United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2010
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to declare that nothing in such Act or amendments made by such Act shall be construed to affect: (1) any authority under title 38 of the United States Code (veterans' benefits); (2) any authority under chapter 55 of title 10 of the United States Code (medical and dental care for members of the uniformed services); or (3) any health care or health care benefits program provided under the TRICARE program or by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Declares that the term "minimum essential coverage" includes coverage provided to members of the uniformed services and eligibility for health care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2010
GSE Bailout Elimination and Taxpayer Protection Act - Sets a deadline for the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to terminate the conservatorship of either the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) if the Director determines that it is financially viable. (Refers to both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as enterprises.) Requires the Director to appoint the FHFA immediately as receiver of either enterprise if it is found not to be financially viable. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (FHEFSSA) to repeal: (1) its housing goals if the Director determines that an enterprise is financially viable; and (2) the new housing price index. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to restrict the authority of an enterprise to acquire mortgage assets following its emergence from conservatorship. Increases the minimum capital level required for each enterprise. Instructs the Director to establish minimum levels of capital for the enterprises. Authorizes the Director to: (1) establish minimum capital levels in excess of levels specified in the FHEFSSA; and (2) deem failure of an enterprise to maintain revised minimum capital levels to constitute an unsafe and unsound condition. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 to repeal temporary increases to conforming loan limits. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to repeal provisions governing enterprise authority to purchase and sell certain insured and conventional mortgages and to engage in certain lending activities (general limit and permanent high-cost area increases). Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to repeal its conforming loan limits. Prescribes conforming loan limits for conventional mortgages that may be purchased by the enterprises. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to: (1) prohibit the enterprises from purchasing mortgages that exceed the median area price for the affected property; (2) prohibit the enterprises from purchasing mortgages if the mortgagor has paid less than the specified minimum downpayment; and (3) require the enterprises to pay state and local taxes. Instructs the Director of FHFA to assess each enterprise for the amount necessary to recoup to the federal government the full value of the benefit received from the federal guarantee of its obligations and financial viability. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on a risk-based pricing mechanism to determine accurately the value of the benefit the enterprises receive from the federal guarantee of their obligations and financial viability. Prescribes a deadline and procedures for the wind down of operations and dissolution of an enterprise.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Corolla Wild Horse Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund in the County of Currituck, North Carolina, and the state of North Carolina to provide for the management of free-roaming wild horses in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. Bars the Secretary from excluding free-roaming wild horses from any part of the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge unless: (1) it is found that the presence of such horses on a part of the Refuge threatens the survival of an endangered species for which such land is designated as critical habitat; (2) such finding is based on a peer-reviewed scientific assessment; and (3) a period of public notice and comment is provided on that finding.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order that provides for disposition of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590 (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA]) unless it provides for: (1) at least one hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader; and (2) a requirement that the Speaker put the question on disposition of the Senate amendments and that the yeas and nays be considered as ordered thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow a Member of Congress, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to administer the oath of renunciation and allegiance to applicants for naturalization.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2010
Supports the designation of Ten Commandments Weekend. Celebrates the significant role the Ten Commandments have played in the development of public and private U.S. institutions. Encourages citizens of all faiths and religious persuasions to reflect on the impact that the Ten Commandments have had on the people and national character of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Medicare Secondary Payer Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment between a Medicare claimant and an applicable plan involving a payment made for items and services by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Prescribes requirements for a voluntary calculation and direct reimbursement by a Medicare claimant and an applicable plan to the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund or the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, as appropriate, of a conditional payment of Medicare secondary payer claims for settlement purposes. Grants the Secretary the right to contest the amount of any such reimbursement, and the right of the claimant and plan to request a final recovery demand for reimbursement. Declares that requirements to reimburse the appropriate Trust Fund for any payment made by the Secretary with respect to an item or service shall not apply with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment