United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act of 2007 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to expand the authority of the administering authority or the International Trade Commission (ITC) to impose countervailing duties on products from a nonmarket economy country that have been provided a countervailable subsidy. Requires, when measuring subsidy benefits, the use of benchmarks outside of a nonmarket economy country when benchmarks in such a country are not available or are inappropriate. Includes fundamental and actionable misalignment of a currency (undervaluation of a foreign currency) by a foreign country as a countervailable subsidy. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to: (1) report annually to Congress on international monetary policy and currency exchange rates (including fundamentally misaligned currencies); (2) analyze semiannually the prevailing real exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies and to designate fundamentally misaligned foreign currencies for priority action; and (3) seek bilateral consultations with fundamentally misaligned currency countries designated for priority action to eliminate such misalignment. Requires the United States to inform the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of countries that fail to eliminate fundamentally misaligned currencies designated for priority action and to request the IMF Managing Director to consult with such countries regarding their observance of the IMF Articles of Agreement and to report the results of such consultations to the IMF Executive Board. Prohibits the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) from, and instructs multilateral banks to oppose, financing projects in countries that issue fundamentally misaligned currencies designated for priority action. Requires: (1) the Secretary to take certain actions with respect to countries that fail to eliminate fundamentally misaligned currencies designated for priority action; and (2) the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to request consultations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) with such countries regarding the consistency of their actions with regard the WTO Agreement. Establishes an Advisory Committee on International Exchange Rate Policy. Repeals the Exchange Rates and International Economic Policy Coordination Act of 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Revises corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE standards) provisions for non-passenger and passenger automobiles to: (1) provide for increased average fuel economy standards for non-passenger and passenger automobiles; (2) permit separate average fuel economy standards for non-passenger and passenger automobiles based on vehicle attributes related to fuel economy; (3) establish a a corporate average fuel economy credit transferring program within a manufacturer's fleet; (4) establish an account to fund domestic commercialization and production of advanced technology vehicles and vehicle components; and (5) extend for 10 years provisions providing manufacturing incentives for alternative fuel automobiles. Establishes a national tire fuel efficiency consumer information program. Provides for the establishment of a public education campaign to provide information to U.S. drivers about immediate measures that may be taken to conserve transportation fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Medicare Access to Community Health Centers (MATCH) Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the definition of "federally qualified health center services" to include ambulatory services furnished by a federally qualified health center (FQHC) for which payment may otherwise be made under Medicare if such services were furnished by a non-FQHC health care provider or health care professional employed by or under contract with an FQHC. Permits payment for hospital-based services. Provides for a Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare-covered services provided by FQHCs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp be issued by the United States Postal Service to honor our nation's disabled veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007
Honors the life and accomplishments of Tom Lea (a renowned artist and war artist correspondent for Life magazine during World War II) on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2007
Medicare Equity and Accessibility Act of 2007 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to certain factors and indices in geographic adjustments to the fee schedule for determination of payments for physicians' services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the practice expense geographic index to 1.0 for any location for which the practice expense geographic index is less than 1.0. Repeals the current termination date in order to extend permanently the 1.0 floor for the work expense geographic index.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 326 South Main Street in Princeton, Illinois, as the "Owen Lovejoy Princeton Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007
Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2007 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to U.S. agricultural producers, cooperative organizations, or state agencies to promote U.S. agricultural exports products to Cuba. Authorizes the issuance of temporary entry visas to Cuban nationals to facilitate purchase of U.S. agricultural products. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition on enforcement of rights to certain U.S. intellectual properties and such properties' transfer. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, and any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect, relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions, (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions. States that such provision shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers. Amends the Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports to Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the airport ticket tax for transportation between the United States and Cuba by $1; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Agricultural Export Promotion Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007
Recognizes that Japan is one of the most reliable security partners of the United States. Commends the government of Japan for its role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Expresses appreciation for Japan's efforts in the global war against terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007
