United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Prohibits anything in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code, or the Public Health Service Act from being interpreted to prevent any health insurance provider from establishing premium discounts or rebates, or modifying copayments or deductibles, for individuals who participate in a health promotion or disease prevention (wellness) program which meets this Act's requirements. States that if none of the conditions for obtaining a premium discount, rebate, or other reward for participation in a wellness program is based on an individual satisfying a standard related to a health status factor, such program shall not violate this Act if participation is made available to all similarly situated individuals with respect to a program: (1) that reimburses the cost for memberships in a fitness center; (2) of diagnostic testing that provides a reward for participation not based on outcomes; (3) that encourages preventive care related to a health condition through the waiver of the copayment or deductible requirement under a health plan for costs related to a health condition (such as prenatal care or well-baby visits); (4) that reimburses individuals for the costs of smoking cessation programs without regard to whether the individual quits smoking; and (5) that rewards individuals for attending a periodic health education seminar. Provides that if any of the conditions for obtaining a premium discount, rebate, or other reward for participation in a wellness program is based on an individual satisfying a standard related to a health status factor, the program shall not violate this Act if specified conditions are met, including that: (1) the reward for the program, together with the reward for other wellness programs regarding the plan that requires satisfaction of a standard related to a health status factor, does not exceed 30% of the cost of employee-only coverage under the plan; (2) the program is reasonably designed to promote health or prevent disease; (3) the plan gives individuals eligible for the program the opportunity to qualify for the reward at least annually; and (4) the full reward under the program is made available to all similarly situated individuals.
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 · 25 September 2009
Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to direct the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia (Task Force) established by such Act, to: (1) establish and maintain a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program to develop a national strategy to address marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; (2) promote activities and an action strategy to implement such Program; (3) oversee the development and implementation of regional research and action plans for addressing marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; and (4) identify the appropriate regions and subregions to be addressed by such plans. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force, to report on progress toward the attainment of the coastal goal of the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan released by the EPA on June 16, 2008. Directs the Task Force to complete and submit to Congress and the President an integrated assessment of hypoxia in the coastal and estuarine waters of the Pacific Northwest.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require personnel who perform or plan the technical component of either medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures for medical purposes to possess, effective January 1, 2013: (1) certification in each medical imaging or radiation therapy modality and service provided from a certification organization designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); or (2) state licensure or certification where such services and modalities are within the scope of practice as defined by the state for such profession and where the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration meet or exceed the standards established by the Secretary. Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum standards for personnel who perform, plan, evaluate, or verify patient dose for medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures; (2) establish a program for designating certification organizations after consideration of specified criteria; (3) provide a method for the recognition of individuals whose training or experience are determined to be equal to, or in excess of, those of a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty; and (4) approve and publish a list of accrediting bodies for such certification organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural or health professional shortage areas as appropriate to assure access to quality medical imaging. Amends the Social Security Act to allow Medicare payment for medical imaging and radiation therapy services furnished on or after January 1, 2013, only if the examination or procedure is planned or performed by an individual who meets this Act's requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Military Families Affordable Homes Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax-exempt facility bonds to expand the eligibility of military personnel for low-income residential rental housing financed by such bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the first-time homebuyer tax credit to: (1) extend such credit to all purchasers of a principal residence; (2) limit the credit to one sale or exchange of a principal residence; and (3) extend such credit through November 30, 2010. Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction through 2010 for losses from the sale or exchange of a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the state of Pennsylvania and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Commends the members of the 56th Brigade Combat Team (Stryker) of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard on the completion of their most-recent deployment to Iraq. Recognizes that Team's achievements and all other formerly and presently deployed Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard units and members for their exemplary service.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Agricultural Credit Act of 2009 - Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to authorize appropriations through FY2015 for state agricultural loan mediation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Family Farm Preservation and Conservation Estate Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from the gross estate the value of property used by a decedent and the decedent's family as a farm for farming purposes and certain qualified conservation easements; and (2) impose a recapture tax if such farmland is sold outside the decedent's family or is no longer used for farming purposes or if a qualified conservation easement is likewise sold or used in violation of the terms of such easement.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Veterans Education Enhancement and Fairness Act of 2009 - Provides for a monthly housing stipend under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for individuals pursuing education programs offered through distance learning. Includes in the definition of "active duty" for purposes of Program eligibility for members of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard full-time duty, including duty in support of any homeland security operation, natural disaster related operation, counter-narcotic operation, or border security operation, and duty in the Active Guard Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
