United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010
National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half dollar coins in recognition of the National Baseball Hall of Fame during the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2015. Directs the Secretary to hold a competition to design the obverse of the coins. Requires the design on the reverse side to depict a baseball similar to those used by Major League Baseball. Requires all sales of such coins to include specified surcharges, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the National Baseball Hall of Fame to help finance its operations. Requires the budgetary effects of this Act to be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2010
Railroad Hours of Service Act of 2010 - Extends railroad hours of services requirements and limitations to cover yardmaster employees who supervise and coordinate the activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, including making up or breaking up trains and switching inbound or outbound traffic. Revises the prohibition against a railroad carrier's requiring or allowing a train employee to remain or go on duty unless that employee has had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty during the prior 24 hours. Prohibits requiring or allowing an employee (including a yardmaster employee) from initiating an on duty period unless the employee has had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty immediately prior to going on duty. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to prescribe regulations to: (1) require all deadhead transportation in excess of a specific number of hours to be counted as time on duty; and (2) reset the calendar day clock. Revises the rule that an interim period available for at least 4 hours rest at a place with suitable facilities for food and lodging is not time on duty. Repeals the current list of causes for prevention of a return to duty. Requires a train employee to be notified before going off duty whether such period off duty is an interim release. Prohibits a railroad carrier from requiring or allowing an employee to exceed 2 hours in deadhead transportation per each tour of duty. Revises the limitations on the duty hours of signal employees. Specifies that time on duty spent performing any service for the railroad carrier during a 24-hour period in which the employee is engaged in installing, repairing, or maintaining signal systems includes all work where there is a potential to interact or otherwise come into contact with safety-critical devices or circuits. Treats as service covered by hours of duty limitations the operation by signal employees of motor vehicles requiring a commercial driver's license while on duty. Extends to yardmaster employees certain limitations on the duty hours of dispatching service employees. Declares that all commingle service involving yardmaster service and dispatcher service mixing with freight service shall be covered by the limitations on the duty hours of signal employees. Extends to yardmaster employees, when an emergency exists, the same limitation (to not more than 4 additional hours during a period of 24 consecutive hours for not more than 3 days during a period of 7 consecutive days) that applies to the hours of dispatching service employees in an emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2010
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2010, Part IV - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through March 31, 2011: (1) increased excise taxes on aviation fuels and the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Makes funds available for the six-month period beginning on October 1, 2010, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects. Prescribes a formula for calculating funding apportionments and meeting certain other requirements for the six-month period, including a 50% reduction in these apportionments and specified other amounts. Extends through March 31, 2011, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make airport improvement project (AIP) grants. Extends through March 31, 2011: (1) the pilot programs for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports; and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary to extend through March 31, 2011, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through June 30, 2011. Extends through June 30, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through March 31, 2011: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility projects under an AIP; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority for an airport development project grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through March 31, 2011: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP project costs; and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2010
Firefighter Safety Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize the use of firefighter assistance grant funds to repair, construct, and reconstruct fire stations, fire training facilities, and other facilities to protect the health and safety of firefighting personnel. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to require a fire department or organization that applies for such a grant to comply with standards applicable to recipients of financial contributions for emergency preparedness purposes under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2014 and requires up to a specified amount to be available to modify, repair, construct, and reconstruct fire stations, fire training facilities, and other facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Honors the memories of Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown and 32 other Americans and two Croatian citizens who lost their lives on April 3, 1996, while serving their countries on a trade mission to the Balkans. Extends gratitude to the contributions of those men and women, who helped to put the Balkans on the path towards peace, stability, and economic viability.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the retirement age under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act should not be raised.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2010