National Environment and Energy Development Act - Declares without force or effect all federal prohibitions against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Revokes all withdrawals of federal submerged lands from leasing for natural gas exploration and production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from: (1) granting a natural gas lease for any OCS located within 25 miles of a state coastline; or (2) issuing any lease for natural gas exploration or development in any OCS area located within 50 miles of a state coastline unless the state has enacted a law approving such lease. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing a lease for natural gas exploration or development in any OCS area located more than 50 miles and less than 100 miles from the coastline of a state if the state has enacted a law disapproving such lease issuance. Sets forth an allocation schedule (including designated reserve accounts) for revenues derived from bonus bids and royalties under qualified gas leases on submerged lands located within the seaward boundaries of a state. Modifies requirements for deeming state seaward boundaries. Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases for development and production of natural gas and associated condensate. Expresses the intent of Congress that this Act result in a healthy and growing American industrial, manufacturing, transportation, and service sector employing America's workforce to assist in the development of affordable energy from the OCS.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) make clear to the governments of major natural gas exporting countries that it regards efforts to establish a cartel or other mechanism to manipulate the supply of natural gas to the world market for the purpose of setting an arbitrary and nonmarket price, or as an instrument of political pressure, to be an unfriendly act prejudicial to the security of the United States and of the world as a whole; (2) develop a joint strategy with its allies and all countries that are importers of natural gas, as well as with cooperative exporting countries, to prevent the establishment of such a cartel or other similar mechanism, including by diversifying sources and alternative means of access by exporters and importers to international markets, such as by pipeline; and (3) work with our allies to reduce our dependence on natural gas and to increase and promote the utilization of clean energy sources.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007
Expresses the House of Representatives' belief respecting specified immigration-related steps that the Administration should take that will reduce illegal immigration and improve U.S. border security.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2007
Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 with respect to hours-of-service requirements airline flight crews must meet to qualify for leave under such Act. Declares that a flight attendant or flight crewmember will be considered to meet such requirements if he or she has been paid for or has worked 60% of the employer's monthly hour or trip guarantee, or the equivalent annualized over the preceding 12-month period.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2007
NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), to mint and issue $50 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of $50 per $50 coin, and of $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $4 million to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties. Requires distribution of: (1) one-half of the next $1 million of the remaining amounts to the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (D.R.E.M.E.) Science Literacy Foundation and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence; and (2) the remainder to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for the preservation, maintenance, and display of space artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum (including the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $50 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2007
Small Business SOX Compliance Extension Act - Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to modify its regulations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) for annual management assessments of, and reports on, internal financial controls. Requires such regulations to provide that a non-accelerated filer does not have to provide management's report on internal control over financial reporting until it files an annual report for its first fiscal year ending on or after December 15, 2008 (thereby extending the current moratorium on such requirements for small businesses).
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2007
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2007 - Repeals the general termination date of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (i.e., December 31, 2010), thus making the tax reductions enacted by that Act permanent. Repeals the termination date for provisions of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 reducing income tax rates on dividends and capital gains. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the tax deduction for state and local sales taxes; (2) the tax deduction for tuition and related expenses; (3) the increased expensing allowance for small business assets and related provisions; and (4) the tax credit for increasing research activities. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Committee on Ways and Means should report legislation on or before December 31, 2008, to simplify the federal income tax system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2007
United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2007 - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to: (1) shifting the funding mechanism for the regular budget of the United Nations from an assessed to a voluntary basis; (2) reform of U.N. peacekeeping operations; and (3) Security Council expansion. Withholds nonvoluntary U.S. contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations: (1) unless the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that 80% of the the total regular budget of the United Nations is apportioned on a voluntary basis; and (2) to a U.N. human rights treaty monitoring body or committee that was established by a convention or a covenant to which the United States is not party. Establishes the Office of the United States Inspector General for Contributions to the United Nations System. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of a U.S. contribution to any U.N. entity unless the entity has provided the Inspector General with a transparency certification and is in compliance with such certification. Directs the Secretary to audit and report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting duplicative entities and efforts related to Israeli-Palestinian issues. Withholds funds for such entities until any report recommendations are implemented. Directs the President to use U.S. influence at the United Nations with respect to: (1) publication of all U.N. subsidiary bodies and their functions, budgets, staff, and contributions; (2) employee, agency, and funding financial disclosure; (3) waiver of immunity; (4) adoption of a definition of terrorism and a comprehensive convention on terrorism; (5) anti-Semitism at the United Nations; and (6) Israel's inclusion in the Western European and Others Group. Directs the President to use U.S. influence at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to: (1) establish an Office of Compliance in the Secretariat of the IAEA; and (2) prohibit Iran's access to nuclear material, technology, equipment, or assistance until the IAEA determines that Iran is providing full access to IAEA inspectors and has permanently ceased and dismantled all nuclear-enrichment and reprocessing activities. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding U.N. reforms and personnel. Limits annual U.S. contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Withholds U.S. contributions to the United Nations Human Rights Council until the Secretary certifies to Congress that the Council does not include a member state: (1) subject to Security Council sanctions; (2) under a Security Council-mandated investigation for human rights abuses; (3) subject, within the prior five years, to a country-specific resolution passed by the former U.N. Human Rights Commission; (4) which the Secretary has determined is a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism; or (5) which the President has designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States strongly supports the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland; (2) political leaders of Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern should be commended for acting in the best interest of the people of Northern Ireland by forming this government; (3) May 8, 2007, will be remembered as an historic day and an important milestone in cementing peace and unity for Northern Ireland and an example for nations around the world plagued by internal conflict; and (4) the United States stands ready to support this new government and to work with the people of Northern Ireland as they achieve their goal of lasting peace.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2007
Generating Renewable Energy and Encouraging Novel Technologies Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to renewable energy and other energy-related tax incentives. Allows current year expensing for: (1) wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and ocean energy property used to produce electricity; (2) qualified fuel cell or microturbine property; (3) oil shale extraction and processing property; and (4) coal-to-liquid fuels process property. Extends eligibility for clean renewable energy bonds (CREBs) and the issuance authority for such bonds through 2018. Extends through 2018: (1) the tax credit for investment in solar energy and qualified fuel cell property; (2) the income and excise tax credits for alcohol used as fuel and for alternative fuels; (3) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures; and (4) the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Extends through 2016 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures and increases the amount of such credit. Allows accelerated depreciation for electric transmission or distribution property. Extends through 2017 the tax credit for using wind, solar, and geothermal resources to produce electricity. Allows new tax credits for: (1) producing electricity from ocean energy; (2) investment in cellulosic biomass ethanol plant property; (3) investment in oil shale extraction and processing property; (4) diesel used as fuel; and (5) investment in a coal-to-liquid fuels project. Revises tax credit amounts for certain energy efficient appliances (e.g., dishwashers, refrigerators) produced after 2007. Extends through 2040 the tax credit for producing electricity from advanced nuclear power facilities and increases the amounts of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2007
Supports the goals and ideals of National Homeownership Month (June 2007). Recognizes the importance of homeownership in building strong communities and families.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007
Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2007 - Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Provides that nothing in this Act limits recovery of the full amount of available economic damages. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Allows the introduction of collateral source benefits and the amount paid to secure such benefits as evidence. Prohibits a provider of such benefits from recovering any amount from an award in a health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Denies punitive damages in the case of products approved, cleared, or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or otherwise considered in compliance with FDA standards. Provides for periodic payments of future damages.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007
Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any public or private person or entity, in or affecting interstate commerce, from: (1) performing or attempting to perform human cloning; (2) participating in an attempt to perform human cloning; or (3) shipping, receiving, or importing the product of human cloning for any purpose. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties for violations. Provides that nothing in this Act shall restrict areas of scientific research not specifically prohibited by this Act, including research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules, DNA, cells other than human embryos, tissues, organs, plants, or animals other than humans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007
Boutique Fuel Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to add as "extreme and unusual circumstances that prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of fuel or fuel additives to consumers" under which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may temporarily waive a control or prohibition on the use of a fuel or fuel additive circumstances that are the result of unexpected problems with equipment necessary for transportation and delivery of fuel or fuel additives. States that EPA shall have no authority, when considering a state implementation plan (SIP) or SIP revision, to approve any fuel included in such plan or revision if the effect of such approval increases the total number of fuels set forth on the published list of approved fuels (currently EPA does not have the authority to approve a fuel if it increases the total number of fuels approved as of September 1, 2004, in all SIPs). Requires notice and opportunity for comment before the Administrator removes a fuel from the list. Requires EPA to remove a fuel from the list if such fuel has ceased to be included in an SIP or is identical to a federal fuel control or prohibition. Repeals provisions prohibiting EPA from reducing the total number of authorized fuels. Requires EPA to publish a revised list reflecting the reduction in the number of fuels. Deletes as a condition under which the Administrator's authority to approve a control or prohibition respecting any new fuel is limited that such new fuel will increase the total number of fuels on the list.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007