National Future Farmers of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold and silver coins in commemoration of the National Future Farmers of America Organization and the 85th anniversary of such Organization. Authorizes the issuance of coins under this Act only for a one year period, beginning on January 1, 2012. Requires all sales of coins minted under this Act to include a surcharge of $25 per gold coin and $10 per silver coin. Requires all of the surcharges received from the sale of such coins to be paid to the National Future Farmers of America Foundation in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the creation of an endowment to enhance and expand programs that encourage the development of leadership skills, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education and the Future Farmers of America.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Short Sea Shipping Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance tax commercial cargo (other than bulk cargo) loaded at: (1) a port in the U.S. mainland and unloaded at another such port after transport solely by coastal route or river or unloaded at a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System; or (2) such a port in Canada and unloaded at a port in the U.S. mainland. Defines the "Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System" as the waterway between Duluth, Minnesota, and Nova Scotia, encompassing the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the Saint Lawrence River.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Expresses support for the designation of Celebrate Safe Communities Week and for Crime Prevention Month. Commends the efforts of local law enforcement agencies and their community partners in the fight against crime. Encourages the National Sheriffs' Association and the National Crime Prevention Council to continue to promote action to reduce crime and build safer communities. Encourages government agencies, civil groups, schools, businesses, and youth organizations to educate the public, showcase their accomplishments, and explore new partnerships during Crime Prevention Month.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability and Consistency Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of payments of $600 or more made to corporations; (2) set forth criteria and rules relating to the treatment of workers as employees or independent contractors; and (3) increase penalties for failure to file correct tax return information or comply with other information reporting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue an annual report on worker misclassification.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2009- Amends the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 to require the head of each federal agency to review agency programs and activities every three fiscal years and identify those that may be susceptible to significant improper payments. Defines "significant" to mean improper payments in program or activity payments in the preceding fiscal year that may have exceeded: (1) $10 million and 2.5% of program outlays (1.5% prior to FY2013); or (2) $100 million. Sets forth risk factors for conducting improper payment reviews, including: (1) whether the program or activity is new to the agency; (2) the volume of payments made; (3) whether payment decisions are made outside of the agency; (4) recent major changes in program funding, authorities, practices, or procedures; (5) the level and quality of personnel training; and (6) significant deficiencies in auditing practices. Requires agency heads to: (1) produce a statistically valid estimate of the improper payments in their agencies; and (2) include such estimates in their annual financial statements. Expands agency reporting requirements with respect to improper payments to require reports on actions to reduce and recover improper payments. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) report to specified congressional committees in each fiscal year on actions agencies have taken to report on and recover improper payments; and (2) provide guidance to agencies for implementing actions to reduce improper payments and strategies for addressing risks and establishing internal controls. Requires agency heads to conduct recovery audits for agency programs that expend $1 million or more annually if such audits would be cost-effective. Requires each agency's Inspector General to report each fiscal year on agency compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Director of OMB to establish one or more pilot programs to test accountability mechanisms to ensure compliance with this Act and eliminate improper payments.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Stop White-collar Assistance to Terrorists Act - Amends the federal criminal code to increase the maximum prison terms for: (1) certain fraud, money laundering, and bribery offenses if committed to facilitate an act of domestic or international terrorism; and (2) providing material support or resources to terrorists. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend sentencing guidelines and policy statements for offenses committed to facilitate terrorism to reflect congressional intent that the penalties for such offenses be increased.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Tay-Sachs Awareness Month. Encourages and expresses support for education and research efforts with respect to Tay-Sachs disease.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) high school students should spend at least one week in September of their senior year learning about the U.S. Constitution, as knowledge of this country's founding document is critical to being an effective citizen; and (2) upon reaching voting age, high school seniors should demonstrate their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship by petitioning the government on an issue of importance to them.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2009
