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United States · Official source
1,759 records where Rep. Pence, Mike [R-IN-6] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Honors Robert Kelly Slater for his outstanding and unprecedented achievements in surfing and for being a role model and an ambassador for the sport.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic-Americans to the strength and culture of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Elects a named minority Member to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) ensure that promotion of inter-religious dialogue and protection of religious freedom and human rights are key components of the U.S. engagement strategy with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; and (2) support efforts by the government of Pakistan to protect the religious freedom of all Pakistanis and prioritize the prevention of religiously motivated and sectarian violence; and (3) urge the government of Pakistan to review legislation that restricts the right to practice and propagate religion or that constitutes discrimination on the basis of religion or belief in order to bring Pakistani law into conformity with international human rights standards.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Limiting the Intrusive Miles of International Terrorist Sponsors Act of 2009 or LIMITS Act of 2009 - Directs the President to restrict to a specified designated area the travel of officials and representatives of countries that are designated as state sponsors of terrorism who are visiting the U.N. headquarters complex in connection with official business. Authorizes presidential waiver of such restriction upon submission of a report to Congress explaining why it is in the national interest to do so. Excludes from such restriction: (1) direct travel to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport or LaGuardia Airport to the designated area in connection with official business at the U.N. headquarters complex; (2) land travel to and from any lodgings or other hotel accommodations in which an official or representative is staying if such lodging or other hotel accommodation is within the designated area; and (3) travel to and from New York University medical center or Bellevue Hospital Center for emergency medical care.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Health Savings and Affordability Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction from gross income for the cost of health insurance coverage for individual taxpayers, their spouses, and dependents; (2) permit holders of health savings accounts (HSAs) and their spouses who are age 55 or older to make additional (catch-up) contributions to a joint HSA; (3) increase the allowable amount of the tax deduction for contributions to HSAs; (4) combine individual and family deductibles under high deductible health insurance plans; (5) allow for increased rollovers from flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) or health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) into HSAs; (6) allow the payment of premiums from HSAs for high deductible health plans; and (7) treat as medical care for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses certain exercise equipment and fees for physical fitness programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Offers condolences to the family of Jim Pouillon, who was murdered in Owosso, Michigan. Commits to the American principle that the suppression of thought by any means and by either government or individuals must always yield to the right of free speech and that violence is never an appropriate response to a difference in beliefs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Underscores the value of respectful speech while affirming that the freedoms of speech and religious exercise are integral to free societies and human dignity. Urges the Secretary of State to make every effort to defeat the passage of resolutions on the "defamation of religions" at the United Nations and other resolutions or international instruments that threaten the free and peaceful exchange of ideas, beliefs, and truth claims. Calls on the United Nations (U.N.) to abandon efforts to adopt the flawed concept of "defamation of religions." Urges U.N. member states to focus on protecting the fundamental freedom of individuals to peacefully express their religious beliefs and to avoid supporting resolutions that threaten freedom of expression.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Declares that all U.S. citizens should remain secure in the possession of private property and that no court, legislature, or executive shall, by predatory law or tyrannical force, obtain the property of any U.S. citizen for the benefit of another private citizen or corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Calls on: (1) the Secretary of State to support the efforts of the appropriate Honduran authorities to ensure that the November 29, 2009, elections are free and transparent; and (2) the President of the United States to recognize such elections as an important step in consolidating democracy and the rule of law in Honduras.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Defund ACORN Act - Prohibits any federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other form of agreement from being awarded to, any federal funds in any other form from being provided to, or any federal employee or contractor from promoting any organization that: (1) has been indicted for a violation under any federal or state law governing the financing of a campaign for election for public office or any law governing the administration of such an election, including a voter registration law; (2) had its state corporate charter terminated due to its failure to comply with federal or state lobbying disclosure requirements; (3) has filed a fraudulent form with any federal or state regulatory agency; or (4) employs, has under contract, or retains to act on its behalf any individual who has been indicted for a violation under federal or state law relating to an election for federal or state office. Identifies, specifically, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and any affiliate as such an organization. