United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008
Gas Tax Relief and Earmark Moratorium Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene between May 26, 2008, and September 1, 2008. Reimburses the Highway Trust Fund for any reduction in revenues resulting from such suspension. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer amounts from the general fund of the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund if the Secretary determines that the amount in such Fund is insufficient to meet anticipated payments for FY2009. Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform to study and report on the practices of Congress and the executive branch regarding earmarks in appropriations, tax, and tariff measures. Declares it not in order in the 110th Congress to consider legislation containing a congressional earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit. Requires a reduction in the allocation of new budget authority and outlays for FY2009.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008
Amends Rule XIV (Order and Priority of Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require on the first legislative day of each month on which there is a record vote on any bill or joint resolution, immediately after that vote, a moment of silence to be observed on behalf of those killed or wounded (as well as their families) in current U.S. engagements in Iraq or Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all American flags flown over federal buildings should be entirely produced in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2008
Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend certain tax incentives for energy production and conservation. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources (e.g., biomass, geothermal energy, landfill gas, and trash combustion). Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource eligible for such credit. Allows sales of electricity produced from renewable resources to regulated public utilities. Extends through 2016 the energy investment tax credit for solar energy, fuel cell, and microturbine property. Repeals the dollar per kilowatt limitation for fuel cell property under the energy investment tax credit. Allows public electric utilities to qualify for such credit. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Repeals the $2,000 limitation on the tax credit for solar electric property. Allows an offset against the alternative minimum tax (AMT) of tax credit amounts. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for investment in clean renewable energy bonds. Increases the national limitation amount for such bonds. Extends through 2009 deferral provisions relating to the recognition of gain by certain electric utilities. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Includes residential biomass fuel stoves (pellet stoves) as eligible energy property for purposes of such credit. Extends through 2010 the tax credit for energy efficient new homes. Extends through 2009 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings and increases the allowable amount of such deduction. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient appliances to include appliances produced in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Revises and updates energy efficiency standards for such appliances in accordance with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2008
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the People's Republic of China and its government-owned and controlled enterprises should be required to properly disclose material information concerning the selective default status of specified bonds in all prospectuses and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2008
Trust in Reliable Understanding of Consumer Costs Act, or the TRUCC Act - Amends federal transportation law to require certain fuel costs disclosures and fuel costs reimbursements by a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder providing or arranging transportation or service using fuel for which it does not bear the cost. Requires such a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to: (1) reimburse persons (truckers) that do bear fuel costs for any such costs they have paid; and (2) give such persons a written list that identifies any freight charge, brokerage fee or commission, fuel surcharge or adjustment, and any other charges. Prohibits any person from causing a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to present false or misleading information on a document or in an oral representation about the actual rate, charge, or allowance to any party to the transaction or transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2008
American Elections Act of 2008 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require, except as provided for under this Act, that all ballots and balloting material used in federal elections be only in the English language. Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to revise the requirement that certain jurisdictions provide ballots and other voting materials in languages other than English. Restricts such requirement to certain political subdivisions with populations of American Indians or Alaska Natives.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2008
Supporting America's Manufacturers Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require a recommendation from the International Trade Commission (ITC) before the President can impose increased duties or other import restrictions on an imported Chinese product that causes or threatens market disruption to a like U.S. product. Revises the authority of the President and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to consider an equally divided ITC vote regarding a determination on the question of whether an imported Chinese product causes or threatens market disruption in the United States. Repeals the authority of the President and the TR to consider the determination of either group of equally divided Commissioners to be the ITC's determination. Requires such a deadlocked vote to be considered an affirmative ITC determination. Provides that if the Commissioners voting are equally divided with respect to its determination, then the determination agreed upon by either group of Commissioners may be considered by the President and the Trade Representative as the determination of the Commission. Requires the USTR to make available promptly to the public reports recommending the President to take action, if any, to remedy market disruption. Revises requirements involving ITC determinations of critical circumstances and requests for provisional relief with respect to a Chinese product that causes or threatens market disruption to a like U.S. Product Requires the President to provide import relief from Chinese products that cause or threaten market disruption to a like U.S. product within a specified time if an agreement is not reached with the People's Republic of China (PRC) or if the President determines that an agreement reached with the PRC is not remedying the market disruption. Authorizes the President to provide import relief (including provisional relief in critical circumstances) that differs from that recommended by the ITC, or to deny such import relief only: (1) in extraordinary cases; and (2) if the President determines that providing such relief would have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy (as under current law) or would cause serious harm to U.S. national security. Requires the President's decision on import relief to be reported to specified congressional committees. Requires import relief recommended by the ITC to take effect upon enactment of a congressional joint resolution in the event that the President: (1) takes action that differs from that recommended by the ITC; or (2) declines to provide import relief (including that recommended by the ITC) because it would have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2008