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2010, Part III - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2010: (1) increased excise taxes on aviation fuels and the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Makes funds available for the three-month period beginning on October 1, 2010, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects. Extends through December 31, 2010, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make airport improvement project (AIP) grants. Extends through December 31, 2010: (1) the pilot programs for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports; and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Extends through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for the program of assistance to small communities with insufficient air carrier service. Directs the Secretary to extend through December 31, 2010, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through March 31, 2011. Extends through March 31, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through December 31, 2010: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility projects under an AIP; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority for an airport development project grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through December 31, 2010: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP project costs; and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport. Extends through FY2011 the termination date for final orders issued by the Secretary with respect to the eligibility of a small community for essential air service compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Shipping Act of 2010 - Requires the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to: (1) maintain an Office of Dispute Resolution and Customer Advocate; and (2) establish an Ocean Shipping Advisory Committee. Defines "efficiency and service-enhancing agreement" as one between ocean common carriers that: (1) is likely to produce efficiencies and improve ocean common carrier service (i.e., share vessels or space on voyages between ports), while maintaining adequate trade or service competition; and (2) gives agreement members the right to withdraw from it without financial or other penalty. Revises purposes of ocean shipping regulation. Allows competition and the demand for services to determine fair and efficient market rates and charges for transportation by ocean common carriers. Treats certain FMC orders as investigative orders to specific individuals or entities rather than a collection of information from a category or class of individuals or entities. Subjects certain kinds of efficiency and service-enhancing agreements to federal ocean common carrier regulation. Revises certain ocean common carrier agreement restrictions. Prohibits such agreements from allowing agreement members to: (1) discuss, fix, or negotiate service rates or charges; (2) discuss or agree on capacity rationalization; (3) establish a joint service, or pool or divide cargo traffic, earnings, revenues, or losses; (4) allocate customers or markets; or (5) discuss or agree with another member on any service contract matter. Requires the FMC after preliminary review to reject an ocean common carrier agreement that it finds is not an efficiency and service-enhancing agreement. Requires FMC approval of ocean common carrier agreements before they can become effective. Revises the exemption from U.S. antitrust laws of certain ocean common carrier agreements approved before June 18, 1984. Limits the exemption to published service rates, fares, or charges, or classification or explanatory regulation implementing such an agreement, but only to the extent that the agreement is approved by the FMC after January 1, 2011. Requires each ocean common carrier to maintain for public inspection in an automated tariff system on the Internet all of its service rates, classifications, and practices between all ports on its own route. Requires rates to state separately carrier charges for providing or handling equipment as well as to describe any surcharges clearly. Directs the FMC to: (1) establish a database of service complaints; and (2) require ocean common carriers to report frequency and duration of shipment delays, as well as other appropriate reliability indicators, and post such reports on its website. Requires the FMC to prescribe regulations establishing a binding arbitration process to resolve service complaints. Permits the award of damages, with a limit of $250,000 per year for no more than two years. Repeals the prohibition against denial by a conference or group of two or more ocean common carriers of a member's right to take independent action on any level of compensation paid to an ocean freight forwarder. Revises certain other prohibitions for common carriers. Prohibits such carriers from: (1) refusing or threatening to refuse cargo space accommodations when available, (2) engaging in certain unfair or deceptive practices or unfair methods of competition, (3) discriminating against a shipper, or (4) imposing an unreasonable surcharge. Increases civil penalties for violations of a FMC regulation or order. Directs the FMC to study ocean transportation practices, including delay of cargo, surcharges, penalties, demurrage, accessorial charges, and availability of containers for exports from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Celebrates the 60th anniversary of the enactment of the Impact Aid program (which compensates local educational agencies for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas) as Impact Aid Recognition Day. Recognizes the importance of the program in ensuring that federally connected children receive a high-quality public education.