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United States · Official source
2,857 records where Rep. Pitts, Joseph R. [R-PA-16] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2011
Life at Conception Act - Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to require the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2011
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011 - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Defines "major rule" as any rule, including an interim final rule, that has resulted in or is likely to result in: (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or U.S. competitiveness. Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for joint resolutions approving major rules and disapproving non-major rules.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2011
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits 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 (federal funds) for any abortion. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services, except in cases involving rape, incest, or life endangerment.) Prohibits federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. (Thus making permanent existing federal policies.) Disallows any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan that includes coverage of abortion, including any medical deduction for such amounts or any credit for such an employer-sponsored plan. Prohibits the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal or District of Columbia health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government or the District. Provides that such prohibitions shall not apply to an abortion if: (1) the pregnancy is the result of forcible rape or, if the pregnant woman is a minor, incest; or (2) the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, as certified by a physician. Makes such prohibitions applicable to District funds. Codifies the prohibition against a federal agency or program or any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance from subjecting any individual or health care entity to discrimination on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Creates a cause of action for any violations of such provisions. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to prevent and redress actual or threatened violations of such provisions by issuing any form of legal or equitable relief, including an injunction or order preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance until the prohibited conduct has ceased. Gives standing to institute an action to affected health care entities and the Attorney General. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, investigate, and refer to the appropriate federal agency complaints alleging a violation of such provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2011
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 112th 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 and with the written agreement of the Minority Leaders of both chambers, to notify the Members of the House and Senate to reassemble if each determines that it is in the interest of the United States to do so. 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 · 12 January 2011
Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a provision (added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) that extends to corporations that are not tax-exempt the requirement to report payments of $600 or more.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2011
Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Service (HHS) from providing any federal family planning assistance to an entity unless the entity certifies that, during the period of such assistance, the entity will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion. Excludes an abortion where: (1) the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or an act of incest against a minor; or (2) a physician certifies that the woman suffered from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy. Excludes hospitals from such requirement so long as the hospital does not provide funds to any non-hospital entity that performs an abortion. Requires the Secretary to annually provide Congress: (1) information on grantees who performed abortions under the exceptions; and (2) a list of entities to which grant funds are made available.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2011
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits all outlays for a fiscal year (including those for debt service and other debt functions) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Prohibits outlays for the total budget from exceeding the previous fiscal years' outlays plus population growth and inflation, unless such increase is approved by two-thirds of each chamber by a roll call vote. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by two-thirds of each chamber by a roll call vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect only by a vote of a majority of both chambers. Requires all: (1) outlays above revenues from the previous fiscal year to be accounted for in the outlays and budgets of the following fiscal year, and (2) surplus revenues at the end of a fiscal year to be allocated to a fund to be returned to the taxpayers, determined by legislation before the end of the subsequent fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a provision (added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) that extends to corporations that are not tax-exempt the requirement to report payments of $600 or more.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Federal Employee Accountability Act of 2011- Repeals provisions: (1) authorizing a federal employee representing an exclusive representative in the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement official time for such purpose during the time such employee otherwise would be in a duty status; and (2) requiring the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether any employee participating for, or on behalf of, a labor organization in any phase of proceedings before it shall be authorized official time for that purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Sunset All Czars Act - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to pay for any salaries or expenses of any task force, council, policy office within the Executive Office of the President, or similar office that is established by or at the direction of the President and is headed by a Czar. Defines "Czar" as the head of any such office who: (1) is appointed to such position (other than on an interim basis) without the advice and consent of the Senate, (2) is excepted from the competitive service, (3) performs or delegates functions which would be performed or delegated by an individual appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate if not for the establishment of such task force or office, and (4) does not have an existing removal date.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Internet Freedom Act - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from proposing, promulgating, or issuing any regulations with regard to the Internet or IP-enabled services. Makes such prohibition non-applicable to regulations that are determined necessary to: (1) prevent damage to U.S. national security; (2) ensure public safety; or (3) assist or facilitate any actions taken by federal and state law enforcement agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Prohibits federal funding to organizations incorporated for specified purposes related to: (1) broadcasting, transmitting, and programming over noncommercial educational radio broadcast stations, networks, and systems; (2) cooperating with foreign broadcasting systems and networks in international radio programming and broadcasting; (3) assisting and supporting such noncommercial educational radio broadcasting pursuant to the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967; or (4) acquiring radio programs from such organizations. Requires the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, for FY2011-FY2012, to transfer to a designated Treasury account for use to reduce the public debt an amount equal to the amount allocated from the Public Broadcasting Fund for specified licensees and permittees of public radio stations, public radio programming, and for acquiring or producing certain national programming.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting after FY2013.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, effective as of its enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Act. Repeals the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of the Act's enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by the Act's health care provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Makes 5% across-the-board rescissions in non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans affairs discretionary spending for FY2011-FY2012.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Redesignates: (1) the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps; and (2) the Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Makes similar redesignations with respect to the Department Under Secretary, the Department Assistant Secretaries, and the General Counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Limits total outlays for any fiscal year to one-fifth of the U.S. economic output, unless two-thirds of each House of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by three-fifths of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Encourages the Department of State to place Vietnam on the list of "Countries of Particular Concern" for particularly severe violations of religious freedom. Condemns the ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom in Vietnam, including the detention of religious leaders and the long-term imprisonment of individuals engaged in peaceful advocacy. Calls on Vietnam to lift restrictions on religious freedom and implement necessary legal and political reforms to protect religious freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Requires each of the following House Committees to report to the House legislation, within its jurisdiction, proposing specified changes to existing law (including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act): (1) the Committee on Education and the Workforce; (2) the Committee on Energy and Commerce; (3) the Committee on the Judiciary; and (4) the Committee on Ways and Means.