by an applicable plan: (1) constituting a total payment obligation to a claimant of not more than $5,000; or (2) involving the ongoing responsibility for other medical payments of not more than $5,000. Changes from mandatory to discretionary the current civil money penalty for failure of an applicable plan to submit certain information to the Secretary with respect to any claimant. Prescribes requirements for the creation of safe harbors from such sanctions. Directs the Secretary to modify reporting requirements for liability insurance (including self-insurance), no fault insurance, and workers' compensation laws and plans so that entities responsible for reporting information are not required to access or report to the Secretary beneficiary Social Security numbers or health identification numbers. Sets a statute of limitations with respect to the recovery of payments by the United States. Establishes $30 user fees, adjusted annually for inflation, for requests submitted to the Secretary for direct conditional payment reimbursement and for final demand of a conditional payment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Honors the heroic efforts of the West Virginia National Guard and local first responders in rescuing 17 individuals from a downed military helicopter on a rugged, snow-covered mountain in West Virginia. Recognizes the countless volunteers, families, and neighbors who assisted in such rescue. Recognizes the courage, ability, determination, and willingness of West Virginians to lend a hand.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Withdraws Congress' approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Directs the President to provide written notice of the withdrawal to the governments of Canada and Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Directs the President, pursuant to the War Powers Resolution, to remove the U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan: (1) by no later than 30 days after this resolution is adopted; or (2) if the President determines that it is not safe to remove them by such date, by no later than December 31, 2010, or such earlier date that the President determines that they can be safely removed.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Achievements of the GI Bill Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a single gold medal in honor of the recipients of assistance under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights), in recognition of their great contributions in both their military and civilian life, and the contributions of Harry W. Colmery in initiating actions which led to the enactment of that Act. Requires the medal, following its award, to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display. Expresses the sense of Congress that the medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations selected by the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense (DOD), or Education.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Taking Responsibility For Congressional Pay Act - Reduces the rate of basic pay for each Member of Congress by 5%, rounded to the nearest multiple of $100 (or, if midway between multiples of $100, to the next higher multiple of $100). Declares that such adjustment shall be in lieu of any adjustment which (but for this Act) might otherwise take effect in 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 15, 2009, relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should promote policies related to the nation's manufacturing sector that, among other things: (1) create sustainable economic growth and increased employment; (2) recruit, improve, and educate the workforce; (3) increase productivity, exports, and global competitiveness; and (4) maintain and improve national and homeland security. Directs the President, every four years, to: (1) conduct a comprehensive analysis of the nation's manufacturing sector; and (2) submit to Congress a National Manufacturing Strategy (Strategy). Requires the President, in developing each Strategy, to convene a Manufacturing Strategy Task Force to make recommendations regarding specified matters for incorporation into the Strategy, including short- and long-term goals for the manufacturing sector. Directs that: (1) each final Strategy be published on a public website; and (2) the first Strategy be issued by February 28, 2011. Directs the Comptroller General, three years after publication of a Strategy, to review its recommendations. Requires the President to convene a President's Manufacturing Strategy Board to provide information and recommendations regarding the needs of, and opportunities for, the nation's manufacturing sector. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) conduct quadrennial studies concerning U.S. manufacturing; and (2) report each study's results to Congress and the President. Provides for additional required and discretionary studies. Requires the President, in preparing each annual budget, to include information regarding that budget's consistency with the goals and recommendations included in the latest Strategy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Reinstatement of Personal Responsibility for Immigrants Act of 2010 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act to repeal the authority of states to elect to provide medical assistance to children and pregnant women who are lawfully residing in the United States, notwithstanding the mandatory five-year delay for general coverage of legal immigrants. Requires CHIP to participate in the state income and eligibility verification system (SAVE program). Requires application under Medicaid and CHIP of the citizenship verification procedures that applied before enactment of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA). Rescinds unobligated amounts under CHIPRA for the alternative state process for verification of declaration of citizenship or nationality for purposes of eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 15, 2009, relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2010 - Directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (with respect to drugs, devices, cosmetics, and biological products), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) (with respect to consumer products), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (with respect to chemical substances, new chemical substances, and pesticides) to require foreign manufacturers and producers of such products (or components used to manufacture them), in excess of a minimum value or quantity, to establish a registered agent in the United States who is authorized to accept service of process on their behalf for the purpose of all civil and regulatory actions in state and federal courts. Requires the registered agent to be located in a state with a substantial connection to the importation, distribution, or sale of the products. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish, maintain, and make available to the public a registry of such agents. Deems a foreign manufacturer or producer of products covered under this Act that registers an agent to consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state or federal courts of the state in which the agent is located for the purpose of any civil or regulatory proceeding. Prohibits importation into the United States of a covered product (or component part that will be used in the United States to manufacture a covered product) if the product (or component part) or any part of the product (or component part) was manufactured or produced outside the United States by a manufacturer or producer who does not have a registered agent whose authority is in effect on the date of the importation. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to jointly study the feasibility and advisability of requiring foreign producers of food distributed in commerce to establish a registered agent in the United States who is authorized to accept service of process on behalf of such producers for the purpose of all civil and regulatory actions in state and federal courts.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act - Prohibits the President from: (1) regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents or any transactions incident to such travel; and (2) restricting direct transfers from a Cuban financial institution to a U.S. financial institution executed in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. States that: (1) any regulation restricting or prohibiting such Cuban travel shall have no effect; and (2) such prohibition shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. citizens or legal residents. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to define "payment of cash in advance" as the payment by the purchaser of an agricultural commodity or product and the receipt of such payment by the seller prior to: (1) the transfer of title of such commodity or product to the purchaser; and (2) the release of control of such commodity or product to the purchaser.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Accurate Accounting of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Act - Requires the receipts and disbursements of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of: (1) the federal budget submitted by the President; (2) the congressional budget; or (3) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the costs of purchases of mortgages, and mortgage-backed securities issued, by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to be calculated by adjusting a specified discount rate for market risks under the Credit Reform Act of 1990. Subjects to the statutory public debt limit the face amount of obligations issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and outstanding at one time.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Recognizes the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima (World War II). Recognizes and commends the members of the U.S. Marine Corps and all other members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in such Battle for their service and sacrifice, with particular honor and gratitude to those who gave their lives during such Battle in defense of the United States and freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2010
Corporal Dustin Lee Memorial Act - Provides that, for purposes of determining the appropriateness of the adoption of a military working dog (dog) before the end of the dog's useful life, the unusual or extraordinary circumstances that must exist in such case may include situations in which the handler is killed in action, dies of wounds received in action, or is so seriously wounded in action that the member will, or most likely will, receive a medical discharge. Provides that, under such circumstances, if the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that an adoption is justified, the dog will be made available for adoption only by the immediate family of such member.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2010
Transparency in Job Loss from Fishery Closures Act of 2010 - Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from implementing a closure of a fishery pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that would have a direct or indirect effect of at least $50,000 on each of more than 25 small businesses that do business related to the recreational, charter, or commercial fishing industries involved in the fishery being closed, unless the Secretary has certified that: (1) the closure is the only option available for maintaining the fishery at a sustainable level; (2) the stock assessment of the fishery has been updated and peer reviewed within the preceding three years; and (3) such assessment was developed using at least two models that were subjected to outside peer review. Requires the Secretary to review, in order to meet such requirements, any fishery closure for which notice was published within 12 months prior to the date of enactment of this Act, and to include in such review the effects of the closure on coastal communities. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on fishery closures established within five years prior to the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2010