Celebrates 75 years of effective state-based alcohol regulation. Recognizes the successful system of alcoholic beverage regulation, distribution, and sale. Expresses continued support for policies that allow states to effectively regulate alcohol.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2008
American Steel First Act of 2008 - Prohibits heads of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Transportation (DOT) from obligating or expending funds or providing financial assistance for projects for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron and steel used in such project is produced in the United States. Waives such prohibition in cases where: (1) the prohibition would be inconsistent with the public interest; (2) iron and steel are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality; or (3) inclusion of iron and steel produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project contract by more than 25%. Prohibits waivers by a department head for products produced in a foreign country that is determined by the U.S. Trade Representative to have violated the terms of an agreement with the United States by discriminating against products covered by the agreement that are produced in the United States. Prohibits such department heads from imposing financial assistance restrictions on: (1) states that impose more stringent requirements on the use of iron and steel in foreign countries in projects carried out with such assistance; or (2) recipients that comply with such state imposed requirements. Makes any person who intentionally labels or represents a product used in a project under this Act as "Made in America" when it is not ineligible for another department contract from for six years. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) publish a justification for a waiver of the prohibition against obligating funds to carry out the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, highway projects, public transportation projects, or aviation programs unless the steel, iron, and manufactured products used are produced in the United States; and (2) provide for public notice and comment for such waiver.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008
Honors the life and accomplishments of the late James Maitland "Jimmy" Stewart and the artistic, military, and political contributions he made to the nation on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008
Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act of 2008- Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit and to set penalties for: (1) creating or attempting to create a human-animal hybrid (a being with human and non-human tissue as specified in this Act); (2) transferring or attempting to transfer a human embryo into a non-human womb, or a non-human embryo into a human womb; or (3) transporting or receiving for any purpose a human-animal hybrid.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008
Commends the performance of the Northern Kentucky University Norse in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II women's basketball tournament.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2008
Recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and congratulates the men and women who provide exceptional service to our military and keep our Pacific Fleet fit to fight.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008
Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. Requires the coin design to be emblematic of the 100 years of the organization. Restricts issuance of such coins to February 8 through December 31, 2010. Subjects coin sales to a surcharge of $10 per coin. Requires payment of such surcharges to the National Boy Scouts of America Foundation, to be made available to local councils in the form of grants for the extension of Scouting in hard-to-serve areas.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008
Homeownership Protection and Housing Market Stabilization Act of 2008 - Sets forth a licensing and registry system for residential mortgage loan originators. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require additional creditor disclosures on residential mortgage loans. Expand and Preserve Home Ownership Through Counseling Act - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish the Office of Housing Counseling in the Office of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to grant community investment credit for certain lender practices. Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2008 - Amends the National Housing Act to revise the single family mortgage insurance program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), including Hawaiian home lands and Indian reservations, and home equity conversion (reverse) mortgages. Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to grant a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for veterans' housing loans guaranteed by Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Directs the Secretary of Defense to implement a mortgage foreclosure prevention counseling program for members of the Armed Forces returning from active duty abroad. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend the period of protection against mortgage foreclosures. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) require escrow and impound accounts for periodic payments for certain credit transactions; and (2) set forth property appraisal requirements. Authorizes appropriations for federal prosecution of mortgage fraud. Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2008 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to establish: (1) the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to exercise oversight authority over the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) (enterprises) ; and (2) the Federal Housing Enterprise Board. Prescribes: (1) minimum and critical capital levels for regulated entities; and (2) special enforcement powers. Requires the FHFA Director to establish standards for enterprise assets and liabilities. Abolishes: (1) the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight; and (2) the Federal Housing Finance Board. Transfers their functions, personnel, and property to the FHFA. Terminates enterprise-related functions of HUD.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Grants a federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America (a nonprofit corporation and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia).
