United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008
Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act - Establishes the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission to: (1) plan and carry out activities to honor Ronald Reagan on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth; (2) provide assistance to federal, state, and local governmental agencies and civic groups to carry out such activities; and (3) study other federal activities to honor Ronald Reagan, including the issuance of a postal stamp, the issuance of a $1 coin for one year, and the convening of a joint session of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008
Semper Fi Act - Rescinds all amounts appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 for the city of Berkeley, California, or entities in such city. Transfers the rescinded amounts to the Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps account of the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008, to be used for recruiting.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008
Condemns the City Council of Berkeley, California, for impugning the integrity and professionalism of the Marine Corps. Recommends that any special federal projects funding provided under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, for Berkeley be rescinded. Recognizes: (1) the service and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and their families; and (2) the efforts of the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Command. Commends the unique and significant role the Marine Corps has played in upholding U.S. freedom and security. Reaffirms a commitment to ensuring that policy disagreements do not compromise the honor and sacrifice of serving military personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Makes emergency appropriations for FY2008 for state and local law enforcement assistance under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Condemns the ongoing Iranian-enabled rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and places responsibility for launching the attacks on Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza. Supports the government of Israel's right to defend its territory. Recognizes the difficult balance Israel faces with the competing pressures of being the primary supplier of numerous necessities for Palestinian civilians, even while rockets are being fired at Israel from Palestinian areas. Supports Palestinian civilians who reject Hamas and all forms of terrorism. Reaffirms the friendship between the governments and the people of Israel and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2008
Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain members of the armed forces or veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war or a combat zone after September 11, 2001. Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2008
Urges policymakers, criminal justice officials, educators, victim service providers, nonprofits, community leaders, and others to promote awareness of how to prevent and respond to crime through National Criminal Justice Month.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Lance Corporal Jeremy Burris Act - Amends the federal criminal code to modify the prohibition against destruction of veterans' memorials to include destruction of the grave, headstone, or marker of any person in the Armed Forces and to extend such prohibition to memorials, graves, headstones, or markers on private as well as public property.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Reinstatement of the Secure Fence Act of 2008 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to construct at least 700 miles of two-layered, 14-foot reinforced fencing along the southwest border and provide for the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors within six months of enactment of this Act. Prohibits the inclusion of fencing in existence on January 1, 2008, as part of the fencing requirement under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Economic Growth Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the dollar and other limitations on the expensing allowance of depreciable business assets; (2) reduce to 25% the maximum corporate income tax rate; (3) provide for an inflation adjustment to the basis of certain capital assets for purposes of determining gain or loss; and (4) reduce from 35 to 15% the alternative capital gains tax rate for corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Condemns the glorification of terrorism and the continuing anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric at the United Nations. Calls on the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Secretary of State to take actions against such activities and hold responsible officials and member states for such statements. Calls on the President to use U.S. influence to prevent the use of the U.N. budget to support the planned 2009 Durban Review Conference and to withhold a proportional amount of U.S. contributions to the United Nations should the Durban Review Conference proceed as planned.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2008
Ultrasound Informed Consent Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require abortion providers, before a woman gives informed consent to any part of an abortion, to perform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman, explain the results, display the ultrasound images so the woman may view them, and provide a medical description of the ultrasound images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus and the presence of external members and internal organs, if present and viewable. Provides for: (1) civil penalties for willful failure to comply; and (2) a medical emergency exception. Prohibits construing this Act to require a woman to view the images or penalizing the physician or the woman if she refuses to look at the images.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2008
Fence By Date Certain Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to revise deadline and funding provisions for certain fencing and security project requirements along the southern border.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2008
Condemns the People's Republic of China (PRC) for producing unsafe products, disregarding the environment, and exploiting workers. Encourages: (1) U.S. merchants to suspend the importation and sales of goods from the PRC until reforms are made; and (2) U.S. parents to consider the "Made in China" label when purchasing toys due to potential high levels of toxic materials that may cause serious injury or death.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2008
Amends the federal criminal code to modify the prohibition against destruction of veterans' memorials to include destruction of the grave, headstone, or marker of any person in the Armed Forces and to extend such prohibition to memorials, graves, headstones, or markers on private as well as public property.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2008
