United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to the nation during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year. Honors government employees who have given their lives in service to their country. Encourages efforts to promote public service careers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Mourns the death of Polish President Kaczynski and the terrible loss of life that resulted from the plane crash of April 10, 2010. Expresses: (1) deepest sympathies to the people of Poland and to the families of those who perished; (2) solidarity with the people of Poland and all persons of Polish descent; and (3) support for the Polish government as it works to overcome the loss of many key public officials.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2010
Taxpayer Assistance Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate substantiation requirements for the depreciation of cellular telephones and similar telecommunications equipment used by employees for business purposes; (2) exempt tax return preparers who object to the use of magnetic media on religious grounds from the requirement for filing returns electronically; (3) allow interest on refunds not paid within 30 days (currently, 45 days); (4) repeal the requirement that taxpayers submitting an offer in compromise of tax liability make a 20% downpayment of the tax owed upon submission of the offer; (5) allow officers and employees of the Department of the Treasury to refer taxpayers to low-income taxpayer clinics for advice and assistance; (6) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to develop, expand, or continue volunteer income tax assistance programs; (7) increase annual grant levels for low-income taxpayer clinics; (8) require the Secretary to notify taxpayers of their eligibility for the earned income tax credit; (9) require the Secretary to notify a taxpayer of any unauthorized use of such taxpayer's identity (suspected identity theft) and of any person who is criminally charged for unauthorized use of taxpayer information; (10) allow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to use any means of mass communication to publish unclaimed refund amounts; (11) extend the penalty for tendering a bad check to the IRS to any commercially acceptable payment instrument (including electronic payments); and (12) increase the penalty for failure to file correct information returns and for intentional disregard of tax return information requirements. Directs the National Taxpayer Advocate to conduct a study on the feasibility of delivering tax refunds on debit cards, prepaid cards, and other electronic means to assist individuals who do not have access to financial accounts or institutions. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies on: (1) the effectiveness of collection alternatives, especially offers-in-compromise, on long-term tax compliance; (2) the administrative and legislative changes necessary to receive and process information returns before processing income tax returns; and (3) methods to reduce the number of taxpayers making in-person payments at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2010
Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through July 3, 2010: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the period beginning October 1, 2009, and ending on July 3, 2010, for airport improvement program (AIP) projects, including project grant authority. Sets forth a formula for calculating the apportionment of AIP funding. Extends through July 3, 2010, various airport development projects, including: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fees at nonhub airports; (2) small airport grants for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (3) the temporary increase to 95% in the government share of certain AIP project costs; and (4) the funding of Midway Island airport development. Extends through July 3, 2010, state and local land use compatibility projects under the AIP program. Extends through July 3, 2010, the authority of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to apply for an airport development grant and impose a passenger facility fee. Extends through July 3, 2010, Department of Transportation (DOT) insurance coverage for domestic and foreign-flag air carriers. Allows further extension through September 30, 2010. Extends through FY2010, air carrier liability limits for injuries to passengers resulting from acts of terrorism. Extends through July 3, 2010, certain competitive access assurance requirements for large or medium hub airport sponsors applying for AIP grants. Extends for the period from October 1, 2009, through July 3, 2010, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) research, engineering, and development. Surface Transportation Extension Modification Act of 2010 - Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010 to modify the extension of certain allocations of transportation program funds to states under the Act. Revises such allocations for FY2010-FY2011 to direct funds to specific programs under the equity bonus program (except the high priority projects program), including: (1) the Interstate maintenance program; (2) the national highway system program; (3) the highway bridge program; (4) the surface transportation program; (5) the highway safety improvement program; (6) the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program; (7) metropolitan planning program; (8) the equity bonus program; (9) the Appalachian development highway system program; (10) the recreational trails program; (11) the safe routes to school program; (12) the rail-highway grade crossing program; and (13) the coordinated border infrastructure program. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to apportion authorized appropriations (out of the Highway Trust Fund, other than the Mass Transit Account) among all states for FY2010 and the period from October 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010, for the projects of national and regional significance program and the national corridor infrastructure improvement program so that each state's apportionment is equal to its FY2009 share of funds apportioned or allocated for such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2010