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Recognizes the value of the Corps of Engineers and its civil works mission to the economic prosperity and sustainable environmental health of the nation. Recognizes the contributions of the National Waterways Conference in the formulation of the nation's water resources-related policies and programs for the Corps' civil works mission, as well as its advocacy for continued and increased investment in meeting water resource needs. Commends the National Waterways Conference on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month. Recognizes that every child in foster care deserves a permanent and loving family and the significant commitment of taxpayers to support adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Recognizes that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of the six days specified by law as a day on which the POW/MIA flag is to be flown over specified federal facilities and national cemeteries, military installations, and post offices. Extends the gratitude of the House of Representatives and the nation to those who have served the United States in captivity to hostile forces as prisoners of war. Recognizes and honors the more than 84,000 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for and their families. Recognizes the untiring efforts of national POW/MIA organizations in ensuring that America never forgets the contribution of the nation's prisoners of war and unaccounted for military personnel. Applauds the personnel of the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the Armed Forces Identification Laboratory, the Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory, and the military departments for continuing their mission of achieving the fullest possible accounting of all Americans unaccounted for as a result of the previous conflicts of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010
Fair Playing Field Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the classification of workers for employment tax purposes, to: (1) repeal the prohibition against issuance of regulations and guidance by the Secretary of the Treasury on workers' employment tax status (i.e., as an employee or as an independent contractor) enacted by the Revenue Act of 1978; (2) direct the Secretary to issue regulations and other guidance to clarify the proper employment status of workers for employment tax purposes; (3) prohibit a retroactive assessment of employment tax, except with respect to certain skilled workers, for tax periods after December 31, 1978, and before a specified reclassification date for worker misclassifications, unless the taxpayer had no reasonable basis for not treating a worker as an employee; (4) require taxpayers who hire independent contractors on a regular and ongoing basis to provide such contractors with notice of their federal tax obligations, the labor and employment law protections that do not apply to them, and their right to seek a status determination from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and (5) eliminate reduced penalty provisions for failure to withhold income taxes for taxpayers who lack a reasonable basis for treating a worker as other than an employee (i.e., as an independent contractor).
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010
Celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Conference of Catholic Charities, now called Catholic Charities USA. Honors Catholic Charities USA for being a national leader in the efforts to fight poverty and to strengthen the United States in times of need and crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Supports the goals and purpose of Gold Star Mothers Day, a day observed in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice made by mothers who lose a son or daughter serving in the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 2010
Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 to revise the National Cord Blood Inventory Program, including to: (1) remove the cap of 150,000 new units of cord blood to be made available for transplantation under the Program; and (2) require an application under the Program to include a plan for, and demonstration of, ongoing measurable progress toward achieving self-sufficiency of cord blood unit collection and banking operations. Extends financial support provided under the Program for an additional five years. (Current law allows financial support for a maximum of ten years.) Sets forth requirements for such an extension, including that a qualified cord blood bank demonstrate a superior ability to satisfy the requirements of such Program and achieve the overall goals for which the contract was awarded. Redefines the term "first-degree relative" to exclude a parent. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 for the collection or maintenance of cord blood. Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the requirements of the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program to: (1) require studies and projects under such Program to include exploring novel approaches or incentives to expand the number of cord blood unit collection sites partnering with federally-supported cord blood banks; and (2) revise privacy provisions to protect the privacy of patients and donors in accordance with federal and state law. Reauthorizes appropriations for such Program for FY2011-FY2015. Directs the Comptroller General to submit a report to the relevant congressional committees and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) that reviews studies, demonstration programs, and outreach efforts to increase cord blood unit donation and collection.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Seniors Protection Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to disburse a $250 payment to recipients of Social Security, SSI (Supplemental Security Income under title XVI of the Social Security Act), railroad retirement benefits, and veterans disability compensation or pension benefits if no cost-of-living adjustment is payable in 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. government should: (1) work with Sudanese parties and regional and international partners to build consensus on the steps needed to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), including the upcoming referenda, and promote stability throughout Sudan; (2) work with international and Sudanese partners to ensure the right of return of Sudanese refugees and displaced persons, including Darfuris and southerners; (3) work with international partners to ensure a stable north-south border and a permanent peace in Sudan; and (4) assist the government of Southern Sudan to develop its economic, rule of law, and social service and educational infrastructures, improve democratic accountability and human rights, and strengthen reconciliation efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 - Revises provisions concerning the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to, among other things: (1) revise definitions concerning eligibility, and include certain National Guard service as service qualifying for such assistance; (2) revise assistance amounts (including monthly stipends), and types