National Metro Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding certain prohibitions, to: (1) develop, implement, and enforce national safety standards for transit agencies operating heavy rail on fixed guideways; and (2) require such standards to include National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding crashworthiness, emergency access and egress, event recorders, and hours of service.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2009 or SAVE Act of 2009 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) accountable financing under the Secure Border Initiative; (7) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (8) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to check against terrorist watchlists those persons suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with DHS; and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Authorizes border relief grants for local law enforcement agencies within 25 miles of the southern U.S. border. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional immigration court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009
Expresses the profound sympathies of the House of Representatives for the victims of the tragic Metrorail accident on Monday, June 22, 2009, and for their families, friends, and associates.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Honors the American Kennel Club for its service to dog owners and the U.S. public. Congratulates the American Kennel Club on the occasion of its 125th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Declares that, during the 18 months following enactment of this Act, the Home Valuation Code of Conduct announced by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on December 23, 2008, shall have no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Financial Literacy for Youth Act of 2009 or the FLY Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a pilot program awarding grants to 10 state or local educational agencies (LEAs) to develop financial literacy programs in elementary and secondary schools. Requires grant funds to be used to: (1) integrate financial literacy programs into elementary and secondary school curricula; (2) provide financial literacy teacher training; and (3) collect, analyze, and develop the information necessary to accomplish the pilot program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Lester Flatt has made an invaluable contribution to American art as both a songwriter and a performer, leaving an indelible legacy in bluegrass music.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009
Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for direct access to qualified audiologists for Medicare beneficiaries, without regard to any requirement that the beneficiary be under the care of (or referred by) a physician or other health care practitioner, or that such services are provided under the supervision of a physician or other health care practitioner. Covers audiology services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009
Repaying the American Taxpayer Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to require payment into the Treasury for reduction of the public debt of dividends on any share of preferred stock in a financial institution obtained and held by the Secretary of the Treasury in conjunction with financial assistance provided to the institution under EESA. Requires the statutory limitation on the public debt to be reduced by the aggregate amount of such revenues and proceeds paid into the Treasury. Directs the Special Inspector General to report to certain congressional committees on the disposition of such dividend payments.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009
Travel Promotion Act of 2009 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Corporation should not engage in lobbying activities. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, identify and address perceptions regarding U.S. entry policy, and promote U.S. travel. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require (under current law, authorize) the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and collect a fee for the use of an electronic data sharing system concerning the admissibility of certain aliens into the United States that will ensure recovery of the full costs of providing and administering such system. Terminates such fee following FY2014. Authorizes the Corporation to impose an annual assessment on U.S. members of the travel and tourism industry. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to: (1) revise the membership of the Tourism Policy Council; and (2) require the Council to provide the Corporation with certain information concerning U.S. admission procedures and travel promotion strategies. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study to assess barriers to entry into the United States by foreign travelers.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009
Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009 - Requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), as soon as practicable after Congress completes action on any Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) legislation, to provide an estimate of its budgetary effects to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Requires OMB to maintain and make publicly available a document containing a PAYGO ledger and, within seven days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) after the enactment of any PAYGO legislation, record on such ledger its estimate of the legislation's budgetary effects in each fiscal year, applying the look-back and averaging requirements of this Act. Exempts from the requirements of this Act any PAYGO legislation designated as an emergency requirement by the President and enacted by Congress. (Requires OMB to display the budgetary effects of such legislation as an addendum in the document containing the PAYGO ledger but not record the budgetary effects in it.) Requires OMB: (1) to make publicly available an annual PAYGO report and publish a notice of it in the Federal Register, including information on how it can be obtained; and (2) if such report shows a debit on the PAYGO ledger for the budget year, to prepare and the President to issue a sequestration order for submission to Congress. Prescribes requirements for calculating a sequestration for certain nonexempt and Medicare mandatory programs. Sets forth a special temporary rule to address the scoring of legislation affecting current policy for: (1) payments made under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for physician services; (2) the Estate and Gift Tax and the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) under the Internal Revenue Code; and (3) provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 or the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 that amended the Code extending middle-class tax cuts for individuals (or provisions in later statutes further amending such amendments). Makes such rule effective through December 31, 2010, or, in specified circumstances, until December 31, 2011. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to modify the assumptions used to calculate the baseline. Requires: (1) temporary mandatory funding and tax provisions related to major natural or man-made disasters to be assumed to expire on schedule, and discretionary funding for them to not be projected; and (2) the baseline to include a disaster allowance that is not designated as mandatory or discretionary and is not allocated to any congressional committee. Amends the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to specify additional Social Security, veterans, Tier I Railroad Retirement benefits and other programs and activities exempt from a sequestration order as well as certain economic recovery programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009
Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order in the House to consider a measure or matter until 72 hours (currently, until the third day) (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays unless the House is in session on such a day) after its text (and, if any, the text of all accompanying reports) have been made available to Members, Delegates, the Resident Commissioner (Members), and the general public. Requires the full text of the legislation and each committee report, without further amendment before floor consideration, to be posted continuously by means of the Internet. Prohibits consideration in the House of a general appropriation bill reported by the Committee on Appropriations until 72 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays unless the House is in session on such a day) after printed hearings of the Committee have been available to Members. Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order proposing a waiver of this resolution or of Rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) unless a question of consideration of the rule is adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the Members voting, a quorum being present. Amends Rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) to make it out of order in the House to consider a conference report, the accompanying signed joint explanatory statement, or a motion to dispose of a Senate amendment reported in disagreement by a conference committee until after: (1) the 72-hour availability requirement has been met; and (2) posting on the Internet. Declares that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the custody of the House. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules. Expresses the sense of the House that, with the objective of preventing circumvention of this resolution, that the Committee on Rules should develop standardized policies and procedures to require that proposed amendments (except those offered under an open rule) that are major in size, scope, or cost be posted on the Internet for an appropriate number of hours.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009
Bank Accountability and Risk Assessment Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require the risk-based assessment system (used to determine the premiums owed by insured depository institutions) to consider, in addition to existing factors, the risks posed to the Deposit Insurance Fund by: (1) the affiliates of a depository institution; and (2) the off-balance sheet assets and liabilities of depository institutions and their affiliates. Directs the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to impose a systemic risk assessment, at least annually, and in addition to the regular annual assessment and emergency special assessments, on all systemically important depository institutions. Repeals the declaration that no insured depository institution shall be barred from the lowest-risk category solely because of size. (Thus allows an insured depository institution to be barred from the lowest-risk category solely because of size.) Bases the regular annual assessment on an assessment rate established by the FDIC and an insured depository institution's average total assets minus its average tangible equity during the assessment period.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009
Young Adult Healthcare Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require a group health plan that provides coverage for dependent children to make available such coverage, at the option of the participant involved, to a participant's child who (but for age) would be treated as a dependent child and who: (1) is under 30 years of age; (2) is not married; (3) has no dependents; (4) is a citizen or national of the United States; and (5) is not provided coverage as a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee under any other creditable coverage. Applies such requirement to individual health insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2009
Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009 - Prohibits an automobile manufacturer (manufacturer) in which the federal government has an ownership interest, or which receives loans from the federal government, from depriving an automobile dealer (dealer) of its economic rights. Requires the manufacturer to honor those rights as they existed for Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corporation dealers prior to the commencement of the bankruptcy cases of each corporation, including dealer rights to recourse under state law. Requires the appropriate manufacturer to restore the franchise agreement between the dealers and Chrysler LLC or General Motors that was in effect prior to the commencement of their respective bankruptcy cases, and to take assignment of such agreements. States that nothing in this Act is intended to make null and void the transfer of substantially all the assets of such corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
FBI Families of Fallen Heroes Act - Authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pay the moving, transportation, and relocation expenses attributable to a change of residence within the United States of the immediate family of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employee who dies in the performance of official duties, as well as expenses of preparing and transporting the remains of the deceased to the place where the family will reside following the employee's death (or another appropriate place for interment).