Global Democracy Promotion Act - States that in determining eligibility for assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 foreign nongovernmental organizations shall not: (1) be ineligible for such assistance solely on the basis of health or medical services provided by such organizations with non-U.S. government funds if such services do not violate the laws of the country in which they are being provided and would not violate U.S. federal law if provided in the United States; and (2) be subject to requirements relating to the use of non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying activities other than those that apply to U.S. nongovernmental organizations receiving assistance under part I of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through July 3, 2010: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the period beginning October 1, 2009, and ending on July 3, 2010, for airport improvement program (AIP) projects, including project grant authority. Sets forth a formula for calculating the apportionment of AIP funding. Extends through July 3, 2010, various airport development projects, including: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fees at nonhub airports; (2) small airport grants for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (3) the temporary increase to 95% in the government share of certain AIP project costs; and (4) the funding of Midway Island airport development. Extends through July 3, 2010, state and local land use compatibility projects under the AIP program. Extends through July 3, 2010, the authority of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to apply for an airport development grant and impose a passenger facility fee. Extends through July 3, 2010, Department of Transportation (DOT) insurance coverage for domestic and foreign-flag air carriers. Allows further extension through September 30, 2010. Extends through FY2010, air carrier liability limits for injuries to passengers resulting from acts of terrorism. Extends through July 3, 2010, certain competitive access assurance requirements for large or medium hub airport sponsors applying for AIP grants. Extends for the period from October 1, 2009, through July 3, 2010, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) research, engineering, and development. Surface Transportation Extension Modification Act of 2010 - Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010 to modify the extension of certain allocations of transportation program funds to states under the Act. Revises such allocations for FY2010-FY2011 to direct funds to specific programs under the equity bonus program (except the high priority projects program), including: (1) the Interstate maintenance program; (2) the national highway system program; (3) the highway bridge program; (4) the surface transportation program; (5) the highway safety improvement program; (6) the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program; (7) metropolitan planning program; (8) the equity bonus program; (9) the Appalachian development highway system program; (10) the recreational trails program; (11) the safe routes to school program; (12) the rail-highway grade crossing program; and (13) the coordinated border infrastructure program. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to apportion authorized appropriations (out of the Highway Trust Fund, other than the Mass Transit Account) among all states for FY2010 and the period from October 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010, for the projects of national and regional significance program and the national corridor infrastructure improvement program so that each state's apportionment is equal to its FY2009 share of funds apportioned or allocated for such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Continuing Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 with respect to the state-established individual emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA). Extends the final date for entering a federal-state agreement under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through May 5, 2010. Postpones the termination of the program until October 2, 2010. Amends the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act to extend until May 5, 2010: (1) federal-state agreements increasing regular unemployment compensation payments to individuals; and (2) requirements that federal payments to states cover 100% of EUC. Amends the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 to exempt weeks of unemployment between enactment of this Act and October 2, 2010, from the prohibition in the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 against federal matching payments to a state for the first week in an individual's eligibility period for which extended compensation or sharable regular compensation is paid if the state law provides for payment of regular compensation to an individual for his or her first week of otherwise compensable unemployment. (Thus allows temporary federal matching for the first week of extended benefits for states with no waiting period.) Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to extend through April 30, 2010, premium assistance for COBRA benefits (health insurance continuation benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985). Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend through April 30, 2010: (1) the 0% update to the conversion factor in the Medicare physican payment computation; and (2) the Medicare physical therapy services caps exceptions process. Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 to extend the use of 2009 poverty guidelines through April 30, 2010. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from publishing updated poverty guidelines for 2010 until after such date. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010 to extend through April 30, 2010, the national flood insurance program. Extends through April 30, 2010, the adjustment of royalty fees for the secondary transmission of the primary analog transmissions of network stations and superstations. Extends through such date the moratorium on copyright liability for certain subscribers not receiving a signal of Grade A intensity of a local network television broadcast station and receiving signals of network stations affiliated with the same network, if such subscribers had satellite service of such network signal terminated between July 11, 1998, and October 31, 1999. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend through April 30, 2010, the exemption of a subscriber from the originating station consent requirement for retransmission of broadcasting station signals if the subscriber receives the retransmitted signals directly to a home satellite antenna, is located outside the station's local market, and resides in an unserved household. Extends through May 1, 2010, the requirement that certain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit: (1) a television broadcast station that provides retransmission consent from engaging in exclusive contracts for carriage or failing to negotiate in good faith; and (2) a multichannel video programming distributor from failing to negotiate in good faith for retransmission consent. Requires federal employees furloughed as a result of the lapse in expenditure authority from the Highway Trust Fund after 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2010, through March 2, 2010, to be compensated for such lapse at their standard rates of compensation. Ratifies and approves all actions taken by federal employees, contractors, and grantees to maintain the essential level of government operations, services, and activities to protect life and property and to bring about orderly termination of government functions during such lapse, if otherwise in accord with the provisions of the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010. Requires funds used by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to compensate such employees to be: (1) derived from funds previously authorized out of the Highway Trust Fund and made available or limited to DOT by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010; and (2) subject to the obligation limitations established in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 100% exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale of qualified small business stock acquired after March 15, 2010, and before January 1, 2012; (2) limit the penalty for failure to disclose a reportable transaction (a transaction determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) to 75% of the decrease in tax resulting from such transaction; (3) revise the definition of "qualified nonrecourse financing" to include qualified nonrecourse real property or Small Business Investment Company financing as amounts at risk for purposes of determining the deductibility of losses from certain investment activities, including farming, leasing, and energy exploration; (4) increase in 2010 and 2011 the tax deduction for business start-up expenditures; (5) extend through June 30, 2013, the period for issuing Build America Bonds; (6) exempt private activity bonds for sewage and water supply facilities from the state volume caps applicable to such bonds; (7) extend through 2011 the exemption from alternative minimum tax (AMT) treatment of interest on certain tax-exempt bonds; (8) allow elective payments in lieu of low-income housing tax credits for low-income buildings financed by tax-exempt bonds; (9) extend through 2011 the period for issuing recovery zone bonds; and (10) allow an full offset against the AMT for new market tax credit amounts. Sets forth revenue-raising provisions, including: (1) a prohibition of any reduction of tax withholding for payments made by a U.S. subsidiary of a foreign parent corporation to a related subsidiary in any country that has a tax treaty with the United States, except for payments made directly to the foreign parent corporation; (2) recognition of gain from the transfer of securities of a controlled corporation in a reorganization; (3) the repeal of tax treatment as foreign source income of interest and dividends paid by certain resident alien individuals and U.S. corporations; (4) treating rental income from real estate as a trade or business activity for tax reporting purposes; (5) expanding the continuous tax levy on payments to vendors for good and services to include payments for all property, goods, or services and for delinquent employment taxes owed by such vendors; (6) revising requirements for grantor retained annuity trusts to require a minimum 10-year period for payments from such trusts; and (7) increasing tax penalties for failure to file correct information returns and for the intentional disregard of reporting requirements. Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to report by December 31, 2010, and then annually to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance on penalties relating to tax shelters and reportable transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow a Member of Congress, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to administer the oath of renunciation and allegiance to applicants for naturalization.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010
Stem Cell Research Advancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct and support research that utilizes human stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of reproductive treatment, and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) it was determined through consultation with the individuals seeking reproductive treatment that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) the individuals seeking reproductive treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and received no financial or other inducements. Requires the Secretary to maintain, review every three years, and update as scientifically warranted, guidelines applicable to the conduct or support of human stem cell research by HHS. Prohibits the Secretary from using any funds for the conduct or support of human cloning. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to include in its biennial report to Congress a summary of research activities on human stem cells.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010
Local Jobs for America Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the Department of Labor, to provide for the allotment of funds to states, local government units, and community-based organizations to save and create local jobs through the retention, restoration, or expansion of services needed by local communities. Makes appropriations for this program. Prohibits the hiring of an individual for a position funded under this Act if: (1) it results in the layoff or partial displacement of an existing employee of a unit or organization, or (2) such individual will perform the same or substantially similar work that was performed by the previous employee of the unit or organization. Makes appropriations to: (1) the Department of Education for an Education Jobs Fund, (2) the Department of Justice for community oriented policing services, (3) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for firefighter assistance grants, and (4) the Department of Labor for ETA for on-the-job training and employment services.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Treats cash contributions made after February 26, 2010, and on or before April 15, 2010, for the relief of earthquake victims in Chile as having been made on December 31, 2009, for purposes of the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Deems a contribution as meeting the recordkeeping requirements of the Internal Revenue Code if the taxpayer produces a telephone bill showing the name of the donee organization and the date and amount of the contribution. Extends from March 1, 2010, through April 15, 2010, the period in which cash contributions for the relief of earthquake victims in Haiti will be deemed to have been made on December 31, 2009, for purposes of the the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Designates this Act as an emergency requirement, thus exempting its provisions from the pay-as-you-go requirement of budget neutrality.