United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007
Honors the contributions of all public child welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private entities dedicated to finding homes for foster children and assisting foster families in securing their future success.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007
Unemployment Insurance for Survivors Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) to add as a condition for approval of a state unemployment compensation law that it does not deny unemployment compensation to individuals separated from employment because of circumstances resulting from the experience of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Prohibits states from imposing additional conditions restricting the individual's eligibility for or receipt of unemployment benefits beyond those required of other individuals forced to leave their jobs or deemed to have good cause for voluntary separating from a job. Amends title III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit the Secretary of Labor from providing grants to states for unemployment compensation administration unless: (1) unemployment compensation applicants are notified of the requirements of this Act; and (2) claims reviewers and hearing personnel are adequately trained in the nature and dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and in methods of ascertaining and keeping confidential information about such applicants' possible experiences. Amends SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) (TANF) to require a state TANF plan to require the state's chief officer to certify that the state has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to: (1) notify TANF applicants of the requirements of this Act and related assistance; and (2) ensure that TANF personnel receive adequate related training. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award development grants for model training programs under this Act to a national victim services organization and to state, tribal, or local agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007
Insurance Non-Discrimination for Survivors Act - Prohibits an insurer from denying or terminating an insurance policy or health benefit plan, restricting or excluding coverage for losses or denying a claim, or adding a premium differential to any policy or health benefit plan on the basis that the insured (or any employee or any person with whom the insured is known to have a relationship or association) is the subject of, or incurs a claim related to, domestic abuse. Prohibits: (1) an insurer from denying or limiting payment to an insured who is the subject of abuse if the claim for payment is a result of the abuse; (2) an insurer or health carrier from terminating health coverage for a subject of abuse because coverage was originally issued in the name of the abuser and the abuser has divorced, separated from, or lost custody of the subject or the abuser's coverage has terminated and the subject does not qualify for an extension of coverage; and (3) any person employed by or contracting with an insurer or health benefit plan to use, disclose, or transfer specified information (including regarding abuse status) without the subject's consent. Requires: (1) insurers to develop and adhere to written policies specifying procedures to be followed to protect the safety and privacy of a subject of abuse; and (2) an insurer that takes an action that adversely affects a subject of abuse to advise that applicant or insured in writing of the specific reasons for the action.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007
Job Protection for Survivors Act - Prohibits an employer from failing to hire, or to discharge, harass, or otherwise discriminate against an individual with respect to his or her employment because he or she was a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Entitles such employee to: (1) a total of 15 days of unpaid leave during any 12-month period to obtain certain victim services; and (2) leave for court proceedings resulting from an incident of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Makes it unlawful for an employer to interfere with, or discriminate against, any employee exercising any right provided under this Act. Authorizes an employee to file an action for damages or equitable relief in federal or state court against an employer who violates the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Labor to investigate and resolve complaints of violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007
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, joint resolution, or conference report, containing appropriations within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations if such measure also contains appropriations within the jurisdiction of any other subcommittee of that Committee. (Thus requires that general appropriations for military construction and veterans' affairs be considered as stand-alone measures.) Exempts from such requirement any measure making supplemental appropriations or continuing appropriations for up to 60 days.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007
Declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2007
Prohibits any entity that receives funds from the federal government from using them to file a class action lawsuit against an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded on behalf of any facility resident unless the resident (or the resident's legal representative), after receiving notice of the proposed class action lawsuit, has the opportunity to elect not to have the action apply to the resident.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2007
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration employees, volunteers, and veteran's service organizations that perform funeral honors and memorial honor details should be permitted to recite the 13 steps to fold an American flag (known as the "13-fold recital") at any national cemetery if requested to do so by the family of the deceased.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2007
Commends all U.S. Post Offices that display photographs of local community members who are serving in the Armed Forces and are deployed overseas. Reaffirms the authority of the U.S. Postal Service to display in post offices official photographs of members of the Armed Forces at the request of the community or the servicemembers' families. Urges U.S. Post Offices to reserve or designate space in their public areas for the purpose of displaying photographs of servicemembers.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3701 Altamesa Boulevard in Fort Worth, Texas, as the "Master Sergeant Kenneth N. Mack Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2007
Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) an Office of the Victims' Advocate to facilitate access to services for victims of domestic or family violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the military. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Office, to require DOD policies for victim assistance, family advocacy, and equal opportunity programs to provide for a victims' advocates program within each military department. Authorizes the Secretary to award contracts to: (1) support DOD crisis intervention services for victims of such violence; and (2) provide training on prevention of such violence. Prohibits any person from restricting a member of the Armed Forces in communicating with the Office or from taking or withholding a personnel action in retaliation for making such a communication. Provides for: (1) employment of a sexual assault nurse examiner, a psychiatrist, and a complimentary clinical team at each DOD military treatment facility; and (2) DOD community level programs and shelter services for active duty members and their families who are victims of such violence shelter . Specifies the rights of victims of such violence reported to a military law enforcement agency. Directs a military commanding officer who receives a qualifying complaint alleging such violence to investigate it and report. Specifies circumstances under which military law enforcement officers shall arrest a person for committing domestic violence. Establishes a Director of Special Investigations in DOD to review investigations of allegations of such violence and refer cases for prosecution. Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to: (1) include as "aggravated assault" and specify penalty limits for an assault involving domestic or family violence; and (2) provide for court-martial punishment of violations of no contact or protective orders. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) contract for treatment services for members of the Armed Forces who have committed such violence; and (2) ensure that sex offender treatment providers in the contracted program meet the state licensing or certification standards. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care providers receive training in the screening and referral of veterans who have suffered military sexual trauma; and (2) conduct related pilot programs. Prohibits the Secretary of the military department concerned from approving a financial award or a promotion for an officer or employee who has been convicted of or disciplined for committing such violence. Directs the Secretary to study: (1) the prevalence and nature of such violence, of intimate partner violence, and of child maltreatment, abuse, suicide, and homicide in the Armed Forces; and (2) military procedures after an incident is reported.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 797 Sam Bass Road in Round Rock, Texas, as the "Marine Corps Corporal Steven P. Gill Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2007
Truth in Accounting Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to include in the audited financial statement of executive branch accounts of the previous year a calculation of the net present value of the overall fiscal exposures of the U.S. government. Requires such financial statement to include a program-by-program calculation of: (1) the generational imbalance; (2) the fiscal imbalance; and (3) the total amount of the fiscal imbalance plus the public debt. Instructs the President, in preparing the federal budget, to take this financial statement into consideration, including the effect of the overall budget upon: (1) the generational imbalance calculation and the fiscal imbalance calculation; and (2) the net present value of the overall fiscal exposures of the federal government. Directs the Secretary to testify each year before Congress on the financial statement for the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) assess the financial condition of the U.S. government in an annual report to Congress; and (2) testify before Congress on that condition, upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Loyalty to Our Legacy Act of 2007 - Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the national motto "In God We Trust" are each displayed prominently in the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) on a permanent basis. Prohibits the AOC, in preparing and producing any exhibit or other material relating to the CVC, from removing or refusing to include any language, symbol, writing, document, or record on the grounds that they include a religious reference or Judeo-Christian content.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Directs the President to impose specified travel and other related restrictions on heads of state of countries that are state sponsors of terrorism who are attending U.N. events in New York City. Authorizes the President to waive such restrictions if in the national interest.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Urges Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is also Chairman of his Fatah party, to officially abrogate the 10 articles in the Fatah Constitution that call for Israel's destruction and terrorism against Israel, oppose any political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and label Zionism as racism. Condemns the continuing existence of these articles as part of the Fatah Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Children's Health Month. Reaffirms our nation's commitment to providing access to health care, ensuring preventative care, seeking cures for debilitating diseases and chronic conditions, and promoting healthy living habits for America's children. Salutes: (1) health care professionals who provide care and treatment for childhood illnesses; and (2) officials who protect children from environmental health and safety risks, and who educate parents, schools, and communities about health risks for children. Encourages states, territories, and possessions of the United States to educate children about healthy living habits when they are young.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007
Supports the designation of a Country Music Month (October). Honors country music for its long history of supporting America's armed forces and its tremendous impact on national patriotism.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007
Commends the 147th Fighter Wing on their 90th anniversary for serving nobly at home and abroad in every major conflict our nation has been engaged in since World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007
Urges the Board of Directors of the World Bank to request a policy review of current disbursements to the Islamic Republic of Iran and to end these disbursements until the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) certifies Iran's compliance with U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1696 and 1747 and the terms of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Urges the Security Council to order the World Bank to end disbursements to Iran if the Board of Directors fails to take such action.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007
Taxpayer Choice Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the alternative minimum tax on individual taxpayers after 2006; and (2) allow taxpayers to elect an alternative income tax system. Makes permanent the capital gains and dividends rate reductions enacted by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007
Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007 - Provides that, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who is retired or separated for disability due to a combat-related injury, the Secretary of Defense shall require the continued payment of any bonuses or special pay to which the member: (1) was entitled to immediately before the retirement or separation; and (2) would continue to be entitled to if not retired or separated. Requires such payment in a lump sum within 30 days after such retirement or separation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2007
Consumer Cellphone Number Distribution Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to six months for knowingly disclosing a wireless subscriber's unlisted cell phone number to another, for gain, without the express permission of such subscriber.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2007
Andrew Larochelle God, Family, and Country Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to permit the acknowledgment of God on flag certificates issued at the request of a Member of the United States House of Representatives or of the United States Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2007
Earmark Reform Act 2007 - Amends the Congressional Budget of 1974 to subdivide amounts allocated to the congressional appropriations committees into: (1) a specified total of new budget authority and outlays for earmarks in appropriations measures for the first fiscal year of the first concurrent budget resolution; and (2) an amount of total new budget authority and outlays for such earmarks for the first fiscal year of each ensuing budget resolution equal to 1% of total new budget authority and total outlays allocated to such committees. (Thus caps total earmarks at 1% of total new budget authority and total outlays allocated each fiscal year to such committees.) Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, or amendment if its enactment would cause the applicable allocation of new budget authority or outlays for a fiscal year to be exceeded.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1190 Lorena Road in Lorena, Texas, as the "Marine Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 424 Clay Avenue in Waco, Texas, as the "Army PFC Juan Alonso Covarrubias Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007
Supports the goals and ideals of campaigns working to prevent underage drinking of alcoholic beverages, including the We Don't Serve Teens Campaign. Encourages people across the Nation to take advantage of the wealth of information that can be used to combat underage drinking. Commends the leadership and continuing efforts of all groups working to reduce underage drinking.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007
Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Research Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Cancer Institute to enter into cooperative agreements with, or make grants to, public or nonprofit entities to establish and operate centers to conduct research on biomarkers for use in risk stratification for, and the early detection and screening of, ovarian cancer. Designates each center as an Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Center of Excellence. Allows federal payments under such an agreement or grant to be used for research on: (1) the development and characterization of new biomarkers and the refinement of existing biomarkers; (2) the clinical and laboratory validation of such biomarkers; (3) the development and implementation of clinical and epidemiological research on the utilization of such biomarkers; and (4) the development and implementation of repositories for new tissue, urine, serum, and other biological specimens. Requires the Director to: (1) make available for research banked serum and tissue specimens from clinical research regarding ovarian cancer that was funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) establish an Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Clinical Trial Committee to assist the Director to design and implement national clinical trials to determine the utility of such biomarkers; and (3) establish a national data center to conduct statistical analyses of trial data.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007
Commends the Wings Over Houston Airshow for its great contribution to the appreciation, understanding, and future of the U.S. Armed Forces, the city of Houston, Texas, and Ellington Field.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007
Demands that all provisions of U.N. Resolutions be implemented including that: (1) Hezbollah release Israel Defense Force soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, as mandated by U.N. Resolution 1701; (2) Hezbollah and other armed Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias groups disband and disarm as required by U.N. Resolutions 1559 and 1701; and (3) the arms embargo be strictly enforced. Expresses: (1) commitment to the unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers; (2) support for the government of Lebanon's asserting of sovereignty throughout its territory, particularly in the South; (3) support for the U.N. mandated UNIFIL troops; (4) support for a democratic Lebanon, with disarmed Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias; and (5) concern that the international community's failure to live up to its commitments to stop Hezbollah's rearmament could again lead to war. Condemns Iran and Syria for: (1) their ongoing violation of U.N. Resolutions 1701 and 1559, especially in re-arming Hezbollah; and (2) sponsoring, financing, and arming terrorist organizations internationally and within Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to permit rest and recuperation travel for Foreign Service members and family members to U.S. territories, including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifies that required leave based upon continuous service abroad may be taken in the United States or its territories, including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Current law refers to the United States, its territories and possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.)
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
North Korean Counterterrorism and Nonproliferation Act - Provides for the continuation of restrictions against the government of North Korea unless the President certifies to Congress that North Korea has met certain benchmarks respecting: (1) missile or nuclear technology transfers; (2) support of terrorist groups and terrorist activities, (3) counterfeiting of U.S. currency, (4) release of South Korean POWs, Japanese journalists, and Kim Donk-Shik; and (5) Bureau 39's closure.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
States that: (1) it shall continue to be U.S. policy, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make available to Taiwan defense articles and services necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; and (2) the United States should determine the nature and quantity of such defense articles and services based solely upon Taiwan's legitimate defense needs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
Condemns all attacks upon the memory of veterans and their service to the United States, as exemplified by the incident of vandalism of September 7, 2007, (at the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, Washington, D.C.).
