Rep. Kennedy, Patrick J. [D-RI-1]

An amendment to express the sense of Congress that the government of Indonesia should not receive military assistance or arms transfers unless the president certifies that it (1) accredits independent domestic election monitoring organizations; (2) protects nongov-ernmental organizations; (3) investigates the July 1996 attack on the headquarters ofthe Demo-cratic Party of Indonesia; (4) takes further steps to resolve the conflict in East Timor, including the release of political prisoners; and (5) improves labor rights.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-78 to add a definition to Sec.2 to clarify that`medical care' includes mental health care.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 110-116 to define `inclusive classrooms' as Head Start classrooms that include both children with disabilities and children without disabilities. It would make certain funds in the bill available to increase the understanding of the impact of Head Start services delivered in inclusive classrooms on both children with and without disabilities and to assist Head Start programs in improving the quality of inclusive classrooms.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 109-401 to make child and adolescent mental health professionals eligible for loan forgiveness for high need professions under Sec. 421 of the bill.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 3 printed in part B of House Report 109-84 to ensure that in replacing the color-coded terror alert system as required by the bill, that DHS draws on expertise in how best to communicate risk to the public, including expertise from a relevant Center for Excellence funded by the Department.

United States · United States Congress

Recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2010

Recognizes the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. Acknowledges the many and varied contributions of disabled children and their parents, teachers, related services personnel, and administrators. Reaffirms the support of Congress for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Recognizing the 50th anniversary of Ruby Bridges desegregating a previously all-White public elementary school.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2010

Recognizes the 50th anniversary of Ruby Bridges desegregating William Frantz Elementary School, a previously all-White public elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Encourages people to recognize the historical importance of elementary school desegregation and Ruby Bridges. Expresses the House of Representatives' commitment to continuing the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education by protecting and advancing equal educational opportunity for all.

Federal Employees Responsible Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010

Federal Employees Responsible Investment Act - Provides for the establishment of a Corporate Responsibility Stock Index Fund as an investment option under the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Directs the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to select a minimum of one index which is a commonly recognized, passively managed index comprised of stocks based on criteria which shall at a minimum include corporate governance, environmental practices, workplace relations and benefits, product safety and impact, international operations and human rights, involvement with repressive regimes, and community relations. Requires that the index's financial track record be comparable to that of the other options available under TSP. Directs that the Fund be invested in a portfolio which shall be designed such that the percentage of the Fund that is invested in each stock is the same as the percentage determined by dividing the aggregate market value of all shares of that stock by the aggregate market value of all shares of all stocks included in such index.

Calling for the protection of religious sites and artifacts from and in Turkish-occupied areas of northern Cyprus as well as for general respect for religious freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010

Expresses the appreciation of the House of Representatives for the efforts of those countries that have restored religious property wrongly confiscated during the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus. Welcomes the initiatives and commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to work to restore and maintain religious heritage sites. Urges the government of Turkey to: (1) implement immediately the United Nations Security Council Resolutions relevant to Cyprus as well as the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights; (2) work to retrieve and restore all lost artifacts and immediately halt destruction on religious sites, illegal archaeological excavations, and traffic in icons and antiquities; and (3) allow for the proper preservation and reconstruction of destroyed or altered religious sites and immediately cease all restrictions on freedom of religion for the enclaved Cypriots. Calls on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, the President, the Secretary of State, and the State Department Office of International Religious Freedom to take specified steps to address the concerns and actions called for in this resolution. Urges the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to: (1) ensure that member states do not receive stolen Cypriot art and antiquities; and (2) press the government of Turkey to abide by its international commitments in this matter.

Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of Catholic Charities USA.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010

Celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Conference of Catholic Charities, now called Catholic Charities USA. Honors Catholic Charities USA for being a national leader in the efforts to fight poverty and to strengthen the United States in times of need and crisis.

