United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2010
Ensuring Affordable Energy Act - Prohibits any funds appropriated or otherwise available for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from being used to implement or enforce: (1) a cap-and-trade program; or (2) any statutory or regulatory requirement pertaining to emissions of one or more greenhouse gases from stationary sources that is issued or becomes applicable or effective after January 1, 2011. Defines: (1) "cap-and-trade program" as any regulatory program established after the date of enactment of this Act that provides for the sale, auction, or other distribution of a limited amount of allowances that permit the emission of one or more greenhouse gases; and (2) "greenhouse gas" to include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or any other designated anthropogenic gas.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2010
Directs the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to convey, at a specified market value, to the Military Museum of Texas all U.S. right, title, and interest in and to a certain parcel of real property located at 8611 Wallisville Road in Houston, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2010
Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order to consider any bill or joint resolution, conference report, or amendment unless it contains a statement appropriately citing the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution as a basis for enacting the law proposed by such measure. Allows a statement of constitutionality to cite the 9th or 10th Amendment to the Constitution to the extent that any measure limits or abolishes any federal activity, spending, or power overall. States that invoking the common defense clause, the general welfare clause, or the necessary and proper clause of section 8 of article I of the Constitution is not sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this Rule. Makes it out of order to consider a rule or order waiving the application of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010
Condemns North Korea for its unprovoked November 2010 military attack against South Korea in violation of the Korean War Armistice Agreement and for causing civilian casualties. Expresses condolences to the South Korean victims and their families. Calls for North Korea to renounce further acts of aggression. Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea, the security of South Korea, and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Encourages cooperation between the United States and U.S. allies and other countries in the region in the interests of enhancing peace in the Asia-Pacific region. Calls upon China to restrain North Korea from further acts of belligerence and to work with the international community to promote regional stability. Calls upon North Korea to cease all uranium enrichment activities and take concrete steps to dismantle, under international verification, all sensitive nuclear facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Recognizes Rotary International for 105 years of service to the world and commends members on their dedication to the mission and principles of their organization.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2010
Congratulates the engineers, scientists, psychologists, and staff of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for helping to successfully rescue 33 trapped Chilean miners from a collapsed mine near Copiapo, Chile. Recognizes that the experience and knowledge that NASA has acquired through space flight was critical to the rescue of the miners.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
National Guard Border Enforcement Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) (Secretary) to deploy at least an additional 10,000 members of the National Guard for border control activities along the U.S.-Mexico border until the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) certifies that the federal government has achieved operational control of the border. Authorizes the Secretary to exceed 10,000 upon the request of a state that shares a portion of the U.S.-Mexico border if, despite deployment of the additional 10,000, operational control of the border has not been achieved. Requires the Secretary to provide funding to a state that submits to the Secretary of State a state border control activities plan meeting certain requirements. Limits the number of National Guard that may be so deployed.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Truth in Bailouts Act - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to require any financial institution in which the Treasury holds an equity or debt position acquired under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to provide the following displays: (1) at each of its places of business, signs disclosing, in a clear and conspicuous manner, the statement "This institution has received financial assistance from the Federal Government under the Troubled Asset Relief Program and has not yet repaid the taxpayers"; and (2) on the main page of its website, the same disclosure in a clear and conspicuous manner.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from prohibiting, limiting, or controlling any type of firearm ammunition or fishing tackle based on material composition.