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2007
Directs the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Labor to jointly conduct a study (with annual updates) on employment fields with the greatest need for employees in various geographic areas. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make the study's findings available on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2007
Subjects civil aircraft, aircraft engines, or propellers (including any component or technology related to such items) to export controls only under the Export Administration Act of 1979, as continued in effect pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Provides that such items shall not be subject to military export controls under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2007
Expresses support for Israel's right to self defense in the face of an imminent nuclear or military threat from Syria. Pledges to continue to work with Prime Minister Olmert to ensure that Israel continues to receive critical military and economic assistance needed to address the growing security threat of Syria and Iran. Condemns: (1) the government of Syria for its continued support of terrorism and its illicit chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons activities, including close cooperation with North Korea; (2) the government of North Korea for providing Syria with technology, expertise, and materials to develop nuclear weapons; and (3) Syria and Iran for continuing to provide support to Hezbollah and Palestinian terrorist groups. Urges President Bush to: (1) condemn the government of North Korea for providing Syria with nuclear technology and expertise and to reexamine diplomatic discussions with North Korean in light of such activities; and (2) support strengthening U.S. sanctions against Syria.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Congress should verify that current immigration and border security laws are enforced; (2) the Secretary of Homeland Security should ensure the expedited construction of the border fence; (3) a report required by the Secretary concerning progress made toward achieving and maintaining operational control over the international border should include recommendations to enhance U.S. national security on the northern border and emphasize the Administration's commitment to protecting both the southern and northern borders; (4) Congress should fully fund the 18,000 Border Patrol agents currently authorized; and (5) there should be an expansion of the program under which state and local law enforcement authorities investigate, detain, and arrest aliens who have violated U.S. law.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2007
Local Law Enforcement Restoration Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to state that specified unlawful alien employment provisions shall not preempt any state or local law that imposes: (1) employment eligibility verification requirements imposed upon employers or employees consistent with or in addition to employment eligibility verification requirements; (2) civil or criminal penalties for violation of such state or local employment eligibility verification requirements; (3) civil or criminal penalties for prohibited acts; (4) licensing sanctions for violation of such state or local employment eligibility verification requirements; (5) licensing sanctions for prohibited acts; or (6) limitations on the private right to sue for up to treble damages. (Current law provides that such unlawful alien employment provisions shall preempt any state or local law imposing criminal or civil sanctions [other than through licensing or similar laws] upon those who employ, recruit or refer for a fee for employment, unauthorized aliens.) Applies such provisions to all applicable state or local laws that were enacted before, on, or after January 1, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2007
Action Plan for Public Lands and Education Act of 2007 - Makes grants of land to the following states in lieu of receiving, for the support of the common schools, 5% of the proceeds of the sales of federally owned land within such states which have not been sold by the United States as of July 1, 2005: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Makes the amount of land granted to each state 5% of the number of acres of federally owned land within that state as of July 1, 2005. Requires land selected to be held in trust to be sold or leased and the proceeds to be used only for the support of public education.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the 15-year recovery period for purposes of the tax deduction for depreciation of qualified restaurant property. Revises the term "qualified restaurant property" to include existing buildings as well as improvements to buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2007
SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) extend SCHIP through FY2008 and the first six months of FY2009; (2) provide additional allotments to states to address SCHIP funding shortfalls for the same period of time; and (3) authorize qualifying states to elect to receive the enhanced portion of the SCHIP matching rate for coverage of certain children under SSA title XIX (Medicaid).
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2007
Directs the Attorney General, subject to the availability of funds, to: (1) provide a grant to i-Safe, Inc., to carry out Internet safety education programs; and (2) create and administer a competitive grants program for organizations to carry out Internet safety education programs. Defines "Internet safety education programs" to mean programs that educate parents, children, educators, and communities about Internet technology and culture, appropriate online behavior, and recognition and prevention of Internet dangers.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2007
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) members of the International Cruise Victims Association, the National Center for Victims of Crime, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network are to be commended for their leadership in highlighting the problem of crimes against Americans on cruise ships; (2) Americans who are victims of crime on a cruise ship should have ready access to justice and additional steps should be taken to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice; (3) the cruise industry should provide information to passengers about security risks and maintain necessary security personnel on each ship; and (4) Congress should provide oversight to ensure the safety and security of American passengers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2007
Public and Teaching Hospital Preservation Act - Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007 to extend by one year the moratorium on: (1) implementation of a rule relating to the federal-state financial partnership under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act; and (2) finalization of a Medicaid rule regarding the treatment of graduate medical education (GME).
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2007
Prohibits, with a specified exception, the imposition or collection of a toll on any portion of a federal highway facility: (1) that is in existence upon enactment of this Act; and (2) on which no toll is imposed or collected under a tolling provision on such enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2007
Recognizes the service of General David H. Petraeus, and other members of the Armed Forces serving in good standing, in defense of the United States, as well as the personal sacrifices made by General Petraeus and his family, and other members of the Armed Forces and their families. Commits to judging the merits of the sworn testimony of General Petraeus without prejudice or personal bias. Condemns the personal attacks on the integrity and professionalism of General Petraeus made by the advocacy group MoveOn.org. Honors all members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel serving in harm's way, and their families. Pledges to move forward on all policy debate regarding the war in Iraq with the respect and commitment to intellectual integrity that the sacrifices of these members and civilian personnel deserve.