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 · 16 December 2010
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties of the Committee on the Judiciary to offer annual factual training on the Constitution to each House officer and employee. Requires the individuals to certify annually to the Subcommittee that they attended such training.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2010
Welcomes the release of Burmese democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Honors Aung San Suu Kyi for her work in pursuit of human rights and democracy in Burma. Calls on the United Nations and governments around the world to strengthen sanction regimes against Burma. Calls for the Administration to fully implement the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act to include financial sanctions as well as the appointment of a United States Special Coordinator for Burma. Calls for the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Burma. Recognizes that Aung San Suu Kyi's release alone does not ensure democratic progress for the country unless accompanied by an end to crimes against humanity and genuine national reconciliation.
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 · 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 · 7 December 2010
Mourns the loss of life and extends condolences to the families affected by the fire in northern Israel that began on December 2, 2010. Supports the Obama Administration's offer of, and rapid efforts to provide, U.S. firefighting assistance to Israel. Recognizes the efforts of foreign governments that have provided assistance or offered assistance to Israel. Commends state and local governments in the United States that have offered and provided assistance to Israel. Reaffirms U.S. support for Israel and its people in their time of need.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2010
Voter Integrity Act - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a grant under the Act to any state that does not certify that its laws prohibit an alien from voting in local or state elections.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010
Thanks the members of the National Guard for their service in response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, and their continuing role in homeland security and military operations. Supports providing the National Guard with the necessary resources to ensure its readiness. Expresses condolences and gratitude to the families of those members of the National Guard who have lost their lives through their dedication and commitment to the freedom and security of the United States while serving in the National Guard. Honors and supports the compassionate, courageous, and dedicated members of the National Guard who serve a critical role in protecting the United States and its citizens' freedoms and treasured liberties.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. government should: (1) denounce violence and human rights violations committed against vulnerable religious communities in Iraq; (2) assist Iraq in developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to secure places of worship and religious congregation and increase the representation of such religious communities in the Iraqi government and security forces, and in the economic, social, and political aspects of its society; (3) assist in funding, training, and deploying police units; (4) urge Iraq to investigate and prosecute allegations of such human rights violations; and (5) continue processing Iraqi refugees for resettlement to the United States taking into account the ongoing targeted violence and the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010
Tax Relief Certainty Act - Eliminates the terminating date of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, thus making the provisions of such Act permanent. Terminates after December 31, 2011, provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act increasing tax benefits for adoption. Eliminates the terminating date of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 applicable to provisions reducing tax rates on dividends and capital gains. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) phase-in between 2010 through 2020 increases in the exemption amount for the alternative minimum tax (AMT); and (2) make permanent offsets against the AMT for certain nonrefundable tax credits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2010
Congratulates Liu Xiaobo on the award of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize and honors his courage and promotion of democratic reform in China. States that in honoring Liu Xiaobo the House of Representatives also honors those who have promoted democratic reform in China, including those who participated in the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstration. Asserts that Liu Xiaobo is a political prisoner and that Liu Xia, Liu Xiaobo's supporters, and all signers of Charter 08 who have been detained or harassed are the victims of political persecution, and urges President Obama to work for their release. Calls on the government of China to: (1) release Liu Xiaobo from prison and to release Liu Xia, Liu Xiaobo's supporters, and all signers of Charter 08 from detention; and (2) cease censoring media and Internet reporting of the Nobel Peace Prize award to Liu Xiaobo and to cease its campaign of defamation against Liu Xiaobo.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2010
Congratulates Joe Paterno for his success with both the Penn State football program and the University, resulting in 400 wins as head coach, and for setting an on- and off-the-field example of honor, success, integrity, and respect.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
SMART Research and Development Compact - Grants the consent of the Congress to the SMART (Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow) Research and Development Compact if such compact is entered into by at least two of the following states: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Free Market Sugar Act - Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to repeal the sugar loan program. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to repeal the feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal sugar marketing allotment provisions. Replaces sugar quota import shortfall provisions with a provision requiring the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the tariff-rate quotas for raw cane sugar and refined sugars for a quota year at the level necessary to ensure: (1) a competitive U.S. sugar processing industry; and (2) an adequate and reasonably-priced sugar supply in the United States. Exempts specialty sugar from such provision. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to repeal the sugar price support program.