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Declares that any federal employees furloughed as a result of the lapse in expenditure authority from the Highway Trust Fund after 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2010, through March 2, 2010, shall be compensated for the period of that lapse at their standard rates of compensation. Ratifies and approves all actions taken by federal employees, contractors, and grantees during that period of lapse to: (1) maintain the essential level of government operations, services, and activities to protect life and property; and (2) bring about orderly termination of government functions. Requires that funds used by the Secretary of Transportation to compensate such employees be derived from funds previously authorized out of the Highway Trust Fund and made available or limited to the Department of Transportation by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010. Deems this Act to be a section of the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010, as in effect on the date of the enactment of the last amendment to such Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Supports the mission of the World Economic Forum and encourages the ongoing pursuit of international collaboration through economic, political, cultural, and intellectual engagement. Honors: (1) Klaus Schwab for creating the Forum and for his 40 years of successful leadership; and (2) the 40th anniversary of the Forum's global economic and social leadership.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to expand the duties of the Great Lakes Program Office by requiring the Office to: (1) provide support for Great Lakes governance and management; and (2) coordinate with the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force. Establishes: (1) the Great Lakes Leadership Council to establish policy, goals, and priorities with respect to Great Lakes protection and restoration, determine a process for participating in international forums, and provide annual input regarding federal budget priorities and levels for Great Lakes protection and restoration; (2) the Great Lakes Management Committee within the Council to report to and provide direction for the Council, monitor and assist implementation activities relating to Great Lakes management, and engage in problem solving regarding Great Lakes management; and (3) the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report annually to Congress on budgets and restoration activities relating to EPA's organizational elements involved in Great Lakes activities and EPA's reasons for approving or disapproving the Council's recommendations. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern in the Great Lakes; and (2) the Great Lakes Program. Requires EPA, in coordination with federal partners, to implement a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative which will: (1) identify and support programs to target the most significant environmental problems in the Great Lakes ecosystem; (2) be based on the work of the Task Force and the Council's stakeholders and nongovernmental partners; and (3) represent the government's commitment to significantly advance Great Lakes protection and restoration. Prohibits funding made available to implement the Initiative from being used for water infrastructure activity that is implemented using funds made available under the clean water or drinking water state revolving fund program. Requires federal agencies to: (1) maintain the base level of funding for their Great Lakes activities; and (2) identify new activities to support the environmental goals of the Initiative.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Condemns the suicide plane attack against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Austin, Texas, on February 18, 2010, and commends IRS employees for their dedication and public service. Honors Vernon Hunter, a victim of the attack, Shane Hill, who suffered severe injuries, and all those who were injured while serving their country. Recognizes the heroic actions of the first responders, emergency services personnel, IRS employees, and citizens on the ground, such as Robert De Haven, whose actions minimized the loss of life. Rejects any statement or act that incites hatred or expresses sympathy for those who would attack public employees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Reaffirms the nation's commitment to combating multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its causes and risks, promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment. Recognizes people living with multiple sclerosis and salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who assist those so afflicted and continue to work to find cures and improve treatments.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Recognizes the 101st anniversary of the historic founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Honors and praises the NAACP on the occasion of its anniversary for its work to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and make available for sale not more than 2 million silver national medals, containing one ounce of silver each, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. Declares that all sales of medals under this Act shall include a surcharge of $10 per medal, which shall be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
Congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 189th anniversary of the independence of Greece. Supports the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed. Notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider European region and in the community of nations since gaining its independence.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2010
Manufacturing Modernization and Diversification Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to certify special purpose vehicles (SPVs) created by a state to take part in a program to carry out collateral support and loan participation programs for the benefit of qualified manufacturers (manufacturers with less than $50 million in annual revenue and less than $50 million in assets). Outlines SPV application requirements. Allows, under the collateral support program, a qualified manufacturer that wishes to receive a bank loan but has insufficient collateral to ask the bank to seek collateral loan support from the SPV. Prohibits an SPV from providing more than $20 million in collateral support to any one manufacturer. Requires manufacturers to be charged a fee for such support. Allows, under the loan participation program, a qualified manufacturer that wishes to receive a bank loan but would not otherwise qualify for the loan to ask the bank to seek participation for such loan from the SPV. Prohibits an SPV from providing more than $20 million in participation support to any one manufacturer. Requires manufacturers to be charged a fee for such support. Requires: (1) periodic reports from such banks to participating SPVs; and (2) quarterly reports from the Secretary to Congress on participants in and impacts of the support and participation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should stand with the American people to reject severe changes to Social Security, including any and all attempts to privatize it, and instead should commit to work bipartisanly to make common-sense adjustments to Social Security to strengthen it for future generations while preserving its guarantees of secure income and family protection in the event of a worker's death, retirement, or severe disability.