is to increase the level of revenue or offsetting collections beyond the level assumed in this concurrent resolution. Makes it out of order in the House to consider direct spending legislation increasing a specified on-budget deficit or decreasing an on-budget surplus for any applicable time period. Requires the chairman of the House Committee on the Budget to maintain a Budget Protection Mandatory Account and a Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Requires the Majority Leader to introduce rescission bills quarterly. Prescribes legislative procedures for their floor consideration. Expresses the sense of the House regarding: (1) baseline revenue projections; and (2) long-term budget projections. Establishes an earmark moratorium for FY2011 for legislation providing or authorizing discretionary budget authority, credit or other spending authority, providing a federal tax deduction, credit, or exclusion, or modifying the Harmonized Tariff Schedule in FY2011. Prohibits the House Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order waiving such moratorium. Declares it is the policy of this resolution that: (1) the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-152) should be repealed; and (2) in their place, health care reform that empowers patients should be enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2010 - Requires the seizure and forfeiture of an imported textile or apparel article for which a trade preference has been claimed in cases where the importer: (1) has either misdescribed or not verified the article's country of origin; or (2) provides false information as to his or her address or does not meet certain documentation or informational requirements upon entry of an article. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) or the Secretary of the Treasury to use amounts from fines, penalties, and forfeitures of articles due to violations of the U.S. customs laws to pay for expenses related to the investigation and enforcement of such violations. Authorizes also the use of such amounts to pay for a reward of the lesser of at least 20% of that amount or $20,000 to any person who furnishes information that leads to an arrest, conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of articles due to violations enforced by the Secretary. Directs the Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure specified staffing of the Textile Operations Branch of the Textile and Apparel Policy and Programs (TAPP) division of the Office of International Trade within CBP and of the Textile/Apparel Policy Branch of TAPP. Requires the Commissioner to allocate, to the 15 largest U.S. ports of entry for textile or apparel articles, a certain number of Import Specialists trained in preventing textile or apparel importer fraud. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require certain documentation or information from an importer upon the entry of textile or apparel articles to include an affidavit with specified information that may be electronically filed with CBP. Prescribes additional bonding requirements for the importation of textile or apparel articles. Specifies producers, manufacturers, suppliers, sellers, importers, exporters subject to certain prohibitions against fraud, gross negligence, or negligence in the documentation of imported merchandise. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (who is now merely authorized) to publish in the Federal Register: (1) the names of persons located outside of the U.S. customs territories against whom the CBP has issued a penalty claim for violating U.S. customs laws; and (2) a list of high risk countries involved in the transshipment of textile or apparel products. Requires the President, acting through the CBP Commissioner and in coordination with the head of the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the Department of Commerce, to establish an electronic verification system for tracking textile or apparel articles imported or exported under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), or any other free trade agreement to which the United States is a party to ensure compliance with such agreements. Requires the President to establish a nonresident importer declaration program for the import of textile or apparel articles. Directs the Attorney General to establish within the Department of Justice (DOJ) the Office of Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Recognizes the historical importance of the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950. Honors the noble service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces and the armed forces of allied countries that served in Korea since 1950 to the present. Encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities to pay solemn tribute to, and to never forget, the veterans of the Korean War. Calls upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and commemorating National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to its alliance with the Republic of Korea for the betterment of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2010
Condemns the selection of the government of Iran to serve on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Urges the President to direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use U.S. influence at the United Nations (U.N.) to advocate for the government of Iran's removal from the Commission. Reaffirms the solidarity of the House of Representatives with the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom and human rights, including equal rights for women in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
United States-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to the government of Israel for the procurement, maintenance, and sustainment of the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system for purposes of intercepting short-range missiles launched against Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
Foreign-Held Debt Transparency and Threat Assessment Act - Expresses the sense of Congress about the growing federal debt of the United States, the increasing U.S. dependence on foreign creditors like its largest foreign creditor, the People's Republic of China, whose holdings could give China a tool with which to manipulate U.S. policymaking (including with respect to Taiwan) and pose a direct threat to the national economy and national security. Directs the President to report quarterly to certain congressional committees on the risks posed by foreign holdings of U.S. debt instruments, and make such report public on the Internet. Directs the Comptroller General to report annually to certain congressional committees on such risks. Directs the President to formulate, report to the appropriate congressional committees, and implement a plan of action to reduce an unsustainable level of risk to an acceptable and sustainable level, in a manner that results in a reduction in federal spending, in any case in which the President or the Comptroller General makes specified determinations that a foreign country's holdings of U.S. debt instruments pose an unacceptable risk to long-term national security or economic stability, or that the levels of risk posed by the federal debt are unsustainable.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
Demands that Hamas: (1) immediately and unconditionally release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; (2) allow access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross; and (3) provide Gilad Shalit the humane treatment all captives are entitled to as a fundamental human right, including communication with his family. Expresses: (1) commitment to the survival of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state within recognized and secure borders; (2) support in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of a democratic, viable, and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel; (3) sympathy for Gilad Shalit's family; and (4) commitment to seek the release of Gilad Shalit and other missing Israeli soldiers. Recalls Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser, Eldad Regev, Zecharya Baumel, Zvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz, Ron Arad, Guy Hever, and Majdy Halabi. Condemns: (1) Hamas for the cross border attack and kidnapping of Gilad Shalit; and (2) Iran and Syria for their support for international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2010