Condemns the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and expresses condolences to her family and the families of all those who were killed or injured in the attack. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to assist the people of Pakistan in combating terrorist activity and promoting a free and democratic Pakistan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to back-date to September 11, 2001, the period of active duty or performed active service, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations, for which members of Ready Reserve components of the armed forces shall receive credit in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties. Revises the definition of "willfully" for purposes of firearms violations and standards for criminal violations of firearms recordkeeping requirements. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) make preliminary determinations on firearms license applications and notify applicants in writing of a proposed denial; and (2) establish guidelines for Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible firearms violations. Prohibits ATF from disclosing information on firearms purchasers other than to a court, law enforcement agency, or prosecutor. Permits an owner of a firearms business whose license is expired, surrendered, or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory. Requires any state agency that stores or keeps explosive materials to report to the Attorney General on the location and amount of such materials. Allows the transfer and possession of machineguns for use by federal security contractors. Prohibits taxes or user fees for background checks under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. Eliminates the requirement of written permission for the use of a handgun for lawful purposes by a minor (under age 18) where a parent or legal guardian is present at all times during such use. Restricts the disclosure of information in the ATF firearms trace system database. Increases penalties for possession of firearms by felons with prior convictions of a crime of violence or a serious drug offense.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should reaffirm its commitment to Taiwan's democracy and security; and (2) international delegations should be encouraged to visit Taiwan to witness the March 2008 presidential elections.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10250 John Saunders Road in San Antonio, Texas, as the "Cyndi Taylor Krier Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007
Expresses the heartfelt condolences of the House of Representatives to the victims and families of the tragic acts of violence in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Arvada, Colorado. Conveys its gratitude to Jeanne Assam and to the city and county officials, police, fire, sheriff, federal authorities, and emergency medical teams whose quick response saved lives. Reaffirms that New Life Church, Youth With A Mission, and all other communities and organizations of faith should be places of refuge protected from violence and hatred.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) affirms the rich spiritual and diverse religious history of our nation's founding and subsequent history, including up to today; (2) recognizes that the religious foundations of faith on which America was built are critical underpinnings of our nation's most valuable institutions; (3) rejects any effort to remove, obscure, or omit such history from public buildings and educational resources; and (4) expresses support for designation of a "American Religious History Week" every year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007
Condemns the December 11, 2007, terrorist attacks in Algiers, Algeria, and other such attacks against innocents and those who would assist the most vulnerable. Expresses sympathy for the victims of these terrorist attacks and their families. Reaffirms support for the people of Algeria as they recover from these attacks and for their continued struggle against extremism and violence. Expresses readiness to assist the Algerian authorities in their efforts to bring to justice those individuals responsible for such attacks in Algeria.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2007
Objects to any U.N. proposal to fund the Durban Review Conference and preparatory activities through the U.N. regular budget which is itself funded by assessed contributions of member states. Urges the United States to oppose any proposal for funding Durban Review Conference activities through the U.N. regular budget.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007
Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2007 - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of gold medals to Native American code talkers of specified Indian tribes. Defines "code talker" as a Native American who served in the Armed Forces during a foreign conflict and who participated in military communications using a native language. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and Indian tribes, to identify code talkers eligible for a gold medal.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007
Common Sense English Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to declare that, notwithstanding any other provision of the equal employment opportunities provisions of the Act, it is not an unlawful employment practice for an employer to require employees to speak English while engaged in work.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007
Honors the U.S. Coast Guard, with its proud 217-year legacy of maritime law enforcement and border protection, along with the brave men and women whose efforts clearly demonstrate the honor, respect, and devotion to duty that ensures America's parents can sleep soundly knowing the Coast Guard is on patrol.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007
Expresses the heartfelt sympathy of the U.S. House of Representatives for the victims and families of the shootings in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. Conveys its gratitude to the city and county officials, and all the police, fire, sheriff, and emergency medical teams who responded swiftly to the scene and secured the mall and surrounding area.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007
Commends the Houston Dynamo soccer team for winning the 2007 Major League Soccer Cup. Congratulates the team for back-to-back wins in its first two seasons in Houston.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007
Condemns the Saudi judiciary for convicting the "Qatif Girl" on the charge of being alone in a car with a man she is not related to, as well as for the inhumane punishment to which she was sentenced. Calls on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to: (1) overturn the conviction and to drop all charges against the Saudi rape victim known as the "Qatif Girl" and (2) abolish such law as well as other laws that compromise women's freedom, dignity, and equality. Expresses sympathy for the "Qatif Girl."