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Renewable Energy Expansion Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow taxpayers an election to receive a direct payment for investing in or producing specified energy property in lieu of existing energy tax credits; and (2) extend eligibility for such payments until January 1, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Emergency Jobs Program and Assistance for Families Extension Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to extend for one year the Emergency Contingency Fund for State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make a grant from the Fund for each calendar quarter in FY2010 or FY2011 to each requesting state whose total expenditures for work support services in the quarter, whether under the state program funded under TANF or as qualified state expenditures, exceeds the state's total such expenditures in the corresponding quarter in its emergency fund base year. Requires a grant to equal 80% of such excess.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act - Designates specified lands and inland waters within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Wilderness. Sets forth requirements for the administration of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Wilderness, including with respect to road maintenance, hunting, fish and wildlife, watercraft, and buffer zones.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2010
Benefit Card Fairness Act of 2010 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) to extend its coverage to any account directly or indirectly established through a government agency to which electronic fund transfers (EFTs) are made by or on behalf of a government agency on a recurring basis (government payment account). Repeals the exemption from EFTA disclosure, protection, responsibility, and remedy requirements of electronic benefit transfer systems established by a federal, state, or local government agency for distributing needs-tested benefits, such as through automated teller machines (ATMs) or point-of-sale terminals. Requires a financial institution to offer a government payment account in compliance with this Act and with the requirements of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for the provision of insurance to the consumer. Prescribes requirements for consumer choice in making an EFT to a government payment account, as well as for access to account balance and transaction history. Prohibits the assessment of specified fees on a government payment account, except certain transaction fees, a nominal fee of up to $1 for written periodic statements, and other permissible fees for specific services beyond ordinary use of the account. Requires a financial institution to make certain disclosures including: (1) the means to obtain account balance; (2) written account history; (3) fee information; and (4) error resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010 - Amends the Social Security Protection Act of 2004 to provide for permanent extension of the attorney fee witholding procedures under titile II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI). Amends SSA titles II and XVI to provide for the permanent extension of such procedures to qualified non-attorney claimant representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Student Nondiscrimination Act of 2010 - Prohibits public school students from being excluded from participating in, or subject to discrimination under, any federally-assisted educational program on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or that of their associates. Considers harassment to be a form of discrimination. Prohibits retaliation against anyone for opposing conduct they reasonably believe to be unlawful under this Act. Authorizes federal departments and agencies to enforce these prohibitions by cutting off the educational assistance of recipients found to be violating them. Allows an aggrieved individual to assert a violation of this Act in a judicial proceeding and recover reasonable attorney's fees should they prevail. Deems a state's receipt of federal educational assistance for a program to constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity for conduct prohibited under this Act regarding such program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2010
Treats cash contributions made after January 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, for the relief of earthquake victims in Haiti as having been made on December 31, 2009, for purposes of the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Deems a contribution as meeting the recordkeeping requirements of the Internal Revenue Code if the taxpayer produces a telephone bill showing the name of the donee organization and the date and amount of the contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2009 - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for duty suspensions and reductions through December 31, 2012, for specified chemicals and other products. Extends existing suspensions and reductions of duties through December 31, 2012, for other specified chemicals and products. Imposes, suspends, and increases and/or decreases the duty on certain chemicals through December 31, 2012. Extends, through December 31, 2012, the suspension of duty on certain products. Imposes, through December 31, 2012, a duty on: (1) brakes designed for bicycles; and (2) certain 12V lead-acid storage batteries. Suspends, through December 31, 2012, the duty on: (1) certain catalytic converter mats of ceramic fibers; and (2) certain herbicides. Extends the duty on aspirin through December 31, 2012. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through June 14, 2018, and June 28, 2018, respectively. Amends the Corporate Estimated Tax Shift Act of 2009 to increase the estimated tax payments of corporations with at least $1 billion in assets in the third quarter of 2014 by 0.75%.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine and encourages continued efforts to implement the United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership. Expresses support for the Ukrainian people's efforts to consolidate democratic institutions and economic reforms. Supports international financial institution measures to assist Ukraine. Urges the government of Ukraine and all political parties to ensure that the 2010 election is conducted freely.