Commends Brittany and Robbie Bergquist (founders of Cell Phones for Soldiers), their family, and the thousands of volunteers who help members of the Armed Forces (members) keep in touch with their families through the use of recycled cell phones. Pledges continued support for members to maintain contact with their families and loved ones while serving in harm's way. Expresses appreciation for Cell Phones for Soldiers and other nonprofit entities that work selflessly to provide an affordable means for members to maintain such contact while serving overseas.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Keeping Faith With the Greatest Generation Military Retirees Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the monthly part B premium (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) with respect to: (1) an individual who is entitled to military retired or retainer pay based upon service that began before December 7, 1956; and (2) the spouse, widow, or widower of such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Accountability and Transparency for Taxpayers Act of 2010 - Directs the Inspector General (IG) of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to submit quarterly reports to Congress on the IG's activities with respect to the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and their activities and condition while they are in conservatorship status.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (including those for debt service and other debt functions) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Prohibits outlays for the total budget from exceeding the previous fiscal years' outlays plus population growth and inflation, unless a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, provides for such increase. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect only by a vote of a majority of both chambers. Requires all: (1) outlays above revenues from the previous fiscal year to be accounted for in the outlays and budgets of the following fiscal year; and (2) surplus revenues at the end of a fiscal year to be allocated to a fund to be returned to the taxpayers, determined by legislation before the end of the subsequent fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Recognizes the efforts of the U.S. Armed Forces, local first responders, U.S. public servants, and other members of Operation Unified Response for their actions to meet the needs of Haiti's citizens and government and facilitate the evacuation and medical attention of U.S. citizens impacted by the earthquake in Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) a federal government mandate requiring individuals to purchase health insurance is unconstitutional; (2) any such mandate should be removed from pending national health care legislation; and (3) all states should pass legislation protesting any such mandate.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Janey Ensminger Act - Makes any veteran who was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, during a period in which the water there was contaminated by volatile organic compounds, including known and probable human carcinogens, eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any illness, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the illness is attributable to such contamination.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
21st Century Buy American Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish and carry out a program to award grants to any entity that is a manufacturer in the United States, is a firm certified as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974, and is an entity that either: (1) mines, produces, or manufactures a nonavailable item; (2) is the last remaining manufacturer of an item in the United States and can prove hardship because of foreign competition; or (3) is the last remaining manufacturer of an item in the United States that is considered to be vital for national security purposes. Permits a recipient to use such a grant to: (1) increase its ability to compete for a government contract for, and to produce, a nonavailable item; (2) increase its capacity to produce items that are vital to national security and to create or retain jobs; (3) modernize or renovate manufacturing facilities using domestically made equipment; and (4) cover costs associated with obtaining access to adjustment assistance. Defines a "nonavailable item" as an article that: (1) a federal agency has determined is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of a satisfactory quality; (2) has been subject to a waiver of buy American provisions under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; or (3) is on the list of nonavailable articles under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Amends the Buy America Act to: (1) make buy American requirements for articles for public use applicable without regard to whether the articles are for use outside the United States, if they are not needed on an urgent basis or are acquired on a regular basis; (2) require an analysis of the difference in the cost of such articles manufactured inside compared to outside the United States before a contract for such articles is entered; and (3) require an agency, before granting a public interest waiver or a waiver for use outside the United States, to consider the effect on domestic employment. Requires: (1) each agency that applies an exception to the Buy American Act to notify the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), who shall post the notification on a publicly accessible website; and (2) the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the amount of articles purchased by each agency each fiscal year from entities that manufacture them outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Erasing our National Debt Through Accountability and Responsibility Plan Act of 2010 - Terminates the authorities granted the Secretary of the Treasury under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to purchase troubled assets from financial institutions. Lowers the public debt limit by the amount of all TARP assistance repaid by recipients on or after the enactment of this Act, along with dividends, profits, or other funds paid to the Government based on such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Expresses gratitude to the members of the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States since September 11, 2001. Recognizes the citizen-soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard as invaluable to U.S. national security, vital to defending threats both foreign and domestic, and essential for responding to state and national emergencies.