Protecting Our Children Comes First Act of 2007 - Amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act to reauthorize through FY2013, and revise requirements for uses of, the annual grant to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Deliquency Prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007
Federal Aviation Administration Facility Consolidation Moratorium Act of 2007 - Suspends the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to realign FAA air traffic control facilities and services until January 1, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the fatal radiation poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko raises significant concerns about the potential involvement of elements of the Russian government in Mr. Litvinenko's death, and about the security and proliferation of radioactive materials; (2) the use of such radioactive materials demonstrates a threat to the safety and security of the people of the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries; and (3) the President of the United States and the Secretary of State should urge Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials of the Russian government to cooperate fully with the British government in its investigation into Mr. Litvinenko's death and to ensure the security of the production, storage, distribution, and export of polonium-210 as a material that may become dangerous to large numbers of people if utilized by terrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007
Recalls the essential role that transparency and the free flow of information play in creating democratic institutions and civil society. Recognizes the vital contribution made by independent journalists in Russia in bringing transparency and a free flow of information to readers after decades of Communist censorship and repression. Notes the disturbing trend of murders of independent journalists in Russia over the last decade. Encourages the President of the United States to offer Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials of the Russian government law enforcement investigative assistance to help identify and bring to justice those responsible for the many unsolved murders of journalists in Russia.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007
Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies Act - Establishes the Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies to: (1) evaluate executive agencies and their programs; and (2) submit to Congress a plan recommending agencies and programs that should be realigned or eliminated and proposing implementing legislation. Requires the Commission to recommend: (1) realignment where a function performed by two or more agencies or programs can be consolidated; (2) realignment or elimination of any agency or program that has wasted federal funds; and (3) elimination of any agency or program that has completed its purpose, become irrelevant, or failed to meet objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007
Condemns the April 2007 murders of the three Christian workers in Turkey. Supports the government of Turkey's efforts to investigate and prosecute those individuals responsible in order to underline the defense of all residents and citizens of Turkey from attacks by Islamic extremists. Urges the government of Turkey to: (1) take further steps to ensure that religious minority groups in Turkey are protected from such acts of terror by Islamic extremists; and (2) promote freedom of speech and peaceful religious expression in Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007
Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2007 - Makes the repeal of the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes under the Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001 permanent (under the Act, those taxes would be reinstated after December 31, 2010).
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007
States that the House of Representatives is deeply appreciative of the State Visit recently conducted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and celebrates the State Visit as having been an occasion to reaffirm the depth of the friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007
Repeals the termination date in the Jobs Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 for provisions reducing individual tax rates on capital gains and dividend income.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007
Veterans' Employment Transition Support Act of 2007 or the VETS Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a general business tax credit for hiring certain veterans certified by designated local agencies as having served on active duty (other than for training) in the Armed Forces for a period of more than 180 days or having been discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability. Sets the amount of such credit at 40% of the first-year wages of such veterans and increases the percentage of such credit for disabled veterans based upon their disability ratings.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 127 East Locust Street in Fairbury, Illinois, as the "Dr. Francis Townsend Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007
Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 400,000 $1 coins emblematic of the 100th anniversary of President Wilson's proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such coins beginning January 1, 2014, except that the Secretary may initiate sales of such coins, without issuance, before such date. Terminates such minting authority after December 31, 2014. Requires coin sales to include a $10 surcharge per coin, with distribution of such surcharges to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Osteoporosis Foundation for the purpose of furthering research.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007
Requires the President to designate not less than three closed military installations or portions thereof that are appropriate for siting a refinery for gasoline or other fuel. Designates the Department of Energy as the lead agency for coordinating applicable federal refinery authorizations and related environmental reviews with respect to a designated refinery. Gives the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions relating to federal refinery authorizations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the prohibition against churches and other tax-exempt organizations participating in political campaigns or supporting or opposing candidates for public office. Provides that this repeal shall not invalidate or limit any provision of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a five-year depreciation recovery period for certain farming business machinery or equipment placed in service before January 1, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007