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to be revised to carry out provisions of this Act relating to contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Urges: (1) the President to issue a report clearly outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and authorities of the special assistants he has appointed (commonly referred to as "czars") and to certify to Congress that such czars will not assert powers other than those granted by statute to a commissioned officer on the President's staff; and (2) Congress to hold hearings on such report and certification within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
Expresses support for Constitution Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
Mourns the loss of life caused by Typhoon Morakot that occurred on August 8, 2009, in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and expresses condolences to the families of the many victims. Recognizes the deep ties between the United States and Taiwan and expresses continued solidarity with its people during this time of crisis. Expresses gratitude to the people of the United States who have supported those humanitarian aid agencies working to assist the people of Taiwan in this time of need.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2009
Elects a named minority Member to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2009 - Makes permanent the provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) that repeal the estate and generation skipping transfer taxes and that make reductions in the gift tax.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Congressional Hope for Uniform Recognition of Christian Heritage (CHURCH) Act of 2009 - Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to enter into an agreement with a private entity for the design and fabrication of a historical plaque to be permanently displayed in National Statuary Hall recognizing the seven decades of Christian church services being held in the Capitol from 1800 to 1868. Authorizes the AOC to use National Statuary Hall for a presentation ceremony for the plaque. Requires the AOC upon receiving such plaque to display it permanently in a place of prominence in National Statuary Hall.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
National Future Farmers of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold and silver coins in commemoration of the National Future Farmers of America Organization and the 85th anniversary of such Organization. Authorizes the issuance of coins under this Act only for a one year period, beginning on January 1, 2012. Requires all sales of coins minted under this Act to include a surcharge of $25 per gold coin and $10 per silver coin. Requires all of the surcharges received from the sale of such coins to be paid to the National Future Farmers of America Foundation in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the creation of an endowment to enhance and expand programs that encourage the development of leadership skills, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education and the Future Farmers of America.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Healthy Savings Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to health savings accounts (HSAs) to allow: (1) spouses to make increased catch-up contributions to a single HSA; (2) Medicare Part A beneficiaries to establish and contribute to an HSA; (3) veterans eligible for service-connected disability benefits and individuals eligible for Indian health service assistance to establish an HSA; (4) HSAs to incorporate flexible spending and health reimbursement arrangements; (5) the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance; (6) payment of certain medical expenses incurred before the establishment of an HSA; and (7) payments from an HSA for prescription and over-the-counter drugs that aid in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Allows Medicare beneficiaries participating in a Medicare Advantage medical savings account (MSA) to exclude from gross income payments made to their MSAs. Treats as medical care for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses certain exercise equipment and physical fitness programs and certain nutritional and dietary supplements.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Recognizes the contributions of U.S. automobile dealerships. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a quantifiable number of automobile dealerships that have been successful and are being closed not of their own doing, but as a function of the auto market as a whole, should be given an opportunity to obtain a dealership franchise when auto manufacturers seek new partners to open dealerships in their respective geographic areas.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Deplores the violence by Iraqi security forces against the residents of Camp Ashraf. Calls upon the Iraqi government and the President of the United States to ensure the security and protection of Camp Ashraf residents.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) temporary lodging facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the "Otis Bowen Comfort Home."
