United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of the excise tax on beer produced within or imported into the United States for brewers who produce not more than 6 million barrels of beer a year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Control America's Purse-strings to Deliver a Better Tomorrow Act or the CAP the DEBT Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives and in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report increasing the statutory limit on the public debt if there is any other matter in such measure. Requires a two-thirds recorded vote of Members in the House and a roll call vote of at least two-thirds of the Members of the Senate before legislation increasing the statutory limit on the public debt may be considered as passed or agreed to in either chamber. Permits a successful appeal from the ruling of the Chair in the Senate on such prohibition, but only by an affirmative roll call vote of two-thirds of its Members. Repeals Rule XXVIII (Statutory Limit on Public Debt) of the Rules of the House, and known as the "Gephardt Rule," providing for mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Stop the Automatic Pay Raise for Members of Congress in Fiscal Year 2011 Act - Declares that no automatic pay adjustment shall be considered to have taken effect in FY2011 in the rates of basic pay for Members of Congress under the General Schedule (thus eliminating the pay adjustment for Members for such fiscal year).
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Free Competition in Currency Act of 2009 - Repeals the federal law establishing U.S. coins, currency, and reserve notes as legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues. Prohibits any tax on any coin, medal, token, or gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or rhodium bullion issued by a state, the United States, a foreign government, or any other person. Prohibits states from assessing any tax or fee on any currency or other monetary instrument that is used in interstate or foreign commerce and that has legal tender status under the Constitution. Repeals provisions of the federal criminal code relating to uttering coins of gold, silver, or other metal for use as current money and making or possessing likenesses of such coins. Abates any current prosecution under such provisions and nullifies any previous convictions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Recognizes the importance of Christmas symbols and traditions. Disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas. Supports the use of these symbols and traditions by those who celebrate Christmas.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Patient Health and Real Medication Access Cost Savings Act of 2009 or the PHARMACY Bill - Declares that a consumer shall have the right to choose to purchase prescription drugs from any domestic pharmacy that meets all applicable federal and state license and permit requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue regulations that: (1) prohibit a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) from providing incentives to, encouraging, or requiring pharmacy benefit plan enrollees to use certain pharmacies or from excluding an eligible pharmacy from a plan's pharmacy network; (2) require a PBM to ensure that pharmacy benefit plan enrollees pay a specified copayment for brand name drugs; (3) require a PBM to reimburse a pharmacy in the network of a pharmacy benefit plan that is federally funded, at specified rates, for brand-name drugs, generic drugs, and additional professional services; (4) require a PBM to be reimbursed by a pharmacy benefit plan sponsor for adjudicating and processing claims; (5) limit the amount that a PBM charges a pharmacy benefit plan sponsor for a drug that is dispensed to enrollees to the amount the PBM paid the pharmacy for such drug; (6) require a manufacturer of prescription drugs to pay all rebates directly to the pharmacy benefit plan sponsor and not to a PBM; and (7) require a pharmacy benefit plan sponsor to provide a list of the wholesale acquisition costs of the top 500 most frequently prescribed drugs to physicians in a plan any insurance-related charge of which is underwritten by a federal, state, or local government. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include pharmacist services as "medical and other health services" under Medicare. Directs the Secretary, by January 1, 2011, to establish a pharmaceutical access program to provide affordable prescription drugs to individuals who receive drug benefits under federal programs (except Medicaid). Requires: (1) a pharmacy that dispenses prescription drugs in the United States to remit to the Secretary 50 cents for each brand name prescription and $1.00 for generic drug prescription dispensed; and (2) the sponsor of a pharmacy benefit plan that is not federally funded to increase the professional dispensing fee paid to pharmacies by the same amounts. Requires the use of funds generated from such fees to provide affordable access to prescription drugs to low-income individuals who have enrolled in the program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to to eliminate the phase-in of the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities and permit the full 9% deduction amount for taxable years beginning after 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Amends Rule XXVIII (Statutory Limit on Public Debt) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to repeal procedures for considering legislation that increases the statutory debt limit. Makes it out of order to consider such legislation if there is any other matter in it. Prohibits legislation that increases the statutory limit on the public debt from being considered as passed or agreed to unless so determined by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2009
Thanks the members of the National Guard for their service in response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, and their continuing role in homeland security and military operations. Supports providing the National Guard with the necessary resources to ensure its readiness. Expresses condolences and gratitude to the families of those members of the National Guard who have lost their lives through their dedication and commitment to the freedom and security of the United States while serving in the National Guard. Honors and supports the compassionate, courageous, and dedicated members of the National Guard who serve a critical role in protecting the United States and its citizens' freedoms and treasured liberties.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
TARP Sunset Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to terminate, on December 31, 2009 (as under current law), the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to implement the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Repeals the Secretary's authority to extend the TARP program through October 3, 2010, upon submission of a written certification to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2009
Business Checking Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to repeal the prohibition against the payment of interest on demand deposits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Military Spouse Pin Act - Requires the design of a spouse-of-a-combat-veteran lapel button to identify and recognize the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is serving in a combat zone for a period of more than 30 days. Directs the: (1) Secretary of the military department concerned to present the button to such a spouse; and (2) Secretary of Defense (DOD) to make the button available to qualifying spouses of veterans of military conflicts that took place before the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2009 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to treat as a disability for OASDI and SSI disability payment purposes any service-connected total disability, as rated and certified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Applies the same treatment to related child's insurance and widow's and widower's insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Small Business and Military Family Assistance Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2011 the tax credit for differential wages paid to employees while on active duty in the uniformed services for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2009