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Fairness for American Students Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make illegal aliens ineligible for any postsecondary education benefit that results from their residence within a state or political subdivision unless every citizen and national of this country is entitled to such benefit regardless of their place of residence or the location of the school from which they graduated. Allows any U.S. citizen or national that is enrolled in a postsecondary school to commence a civil action against a school or state education official to enforce their compliance with this Act's requirement and obtain appropriate relief, including the in-state tuition rate. Prohibits federal agencies from providing financial assistance to postsecondary schools that provide benefits to illegal aliens in contravention of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to provide Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage to the following eligible beneficiaries: (1) a member or former member of the Armed Forces entitled to military retired or retainer pay; (2) an unremarried former spouse who was married to a member for at least 20 years, during which such member performed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service; (3) a dependent of a deceased qualifying member or former member; (4) a dependent of a living member or former member; and (5) a family member. Directs the Secretary to reimburse such eligible persons for pharmacy benefits received from a pharmacy that is not a TRICARE (Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care plan) network pharmacy in the same manner as the Secretary would reimburse such person for such benefits received from a TRICARE network pharmacy. Requires such persons, in order to receive such reimbursement, to submit a certification from their physician stating that the person does not have access to a TRICARE network pharmacy due to physical or medical constraints.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (including those for debt service and other debt functions) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Prohibits outlays for the total budget from exceeding the previous fiscal years' outlays plus population growth and inflation, unless a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, provides for such increase. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect only by a vote of a majority of both chambers. Requires all: (1) outlays above revenues from the previous fiscal year to be accounted for in the outlays and budgets of the following fiscal year; and (2) surplus revenues at the end of a fiscal year to be allocated to a fund to be returned to the taxpayers, determined by legislation before the end of the subsequent fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Expresses: (1) condolences and sympathy for the horrific loss of life and the physical and psychological damage caused by the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti; and (2) solidarity with Haitians, Haitian-Americans, and all those who have lost loved ones or have otherwise been affected by the tragedy. Commends the assistance efforts of: (1) the people of the United States, including the Haitian-American community; and (2) the men and women of USNS Comfort and the U.S. Navy.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Prohibiting Foreign Influence in American Elections Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to apply the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nations in connection with a federal, state, or local election to domestic corporations with respect to which: (1) one or more foreign principals serves on the board of directors; (2) one or more foreign principals directly or indirectly has an ownership interest; or (3) one or more foreign principals directly or indirectly holds debt or other obligations. Applies the ban to domestic corporations that are subsidiaries of foreign corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Detainee Transfer and Release Security Act of 2010 - Prohibits the President from releasing or transferring an individual currently detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody of the individual's country of origin or to a third country unless the President certifies to Congress that: (1) such country is not a designated state sponsor of terrorism; (2) such country's government can secure and exercise control over all of its territory; (3) no portion of such country's territory serves as a safe haven for terrorists or insurgent groups, particularly al Qaeda; and (4) there is no confirmed case of any individual who had been detained at Guantanamo who reengaged in terrorist activities subsequent to being transferred or released to such country.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Suspending Travel After Years of Pleasure Trips on Unwitting Taxpayers Act of 2010 or the STAY PUT Act of 2010 - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds, including official funds of the House of Representatives or funds available under any federal law, rule, or regulation, to pay for official travel outside of the United States by any Member, officer, or employee of the House, until the Comptroller General studies and reports to the Speaker of the House and the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and of State on the use of certain appropriated funds for such travel and recommendations for appropriate restrictions on, and reporting requirements applicable to, such travel which will promote transparency and cost savings. Exempts from the prohibition and requirements of this Act any travel: (1) to a military installation or to a theater of operations of the Armed Forces; and (2) by Members and employees of the Committee on Foreign Affairs or the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, if the travel is for official committee business.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
INTERPOL Immunities Oversight Act of 2010 - Directs the The President to revoke Executive Order 13524 and amend Executive Order 12425 so as to restore the words removed by Executive Order 13524. (Restores certain limitations on property search, customs duty, and taxation immunities in the United States for the International Criminal Police Organization's [INTERPOL].)