Fair Playing Field Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010

Fair Playing Field Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the classification of workers for employment tax purposes, to: (1) repeal the prohibition against issuance of regulations and guidance by the Secretary of the Treasury on workers' employment tax status (i.e., as an employee or as an independent contractor) enacted by the Revenue Act of 1978; (2) direct the Secretary to issue regulations and other guidance to clarify the proper employment status of workers for employment tax purposes; (3) prohibit a retroactive assessment of employment tax, except with respect to certain skilled workers, for tax periods after December 31, 1978, and before a specified reclassification date for worker misclassifications, unless the taxpayer had no reasonable basis for not treating a worker as an employee; (4) require taxpayers who hire independent contractors on a regular and ongoing basis to provide such contractors with notice of their federal tax obligations, the labor and employment law protections that do not apply to them, and their right to seek a status determination from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and (5) eliminate reduced penalty provisions for failure to withhold income taxes for taxpayers who lack a reasonable basis for treating a worker as other than an employee (i.e., as an independent contractor).

Expressing the sense of Congress on the closure of the main entrance to the Supreme Court.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Supreme Court tradition of openness as symbolized by its open front doors should be honored and continued to be upheld; (2) even in the face of threats from enemies, it is of critical and symbolic importance that the United States demonstrates to the world that its most sacred institutions will continue to be open for business to all who seek justice; and (3) the Supreme Court should act with great dispatch to take every step to open its main doors as a public entrance.

Seniors Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Seniors Protection Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to disburse a $250 payment to recipients of Social Security, SSI (Supplemental Security Income under title XVI of the Social Security Act), railroad retirement benefits, and veterans disability compensation or pension benefits if no cost-of-living adjustment is payable in 2011.

Supporting the critical role of the physician assistant profession and supporting the goals and ideals of National Physician Assistant Week.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Physician Assistant Week; and (2) the critical role of the physician assistant profession.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Day of Recognition for Parents of Special Needs Children should be established.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Recognizes the importance of honoring the nation's parents of special needs children. Expresses its sense that a National Day of Recognition for Parents of Special Needs Children should be established to honor such parents.

Computer Science Education Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Computer Science Education Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award states: (1) two-year grants to develop comprehensive plans to strengthen elementary and secondary computer science education; and (2) five-year matching grants to implement the improvements proposed in their comprehensive plans. Requires such improvements to include: (1) challenging and grade-appropriate academic content standards for computer science; (2) grade-appropriate assessments of computer science learning; (3) programs to increase disadvantaged students' access to computer science courses; (4) computer science teacher training programs; (5) improved certification requirements and processes for such teachers; (6) programs to ensure that computer science courses are considered an integral part of the secondary school curriculum; (7) effective computer science curricula; and (8) computer science distance learning programs. Requires states to partner with institutions of higher education (IHEs) and local educational agencies in implementing such measures. Directs the Secretary to establish a Blue Ribbon Commission on Computer Science Education to provide recommendations to the Secretary and Congress for expanding and improving computer science education. Authorizes the Secretary to award five-year grants to IHEs to improve computer science teacher training.

Medical-Legal Partnership for Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Medical-Legal Partnership for Health Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a nationwide demonstration project to: (1) award matching grants or enter into contracts with medical-legal partnerships to assist patients and their families in navigating health-related programs and activities; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of such partnerships. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees to support the establishment and sustainability of medical-legal partnerships. Requires amounts received under this Act to be used to achieve one or more of the following goals: (1) enhancing access to health care services; (2) improving health outcomes for low-income individuals; (3) reducing health disparities among health disparities populations; (4) enhancing wellness and prevention of chronic conditions and other health problems; (5) reducing cost of care to the health care system; (6) addressing the social determinants of health; and (7) addressing situational factors that contribute to poor health, such as poor housing. Prohibits funds under this Act from being used: (1) for any medical malpractice action or proceeding; (2) to provide any state or local public benefit to an alien who is not a qualified alien or a nonimmigrant under the Immigration and Nationality Act or an alien who is paroled into the United States under such Act for less than one year; or (3) to provide legal assistance with respect to any proceeding or litigation which seeks to procure an abortion or to compel any individual or institution to perform or assist in the performance of an abortion. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the results of such project.