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
United Nations Durban Review Conference (Durban II) Funding Prohibition Act of 2008 - States that: (1) no funds may be made available to support the 2009 United Nations Durban Review Conference (Durban II Conference) or any other activity relating to the planning, preparation, or implementation of a follow-up meeting to the 2001 United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (Durban I Conference); and (2) the United States shall withhold from its assessed contributions to the U.N. regular budget the proportional amount allocated for the Durban II Conference and any other activity relating to the planning, preparation, or implementation of a follow-up meeting to the Durban I Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Calls on the President not to commit the United States to any status of forces agreement or any other bilateral agreement with the Republic of Iraq that involves the presence of the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq unless under the agreement Iraq agrees to reimburse the United States for all costs related to the presence of the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq after such agreement's effective date, including pay and allowance costs for U.S. Armed Forces members serving in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Coordinated American Response To Extreme Radicals Act - Prohibits funds from being made available for assistance to the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Rescinds all amounts appropriated by the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 for assistance to the Carter Center, and makes rescinded amounts available for assistance to U.S. victims of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision of the following benefits to a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged at the member's request pursuant to a Department of Defense (DOD) policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled: (1) continued payment, through the original agreed-upon service period, of any bonus, incentive, or similar benefit to which the member was entitled during service; (2) separation pay, even though the member has completed less than six years of active service before discharge; (3) transitional health care, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for 180 days after discharge; (4) transitional commissary and exchange benefits, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for two years after discharge; (5) veterans' housing loan, employment and training, and basic educational assistance; (6) federal unemployment compensation; and (7) veteran's preference for federal employment purposes. Makes this Act effective with respect to any such discharge granted after September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation. Requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe National Arbor Day.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Expresses solidarity with Israel and its democratic government. Disapproves of former President Jimmy Carter's freelance diplomatic efforts in the Middle East which contradict the foreign policy position of the current Administration. Calls on President Carter to cease all diplomatic efforts with recognized terrorist groups. Condemns Hamas for its support of terrorism and the slaughter of Israeli civilians and states that it should follow the path of diplomacy to bring peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Federal Sunset Act of 2008 - Establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to: (1) submit to Congress a schedule for review by the Commission, at least once every 12 years, of the abolishment or reorganization of each agency; (2) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency using specified criteria; (3) recommend whether each agency should be abolished or reorganized; and (4) report to Congress on all legislation introduced that would establish a new agency or a new program to be carried out by an existing agency. Requires the abolishment of any agency within one year of the Commission's review, unless the agency is reauthorized by Congress. Authorizes the deadline for abolishing an agency to be extended for an additional two years by legislation enacted by a super majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 2033. Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of federal programs within each agency for the purpose of advising and assisting Congress and the Commission in carrying out the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Roth TSP Act of 2008 - Requires the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to provide for the inclusion in the Thrift Savings Plan of a qualified Roth contribution program (a program under which an employee may elect to make designated Roth contributions in lieu of elective deferrals under the retirement plan).