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
District of Columbia Referendum on Marriage Act of 2010 - Prohibits the government of the District of Columbia from issuing a marriage license to any couple of the same sex until the people of the District have the opportunity to hold a referendum or initiative on the question of whether the District should issue same-sex marriage licenses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Expresses support for the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the vital contributions of the thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in this country.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010
Small Business Contracting Protection Act of 2010 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue regulations defining the term "pass-through business" with respect to another business, for purposes of possible misrepresentation in obtaining SBA-administered small business loans. Outlines criteria for determining whether an entity qualifies as a pass-through business for such purposes. Provides penalties for misrepresentation as a pass-through business.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
International Fisheries Agreement Clarification Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to recognize the United States-Canada Transboundary Resource Sharing Understanding (and other similar fishery management Understandings) as an international agreement under such Act. States that: (1) annual fishing level recommendations for fishery stocks under such Understandings may be exceeded as long as the fishing mortality level allows for progress toward rebuilding affected fish stocks; (2) the 10-year fishery rebuilding requirement shall not apply to such stocks; and (3) this Act shall apply to fishing years beginning after April 30, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Glass-Steagall Restoration Act - Amends the Banking Act of 1933 (Glass-Steagall Act) to prohibit a member bank from being affiliated with specified organizations engaged principally in the issue, flotation, underwriting, public sale, or distribution of stocks, bonds, debenture, notes, or other securities. Prohibits the staff and personnel of corporations and partnerships (as well as any individual) primarily engaged in the issue, flotation, underwriting, public sale, or distribution, of stocks, bonds, or other similar securities from serving simultaneously as an officer, director, or employee of any member bank. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to grant an exception in limited classes of cases when in the Board's judgment it would not unduly influence the investment policies of such member bank or the advice it gives its customers regarding investments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Nonprofit Mortgage Licensing Clarification Act of 2009 - Amends the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to permit a state to exempt from certain registration or licensing requirements any charitable organization exempt from federal tax (including their employees and agents acting as loan originators), if the organization: (1) executes loan originations in order to promote or facilitate homeownership for certain low-income, disabled, or other disadvantaged persons or families; (2) offers loans at interest rates lower than the bank prime loan rate, or that are no-interest loans or loans with interest rates significantly below those for loans to purchase generally available single-family housing; and (3) does not otherwise engage in the business of a loan originator or mortgage broker.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Honors Navy SEALs Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Keefe, and Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas for their heroic actions in the capture of Ahmed Hashim Abed, one of the most wanted terrorists in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Restoring America's Commitment to Consumers Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit the annual percentage rate (APR) applicable to an extension of credit on a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan from exceeding 16%. Includes in an APR any compensation fee (including a membership fee or an annual fee) for: (1) opening or maintaining the account; (2) granting an extension of credit; or (3) making available a line of credit. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make adjustments to the maximum APR limitation; but creates the presumption that any increase by the Board to the maximum limitation is not in the public interest unless severe economic conditions justify the increase. Prohibits construction of this Act as an endorsement by Congress of a 16% APR. Declares the intention of Congress that: (1) such maximum APR limitation should merely serve as a ceiling on consumer credit cards and few, if any, consumer credit card accounts would ever bear the maximum rate; and (2) consumer credit card issuers should strive to maintain APRs most advantageous to borrowers. Treats as an unfair or deceptive act or practice a credit card account which, as of December 11, 2009, bears an APR that is less than 16%, and subsequently increases it between December 11, 2009, and 60 days after enactment of this Act. Imposes a $15 cap upon certain credit card account fees, including fees (such as late fees, overdraft fees, or over-the-limit transaction fees) for borrower default or breach of any condition upon which credit was extended.
![Official portrait of Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000255_200.jpg)