of approved programs of education; (3) allow the pursuit of educational programs at institutions other than institutions of higher learning, including on-job training and apprenticeships, flight training, and correspondence courses; (4) provide an assistance amount for programs of education pursued while on active duty; (5) repeal the limit on the use of such assistance for the payment of only one licensing or certification test; (6) allow an individual entitled to supplemental educational assistance to transfer such entitlement to the post-9/11 program; (7) bar the duplication of benefits under other educational assistance programs; (8) increase the amount of the reporting fee paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to an educational institution for providing information concerning an individual's enrollment in a program of education; (9) extend to certain National Guard and reserve personnel members eligibility to receive public-private contributions for additional educational assistance; (10) reauthorize through 2016 the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education; and (11) revise cost-of-living adjustments under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program. Provides an alternate subsistence allowance amount for veterans entitled to such allowance due to service-connected disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits: (1) the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion; (2) any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes coverage of abortion; and (3) the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government. Exempts from such prohibitions an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest with a minor, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the women in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Makes such prohibitions applicable to federal funding within the budget of the District of Columbia. Prohibits federal agencies or programs and states and local governments that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating against any individual or institutional health care entity on the basis that such entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, and coordinate the investigation of, discrimination complaints.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Economic Revitalization and Innovation Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to extend funding for economic development assistance programs under such Act for FY2011-FY2015 and to revise grant program requirements and criteria to encourage regional development strategies, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Extends technical assistance eligibility under such Act to economic development districts and university centers. Authorizes and encourages the Secretary of Commerce to consult and cooperate with federal, state, and local entities in supporting economic and workforce development and in promoting regional innovation clusters. Requires the Secretary to coordinate activities with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other relevant entities to leverage and maximize the economic development potential of federal investments in high-speed rail projects and ensure that the activities of a university center include conducting research and providing technical assistance for such projects. Extends eligibility for grants for public works and economic development and for economic adjustment to business incubator facilities and science and research parks, as defined by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award grants and loan guarantees for the development of a feasibility study or development plan, or both, for a science and research park development project; and (2) provide technical and other assistance (in lieu of the Brightfields demonstration program) to promote energy efficiency to enhance the economic competitiveness of an area, increase the use of renewable energy technologies, support energy efficiency or alternative energy development plans, studies, or analysis, and support community efforts to relocate a technology or manufacturing business to the United States. Expands eligibility criteria for public works and economic development assistance or economic adjustment in a distressed area to include the loss of a substantial employer, substantial outmigration or population loss, substantial foreclosure rates and underemployment, military base realignments, natural disasters, and substantial negative effects resulting from changing trade patterns. Requires public works and economic development grant recipients to establish job creation goals and authorizes the Secretary to impose a penalty on grantees who fail to satisfy such goals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Water Resources Development Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out, and directs the Secretary to conduct feasibility studies of, specified water resources development and conservation projects. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out: (1) the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration Project in Maryland; (2) the project for hurricane and storm damage reduction, Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, in Mississippi; and (3) the project for hurricane and storm damage reduction, West Onslow Beach and New River Inlet, North Carolina. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of, and if determined feasible, authorizes the Secretary to carry out: (1) flood damage reduction projects, in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin; (2) emergency streambank protection projects in Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, New York, Ohio, and Rhode Island; (3) navigation projects in Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin; (4) projects for improvement of the quality of the environment in California; (5) projects for aquatic ecosystem and estuary restoration in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Virginia; (6) shoreline protection projects in Florida, New Jersey, and New York; and (7) a project for aquatic nuisance plant control in Colorado. Modifies authorizations for the total and federal cost of, and revises federal funding limits for, various water resources projects, including navigation, flood control, flood damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, water conservation, environmental