Financial Crisis of 2008 Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012 for the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to hire 1,000 FBI agents as well as additional forensic experts to investigate corporate, securities, and mortgage fraud, and associated violations of law relating to the U.S. financial markets. Authorizes the hiring also of additional employees by the Attorney General and by the Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Enforcement to conduct related investigations and prosecutions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Expresses support for Chinese human rights activists Huang Qi and Tan Zuoren for engaging in peaceful expression as they seek answers and justice for the parents whose children were killed as a result of the collapse of numerous school buildings in the Sichuan earthquake of May 12, 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Commends the soldiers, their families, and the civilian personnel at Fort Gordon for their service and dedication to the United States. Recognizes: (1) the contributions of Fort Gordon to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; and (2) Fort Gordon as a pivotal communications training installation for the United States Army Signal Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the Montford Point Marines, United States Marine Corps, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. (Camp Montford Point, North Carolina, was the site for the training of the first African-American Marines.) Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the Montford Point Marines. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives to the people who marched on Washington, D.C., on September 12, 2009, to show their love of liberty and their grievance with recent government actions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Affirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to international child survival and development programs that prioritize protection, prevention, and treatment against pneumonia. Salutes the health professionals and community health workers in the world's poorest countries who are extending preventative care and treatment to children most at-risk of contracting pneumonia. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to reaching the Millennium Development Goals, particularly for reducing child mortality. Recognizes World Pneumonia Day.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to: (1) take all necessary steps to begin installation of cameras in room H-313 of the Capitol during the next recess lasting 10 calendar days or longer; (2) during the next such recess, begin and complete installation of such cameras; and (3) coordinate with the Chair of the Committee on Rules to provide for live broadcasting of the proceedings of such Committee on the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Overdraft Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a depository institution from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with overdraft coverage, or in acts designed to evade the provisions of this Act. Requires each depository institution that provides overdraft coverage for transaction accounts to clearly and conspicuously disclose overdraft coverage fees. Subjects overdraft coverage fees to the consumer's written, electronic, or other consent. Requires a depository institution to provide specified consumer disclosures regarding its overdraft protection program, including: (1) periodic statements for any transaction account that has an overdraft coverage program feature; and (2) prompt notification of the account's overdraft status. Prescribes overdraft coverage fee limits. Prohibits an overdraft coverage fee if the overdraft results solely from a debit hold amount that exceeds the actual dollar amount of the transaction. Requires a depository institution to provide consumers who have not consented to participate in an overdraft coverage program transaction accounts with the same terms as those provided to consumers who have consented to participate in such program. Prohibits a depository institution from charging a non-sufficient fund fee for any transaction at an automated teller machine, or a debit card transaction. Prohibits a depository institution from reporting negative information regarding consumer use of overdraft coverage to any consumer reporting agency when the overdraft amounts and coverage fees are paid under the terms of an overdraft coverage program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
International Civil Rights Center and Museum Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue, during 2010, up to 1,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the opening of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Requires sales to include a $10 surcharge per coin, to be paid to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum for program development and research.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Recognizes the commissioning of the USS New York LPD 21. Congratulates the captain and commissioning crew of the USS New York LPD 21 on the occasion of their vessel entering into the service of the U.S. Navy. Honors those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001. Recommits the House of Representatives to the counter-terrorism mission of the USS New York LPD 21 and all the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Highway 64 Bypass in Roper, North Carolina, as the "E.V. Wilkins Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Recognizes Biblica (an international society that translates and distributes Bibles and biblical resources) as an integral part of U.S. history and commends Biblica for the contributions it has made to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Recognizes the energy savings and innovations achieved by the United States Air Force. Honors the leadership of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base for their energy savings. Congratulates Tom Denslow, Danny Dobbs, Ron Miller, and Daniel Thatcher of the Department of the Air Force at that base and Steve Dumont of the Department's Air Combat Command for their efforts to reduce energy use and to make that base a model of efficient energy use.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any meetings held to determine the final content of sweeping health care legislation be held in public view and not behind closed doors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Amends the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to authorize the provision of mental health counseling for TRICARE participants. Authorizes the provision of mental health services in DOD clinical trials. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into personal service contracts with mental health counselors. Includes mental health counselors within DOD licensure requirements for health-care professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Suspend ACORN Certification Act of 2009 - Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with respect to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or any of its specified related affiliates (covered organizations), to: (1) audit all assistance within HUD jurisdiction provided to ACORN at any time; (2) determine whether each such covered organization has used the assistance in accordance with all laws, regulations, and other terms and conditions; and (3) publish such determination in the Federal Register. Bars covered organizations from being approved, certified, or authorized under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 or otherwise to provide housing counseling in connection with any HUD program or to receive HUD assistance for housing counseling activities unless and until the Inspector General has made a determination, pursuant to such audit, that all such recipients of the assistance have used all of it in accordance with its terms and conditions. Prohibits the HUD Secretary from providing any assistance within HUD jurisdiction for housing counseling activities to a covered organization unless and until the Inspector General has made such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the chair of a committee, within 24 hours after commencing a meeting to consider a measure or matter, to cause its text to be made publicly available in an electronic form. Requires a committee chair to do the same with an amendment to such measure or matter within 24 hours after adopting it. Amends Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to prohibit a committee report on a measure or matter from including recommended amendments after it was ordered reported, except technical and conforming changes authorized by the committee to correct section numbers, cross-references, punctuation, grammar, spelling, or to maintain mathematical consistency.