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 - Revises provisions concerning the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to, among other things: (1) revise definitions concerning eligibility, and include certain National Guard service as service qualifying for such assistance; (2) revise assistance amounts (including monthly stipends), and types of approved programs of education; (3) allow the pursuit of educational programs at institutions other than institutions of higher learning, including on-job training and apprenticeships, flight training, and correspondence courses; (4) provide an assistance amount for programs of education pursued while on active duty; (5) repeal the limit on the use of such assistance for the payment of only one licensing or certification test; (6) allow an individual entitled to supplemental educational assistance to transfer such entitlement to the post-9/11 program; (7) bar the duplication of benefits under other educational assistance programs; (8) increase the amount of the reporting fee paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to an educational institution for providing information concerning an individual's enrollment in a program of education; (9) extend to certain National Guard and reserve personnel members eligibility to receive public-private contributions for additional educational assistance; (10) reauthorize through 2016 the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education; and (11) revise cost-of-living adjustments under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program. Provides an alternate subsistence allowance amount for veterans entitled to such allowance due to service-connected disabilities.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to inter in national cemeteries individuals who supported the United States in Laos during the Vietnam War era.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010

Makes eligible for interment in a national cemetery any individual who: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines served in combat support of the Armed Forces in Laos during the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 15, 1975; and (2) at the time of death was a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien.

To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish a public health insurance option.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010

Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer through Exchanges a health benefits plan (public health insurance option) that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care. Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through such Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option; (2) collect such data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates; (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan; and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years. Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.

Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010

Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the regulation of cosmetics, including to require: (1) annual registration of any establishment engaged in manufacturing, packaging, or distributing cosmetics for use in the United States; (2) new fees to provide for oversight and enforcement of cosmetics regulations; (3) ingredient labeling and disclosure of information on ingredients; and (4) adverse event reporting. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a list of prohibited or restricted ingredients and a list of ingredients that are safe without limits for use in cosmetics; and (2) develop a priority assessment list of ingredients that cannot be included on either of the other two lists because of a lack of authoritative information on the safety of the ingredient; and (3) establish minimum data requirements and test protocols to be used by manufacturers to assess the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Sets forth provisions related to: (1) nanotechnology in the formulation of cosmetics; (2) the voluntary and mandatory recall of cosmetics; and (3) alternatives to animal testing. Establishes the Interagency Council on Cosmetic Safety to share data and promote collaboration on cosmetic safety among federal agencies. Deems a cosmetic that fails to meet the requirements set forth by this Act to be adulterated. Deems a cosmetic that fails to meet the labeling requirements under this Act to be misbranded. Requires the Secretary of Labor to promulgate an occupational safety and health standard that requires an expanded material safety data sheet to be made available to cosmetics distributors and employers using such products for professional use.

United States Postal Service's CSRS Obligation Modification Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010

United States Postal Service's CSRS Obligation Modification Act of 2010 - Prescribes the "average pay" and the appropriate percentage thereof to be used in determining annuities for civilian employment with the United States Postal Service (USPS) for purposes of provisions relating to future benefits attributable to such employment in order to calculate the amount of any Postal surplus or supplemental liability under the Civil Service Retirement System. Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM): (1) within six months after enactment of this Act, to determine (or, if applicable, redetermine) the amount of such surplus or liability as of the close of the most recently ending fiscal year using the methodology required under this Act; and (2) if the result is a surplus, to transfer the surplus amount to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the inaugural Nelson Mandela International Day.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010

Applauds the U.N. General Assembly for honoring President Mandela's contribution to international peace and freedom. Recognizes the global impact of President Mandela's legacy and commitment to nonviolence, respect, and dialogue. Supports the international community's recognition of the inaugural United Nations Nelson Mandela International Day. Urges all U.S. citizens to reflect on the importance of peace, tolerance, democracy, human rights, and reconciliation in honor of Nelson Mandela International Day.

Firearm Owners Responsibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010

Firearm Owners Responsibility Act - Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person who lawfully possesses or owns a firearm to fail to report the theft or loss of such firearm within 72 hours after discovering its theft or loss.