restoration, recreation, environmental quality improvement, and emergency streambank protection projects in Alaska, Arizona, California, the District of Columbia (DC), Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. Reauthorizes the Vincennes, Indiana, portion of the Wabash River basin flood control project in Illinois and Indiana (formerly deauthorized). Deauthorizes various water resources projects, including navigation, flood protection, and flood control projects in Arkansas, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Directs the Secretary to conduct feasibility studies with respect to specified water resources projects, including projects for channel restoration and improvements, dredged material disposal or use, enhanced public access, environmental protection, environmental restoration, flood control and improvement, flood damage reduction, hydropower, inventorying of bulkheads and seawalls or federally constructed navigation jetties and breakwaters, navigational improvements, recreation, sediment transport parameter determination, sedimentation control, shoreline protection, streambank stabilization, storm damage reduction, stormwater management, water quality, water resource needs determination, water storage, watershed study, water supply, wetland restoration, and other water resource-related purposes in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, the Chesapeake Bay, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop at federal expense and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan to prioritize projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and (2) plan, design, and construct projects for aquatic ecosystem restoration within the coastal waters of the Northeastern United States from Virginia to Maine. Expresses the sense of Congress that Brigadier General Michael J. Walsh should be congratulated for his promotion to the rank of Major General.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through September 30, 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. Extends through September 30, 2010, project grant authority for the airport improvement program (AIP). Extends through September 30, 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 September 30, 2010: (1) state and local land use compatibility projects under the AIP program; (2) certain competitive access assurance requirements for large or medium hub airport sponsors applying for AIP grants; (3) the authority of the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority to apply for an airport development grant and impose a passenger facility fee; and (4) Department of Transportation (DOT) insurance coverage for domestic and foreign-flag air carriers, allowing further extension through December 31, 2010. Extends through December 31, 2010, air carrier liability limits for injuries to passengers resulting from acts of terrorism. Extends through FY2010 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) research, engineering, and development. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish an electronic pilot records database of pertinent information in FAA, air carrier, and other records that an air carrier shall access and evaluate before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot. Requires the FAA Administrator to establish the FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training to evaluate best practices in the air carrier industry and make recommendations on specified matters. Requires the DOT Inspector General to review and report to the FAA Administrator on FAA aviation safety inspectors and operational research analysts. Directs the FAA Administrator to study and report to Congress on aviation industry best practices with regard to flight crewmember pairing, crew resource management techniques, and pilot commuting. Treats as an unfair or deceptive trade practice for any ticket agent, air carrier, foreign air carrier, or other person to sell tickets for a flight on an air carrier without disclosing, before the purchase of the ticket, the name of the air carrier providing each flight segment. Requires the FAA Administrator to issue regulations to limit the number of flight and duty time hours allowed for pilots to address pilot fatigue problems. Requires air carriers to submit for FAA approval fatigue risk management plans. Requires the FAA Administrator to report to Congress on certain voluntary safety programs. Directs the FAA Administrator to develop a plan to facilitate the establishment of an aviation safety action program (ASAP) and a flight operational quality assurance (FOQA) program by all air carriers. Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require air carriers to: (1) implement a safety management system; and (2) develop methods for ensuring that flight crewmembers have proper qualifications and experience. Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to modify minimum federal requirements for the issuance of airline transport pilot certificates. Requires a pilot to have at least 1,500 flight hours to qualify for a certificate.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Amends title VIII (Impact Aid) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to complete Impact Aid payments to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) within three fiscal years of their appropriation. (The Impact Aid program compensates LEAs for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their school districts.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer through Exchanges a health benefits plan (public health insurance option) that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care. Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through such Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option; (2) collect such data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates; (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan; and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years. Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Pledges to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to identify and address the remaining barriers that undermine the nation's goals of equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation for Americans with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010
