United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Honors the seven Americans who died in the December 2009 bombing in Khost, Afghanistan, and the families of those patriots for their service and their sacrifice for the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010
Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to safeguard and uphold the Tenth Amendment (which reserves to the states powers not delegated to the United States or prohibited to the states by the Constitution).
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010
Congratulates the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, Illinois, on its 150th anniversary. Expresses the House of Representatives' best wishes for its continued success. Commends the school for its dedication to educating world class physicians and scientists, sponsoring cutting edge medical research, and providing highly specialized clinical care.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President shall direct the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) initiate discussions with Japan immediately to identify and remedy violations of Japan's World Trade Organization (WTO) trade obligations for its discriminatory practices in not applying incentives for U.S. automotive imports under Japan's Eco-Friendly Vehicle Purchase Program (scrappage program); and (2) if no remedy is forthcoming, file complaints to initiate dispute resolution actions under the WTO. Expresses the sense of the House that: (1) any such action should include the impacts on the U.S. economy incurred by implementation of the U.S. Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) incentives program in regards to Japanese manufactured automobiles that received subsidies; and (2) the Secretary of State should immediately take diplomatic and other measures to ensure that any extension of Japan's Eco-Friendly Vehicle Program is not discriminatory to U.S. manufactured automobile imports to Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Honors Navy SEALs Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Keefe, and Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas for their heroic actions in the capture of Ahmed Hashim Abed, one of the most wanted terrorists in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009
Amends the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2010, to permit the District of Columbia to use federal funds to provide opportunity scholarships to students who did not receive such scholarships in the 2009-2010 school year. (Also known as the D.C. Voucher program, the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program provides scholarships to low-income students in the District of Columbia to attend private elementary and secondary schools in the city.)
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the 15-year recovery period classification for qualified leasehold improvement, restaurant, and retail improvement property, for purposes of the depreciation tax deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Public Private Vocational Partnership Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow corporations (other than S corporations, personal holding companies, and service organizations) a general business tax credit for: (1) charitable contributions to secondary schools, community colleges, or technical schools that provide vocational education; and (2) employing interns as part of a vocational education course approved by a secondary school or community college.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Expresses support for the designation of National Stalking Awareness Month to educate Americans about stalking. Encourages efforts to promote awareness of stalking and the availability of services for stalking victims. Urges national and community organizations, private businesses, and the media to promote, through National Stalking Awareness Month, awareness of the crime of stalking.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Promoting Jobs for Veterans Act of 2009 - Reinstates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) small business loan program, under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides financial assistance to veterans' small businesses. Qualifies for such assistance any veteran business owner with a disability rated at 10% (under current law, 30%) or more. Removes VA authority to provide such assistance through direct loans, while maintaining authority for loan guaranties. Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the maximum guaranty amount. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) contract-out to provide such loans; and (2) subsidize the interest rates paid under such loans. Provides a loan guarantee preference for National Guard and reserve members activated in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Requires (current law authorizes) a VA contracting officer to award contracts to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans using other than competitive procedures for contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in order to meet VA small business procurement contracting goals. Allows the Secretary to evaluate a contract bid submitted by a small business owned and controlled by veterans on the same basis as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) evaluates a bid submitted by a socially and economically disadvantaged small business. Amends the Small Business Act to extend the period of eligibility for certain small business assistance in the case of small businesses owned by individuals who are called or ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. Increases the amount of the monthly subsistence allowance payable to veterans participating in VA vocational rehabilitation programs. Directs the Secretary to award up to 2,000 internships annually to veterans who have completed a vocational rehabilitation program. Requires the Secretary to pay to a veteran who is unemployed for at least four months, 59 years old or younger, and ineligible for other VA education or training assistance a training assistance allowance for each month the veteran is enrolled in a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training. Authorizes the Secretary to pay a $500 monthly assistance allowance to a rural veteran teacher. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize appropriations for veterans' workforce investment programs. Directs the Secretary to include on the main VA Internet website a hyperlink with a drop-down menu entitled "Veterans Employment," which shall link to appropriate Internet employment websites.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Gold Star Mothers National Monument Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation to establish a monument in the District of Columbia area, as a unit of the National Park System, to be known as the Gold Star Mothers National Monument.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to to eliminate the phase-in of the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities and permit the full 9% deduction amount for taxable years beginning after 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2009 - Provides that if a veteran claimant submits evidence in support of a case for which a substantive appeal has been filed to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, such evidence shall be submitted directly to the Board and not to a regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), unless the claimant requests that the evidence first be reviewed by the regional office. Empowers the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to affirm, modify, reverse, remand, or vacate and remand a decision of the Board after deciding all relevant assignments of error raised on appeal. Provides that whenever the Court reverses a decision on the merits of a particular claim and orders an award of benefits, the Court need not decide any additional assignments of error relating to that claim. Establishes the Veterans Judicial Review Commission to evaluate and make specific decisions to improve the administrative and judicial appellate review processes of veterans' and survivors' benefits determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to the members of the Army National Guard of the state of Illinois and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Commends the members of the 33rd Brigade Combat Team of the Illinois Army National Guard on the completion of their deployment to Afghanistan. Recognizes that Team's achievements and all other formerly and presently deployed Illinois Army National Guard members for their exemplary service.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