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences from December 31, 2009, through December 31, 2010. Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) to extend the ATPA program through December 31, 2010. Extends through FY2010 preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more beneficiary countries from regional fabrics or regional components, and specified other type apparel (brassieres). Advances from April 30, 2003, to June 30, 2010, the base scheduling date for biennial reports to Congress of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the operation of ATPA. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend customs fees for the processing of specified different kinds of merchandise entered into the United States: (1) from February 14, 2018, through May 14, 2018; and (2) from February 7, 2018, through June 7, 2018. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase by 1.5% (to 101.75% of such amount) the amount in effect on the date of enactment of this Act of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion in July, August, or September 2014.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Congratulates the Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention and Visitors Bureaus for securing the 2012 Region II United States Youth Soccer Association tournament.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from 50 to 100% the exclusion from gross income allowed for gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock that is acquired during 2010; and (2) exempt gain from such stock in calculating the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States remains deeply concerned about the plight of specified vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities of Iraq; (2) the U.S. government and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) should urge the government of Iraq to enhance security at places of worship in Iraq, particularly where religious minorities are known to be at risk; Urges the U.S. government to continue to work with the government of Iraq to: (1) train and deploy into the Iraqi police and security forces members of vulnerable minority communities in Iraq; and (2) ensure that members of such communities suffer no discrimination in recruitment, employment, or advancement in such forces, and be assigned to their locations of origin, rather than transferred to other areas. Urges the government of Iraq, with U.S. government assistance, to: (1) ensure that the upcoming national elections in Iraq are safe, fair, and free of intimidation and violence so that all Iraqis, including religious minorities, can participate in them; and (2) permit and facilitate election monitoring by experts from local and international nongovernmental organizations, the international community, and the United Nations, particularly in minority areas. Encourages the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan regional government to work towards a peaceful and timely resolution of disputes over territories. Encourages the U.S. government and UNAMI to urge the government of Iraq to work with minority communities and their representatives to develop measures to implement article 125 of the Iraq Constitution. Urges the government of Iraq to take affirmative measures to reverse the legal, political, and economic marginalization of religious minorities in Iraq. Urges the U.S. government to: (1) direct assistance to projects that develop the ability of ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq to organize themselves civically and politically to effectively convey their concerns to government; and (2) continue to fund capacity-building programs for the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights (IMHR), the independent national Human Rights Commission, and a new independent minorities committee whose membership is selected by minority communities of Iraq. Urges the government of Iraq to: (1) direct the IMHR to investigate and report on abuses against and the marginalization of minority communities in Iraq, making recommendations to address such abuses; and (2) help ensure that displaced Iraqis considering return to Iraq have the proper information needed to make informed decisions regarding such return. Urges the U.S. government and international organizations to continue to work with the government of Iraq to develop the legal framework necessary to address property disputes resulting when displaced Iraqis attempt to return to their homes in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009
Helping Unemployed Workers Act - Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 with respect to the state-established individual emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA). Extends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through March 31, 2011. Amends the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act to extend through April 1, 2011: (1) federal-state agreements increasing regular unemployment compensation payments to individuals; and (2) requirements that federal payments to states cover 100% of EUC. Requires the Secretary of Labor to establish a program under which the Secretary shall make payments to any state unemployment trust fund (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) to be used for the payment of unemployment compensation if the Secretary approves an application to receive 100% reimbursement for up to 26 weeks for a short-time compensation program. Bars payments to a state for benefits paid to an individual who is employed by an employer: (1) whose workforce during the three months preceding the date of the submission of the employer's short-time compensation plan has been reduced by temporary layoffs of more than 20%; (2) on a seasonal, temporary, or intermittent basis; or (3) engaged in a labor dispute.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009
Brownfield Cleanup Enhancement Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to authorize appropriations for FY2010 and each fiscal year thereafter for: (1) the brownfield site characterization and assessment grant program and for grants and loans for brownfield remediation; and (2) state and Indian tribe brownfield sites response programs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