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2007
Recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world. Acknowledges: (1) the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith; and (2) the role of Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization. Rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians. Expresses respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2007
Urges national and community organizations, private businesses, and the media to promote, through National Stalking Awareness Month, awareness of the crime of stalking.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2007
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) expresses its appreciation for the profound dedication and public service of former Congressman Henry J. Hyde of Illinois; (2) notes that he was preceded in death by his former wife Jeanne Simpson and his son, Henry "Hank" Hyde; and (3) tenders its deep sympathy to his wife, Judy Wolverton, to his children, Robert, Laura, and Anthony, and to his entire family and former congressional staff.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Justice for the Newark College Students Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security (current law refers to the Attorney General) to make investigative resources available to state and local law enforcement agencies to determine whether an individual arrested for a felony or an aggravated felony (current law refers to only an aggravated felony) is unlawfully in the United States; (2) state and local agencies to use such information to determine whether an arrested individual is unlawfully in the United States and to provide the appropriate court with such information; (3) the court to report such case's disposition to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (4) mandatory federal detention of such individuals pending removal, and release only in furtherance of the felony case for which the arrest was made.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Notify Americans Before Outsourcing Personal Information Act - Prohibits a business from transferring personally identifiable information of a U.S. citizen to any foreign affiliate or subcontractor in another country without providing notice to such citizen that the information may be transferred to such affiliate or subcontractor. Authorizes a private cause of action in a state court to enforce compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Commemorates the wisdom of President Theodore Roosevelt in developing and launching the Great White Fleet. Supports a one-time designation of a day to celebrate the 100th centennial of the Great White Fleet and the special role it played in building enduring friendships with important allies and partner nations. Commends efforts by the Department of the Navy to: (1) maintain and strengthen our cooperative partnerships with foreign nations; (2) safeguard our Nation's interests in the maritime domain; and (3) lead the development of a Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower. Honors the sacrifices made and services rendered by the servicemembers of the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard, and the civilians who constitute our maritime services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007
Prevention of Unsafe Licensing Act - Amends the REAL ID Act of 2005 to prohibit a state from issuing a driver's license or identification document to a person unless the state has satisfied certain citizenship or lawful immigration status verification requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the hanging of nooses for the purpose of intimidation is a horrible, and under certain circumstances, criminal act. Calls for federal investigation of such conduct and vigorous prosecution of any criminal violations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified graduated percentages of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highways funds for FY2010 and thereafter if driver licenses or personal identification cards issued by the state do not meet with certain minimum federal standards to be accepted by a federal agency.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Condemns Communist China's discrimination, harassment, imprisonment, torture, and execution of its prisoners of conscience. Calls upon Communist China to release its prisoners of conscience. Urges the Administration to raise the issue of Communist China's prisoners of conscience in high-level diplomatic meetings with Communist Chinese officials.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Expresses strong concern over Russia's continued arms sales to Iran and Syria. Urges the President to implement sanctions against Russian entities engaged in arms sales to Iran or Syria. Urges the government of Russia to play a constructive role in establishing peace in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a $300 plot allowance to a state for spouses and children of certain veterans who are buried in state cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007
Amends the Hobby Protection Act to declare as an unlawful, unfair, and deceptive act the manufacture in the United States, or the importation into the United States, for introduction or distribution into commerce of any imitation Civil War item which is not plainly and permanently marked "copy" or "facsimile." Requires the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules relating to such items that are substantially similar to the rules prescribed by the Commission relating to imitation numismatic items.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses, Army; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Specifies restrictions and authorities regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007
Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2007 or SAVE Act of 2007 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (7) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Border Law Enforcement Act - Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county within 25 miles of the southern border of the United States. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional district court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007
Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act - Amends the federal judicial code to authorize any state or local government or related official (or successor) to file a motion to modify or terminate a federal consent decree upon the earlier of: (1) four years after the consent decree is originally entered; or (2) in the case of a civil action in which a state or state official, or a local government or local government official, is a party, the expiration of the term of office of the highest state or local government official who was a party to the consent decree; or (3) the date otherwise provided by law. Places the burden of proof with respect to such motions on the party originally filing the action to demonstrate that the denial of the motion to modify or terminate a consent decree (or any part of it) is necessary to prevent the violation of a federal requirement that: (1) was actionable by such party; and (2) was addressed in the original consent decree. Requires a court, within 30 days after the filing of a motion, to enter a scheduling order that: (1) limits the time of the parties to file motions and complete discovery; and (2) sets the date or dates of any necessary hearings. Authorizes a court to stay the injunctive or prospective relief set forth in the consent decree if a party opposing the motion to modify or terminate it seeks any continuance or delay that prevents the court from entering a final ruling on the motion within 180 days of its filing. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on all consent decrees in which the United States is a party that were entered four or more years before the date of the report.