TARP Sunset Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to terminate, on December 31, 2009 (as under current law), the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to implement the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Repeals the Secretary's authority to extend the TARP program through October 3, 2010, upon submission of a written certification to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Diabetes Month; and (2) decreasing the prevalence of diabetes, developing better treatments, and working toward an eventual cure for type I and type II diabetes through increased research, treatment, and prevention. Recognizes the importance of early detection of diabetes and awareness of the symptoms of diabetes and risk factors for type II diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009
Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to purchase the Thomson Correctional Center in Thomson, Illinois. Prohibits the use of any funds authorized by this Act to transfer any enemy combatant from the Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the Thomson Correctional Center or to build, modify, or enhance Thomson Correctional Center or any other facility in Illinois to house any such enemy combatant.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009
Fort Hood Families Benefits Protection Act - Treats members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DOD) who were killed or wounded in the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, as members killed or wounded in a combat zone or civilian employees killed or wounded in a terrorist attack or while serving in a contingency operation, respectively, for purposes of specified laws, regulations, and policies concerning compensation, awards, and other benefits for which such members and employees are eligible. Provides the maximum amount of coverage ($400,000) under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance for any member killed in such shootings, as well as any member who dies of wounds sustained in the shootings, notwithstanding that the member elected to be insured in a lesser amount. Excludes from the above provisions members whose wounds or death is the result of willful misconduct.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009
Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available to any federal department or agency from being used to transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Thomson Correctional Center, Thomson, Illinois.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel used as fuel to: (1) allow a $1.00 tax credit for each gallon of biodiesel produced; (2) provide for an increased income tax credit for small biodiesel producers; (3) revise the definitions of "biodiesel" and "small biodiesel producer"; (4) treat renewable diesel in the same manner as biodiesel for income tax purposes; and (5) treat biodiesel as a taxable fuel for excise tax purposes. Extends the biodiesel income and excise tax credits through December 31, 2014.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2009
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the historic events in Central and Eastern Europe that brought about the collapse of the communist regimes and the fall of the Iron Curtain. Commemorates, with the Slovak and Czech Republics, the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia. Appreciates the contribution of the Slovak and Czech Republics as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) to the promotion and defense of democracy. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and the Slovak and Czech Republics.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Small Business and Military Family Assistance Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2011 the tax credit for differential wages paid to employees while on active duty in the uniformed services for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Insists that Burma's military regime begin a political dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and ethnic nationalities toward national reconciliation, and the restoration of democracy, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and human rights. Demands the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, detained Buddhist monks, Kyaw Zaw Lwin (a Burmese born American citizen), and all other political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. Calls on: (1) governments around the world to strengthen economic and arms sanctions against Burma; (2) the U.N. Security Council to impose multilateral sanctions on Burma's military regime; (3) the Administration to implement the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Supports the "Green Movement" within Iran which embraces the Iranian people's yearning for freedom and human rights. Encourages a more robust form of communication to the Iranian people through uninhibited information flow via media, Internet, and telecommunications. Condemns the suppression of the Iranian people through censorship, imprisonment, and continued acts of violence by the government and pro-government militias.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2009
Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of designating a specified region in Chicago, Illinois, as the Black Metropolis National Heritage Area.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Expresses the House of Representatives' support for the goals and ideals of American Education Week. Encourages the people of this country to observe American Education Week by reflecting on the positive impact of all those who work together to educate children.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Test Prep for Heroes Act - Authorizes the use of entitlement assistance under the Post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program for payment for a test preparatory course in connection with licensing or certification in a vocation or profession.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Locomotive Fleet Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit for 30% of the cost of qualified locomotive property. Defines "qualified locomotive property" as a newly built or remanufactured diesel line-haul, passenger, or switch locomotive (whether or not owned by a railroad) which is acquired after December 31, 2009, and which meets applicable standards under the Clean Air Act for emissions from locomotives, as in effect on December 31, 2009. Terminates such credit after December 31, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Helping Small Businesses Grow and Prosper Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of business-related meal and entertainment expenses allowed as a tax deduction for businesses that employ an average of less than 50 employees in a taxable year to 80% (currently, 50%) of such expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act - Amends the Troops-to-Teachers program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (which provides veterans with teacher certification stipends in exchange for three years of service in a high-need local educational agency [LEA] or public charter school). Expands program eligibility to cover certain individuals: (1) who, on or after September 11, 2001, serve at least 90 continuous days on active duty in the Armed Forces before being honorably released from such service; or (2) who, on or after January 8, 2002, are separated or released from active duty after at least four (currently, six) years of continuous active duty immediately preceding such separation or release, and agree to serve in the Armed Forces Reserves for at least three years. Makes any LEA that is receiving school improvement funds eligible to host Troops-to-Teachers program participants. Directs the Secretary of Education to establish an Advisory Board, composed of federal, state, and veteran service organization representatives, to collect, study, and disseminate feedback from the program and report to Congress on how the program is operating and might be improved. Reserves specified funding to carry out the Troops-to-Teachers program through FY2014.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Veterans Health Care Stamp Act - Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide for the issuance and sale of a veterans health care stamp to help fund the medical care and treatment of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives to the people who marched on Washington, D.C., on September 12, 2009, to show their love of liberty and their grievance with recent government actions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