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Cell Tax Fairness Act of 2008 - Prohibits states or local governments from imposing any new discriminatory tax on mobile services, mobile service providers, or mobile service property for five years after the enactment of this Act. Defines "new discriminatory tax" as a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property that is not generally imposed on other types of services or property, or that is generally imposed at a lower rate.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2008
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate on their tax returns a payment of $1 or more to the general fund of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
CFTC Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to revise Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jurisdiction over certain agreements, contracts, and transactions in retail foreign currency. Extends coverage to certain future commissions merchants (and affiliated persons) and retail foreign exchange dealers. Requires them to register with the CFTC in order to solicit or accept orders from any person that is not an eligible contract participant in connection with such agreements, contracts, or transactions. Directs the CFTC to maintain a liaison with the Department of Justice to coordinate civil and criminal investigations and prosecutions of violations of the Act. Revises the prohibition against contracts designed to defraud or mislead. Declares that the requirements of such prohibition do not obligate any person, in connection with a transaction, to disclose to another person in the transaction any nonpublic information that may be material to the market price, rate, or level of the commodity or transaction, except as necessary to make any statement to such other person not misleading in any material respect. Increases: (1) the civil penalty for market manipulation to $1 million, or triple the monetary gain for each such violation; and (2) the criminal penalty for market manipulation from five to ten years imprisonment Authorizes appropriations for the CFTC through FY2013. Requires the agencies represented on the President's Working Group on Financial Markets to work to ensure that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the CFTC, have taken the actions to permit: (1) by September 30, 2008, risk-based portfolio margining for security options and security futures products; and (2) by June 30, 2008, the trading of futures on certain security indexes by resolving issues related to foreign security indexes. Sets forth standards applicable to significant price discover contracts, including: (1) price linkage; (2) arbitrage; (3) core principles applicable to significant price discovery contract; and (4) daily publication of trading information. Subjects to CFTC (large trader) reporting and recordkeeping requirements any significant price discovery contract traded or executed on an electronic trading facility.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Prohibits the use of federal funds for a project or program named for an individual currently serving as a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Senator of the U.S. Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Ryan Dant Health Care Opportunity Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit states to exclude earned income in determining eligibility for individuals with prescription drug costs of over $250,000.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill individuals in certain length-of-service categories who, commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serve on active duty in the Armed Forces. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Makes individuals entitled to assistance under this Act also eligible for supplemental educational assistance for additional active duty service. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program, to be known as the "Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program," under which colleges and universities may enter into an agreement with the Secretary to cover, for certain individuals, a portion of established charges not otherwise covered and match contributions toward such costs. Requires educational assistance under this Act to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government must set the highest standards to protect U.S. passport privacy and security; and (2) the Department of State must safeguard U.S. passport security. Directs the Secretary of State: (1) when establishing the requirements for physical and security components of U.S. passports and passport cards, to include only such electronic components as are currently manufactured in the United States, or can be manufactured in the United States; and (2) to ensure that all assembly of U.S. passports occurs only within U.S. borders and personalization of permanent U.S. passports occurs only under the direct supervision of U.S. government employees.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Border Fence Trust Fund Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Border Improvement Trust Fund and allow individual taxpayers (other than nonresident aliens) to designate that $5.00 ($10.00 in the case of joint returns) of their income taxes be paid over to such Fund to install additional barriers and roads at the U.S. border.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half dollar clad coins as numismatic items emblematic of the traditions, history, and heritage of the U.S. Army, and its role in American society from the Colonial period to today. Requires the design for such coins to contain motifs that honor specifically the American soldier of both today and yesterday, in wartime and in peace, consistent with the traditions and heritage of the U.S. Army, the mission and goals of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, and the missions and goals of the Army Historical Foundation. Restricts coin issuance to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2011. Requires all surcharges from coin sales to be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Foundation to help finance the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Honors the life, achievements, and contributions of Charlton Heston. Extends the deepest sympathies of the House of Representatives to the family of Charlton Heston for his loss.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of: (1) National Health Care Decisions Day; and (2) advance care planning for all adult Americans. Encourages each person over the age of 18 to prepare an advance directive to assist his or her loved ones, health care providers, and others as they honor his or her wishes. Urges members of Congress to execute such documents for themselves.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2008