Oil Spill Accountability and Environmental Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to: (1) repeal the limitation on the liability of the responsible party for an offshore facility for damages and removal costs that result from a discharge of oil into or upon the navigable waters or adjoining shorelines or the U.S. exclusive economic zone; (2) increase the amount of financial responsibility required for offshore facilities to $1.5 billion; (3) make responsible parties for vessels or facilities from which oil is discharged liable for damages to human health; and (4) authorize the President to require a responsible party to provide information about claims in the event of a spill of national significance. Repeals provisions of the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851 that limit the liability of the owner of a vessel from claims, debt, or liability to the value of the vessel and pending freight. Amends the Death on the High Seas Act to allow a civil action in law to benefit a decedent's survivors for the death of an individual that is caused by wrongful act, neglect, or default occurring on the high seas beyond three nautical miles from the U.S. shore. Amends the Jones Act to authorize a decedent's survivors to recover fair compensation for nonpecuniary losses and the decedent's pain and suffering. Limits the exploration, development, or production of resources in, on, above, or below the exclusive economic zone to vessels owned by U.S. citizens. Sets forth provisions concerning safety management systems and standards for mobile offshore drilling units. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to designate positions to be in the Coast Guard's marine safety workforce to perform vessel and marine casualty investigations. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revoke the President's authorization to allow tank vessels and facilities to operate without a plan to respond to the discharge of oil or hazardous substances. Requires the President to: (1) issue a revised regulation for the development of the schedule for the use of dispersants, other chemicals, and other spill mitigating devices and substances; (2) undertake a rulemaking concerning standards for ceasing and removing a worst case discharge of oil or a hazardous substance and for mitigating or preventing a substantial threat of such discharge; (3) create a database to track all discharges of oil or hazardous substances; and (4) delegate specified responsibilities with respect to oil discharges to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and the Secretary of Transportation (DOT). Revises provisions concerning: (1) responses to discharges of oil or hazardous substances by vessels and facilities; and (2) penalties for such discharges. Requires a pipeline facility operator in an area affected by a disaster to notify the Secretary of Transportation of changes to the operational status of such facility within 12 hours of cessation of the disaster. Requires the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling to develop recommendations for: (1) improvements to federal laws, regulations, and industry practices applicable to offshore drilling to ensure effective oversight, inspection, monitoring, and response capabilities and protect human and occupational health and safety and the environment; and (2) reforms of federal agencies or processes to ensure that such improvements are implemented and maintained. Requires the Comptroller General to report on the employment during the preceding year of individuals who were Coast Guard officials in the previous five-year period by recognized organizations contracted to administer maritime programs for foreign flag administrations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2010, Part II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through August 1, 2010: (1) increased excise taxes on aviation fuels and the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization of appropriations for FY2010 for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects. Extends through August 1, 2010, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make airport improvement project (AIP) grants. Extends through August 1, 2010: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports; and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to extend through August 1, 2010, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through October 31, 2010. Extends through August 1, 2010: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility projects under the AIP; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development project grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through August 1, 2010: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP project costs; and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport. Extends through August 1, 2010, and increases for the period beginning on October 1, 2009, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) civil aviation research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Commends Harry Belafonte for receiving the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights on May 12, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions prohibiting knowingly creating, selling, or possessing a depiction of animal cruelty to prohibit knowingly and for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain selling or distributing an animal crush video in interstate or foreign commerce. States that such prohibition does not prohibit the sale or distribution of any visual depiction of hunting, trapping, fishing, or customary and normal veterinary or agricultural husbandry practices. Defines "animal crush video" as any obscene photograph, motion-picture film, video recording, or electronic image that depicts actual conduct in which one or more living animals is intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, or impaled in a manner that would violate a criminal prohibition on cruelty to animals in the federal or state jurisdiction in which the depiction is created, sold, distributed, or offered for sale or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2010
Prohibits collective bargaining with respect to matters and questions concerning rates of basic pay (under current law, concerning compensation) of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). (Permits collective bargaining concerning compensation, other than basic rates of pay, with respect to such employees.)