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the annual September celebration of the rice harvest in the United States. Encourages the people of the United States to observe National Rice Month with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of the inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival to promote science scholarship and an interest in scientific research and development as the cornerstones of innovation and competition in America. Supports festivals, such as the USA Science & Engineering Festival, which focus on the importance of science and engineering to our everyday lives. Congratulates all the individuals and organizations whose efforts will make the Festival possible. Encourages families and their children to participate in the activities and exhibits which will occur on the National Mall and across America as satellite events of the Festival.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 to authorize the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed by non-federal public entities to expedite the evaluation of permits of such entities related to projects for a public purpose under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army through December 31, 2016. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the evaluation of permits carried out using such funds: (1) is reviewed by the District Commander of the Corps District in which the project or activity is located, unless the evaluation of the permit is initially conducted by the District Commander in which case the review shall be conducted by the Commander of the Corps Division in which the District is located; and (2) utilizes the same procedures for decisions that would otherwise be required for the evaluation of permits for similar projects or activities not carried out using such funds. Prohibits such funds from being used to carry out such review. Directs the Secretary to ensure that all final permit decisions carried out using such funds are made available to the public, including on the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Recognizes the shootings that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, as a tragic event in the history of the Army and the United States. Extends the deepest sympathies of Congress to the families and friends of the shooting victims. Honors the civilian law enforcement personnel of the Department of Defense (DOD) for implementing their training to eliminate the threat promptly, thereby limiting additional loss of life or injury. Commends the Fort Hood command team for its timely response and situational control. Expresses gratitude to the Fort Hood communities, military personnel stationed at Fort Hood, military service organizations, and the American people for promptly extending comfort and assistance to the victims of the shootings and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Education deny Texas and its local educational agencies funds from the Education Jobs Fund until the state assures the Secretary that: (1) funds used to support elementary and secondary education shall be distributed based on LEAs' relative shares of school improvement funds for the most recent fiscal year for which data are available; (2) such funds will not be used to supplant state formula funding that is distributed like school improvement funds; and (3) state funding for elementary and secondary education, as a percentage of the state's total revenue, will not be reduced through FY2013.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Commemorates the 100th anniversary of Mother Teresa's birth and her enduring legacy of humility and sacrifice, exemplified by nearly 50 years of actively comforting the poor, the dying, and the unwanted across the globe.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Commends the public servants of the federal agencies for their contributions to homeland security. Salutes the efforts of government officials, the private sector, and citizens across the country to prevent, deter, protect against, and prepare to respond to potential acts of terrorism. Expresses appreciation for the commitment of law enforcement and emergency response personnel in preventing and preparing to respond to acts of terrorism. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Preparedness Month as they relate to the threat of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Offshore Lease Fairness Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to increase from 27% to 50% the revenues: (1) shared with states from leases within three miles of the coast line entered into after enactment of this Act; and (2) from energy-related activities for any lease, easement, or right-of-way granted after enactment of this Act. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to redefine current qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues as sums received by the United States from leases entered into between December 20, 2006, and the date of enactment of this Act. Requires for FY2010 and each ensuing fiscal year that new outer Continental Shelf revenues be deposited: (1) 50% into the general fund of the Treasury; and (2) 50% into a special account in the Treasury for disbursement to coastal states by the Secretary of the Treasury. Restricts allocation of new outer Continental Shelf revenues from leases in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean to states that are in, or border on, such specified geographical areas. Prescribes requirements for the timing and administration of the disposition of revenues.