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Consumer Protection and Regulatory Enhancement Act - Amends the Judicial Code to prescribe the venue for cases involving non-bank financial institutions. Amends federal bankruptcy law to prescribe procedures for the adjustment of the debts of a non-bank financial institution. Establishes the Market Stability and Capital Adequacy Board (Board) to: (1) monitor the interactions of various sectors of the financial system; and (2) identify risks that could endanger the stability and soundness of the system. Establishes in the executive branch the Financial Institutions Regulator (FIR), comprising a Federal Banking Division and a State Banking Division, to exercise all powers, duties, and authorities formerly vested in the Comptroller of the Currency. Transfers to FIR all regulatory functions of: (1) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve Board); (2) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS); and (3) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) regarding state non-member banks. Abolishes the OTS and the Office (and position) of Comptroller of the Currency. Moves the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) within the FIR. Establishes within the FIR an Office of Consumer Protection (OCP). Directs the Comptroller General to complete and report to Congress on the audit of the Federal Reserve Board and the federal reserve banks. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to instruct the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to: (1) establish and implement an explicit numerical definition of the term "price stability"; and (2) maintain a monetary policy that effectively promotes long-term price stability. Revises requirements with respect to the emergency powers of the Federal Reserve Board. Government-Sponsored Enterprises Free Market Reform Act of 2009 - Requires the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to terminate the conservatorship of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), also known as government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), if at the end of a specified period the GSE is financially viable. Requires the Director, if a GSE is not financially viable, to appoint the FHFA as receiver for it. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to restrict the mortgage assets of a GSE upon its emergence from conservatorship. Requires the FHFA Director to revise minimum capital levels for the GSEs. Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to repeal temporary increases to conforming loan limits for the GSEs. Establishes new conforming loan limits for the year in which the conservatorships expire. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to subject the GSEs to state and local taxes. Directs the FHFA Director to establish and collect assessments from each GSE to recoup the costs for the federal guarantee. Requires: (1) periodic renewals of GSE charters; and (2) wind down and dissolution in the event of non-renewal. Repeals security credit rating requirements in designated federal laws and federal regulations, including: (1) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (2) the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; and (3) the Higher Education Act of 1965. Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to: (1) authorize the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to impose civil penalties in cease and desist proceedings; and (2) provide for nationwide service of subpoenas. Authorizes appropriations for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to revise conditions under which a civil penalty obtained for violations of securities laws shall become part of a disgorgement fund for the benefit of the victims of such violation. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize the SEC to contract for the collection of delinquent judgments and orders.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009
Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order to consider a rule or order that waives the application of the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) rule in the House. Prescribes a procedure for disposing of a related point of order. Makes it out of order for the Speaker to entertain a motion to suspend application of the PAYGO rule.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2009
Durban Taxpayer Refund Act of 2009 - Finds that the goals of the 2001 United Nations World Conference Against Racism held in Durban, South Africa, and commonly referred to as the Durban Conference, were undermined by hateful, anti-Jewish rhetoric and anti-Israel political agendas, prompting both Israel and the United States to withdraw their delegations from the Conference. States that it shall be U.S. policy to lead a diplomatic effort to: (1) encourage other countries to not fund any portion of the Durban Review Conference; and (2) explore alternative forums for combating racism and related intolerance. Directs the Secretary of State to withhold from the U.S. contribution to the regularly assessed biennial budget of the United Nations an amount equal to the percentage of such contribution that the Secretary determines would be or has been allocated by the United Nations for the Durban Review Conference or its preparatory or follow-on activities. Provides that: (1) until the Secretary makes a specified certification to the appropriate congressional committees the United States shall withhold from its contribution to such budget an amount equal to the percentage of such contribution that the Secretary determines has been allocated by the United Nations for any conference, other multilateral forum, or related preparatory or follow-on activity of any conference or other multilateral forum under U.N. aegis; and (2) withheld appropriations shall revert to the Treasury if no such certification is made within one year after the appropriation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2009
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the founding of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and honors its contribution to promoting freedom and liberty around the world. Commends the employees and reporters of RFE/RL for their commitment to provide fair and unbiased news to people living under oppressive regimes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2009
Elects a named minority Member to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2009
Parental Right to Decide Protection Act - Prohibits federal funds or other assistance from being made available to any state or political subdivision to establish or implement any requirement that individuals receive vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2009
Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the agreement of the Postmaster General, to utilize the services of mail carriers to serve as temporary enumerators in the 2010 decennial census before resorting to nonfederal personnel. Provides that a carrier selected to serve as an enumerator shall not be required to: (1) perform any postal duties on a day on which that carrier is serving as an enumerator; and (2) serve as an enumerator more than one day a week or after the services of letter carriers as enumerators are no longer required.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009
Reducing Barack Obama's Unsustainable Deficit Act - Rescinds all unobligated balances of the discretionary appropriations made available in division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Repeals subtitles B (Assistance for Vulnerable Individuals) and C (Economic Recovery Payments to Certain Individuals) of title II (the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act) and titles III (Premium Assistance for COBRA Benefits), IV (Medicare and Medicaid Health Information Technology; Miscellaneous Medicare Provisions), V (State Fiscal Relief), VI (Broadband Communications), and VII (Limits on Executive Compensation) of division B of ARRA. Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to terminate upon enactment of this Act (currently, December 31, 2009) the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to establish the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the program to guarantee troubled assets originated or issued before March 14, 2008, including mortgage-backed securities. Repeals the authorization for a two-year extension of such authority if the Secretary submits a specified certification to Congress. Requires the Secretary, each time a financial institution makes a TARP repayment, to transfer such repayments to the special account established in the Treasury for reducing public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Prohibits making any criminal penalty apply for refusing or willfully neglecting to answer questions (except with respect to the respondent's name and contact information, the date of the response, and the number of people living or staying at the address) in connection with the American Community Survey conducted by the Secretary of Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Prohibits the President from making contributions on behalf of the United States to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Urges Members of Congress who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, federal government run health insurance option to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Expresses support for the people of Honduras. Condemns Mr. Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales for his unconstitutional and illegal attempts to alter the Constitution of Honduras. Calls on all parties to seek a peaceful resolution that is both legal and constitutional.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of Fragile X Awareness Day; (2) raising awareness and educating the public about fragile X syndrome and associated disorders; and (3) increased funding for research into the causes, treatment, and cure for fragile X syndrome. Applauds efforts to encourage awareness, promote research, and provide education, support, and hope to those impacted by fragile X syndrome. Recognizes the commitment of those dedicated to finding an effective treatment and cure. Urges physicians, health care providers, and specialists, with respect to the syndrome and related disorders, to: (1) learn the clinical signs and symptoms; (2) use diagnostic, developmental screening, and surveillance modalities for detection; (3) test individuals exhibiting signs of developmental delay or an autism spectrum disorder to determine the status of their FMR1 gene; (4) gain a full understanding of the genetic implications and make appropriate referrals to a geneticist or genetic counselor; and (5) provide diagnosed patients with supplemental information. Encourages health insurance entities to provide full coverage for screening technologies, appropriate follow-up referrals, and genetic counseling services. Recommends that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and related member institutes fully implement the research plan on fragile X syndrome and associated disorders developed by the Trans-NIH Fragile X Research Coordinating Group and Scientific Working Groups.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009
Recognizes the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Stop Nuclear Assistance to State Sponsors of Terrorism Act of 2009 - Prohibits funds from any U.S. assessed or voluntary contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from being used to support assistance provided by the IAEA through its Technical Cooperation Program to any country, including North Korea, that is: (1) a state sponsor of terrorism; or (2) in breach of or noncompliance, or under investigation for breach or noncompliance, with its obligations regarding IAEA safeguards, specified treaties, or the U.N. Charter or relevant U.N. resolutions. Directs the Secretary of State to withhold specified voluntary and assessed IAEA contribution amounts. Authorizes the waiver of such withholding if: (1) the IAEA has suspended all Program assistance to such countries; or (2) the President certifies that such countries no longer pose a threat to U.S. security and allies.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Expresses sympathy to Falun Gong practitioners and their family members who have suffered persecution and even death because of adherence to their personal beliefs. Calls upon: (1) the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to cease its campaign against Falun Gong practitioners, including harassment activities within the United States; (2) the Secretary of State to ensure that officials of foreign embassies and consulates are not engaged in activities in the United States that are incompatible with their diplomatic status; and (3) the President and Members of Congress to mark the 10th anniversary of Chinese official repression of the Falun Gong spiritual movement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Recognizes the Proliferation Strategy Initiative's (PSI) success in enhancing the ability of participating countries to interdict the shipment of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and their means of delivery. Congratulates the Republic of Korea for its decision to participate in the PSI to counter the threat posed by the North Korean regime. Urges: (1) President Obama to further cooperation to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (2) countries not yet participating in the PSI, especially China, to fully cooperate with PSI countries.