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
Congratulates the staff, students, and faculty at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy for winning the 2009 Star Innovator in the Intel Schools of Distinction competition and wishes them well in all their future endeavors.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Estate Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Repeals provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) eliminating the tax on estates and generation-skipping transfers and the step-up in basis provisions for property acquired from a decedent for estates of decedents dying after 2009. Declares that the sunset provision (general terminating date of December 10, 2010) of EGTRRA shall not apply to title V of such Act (Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Provisions). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow annual increases in the estate tax exclusion amount until it reaches $5 million in 2019 and inflation adjustments to such amount after 2019; and (2) phase in annual reductions in the estate tax rate between 2009 and 2019 (45% to 35% in 2019 and thereafter) and eliminate the deduction for state estate, inheritance, legacy, or succession taxes over the same period.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Recognizes Biblica (an international society that translates and distributes Bibles and biblical resources) as an integral part of U.S. history and commends Biblica for the contributions it has made to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any meetings held to determine the final content of sweeping health care legislation be held in public view and not behind closed doors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Suspend ACORN Certification Act of 2009 - Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with respect to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or any of its specified related affiliates (covered organizations), to: (1) audit all assistance within HUD jurisdiction provided to ACORN at any time; (2) determine whether each such covered organization has used the assistance in accordance with all laws, regulations, and other terms and conditions; and (3) publish such determination in the Federal Register. Bars covered organizations from being approved, certified, or authorized under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 or otherwise to provide housing counseling in connection with any HUD program or to receive HUD assistance for housing counseling activities unless and until the Inspector General has made a determination, pursuant to such audit, that all such recipients of the assistance have used all of it in accordance with its terms and conditions. Prohibits the HUD Secretary from providing any assistance within HUD jurisdiction for housing counseling activities to a covered organization unless and until the Inspector General has made such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the chair of a committee, within 24 hours after commencing a meeting to consider a measure or matter, to cause its text to be made publicly available in an electronic form. Requires a committee chair to do the same with an amendment to such measure or matter within 24 hours after adopting it. Amends Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to prohibit a committee report on a measure or matter from including recommended amendments after it was ordered reported, except technical and conforming changes authorized by the committee to correct section numbers, cross-references, punctuation, grammar, spelling, or to maintain mathematical consistency.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Calls on people of Madagascar to restore constitutional governance, culminating in free and peaceful elections. Condemns the illegal extraction of Madagascar's natural resources and its impact on biodiversity and livelihoods of rural communities. Calls upon importing countries to intensify their monitoring processes to ensure that they do not contribute to the demand for illegally sourced precious woods from Madagascar.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform to study and report to both chambers on the practices of the legislative and executive branch regarding earmarks in authorizing, appropriation, tax, and tariff measures. Makes it out of order to consider a bill, joint resolution, or conference report containing a congressional earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit until the filing of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009
Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the close relationship between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Congratulates His Majesty King Abdullah II on 10 years of enlightened rule. Shares the hope of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Jordanian people for a more peaceful Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Congratulates Northwestern University on winning the 2009 NCAA women's lacrosse championship. Commends Northwestern University for its pursuit of athletic and academic excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2009 - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 90 session days or legislative days after such resolution is introduced, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth procedures of the House of Representatives and the Senate for joint resolutions: (1) approving major rules; and (2) disapproving nonmajor rules.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax deduction for the expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers to: (1) increase the maximum dollar amount of such deduction to $500; (2) allow the deduction of professional development expenses; and (3) make such deduction permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Mourns the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa and Samoa, and offers condolences to the victims' families. Pledges full support to the people of American Samoa and the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Failolo, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Faga'alu, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Afono, Vatia, Lauli'i, Faga'itua, Masefau, Alao, Tula, and Aoa. Expresses appreciation to the foreign governments that are lending their support to the United States Territory of American Samoa. Commends: (1) the efforts of all persons and relief organizations; and (2) the over 100,000 Samoans residing in the United States from American Samoa and Samoa for coming to the aid of their "aiga" in the affected islands.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Condemns the repression of opposition candidates by the ruling Cambodian People's Party in Cambodia. Calls on the government of the Kingdom of Cambodia and international organizations to take steps to combat the worsening problem of human trafficking in Cambodia.