Splash and Dash Correction Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow income and excise tax credits for alcohol and biodiesel used as fuel and other alternative fuels or mixtures unless such fuels are produced in or imported into the United States for consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Commends the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles, California, for allowing a rehearing of the decision in the In re Rachel L. case, requiring parents to hold a teaching license in order to legally homeschool their children. Calls upon the court to uphold the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion that parents have a fundamental and constitutional right to direct the upbringing and education of their children.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month (April 2008), including raising public awareness about financial education. Recognizes the importance of managing personal finances, increasing personal savings, and reducing indebtedness in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Recognizes the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), also known as the Screaming Eagles, as one of the great divisions of American military history, and acknowledges their contributions. Recognizes America's debt to the 101st for the extraordinary service, sacrifice, and patriotism of such soldiers and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq. Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded. Expresses gratitude to the coalition forces and other international supporters for their contribution and sacrifice in the efforts to bring peace to Iraq. Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2008
Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting any federal agency from entering into a contract for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use, other than for research or testing, unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel must be less than or equal to such emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2008 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to reestablish the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers as a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to provide a mechanism through which licensing, continuing education, and other insurance producer qualification requirements and conditions can be adopted and applied on a multi-state basis, while preserving the right of states to: (1) license, supervise, and discipline insurance producers; and (2) prescribe and enforce laws and regulations regarding insurance-related consumer protection and unfair trade practices. Sets forth membership requirements, including a mandatory criminal background check applicable to state-licensed insurance producers. Sets limits upon permissible uses of such criminal background information, and imposes a criminal penalty for improper use. Authorizes the Association to deny membership to a state-licensed insurance producer on the basis of the criminal history information obtained. Establishes classes and categories of membership. Declares that membership authorizes an insurance producer to sell, solicit, negotiate, effect, procure, deliver, renew, continue, or bind insurance in any state for any line or lines of insurance specified in such producer's home state license, and exercise all such incidental powers, including claims adjustments and settlement, risk management, employee benefits advice, retirement planning, and any other insurance-related consulting activities. Preserves state consumer protection and market conduct regulation powers. Grants the Association membership probation, suspension and revocation powers. Requires the Association to establish an office of consumer complaints, including a toll-free telephone number. Creates a Board of Directors to govern and supervise the Association and its members. Preempts specified state actions. Permits judicial review over litigation involving the Association.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2008
Vessel Discharge Evaluation and Review Act - Directs the Coast Guard's Commandant to conduct an evaluation of vessel discharges, other than ballast water, and report to specified congressional committees. Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to suspend, beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and notwithstanding any other provision of law, any requirement to obtain a permit for a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel. Requires promulgation of a final rule establishing enforceable uniform national discharge standards modeled on the regulatory program for vessels of the Armed Forces and based upon the best available technology. Preempts related state and local laws regarding a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, subject to exception. Lists certain discharges that are unaffected by or excluded from this Act, including discharges from Armed Forces vessels, discharges of vessel sewage, and discharges from certain fishing and fish tender vessels. Makes this Act, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the exclusive statutory authority for federal regulation of vessel discharges to which these provisions apply.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008
Credit Card Fair Fee Act of 2008 - Authorizes providers of a single covered electronic payment system (e.g. Visa or Mastercharge credit cards) and any merchants to jointly negotiate and agree upon rates and terms for access to such a system. Defines covered electronic payment system as any system that has been used for at least 20% of the combined dollar value of U.S. credit, signature-based debit, and PIN-based debit card payments processed in the applicable base year. Grants limited antitrust immunity to such providers and merchants, as well as to those providers who jointly determine among themselves the proportionate division of paid access fees. Sets forth procedures to determine rates and terms for access to a covered electronic payment system. Prohibits any other rates and terms from being imposed upon a merchant for accessing a covered electronic payment system except as specified in a voluntarily negotiated access agreement. Creates a panel of three full-time Electronic Payment System Judges, appointed by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Competition, to determine the schedule of rates and terms for three-year periods. Subjects any determination of such Judges to judicial review. Authorizes providers and merchants to engage in voluntarily negotiated access agreements. Declares that such voluntarily negotiated access agreements shall be given effect with respect to the signatories in lieu of any determination by the Judges.
![Official portrait of Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000255_200.jpg)