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Expresses: (1) concern over the threat posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and related delivery systems in the hands of states that sponsor terrorism, such as Iran; and (2) support for the deployment of U.S. missile defense assets in Europe that will provide a defense of the United States and our European allies from the growing missile threat posed by rogue regimes. Urges the President to expedite the deployment of components of an operational U.S. ground-based missile defense system in Europe. Requests the President to report annually to Congress on steps taken to move forward with such deployment. States that the United States shall continue its support for the missile defense of key allies against attacks by rogue regimes.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Elects named minority Members to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
Constitutional Amendment - Preserving Capitalism in America Amendment - Prohibits the United States from owning, subscribing to, or otherwise having any interest in the stock or equity of any company, association, or corporation, except for any public authority or any public use corporation, or any investments through any pension funds.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
Honors the nation's orthopedic industry for its continued legacy of innovation in providing devices that relieve the pain of, and restore mobility to, active duty armed members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and patients of all ages from all walks of life.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009
Expresses support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law. Condemns the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the government of Iran and pro-government militias as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication through interference with the Internet and cellphones. Affirms the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009
Supports Israel's right to defend itself in the face of an imminent nuclear or military threat from Iran, terrorist organizations, and the countries that harbor them, notwithstanding some statements made by the Obama Administration. Reaffirms the bond with Israel and pledges to continue to work with Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Israeli government, and the people of Israel to ensure that Israel continues to receive critical economic and military assistance. Condemns the government of Iran for its continued support of terrorism and its hateful rhetoric toward Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009
Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order in the House to consider a measure or matter until 72 hours (currently, until the third day) (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays unless the House is in session on such a day) after its text (and, if any, the text of all accompanying reports) have been made available to Members, Delegates, the Resident Commissioner (Members), and the general public. Requires the full text of the legislation and each committee report, without further amendment before floor consideration, to be posted continuously by means of the Internet. Prohibits consideration in the House of a general appropriation bill reported by the Committee on Appropriations until 72 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays unless the House is in session on such a day) after printed hearings of the Committee have been available to Members. Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order proposing a waiver of this resolution or of Rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) unless a question of consideration of the rule is adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the Members voting, a quorum being present. Amends Rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) to make it out of order in the House to consider a conference report, the accompanying signed joint explanatory statement, or a motion to dispose of a Senate amendment reported in disagreement by a conference committee until after: (1) the 72-hour availability requirement has been met; and (2) posting on the Internet. Declares that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the custody of the House. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules. Expresses the sense of the House that, with the objective of preventing circumvention of this resolution, that the Committee on Rules should develop standardized policies and procedures to require that proposed amendments (except those offered under an open rule) that are major in size, scope, or cost be posted on the Internet for an appropriate number of hours.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009
Expresses support for all Iranian citizens who struggle for freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law. Condemns the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the government of Iran, pro-government militias, and affiliated entities. Affirms the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009
Elects a named minority Member to the House Committee on Armed Services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2009
Detainee Photographic Records Protection Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) submit a certification to the President for any photograph taken between September 11, 2001, and January 22, 2009, that relates to the treatment of individuals engaged, captured, or detained after September 11, 2001, by the U.S. Armed Forces in operations outside of the United States if the Secretary determines that disclosure of such photograph would endanger U.S. citizens or members of the Armed Forces or U.S. government employees deployed outside the United States; and (2) submit timely notice of such certification to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to submit a renewal of a certification at any time. Provides that a certification or a renewal shall expire after three years. Exempts such a certified photograph from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but does not preclude voluntary disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2009