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Calls on people of Madagascar to restore constitutional governance, culminating in free and peaceful elections. Condemns the illegal extraction of Madagascar's natural resources and its impact on biodiversity and livelihoods of rural communities. Calls upon importing countries to intensify their monitoring processes to ensure that they do not contribute to the demand for illegally sourced precious woods from Madagascar.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform to study and report to both chambers on the practices of the legislative and executive branch regarding earmarks in authorizing, appropriation, tax, and tariff measures. Makes it out of order to consider a bill, joint resolution, or conference report containing a congressional earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit until the filing of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Fairness in Representation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in conducting the 2010 decennial census and every decennial census thereafter, to include in any questionnaire used for the purpose of determining the total population by states, a checkbox or similar option for respondents to indicate citizenship status or lawful presence in the United States. Requires the Secretary to adjust census figures as necessary so that those who are not U.S. citizens or are not lawfully present in the United States are not counted in tabulating population for purposes of apportioning Representatives in Congress among the states.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2009 - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 90 session days or legislative days after such resolution is introduced, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth procedures of the House of Representatives and the Senate for joint resolutions: (1) approving major rules; and (2) disapproving nonmajor rules.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the first-time homebuyer tax credit to: (1) extend such tax credit through May 31, 2010; (2) extend through December 31, 2009, the date until which purchases of a principal residence may be treated as made on December 31, 2008, for tax purposes; and (3) extend through May 31, 2010, the waiver of recapture requirements for residences purchased after December 31, 2008. Rescinds certain discretionary appropriations made available by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to cover the cost of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Reciprocal Market Access Act of 2009 - Prohibits the President from agreeing to the reduction or elimination of the existing rate of duty on any product in order to carry out a trade agreement entered into between the United States and a foreign country until the President certifies to Congress that: (1) the United States has obtained the reduction or elimination of tariff and nontariff barriers and policies and practices of such foreign country with respect to U.S. exports of any product that has the same physical characteristics and uses as the product for which the President seeks to modify its rate of duty; and (2) any violation of the trade agreement is immediately enforceable by withdrawal of the modification of the existing duty on such foreign product until the United States Trade Representative (USTR) certifies to Congress that the United States has obtained the reduction or elimination of the tariff or nontariff barrier or policy or practice of such foreign government. Requires the withdrawal of such a modification in specified circumstances until the USTR makes such a certification to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the current tax credit for first-time homebuyers with a one-time credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $15,000. Requires the repayment of such credit if the taxpayer sells or fails to occupy the residence within 24 months after the date of purchase. Rescinds certain discretionary appropriations made available by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to cover the cost of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Recognizes the significant contributions of the Military Working Dog (MWD) Program to the U.S. Armed Forces. Honors retired Air Force MWD Ben C020 for his lifetime of service. Supports the adoption and care of these quality animals after such service.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Amends the Small Business Act with respect to the HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone) program to authorize (under current law, requires) a contracting opportunity to be awarded under the program on the basis of competition restricted to qualified HUBZone small businesses if the contracting officer expects that not less than two qualified HUBZone small businesses will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair market price.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to prohibit any entity in receipt of financial assistance under the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) (or any other program enacted by the Secretary under EESA authorities) from providing any direct or indirect assistance to, funding, promoting, or in any way contributing to the activities of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or an ACORN-related affiliate. Exempts from this prohibition any entity that has repaid all outstanding amounts of TARP or related financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to postpone until January 1, 2010, the effective date of the requirement that pharmacies, as suppliers of Medicare items and services (including durable medical equipment [DME]), must be accredited by an independent accreditation organization approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the application of an accreditation requirement for pharmacies to qualify for bidding in a competitive acquisition area.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Transparency and Executive Accountability Act - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require individuals subject to financial disclosure filing requirements by virtue of an appointment to a position in the Executive Office of the President to file required reports with the Director of the Office of Government Ethics (curently, with the ethics official of the individual's employing agency).
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Call Center Consumer's Right to Know Act - Directs each U.S. corporation or subsidiary that utilizes a call center to initiate telephone calls to, or receive calls from, individuals located in the United States to require each call center employee to disclose the physical location of such employee at the beginning of such call. Requires such corporation or subsidiary to annually certify to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) their compliance with such requirement. Subjects noncomplying corporations or subsidiaries to such civil penalties as the FTC may prescribe. Directs the FTC to prescribe rules for effective monitoring and compliance with such requirement.