FVPSA Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Revises requirements for and reauthorizes the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act at increased levels for FY2010-FY2014. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish grant programs for: (1) specialized services for abused parents and their children; (2) domestic violence prevention enhancement and leadership through alliances; and (3) enhancement of culturally competent services for adult and youth victims of domestic violence from racial and ethnic minority groups.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy tax credit for equipment used to fabricate solar energy property. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to allow grants in lieu of energy tax credits for equipment used to fabricate solar energy property.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reduce between 2010 and 2015 the excise tax rate on the net investment income of tax-exempt private foundations from 2 to 1.32%; and (2) suspend between 2010 and 2015 the 1% reduction in such tax rate for private foundations that meet certain distribution requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct and submit to Congress by December 31, 2013, a study which examines the effect of the tax rate changes of this Act on the level of grantmaking by private foundations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Commends the maturating of the relationship between the United States and the Republic of India, exemplified by the current official visit of the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh. Welcomes Prime Minister Singh to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Expresses support for Chinese human rights activists Huang Qi and Tan Zuoren for engaging in peaceful expression as they seek answers and justice for the parents whose children were killed as a result of the collapse of numerous school buildings in the Sichuan earthquake of May 12, 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise and add reporting and other requirements relating to income from assets held abroad, including by: (1) requiring foreign financial and nonfinancial institutions to withhold 30% of payments made to such institutions by U.S. individuals unless such institutions agree to disclose the identity of such individuals and report on their bank transactions; (2) denying a tax deduction for interest on non-registered bonds issued outside the United States; (3) requiring any individual who holds more than $50,000 in a depository or custodial account maintained by a foreign financial institution to report on such accounts; (4) imposing an enhanced tax penalty for underpayments attributable to undisclosed foreign financial assets; (5) extending the limitation period for assessment of underpayments with respect to assets held outside the United States; (6) requiring certain tax advisors who assist U.S. individuals in acquiring a direct or indirect interest in a foreign entity to file an information return disclosing the identity of the foreign entity and the individual investors; (7) requiring shareholders of a passive foreign investment company to file informational returns; (8) enhancing tax rules and penalties relating to foreign trusts with U.S. beneficiaries; and (9) requiring withholding of tax on dividend equivalent payments received by foreign individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Honors and recognizes the American labor movement. Supports the designation of a National Labor History Month. Urges government officials, educators, the media, and all Americans to observe such a month with ceremonies, activities, and programs that encourage reflection on the labor movement's heritage and its many contributions to the creation and maintenance of a more just America.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Accountability for Business Choices in Iran Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Iran's illicit nuclear activities as well as development of unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles and support for international terrorism represent a serious threat to the security of the United States and its allies; (2) the United States should continue supporting diplomatic efforts in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to end Iran's illicit nuclear activities; (3) the UNSC should take further measures beyond specified existing UNSC resolutions to tighten sanctions on Iran, including preventing new investment in Iran's energy sector as long as it fails to comply with international demands to halt its nuclear enrichment; and (4) the United States should discourage foreign banks and entities from investing in Iran's energy sector as well as seek to prohibit entities doing business with the United States from doing business with Iran. Requires the head of each federal agency to ensure that each contract with a company for the procurement of goods and services contains a requirement for the company to certify that it is not conducting business operations in Iran. Defines "business operations" as operations that: (1) provide Iran with refined petroleum resources or technology that could enhance its ability to import or expand its domestic production of such resources; (2) invest $20 million or more in aIran's ability to develop petroleum resources; and (3) provide sensitive technology to Iran. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt measures to prohibit them from entering into or renewing a contract for the procurement of goods or services with persons included on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs. Terminates this Act 30 days after: (1) the President certifies to Congress that Iran has ceased support for acts of international terrorism and is no longer considered a state-sponsor of terrorism; and (2) Iran has permanently ceased the pursuit, acquisition, and development of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and missiles.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Considers the "Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict" (Goldstone Report) to be biased and unworthy of further consideration or legitimacy. Supports the Administration's efforts to combat anti-Israel bias at the United Nations (U.N.). Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose endorsement of, and measures stemming from, the Report. Reaffirms support for Israel's right to defend its citizens from violent militant groups and their state sponsors.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Recognizes National Veterans Awareness Week. Supports the designation of a National Veterans History Project Week. Calls on the people of the United States to interview at least one veteran in their families or communities according to guidelines provided by the Veterans History Project. Encourages local, state, and national organizations along with federal, state, city and county governmental institutions to participate in support of the effort to document, preserve, and honor the service of American wartime veterans.
![Official portrait of Rep. Levin, Sander M. [D-MI-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000263_200.jpg)