American Energy Act - Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2009 - Considers the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 released by the Secretary of the Interior to have been approved as final under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and to be in full compliance with all requirements of applicable laws. Deems the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement for the program under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases; and (2) promulgate regulations that establish management of the surface occupancy of the portion of the OCS near the coastline. Amends the Submerged Lands Act to extend to 12 nautical miles a coastal state's allowable seaward boundary. Excepts from the operation of provisions concerning the rights of states all of the oil and gas mineral rights for lands beneath the navigable waters that are located within the expanded offshore seaward boundaries. Deems such rights to be federal property and part of the federal OCS for purposes of OCLA. Revises the procedure for determining each state's Adjacent Zone and each OCS Planning Area. Provides a means of voluntary relinquishment of any portion of a geologically prospective lease. Revises procedures for the granting of OCS leases concerning multiple leases for the same tract, payment of receipts, joint bidding restrictions in Alaska, price thresholds applicable to royalty suspension volumes, and a conservation of resources fee for nonproducing leases. Provides schedules for the sharing and allocation of OCS receipts. Prohibits leasing east of the military mission line (86 degrees, 41 minutes West Longitude, and extending south from the coast of Florida to the outer boundary of U.S. territorial waters in the Gulf of Mexico). Revises OCS leasing provisions concerning: (1) timing and location under each five-year program; (2) consideration of other laws affecting leasing; (3) suggestions from government entities and other persons; and (4) estimates of resources within a state's Adjacent Zone and projections of receipts expected to be shared with each Adjacent State and its political subdivisions. Provides rules for the approval by a federal agency or a state of a petroleum or natural gas pipeline, respectively. Provides guidelines for the preparation of environmental impact statements. Prohibits uses on the federal OCS or in state waters by federal agencies that are incompatible with oil and gas leasing and substantially full exploration and production of geologically prospective tracts. Authorizes the repurchase and cancellation of certain leases that were subject to litigation in the Court of Federal Claims. Allows environmental mitgation requirements associated with leasing activities to be satisfied at a site away from the area affected. Requires the Secretary to establish OCS regional headquarters. Allows a lessee of an existing oil and gas lease for an area located completely within 12 nautical miles of the coastline within the California or Florida Adjacent Zones the option of exchanging such lease for a new oil and gas lease having a primary term of 5 years. Repeals the program of coastal impact assistance to producing states and political subdivisions. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Requires the Secretary to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of Alaska's Coastal Plain's oil and gas resources. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to terminate the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Directs the Secretary to hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources, under the terms offered in a specified solicitation of bids. Allows the temporary reduction of royalties, fees, rentals, bonus, or other payments for leases of federal lands for the development and production of such resources as necessary to incentivize and encourage their development. Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide financial assistance to states to hire personnel with expertise relevant to consideration of federal refinery authorizations. Requires a federal agency responsible for refinery authorization to provide nonfinancial assistance to facilitate state consideration of such authorizations. Directs the President to appoint a federal coordinator to facilitate such authorizations. Instructs the President to designate at least three closed military installations as potentially suitable for the construction of a refinery. Requires that at least one such site be designated as potentially suitable for construction of a refinery to produce biofuel. Requires the redevelopment authority for each such installation to consider the feasibility and practicability of siting a refinery on the installation. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain requirements regarding refinery revitalization. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the income tax credits for: (1) the purchase of a new qualified alternative fuel vehicle; (2) the cost of qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property; and (3) qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles placed in service. Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program of awards to advance the development and application of innovative energy technologies and new energy sources, including for innovative gasoline-operated automobile and advanced battery manufacturing. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various energy efficiency tax incentives. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the requirement that the associated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of government-procured alternative or synthetic fuels not exceed those from equivalent fuel from conventional petroleum sources. Provides for the procurement of coal-to-liquid fuel and loans to facilities that produce such fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various renewable energy tax credits and to include in certain incentives advanced nuclear power and clean-coal equipment. Establishes in the Treasury the American Renewable and Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish an expedited procedure for issuing combined construction and operating licenses for new reactors. Sets a goal of licensing 100 new reactors, or the megawatt equivalent, by 2030. Requires creation of a uranium supply-disruption mitigation reserve and the convening of a national summit on uranium resources. Establishes policies concerning the disposal of high-level nuclear waste. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Nuclear Energy Council to advise the Secretary and assist nuclear energy-related investors. Revises NEPA environmental assessment procedures with respect to the consideration of alternative locations or actions for renewable energy projects. Excludes greenhouse gases and climate change from regulation under the Clean Air Act. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit the consideration of the impact of greenhouse gases upon species of fish, wildlife, or plants. Sets forth jurisdictional rules and procedures for claims that arise concerning any energy project under a federal lease.