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Fixed Indexed Annuities and Insurance Products Classification Act of 2009 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to include within the class of securities exempt from its coverage any insurance or endowment policy or annuity contract or optional annuity contract: (1) whose value does not vary according to the performance of a separate account; and (2) which satisfies standard nonforfeiture laws or similar requirements of the applicable state, Territory, or District of Columbia at time of issue or, in the absence of applicable standard nonforfeiture laws or requirements, satisfies the Model Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Life Insurance or Model Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities, or any successor model law, as published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Declares without force or effect Rule 151A promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 16, 2009, and entitled "Indexed Annuities and Certain Other Insurance Contracts."
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Optometric Equity in Medicaid Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require Medicaid coverage of medical and other health services of optometrists that are otherwise covered when furnished by a physician.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009
Clean Energy Promotion Act - Requires the United States to annually deposit into the BLM Wind Energy and Solar Energy Permit Processing Improvement Fund up to $5 million received as annual wind energy and solar energy right-of-way authorization fees under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Makes the amounts deposited available for salaries and expenses related to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices dedicated to the coordination and processing of wind energy and solar energy permit applications. Authorizes the expenditure or transfer of such amounts as are necessary to: (1) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and (3) state agencies involved in the processing of wind and solar permits on federal lands under the jurisdiction of the BLM.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009
Expresses support for the Border Patrol's goals and objectives. Congratulates the Border Patrol and its exemplary workforce on 85 years of service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2009 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to establish a Working Waterfront Grant Program to make a grant, through a regionally equitable, competitive funding process, to any coastal state to implement a plan to preserve and expand access to coastal waters for persons engaged in commercial fishing, recreational fishing, aquaculture, boatbuilding, or other water-dependent coastal-related business. Authorizes the Secretary to award planning grants to coastal states to develop or revise comprehensive working waterfront plans.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
American Shipping Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal shipping investment withdrawal tax rules; and (2) allow U.S. corporate shareholders an election to deduct dividends attributable to foreign base company shipping income received from a controlled foreign corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Expresses the heartfelt condolences of the House of Representatives to the families and friends of the victims of the May 11, 2009, shooting at the combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty, Iraq. Conveys its ongoing deep gratitude to the brave members of the Armed Forces who risk their lives in service of protecting the nation. Recognizes the important work of the medical professionals and staff members, who provide essential mental health services to our servicemen and women, at Combat Stress Control Center in Camp Liberty, Iraq, and other clinics in theater and at home. Commits the House to: (1) focus on the mental, in addition to the physical, well-being of the nation's military servicemen and women, and veterans; and (2) support the policies, resources, and funding necessary to combat successfully the mental and physical healthcare challenges that they may confront.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009
Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009 - Authorizes the government of Puerto Rico: (1) to conduct a plebiscite giving voters the option to vote to continue Puerto Rico's present political status or to have a different political status; (2) if a majority of ballots favor continuing the present status, to conduct additional such plebiscites every eight years; and (3) if a majority of ballots favor having a different status, to conduct a plebiscite on the options of becoming fully independent from the United States, forming with the United States a political association between sovereign nations that will not be subject to the Territorial Clause of the Constitution, or being admitted as a state of the Union. Prescribes the eligibility requirements for voting in the plebiscite. Requires the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to certify plebiscite results to the President and Congress.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kratovil, Frank, Jr. [D-MD-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/111_rp_md_1_kratovil_frank_200.jpg)