AMT Rate Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce to 24% the rate of the tentative alternative minimum tax for noncorporate taxpayers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Coal Liquid Fuel Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to enter into: (1) standby loan agreements with up to six qualifying CTL projects, at least one of which shall be owned by two or more small coal producers; and (2) a profit-sharing agreement with the project at the time the standby loan agreement is executed. Defines "qualifying CTL project" as: (1) a commercial-scale project that converts coal to liquid or gaseous transportation fuels; or (2) not more than one project at a facility that converts petroleum refinery waste products, including petroleum coke, into liquids or gaseous transportation fuels, and demonstrates the capture, sequestration, or disposition of carbon dioxide produced in the conversion process.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Mental Health Security for America's Families in Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to allow an educational agency or institution of higher education to disclose to a parent or legal guardian of a student who is a dependent (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) information related to any conduct of, or expression by, the student that demonstrates that the student poses a significant risk of harm to himself or herself or to others, including a significant risk of suicide, homicide, or assault. Requires, for the disclosure of any such information not otherwise authorized to be disclosed: (1) consultation with an approved mental health professional; and (2) a written certification from such professional that the student poses a significant risk of harm to himself or herself or to others, including a significant risk of suicide, homicide, or assault and that possession of such information by the parent or legal guardian my protect the student's, or others', health or safety. Permits disclosure under this Act as long as the student is a dependent, regardless of whether the student has attained 18 years of age or is attending an institution of postsecondary education. Provides protections of educational agencies and institutions from liability for disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007
Kinship Caregiver Support Act - Authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the federal share of the cost of carrying out kinship navigator programs. Amends part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize all states to opt to enter agreements to provide kinship guardianship assistance payments on behalf of children to grandparents and other relatives who have assumed legal guardianship of children for whom they have cared as foster parents and have committed to care for on a permanent basis. Provides that adoptive parents of children with special needs remain eligible for adoption assistance, even if they receive kinship guardianship assistance. Authorizes the use of foster care independence program funds to provide independent living services and education and training vouchers for children who exit foster care to kinship guardianship or adoption after age 14. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with eligible entities to conduct demonstration kinship guardianship assistance projects. Requires states to: (1) notify all adult grandparents and other adult relatives (with exceptions due to family or domestic violence) when a child is removed from custody of a parent or parents; and (2) explain the options the relative has to participate in the child's care and placement. Allows state agencies to establish separate standards for foster family homes in which a foster parent is a relative of the foster child. Expands the definition of family support services to include assisting kinship caregivers or guardians in locating and accessing needed services. Requires that states inform case workers and families considering guardianship of all permanency options and service eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007
Supports the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world's largest humanitarian network, by honoring World Red Cross Red Crescent Day.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007
Investment in America Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from 12 to 20% the rate of the alternative simplified tax credit for research expenses; (2) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; and (3) repeal the alternative incremental tax credit for research expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007
Teri Zenner Social Worker Safety Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to states to provide safety measures to social workers and other professionals working with violent, drug-using, or other at-risk populations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Pilots Equitable Treatment Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), with regard to both single-employer and multiemployer plan guaranteed benefits, to require the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, in the case of commercial airline pilots required by Federal Aviation Administration regulation to retire before age 65, to compute the actuarial value of monthly benefits in the form of a life annuity commencing at the required retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007
Recognizes and welcomes the leaders of the Pacific Islands to Washington, DC. Commends the East-West Center for hosting the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007
Universal Service Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 concerning procedures for the review of universal service requirements to require the Federal-State Joint Board on universal service to complete recommendations for changes to such requirements within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Includes high-speed broadband services within universal service. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess contributions to universal service support mechanisms from communications service providers. Provides support contribution limits. Requires the FCC to revise it's support mechanism for rural, insular, and high cost areas. Requires communications service providers to ensure that all traffic contains or preserves sufficient information to allow traffic identification by other communications service providers that transport or terminate the traffic. Outlines eligibility requirements for communications service providers to receive universal service support. Makes current limitations on universal service support and individual support caps imposed upon carriers inapplicable after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires all residential and business lines served by an eligible telecommunications carrier to be eligible for federal universal service support. Allows states to: (1) adopt regulations not inconsistent with FCC universal service rules; and (2) require communications service providers to contribute regardless of whether the service contains an interstate component.
![Official portrait of Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001138_200.jpg)