Supports the goals of Taiwanese American Heritage Week. Recognizes the contributions of Taiwanese Americans and the important role that Taiwanese Americans play in strengthening U.S. society. Remains committed to enhancing peace, stability, and prosperity in Taiwan and across the Taiwan Strait.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Earmark Transparency Act of 2010 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate to establish jointly a free public searchable website, listing all requests by Members of Congress for congressionally directed spending items (congressional earmarks). Requires each congressional committee, within five calendar days of receipt of a request for a congressional earmark from a Member of Congress, to provide to the Clerk and the Secretary, as applicable, the initial required information regarding that request that is required to be placed on the website. Makes it out of order to consider any legislation unless it meets the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an abortion provider who knowingly performs an abortion of a pain-capable unborn child (defined as an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of 20 weeks or more after fertilization), to first: (1) inform the woman of the probable age of the child; (2) provide to the woman an Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure (unless she waives receipt); (3) provide information that pain medicine administered to the mother may not prevent pain in the child, but in some cases anesthesia or pain-reducing drugs can be administered directly to the child; (4) give the woman the provider's best medical judgment of the risks and costs of such anesthesia or analgesic; and (5) obtain the woman's signature on the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Decision Form and her explicit request for or refusal of the administration of drugs to the child. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure that includes a statement that there is substantial evidence that the process of being killed in an abortion will cause the unborn child pain and that the mother has the option of having pain-reducing drugs administered directly to the child. Creates an exception to save the life of the mother. Establishes civil penalties for willfully failing to comply with this Act. Authorizes: (1) the U.S. Attorney General to bring a civil action under this Act; and (2) private rights of action for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Condemns the abduction and retention of all minor children being held in Japan away from their U.S. parents in violation of their human rights and U.S. and international law. Calls on: (1) the government of Japan to facilitate the resolution of all abduction cases and related issues; and (2) the President and the Secretary of State to seek to identify all U.S. citizen minor children who have been wrongfully removed to, and retained in, Japan. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) recognize the issue of child abduction to, and retention of, U.S. citizen minor children in Japan as a central foreign policy issue; (2) work with the government of Japan to enact consular procedures and legal agreements to prevent parental abduction; (3) review its advisory services from the Department of State, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Armed Forces to ensure that timely assistance is given to U.S. citizens and service members in preventing the wrongful retention or removal of minor children; and (4) urge the Department of State to include international child abduction and Japan's actions regarding abductions as a human rights violation under its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2010
Recognizes the friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States. Expresses gratitude to the people of the United Kingdom for their generosity and cooperation with the people of the United States in military operations, foreign assistance, and other joint efforts throughout the world. Acknowledges the importance of the United Kingdom's political philosophy, law, and history on the cultural, political, and legal institutions of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a provision (added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) that extends to corporations that are not tax-exempt the requirement to report payments of $600 or more.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
International Megan's Law of 2010 - Requires registered sex offenders to notify appropriate jurisdictions of their intent to travel not later than 30 days before their departure from or arrival in the United States. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to 10 years for failure to report such travel. Requires notice to registered sex offenders of their duty to report international travel. Requires diplomatic or consular missions in each foreign country to establish and maintain a countrywide, nonpublic, sex offender registry for sex offenders from the United States who temporarily or permanently reside in such country. Specifies the information required to be included in such registry, including passport and visa type, social security or alien registration number, addresses, and the purpose for the sex offender's residence in the country. Allows access to the registry by the general public. Directs the President to establish the International Sex Offender Travel Center to monitor the travel of high interest registered sex offenders (offenders who pose a high risk of committing a sex offense against a minor). Requires the Center to issue guidelines for the assessment of sex offenders who report travel from the United States to another country or whose travel is reported by law enforcement agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of State to revoke the passport of individuals convicted of a sex offense in a foreign country and limit to one year the validity of a passport issued to a high interest registered sex offender. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should negotiate agreements with foreign governments to further the purposes of this Act. Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to include in the annual report of the Secretary of State on the status of severe forms of human trafficking efforts of foreign countries to identify and provide notice of international travel by sex offenders. Encourages the President to use authorities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to assist foreign countries in identifying and providing notice of sex offenders traveling to the United States and other countries. Sets forth reporting requirements relating to the travel of international sex offenders.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Congratulates Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the 20th anniversary of the end of their illegal incorporation into the Soviet Union. Calls on the President to continue to build the mutually beneficial relations the United States has enjoyed with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania since the restoration of their full independence.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prohibit federal funds from being to used to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion services. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.) Requires any qualified health benefit plan offered through an Exchange that includes coverage for abortions to also offer a qualified health benefit plan through the Exchange that is identical in every respect except that it does not cover abortions.