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 · 29 July 2010
Honors the members of the Armed Forces who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Extends gratitude to U.S. military and civilian personnel responsible for directing the implementation of the "surge strategy" and bringing security and stability to Iraq. Expresses a commitment to working with President Obama and the Administration to build on the military success in Iraq since the surge. Recognizes: (1) the importance of success in Iraq; and (2) that the President and the Administration have a responsibility to build a lasting strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010
Declares that no funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and any amendments made by either such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010
Recognizes the importance of reducing trade barriers between the United States and key trade partners in order to increase exports, create jobs, stimulate the economy, and improve relations with international trade partners. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, the United States-Panama Free Trade Agreement, and the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement should be implemented immediately.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010
Johnson Space Center Workforce Stability Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to create a two-year job training program (including a one-stop career center) to assist the transition to new jobs of workers and employees of contractors in the Johnson Space Center region whose job stability is impacted by programmatic changes to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) space exploration program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce, to enter into cooperative agreements with eligible recipients in the Johnson Space Center region for activities to help stabilize the workforce and to promote economic growth.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010
Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to require congressional approval of the designation by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a benefit plan as the CLASS Independence Benefit Plan under the CLASS program (a national, voluntary insurance program for purchasing community living assistance services and supports). Sets forth procedures for such congressional approval by joint resolution. Prohibits an employer from enrolling an employee in the CLASS program without providing specified notice to the employee, which includes: (1) the significant risk of failure of such a program; (2) information on deficits that the program is expected to run; (3) a statement that there is no separate pool of money set aside to pay the CLASS program benefits; and (4) an explanation of the immediate termination of the program if it is reported to be actuarially unsound. Prohibits premiums from being collected before the Secretary has promulgated the required regulations in final form. Terminates such program if the report by the Board of Trustees of the CLASS Independence Fund indicates that the Fund is projected to be actuarially unsound over the 75-year period beginning with the fiscal year in which such report is submitted. Establishes a refund process.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
End the Lame Duck Act - Considers the House of Representatives to be adjourned sine die if it stands adjourned on the date of the regularly scheduled general election for federal office during a Congress (beginning with the 110th Congress) pursuant to a concurrent resolution providing for the adjournment of the House. Authorizes the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate, or their respective designees, acting jointly after consultation with the Minority Leaders of both chambers, to notify the Members of the House and Senate to reassemble if they determine that the existence of a national emergency warrants it. Provides for automatic continuing appropriations if a regular appropriation bill for a fiscal year does not become law before the date of the regularly scheduled general election for federal office held during such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Condemns the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for its: (1) threats to annihilate the United States and Israel; (2) support of international terrorism; and (3) incitement of genocide of the Israeli people. Supports using all means to persuade the government of Iran to stop building and acquiring nuclear weapons. Reaffirms the U.S. bond with Israel and pledges to work with the government of Israel and the people of Israel to ensure that their nation receives critical economic and military assistance, including missile defense capabilities, needed to address the Iranian threat. Supports Israel's right to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Authorizes programs, activities, and reports respecting NASA, including those with regard to the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Shuttle, commercial crew transportation, earth and space science, aeronautics, acquisition management, space weather, near-Earth objects, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and training. Establishes a post-shuttle workforce transition initiative grant program, a space technology program, and the James E. Webb Cooperative Education Distinguished Scholar Program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Directs Amtrak to ensure that fares charged for sleeper class service on all Amtrak long-distance routes are priced to equal all of the operating costs for providing such service. Requires Amtrak to discontinue such service in cases where total service costs exceed total revenues for the service for the first full fiscal year beginning after enactment of this Act. Prohibits Amtrak from using federal funds to subsidize sleeper class service.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Extends through FY2011 the deadline for state expenditure of certain emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Administration for Children and Families provided for recovery from Hurricanes Ike and Rita and other 2008 natural disasters under the title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Security Services) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2010
Declares that a specified suspension of (moratorium on) certain offshore permitting and drilling activities on the Outer Continental Shelf shall not apply to a drill permit applicant that has complied with specified National Notices and has completed all required safety inspections. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to make a determination on whether to issue a permit within 30 days after determining that the applicant is in compliance with such Notices and has completed such inspections.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