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
Preserving American Income on Dividends Act of 2010 - Repeals the termination date in the Jobs Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 for provisions reducing individual tax rates on capital gains and dividend income.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Denounces the actions of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) that seek to legitimize military rule in Burma through a flawed election process. Demands the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, detained Buddhist monks, and all other political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. Calls on the Administration to: (1) not recognize the military regime's elections as legitimate; and (2) implement the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008 by nominating the Special Representative and Policy Coordinator on Burma and by imposing the required financial sanctions. Calls on the Burmese junta to permit members of the democratic opposition and ethnic minorities to participate in the government. Urges support for an international inquiry to investigate the Burmese regime's war crimes and crimes against humanity.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Calls on the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to recognize the Rohingya people as full citizens of Burma and to lift restrictions on movement, marriage, and access to education. Calls on the government of Bangladesh to: (1) desist from forcing unregistered Rohingya to return to Burma; and (2) address, in cooperation with international agencies, the dire humanitarian conditions in the camps housing the unregistered Rohingya. Calls on the government of Thailand to: (1) allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) access to detained Rohingya rescued at sea and to allow refugees status determinations; and (2) provide Rohingya refugees with adequate protection. Calls on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to allow Rohingya access to education and livelihoods. Calls on the U.S. government to: (1) provide increased humanitarian assistance in northern Arakan State; (2) provide support for education for Rohingya refugees outside Burma; (3) raise the plight of the Rohingya in bilateral and international fora; (4) pressure the SPDC to release all political prisoners, including Rohingya Member of Parliament U Kyaw Min and his family; and (5) engage with the government of Bangladesh in the economic development of the Cox's Bazar region in which the majority of the Rohingya refugee population lives.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Honors the lives of the humanitarian aid workers, doctors, and nurses who died in the tragic attack of August 5, 2010, in northern Afghanistan. Extends condolences to the families of the victims. Condemns those who committed the brutal murders. Urges the Afghan authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. Encourages all parties to respect the neutral status of humanitarian aid workers. Commends international humanitarian aid workers for their courageous efforts to save lives and alleviate suffering by providing important services to the Afghan people.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2010
Disapproves and nullifies the rule submitted by the National Mediation Board relating to representation election procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Makes continuing appropriations for FY2011. Appropriates amounts for continuing projects or activities which were conducted in FY2008-FY2010 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in section 101 of division A of P.L. 110-329 (Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009) in specified FY2008 appropriations Acts. Provides that, if the amount provided for a project or activity would be higher than the amount provided in appropriation Acts for FY2010, such project or activity shall be funded at the lower amount. Enacts into law: (1) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2011, as reported in the 111th Congress by the Subcommittee on Defense of the House Committee on Appropriations; (2) the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2011, as reported in the 111th Congress by the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the House Committee on Appropriations; and (3) the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2011, as passed in the 111th Congress by the House. Makes appropriations, funds, and authority granted pursuant to this joint resolution available through FY2011, unless otherwise provided for in the applicable appropriations Act. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date. Prohibits the use of funds made available in this joint resolution: (1) to carry out any program under, promulgate any regulation pursuant to, or defend against any lawsuit challenging any provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, or any amendment made by either Act; or (2) for a congressional earmark.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Calls on the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to release Chen Guangcheng and his relatives from house arrest and to cease persecuting and harassing Chen Guangcheng, his relatives, and supporters. Condemns the PRC's birth limitation policy, particularly the enforcement of birth limitations through policies that encourage officials to force women to have abortions or to be sterilized, or both.
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 · 16 September 2010
Foreign Prison Conditions Improvement Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of State to annually report to Congress describing prison and detention facility conditions in countries receiving U.S. assistance, including a list of countries whose governments do not meet minimum prison and detention facility standards but are, and those who are not, making significant compliance efforts. Urges the Secretary and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide assistance to countries whose governments do not meet such minimum standards but are making significant compliance efforts. Prohibits such funds from being used to construct new prisons. Directs the Secretary to enter into negotiations to achieve the purposes of this Act with a government listed in the report as not making significant compliance efforts. Authorizes, in order to achieve such purposes: (1) the Secretary and the Administrator to restructure or reduce U.S. assistance to such government; and (2) the Secretary to issue or deny visas for U.S. travel by officials of such government. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor a full-time equivalent Deputy Assistant Secretary level position to advance the purposes of this Act.
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 · 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
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Taiwan and its people deserve membership in the United Nations (U.N.); and (2) the United States should fulfill the commitment it made in the 1994 Taiwan Policy Review to more actively support Taiwan's membership in appropriate international organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 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 · 10 August 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker failed to conduct himself in an impartial manner before striking down California's popularly enacted Proposition 8 and thereby redefined traditional marriage to include same-sex relationships; and (2) Judge Walker's decision to strike down Proposition 8 is wrong.