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Nonprofit Sector and Community Solutions Act of 2010 - Establishes the United States Council on Nonprofit Organizations and Community Solutions, which shall study how the federal government can work more effectively with nonprofit organizations to achieve better outcomes in addressing national and community challenges. Directs the Council to provide advice to the President and Congress on: (1) the establishment and enhancement of grant programs to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, to support research and the reporting of data on nonprofit organizations, and to assist the government to effectively address national and community challenges by supporting nonprofit organizations, encouraging social innovation, and enabling nonprofit organizations to replicate and expand the use of effective strategies for addressing such challenges; and (2) how innovation can enhance the impact of nonprofit organizations. Directs the Council to organize and carry out a national summit on nonprofit organizations to inform the public and Congress of the results of its activities. Directs the President to establish an Interagency Working Group on Nonprofit Organizations and the Federal Government, which shall: (1) develop recommendations on federal policies relating to contracting with and making grants to nonprofit organizations and the availability to nonprofit organizations of federal funding provided to state and local governments; (2) develop recommendations on enhancing the effectiveness of federal support for organizational development assistance for building the capacity of nonprofit organizations; (3) identify strategies for managing relationships with nonprofit organizations; (4) provide to the Council information on government operations; and (5) assist the implementation of Council recommendations.. Directs the Secretary of Commerce: (1) to collect all data in the possession of a federal agency relating to nonprofit organizations and make such data available annually to the public, Congress, the Council, and the Working Group; and (2) through the Bureau of Economic Analysis, to submit to Congress, the Council, and the Working Group a report that includes recommendations for the establishment of measures to assess and track the economic impact of nonprofit organizations in the United States. Requires: (1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure accurate and timely data on funding provided to nonprofit organizations by the federal government; (2) the Secretary of Labor to ensure that employment data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes nonprofit organizations as a distinct category of employer; (3) the Director of the Census to annually submit a comprehensive report on nonprofit organizations; and (4) the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program to improve information and knowledge regarding nonprofit organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Expresses support for the designation of Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Encourages participation in voluntary activities to support blood cancer research and education.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2010
Water Resources Research Amendments Act of 2010 - Amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to: (1) authorize appropriations for water resources research and technology institutes through FY2016; and (2) require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct his or her evaluation of each institute's research and effectiveness as an institution for planning, conducting, and arranging for research at least once every five (currently, three) years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the National Council for International Visitors and its efforts to promote excellence in citizen diplomacy. Commends the achievements of the thousands of citizen diplomats who have worked for generations to share the best of the United States with foreign leaders, specialists, and scholars. Supports the designation of Citizen Diplomacy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2010
Honors the accomplishments and legacy of Norman Yoshio Mineta for his groundbreaking contributions to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and for his dedication and service to the United States. Memorializes the sacrifices and suffering that many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders endured in the pursuit of truth, liberty, justice, and equality for all.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
Commends the National Rifle Association for developing the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program to teach firearm safety to children and supports the goals and objectives of such program. Encourages: (1) educators to incorporate gun education programs in elementary school curricula; and (2) civic and community organizations to support funding for the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
Supports the goals of National Dairy Month (June). Recognizes the dairy industry's important role in the economic and nutritional well being of Americans. Commends dairy farmers for their hard work and commitment to the U.S. economy and to the preservation of open space.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Improvements in Global Maternal and Newborn Health Outcomes while Maximizing Successes Act or Improvements in Global MOMS Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to reduce mortality and improve maternal health and the health of newborns in developing countries, including HIV/AIDS prevention programs. Directs the President to implement a comprehensive strategy as part of the Global Health Initiative to reduce mortality and improve the health of mothers and newborns in developing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act - Reauthorizes the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004 for FY2011-FY2015. Directs the Secretary of State to act through the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs in awarding grants or entering agreements with Special Olympics for activities outside the United States. Includes community-based prevention among the activities for which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) may award grants or enter into agreements with Special Olympics. Requires grant or agreement applications to include a description of specific measurable annual benchmarks, as well as long-term goals and objectives, to be achieved through specified activities, which must include: (1) activities to increase the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities in inclusive school and community activities with nondisabled people; (2) education programs that dispel negative stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities; and (3) activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics outside of the United States. Requires annual reports by Special Olympics to describe demographic data about Special Olympics participants. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements to promote the expansion of Best Buddies, including activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in social relationships and other aspects of community life, including education and employment, within the United States. Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to establish Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institutes for Sport and Social Impact. Requires recipients to use grant funds to advance the quality of life and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through research and evaluation, technical assistance, training, data collection, evaluation, collaboration, and dissemination of evidence-based best practices.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Condemns the abduction and retention of all minor children being held in Japan away from their U.S. parents in violation of their human rights and U.S. and international law. Calls on: (1) the government of Japan to facilitate the resolution of all abduction cases and related issues; and (2) the President and the Secretary of State to seek to identify all U.S. citizen minor children who have been wrongfully removed to, and retained in, Japan. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) recognize the issue of child abduction to, and retention of, U.S. citizen minor children in Japan as a central foreign policy issue; (2) work with the government of Japan to enact consular procedures and legal agreements to prevent parental abduction; (3) review its advisory services from the Department of State, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Armed Forces to ensure that timely assistance is given to U.S. citizens and service members in preventing the wrongful retention or removal of minor children; and (4) urge the Department of State to include international child abduction and Japan's actions regarding abductions as a human rights violation under its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2010
Smuggled Tobacco Prevention Act of 2010 or the STOP Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the sale, lease, importation, or delivery of tobacco production machines to persons lawfully engaged in: (1) the sale, lease, or delivery of such machines; (2) the manufacture or processing of tobacco products, including for personal use; or (3) the application of unique identification markings onto tobacco product packages. Defines "tobacco production machine" as a machine used to manufacture, process, or package tobacco products or to apply unique identification markings to packages of tobacco products. Requires any person leasing, importing, exporting, or delivering a tobacco production machine to keep records relating to any transfers or deliveries of such machines. Requires manufacturers and importers of tobacco products to affix a unique identification marking to each package of tobacco products prior to sale or distribution of such products. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design a system of unique identification markings that does not interfere with state and local tax stamps and markings. Requires wholesalers of tobacco products to obtain permits for selling or exporting tobacco products. Establishes new criminal offenses relating to the distribution of tobacco products. Increases the civil penalty for tobacco-related infractions from $1,000 to $10,000. Establishes in the Treasury the Anti-Contraband Tobacco Trafficking Fund to finance the enforcement provisions of this Act and other laws relating to contraband or illegal tobacco products using the increased civil and criminal fines provided by this Act. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose a civil penalty for the importation of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes by fraudulent means.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2010
Recognizes the many contributions made by general aviation pilots and operators to the Haiti earthquake relief efforts. Encourages the continued generosity of general aviation pilots and operators in the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2010
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through July 3, 2010: (1) increased excise taxes on aviation fuels and the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the period beginning on October 1, 2009, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects, and extends such authorization through July 3, 2010. Sets forth a formula for calculating funding apportionments of airport improvement program (AIP) projects by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Extends through July 3, 2010, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make AIP project grants. Extends through July 3, 2010: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at nonhub airports; and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to extend through July 3, 2010, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft, and grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through September 30, 2010. Extends through September 30, 2010, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through July 3, 2010: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility projects under the AIP; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development project grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through July 3, 2010: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP project costs; and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport. Extends through July 3, 2010, and increases for the period beginning on October 1, 2009, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) civil aviation research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Girls Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine or five-year prison term, or both, on any U.S. citizen or alien admitted for permanent residence who knowingly transports in foreign commerce a girl under the age of 18 for the purposes of female genital mutilation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
FSS Retirement Fairness Act of 2010 - Allows certain flight service station (FSS) controllers, employed by Department of Transportation (DOT), to elect to treat qualified service in the same manner as if it had been performed as an FSS controller for purposes of determining eligibility for immediate retirement and computation of annuity under either the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). Limits the application of this Act, with specified exclusions, to FSS controllers who were separated from government service (other than for cause), or were transferred from an FSS controller position to a different government position (other than as an air traffic controller), during the period from February 1-October 3, 2005, and had completed at least five years of qualified service (as an employee of a contractor or an otherwise creditable position other than as an air traffic controller) as of the date of such separation or reassignment. Requires certain individuals who make such election to make contributions to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund with respect to qualified service performed after the effective date of such election. Prescribes special rules relating to: (1) immediate retirement, including continued enrollment in a Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan; and (2) recomputation of the annuity of any individual (or survivor) otherwise excluded from application of this Act because of entitlement to a CSRS or a FERS annuity based on the individual's government service.
![Official portrait of Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000006_200.jpg)