End the Stimulus Advertisement Act - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for physical signage indicating that a project is funded by such Act. States that under appropriations Acts providing funds for each of FY2011-FY2012 the total amount available for obligation for administrative expenses of an affected agency shall be the amount that would otherwise be available, reduced by 50% of the amount reported to have been expended before the enactment of this Act. Requires the head of each affected agency to report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a determination of the amount of funds expended before the enactment of this Act, if any, by the agency, or any grantee or other recipient of assistance from the agency, for physical signage indicating that a project was funded by the ARRA. Requires OMB to determine, and report to Congress on, the allocation of such reduction among the accounts, and programs, projects, and activities within the accounts of each affected agency. Requires the head of each affected agency to deposit each amount of the reduction in the general fund of the Treasury for purposes of deficit reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (Program) from September 30, 2008, through May 31, 2011. Extends through May 31, 2011, the increased total amount of notes and obligations which the Director of FEMA may, with the approval of the President, issue to finance the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of National Aerospace Week. Recognizes the contributions of the aerospace industry to the history, economy, security, and educational system of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010
Expresses support for the designation of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) support research so that the screening and treatment of prostate cancer may be improved and the causes of, and a cure for, prostate cancer may be discovered; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Protecting Human Space Flight Act of 2010 - Requires amounts appropriated for FY2010 (or for prior fiscal years that remain available) to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the Constellation Program to be spent only to carry out such program, including through contracts and necessary support activities. Prohibits the termination or descoping of contracts for the Constellation Program. Requires NASA to spend at least 90% of all such funds by September 30, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Recognizes the exemplary service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division of the U.S. Army, known as the Liberators, during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Counterterrorism Enhancement and Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2011. Prohibits: (1) the use of Department of Justice (DOJ) funds to prosecute an individual detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on or after January 22, 2009, in a U.S. criminal court; and (2) the President from transferring or releasing an individual currently detained at Guantanamo to any state without the state's consent and the President's certification that the individual does not pose a security risk. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the legislative branch the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism. Directs the Secretary of DHS to establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism. Expresses the sense of Congress that the House of Representatives and the Senate should fully implement the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States for creating a single, principal point of oversight and review for homeland security by amending House and Senate rules relating to committee jurisdiction. Amends the Rules of the House to direct the Speaker to consider the recommendations of the Commission for consolidating oversight and review of homeland security. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a strategy for gaining effective control of the international borders of the United States within five years. Requires the Secretary, for FY2011-FY2014, to maintain not fewer than 20,000 Border Patrol agents and sufficient support staff. Directs the Secretary, by June 30, 2011, to complete the exit portion of the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology system (US-VISIT) required for aliens arriving in or departing from the United States at an airport or seaport. Provides for mandatory detention of aliens apprehended at or between ports of entry. Authorizes the Secretary to establish permanent United States Secret Service international field offices to enhance cybersecurity and the Secret Service's ability to combat cyber crime and counterfeiting of U.S. currency. Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for FY2011. Requires establishment of an Aviation Security Advisory Committee within TSA. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a timely and fair process for individuals who believe they were delayed or prohibited from boarding a commercial aircraft or denied a right, benefit, or privilege because they were wrongly identified as a threat when screened against any terrorist watchlist or database used by TSA; (2) an Office of Appeals and Redress in DHS; and (3) a Surface Transportation Security Inspection Office. Amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to require establishment of a Transit Security Advisory Committee in TSA. Directs the Secretary to increase the number of canine teams certified by TSA for passenger rail and public transportation security activities. Screening Applied Fairly and Equitably to Truckers Act of 2010 or the SAFE Truckers Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations defining security sensitive materials. Prohibits a commercial motor vehicle operator licensed to operate in Mexico or Canada from operating a commercial motor vehicle transporting a security sensitive material in commerce in the United States until the operator has been subjected to, and not disqualified as a result of, a security background records check by a federal agency. Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY2011. Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish and operate one or more centers of Maritime Security. Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary to check against available terrorist watchlists those suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at the land, air, and sea borders of the United States. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify, and increase penalties for, alien smuggling offenses. Authorizes appropriations for the Federal Protective Service (FPS) for FY2011. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct facility security assessments; and (2) develop minimum standards for training and annual recertification for FPS's contract guards. Grants the Secretary a right of entry to property for which security is provided by FPS. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct security inspections and verifications for such property; (2) require such properties to undergo unannounced security inspections; and (3) issue a list of items that are prohibited from being brought into FPS-protected facilities unless specifically authorized on a case-by-case basis. Requires the FPS Director to publish: (1) a list of qualified vendors and products that would promote common standards of deployment of personnel and technology; (2) standards for training personnel; and (3) best practices for utilizing items on the qualified products list. Extends the Chemical Facilities Antiterrorism Security Program. Directs the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in coordination with the Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs, to establish a voluntary chemical security training program and exercise program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office for Bombing Prevention with primary responsibility for enhancing the ability, and coordinating the efforts, of the United States to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks in the United States; and (2) develop and periodically update a national strategy to prevent and prepare for terrorist explosive attacks in the United States. Establishes in DHS a Community Preparedness Division whose Director shall have primary responsibility for assisting the efforts of state, local, and tribal governments in preparing U.S. citizens for acts of terrorism and other emergencies. Establishes in the Division: (1) a Citizen Corps Program; (2) a Community Emergency Response Team Program; and (3) a Fire Corps Program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a Metropolitan Medical Response System Program. Authorizes appropriations for the Directorate of Science and Technology for FY2011. Establishes a Test, Evaluation, and Standards Division. Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to prepare a strategic plan for Directorate activities. Directs the Comptroller General to initiate a study to assess the university-based centers for homeland security program. Directs the Under Secretary to: (1) conduct research and development to enhance the protection of the nation's agriculture and food system against terrorist attacks; and (2) produce risk assessments for biological and chemical threats. Directs the Secretary, through the Under Secretary, to establish a Homeland Security Science and Technology Fellows Program. Authorizes appropriations for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office for FY2011. Establishes the Commission on the Protection of Critical Electric and Electronic Infrastructures. Authorizes appropriations for the Securing the Cities Initiative (using next generation technology to detect the transport of nuclear and radiological material in urban areas). Requires the Secretary to delegate to specified Chief Operating Officers of DHS direct authority over their counterparts in component agencies to ensure that such component agencies adhere to the laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies for which each such Officer is responsible. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an Acquisition Professional Career Program; and (2) a process for the review of proposed investments by DHS. Directs the Secretary to designate a full-time privacy official within each of specified components of DHS to have primary responsibility for implementing DHS privacy policy in each such component. Provides immunity for certain good faith reports of suspected terrorist activity or suspicious behavior and qualified immunity for response. Directs the Secretary, every three years, to issue a biodefense strategy. Provides for civil liability for disclosure of protected security information. Establishes in DHS a Chief Veterinary Officer who shall have primary responsibility for veterinary issues, food defense, and agriculture security.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Recognizes the value of recreational aviation and backcountry airstrips located on the nation's public lands. Commends aviators and the various private organizations that maintain these airstrips for public use.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2010
Water Assistance from International Vessels for Emergency Response Act or WAIVER Act - Waives requirements for coastwise endorsements to a certificate of documentation in order to engage in coastwise trade for foreign vessels engaged in containment, remediation, or associated activities in connection with the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2010
Establishes in the legislative branch the United States Commission on Planetary Defense to: (1) review the structure, coordination, management policies, and procedures of the federal government, and as appropriate, international bodies, and nongovernmental entities, relative to the detection, characterization, mitigation, and over all response efforts to dangerous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs); (2) assess U.S. and foreign technology readiness levels required to provide effective planetary defense and make recommendations to develop required technologies, including NEO detection and characterization systems, spacecraft, nuclear devices, and laser systems; and (3) submit interim reports and a final report to the President and Congress containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations as the Commission shall determine for corrective measures. Sets forth provisions regarding the membership, powers, and staff of the Commission.
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
Debt Buy-Down Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to designate up to 10% of their adjusted income tax liability for the reduction of the public debt. Establishes in the Treasury the Public Debt Reduction Trust Fund to hold tax revenues generated by this Act for the reduction of the public debt. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to require a sequestration of federal spending equivalent to the estimated aggregate amount designated by taxpayers under this Act to reduce the public debt. Prohibits any reduction in social security retirement benefits, veterans benefits, or interest payments on federal debt as a result of any such sequestration.