United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Reaffirms the opposition of the House of Representatives to any attempt to establish a Palestinian state outside the negotiating process. Calls upon the Administration to oppose: (1) the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state; and (2) any attempt to seek recognition of a Palestinian state by the United Nations or other international forums and to veto any such U.N. Security Council resolution. Supports the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct negotiations between the parties.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2010
Authorizes the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, done at New York May 4, 2010, to become effective on or after October 8, 2010, as if the congressional review requirements under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 had been satisfied. Subjects such Agreement to the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and any other applicable U.S. law as if it had come into effect in accordance with such congressional review requirements.
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 · 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
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) given the growing security threat from al Shabaab, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, every effort should be made to tackle its outside sources of support; (2) Eritrea's well-documented support for armed insurgents in Somalia, including al Shabaab, poses a significant threat to the national security interests of the United States and East African nations; and (3) the Secretary of State should designate Eritrea as a state sponsor of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Supports the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust survivors in the United States are able to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years. Applauds the nonprofit organizations and agencies that work tirelessly to honor and assist Holocaust survivors in their communities. Urges the Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in conjunction with the Administration on Aging (AoA), to provide Holocaust survivors with needed social services through existing programs. Encourages the AoA to expeditiously develop and implement programs that ensure Holocaust survivors are able to age in place in their communities and avoid institutionalization during their remaining years.
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 · 28 September 2010
Commends the bravery of the 33 miners trapped in the San Jose mine in Copiapo, Chile, and expresses solidarity with them and their families. Commends the efforts of President Sebastian Pinera and the government of Chile in their tireless rescue efforts. Commends the efforts by U.S. federal agencies and private individuals and entities in responding directly and promptly to Chile's request for advice and expertise to assist in this humanitarian endeavor. Expresses continued support for the successful rescue, recovery, and reintegration of the 33 miners into Chilean society.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Trafficking in Organs Victims Protection Act - States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) end the offensive practice of exploiting the poor and vulnerable for the purpose of harvesting and trafficking their organs; and (2) combat criminal trade in human organs. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to: (1) include in the annual country reports on human rights practices information on post-operative and rehabilitation care for victims of trafficking in human organs; and (2) make assistance available for the elimination of trafficking in human organs. Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to include in the definition of "coercion" exploitation of a person through the promise of payments or benefits in order to compel or entice the person to consent to the removal of one or more of the person's organs for a transplant operation in a manner contrary to certain World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Defines: (1) "trafficking in human organs" as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of a person by coercion or abduction for the purpose of removing one or more of the person's organs, and the illicit transportation and transplantation of those organs in one or more other persons for profit or any other purpose; and (2) "organ" as the human (including fetal) kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, bone marrow, cornea, eye, bone, and skin or any subpart thereof, and any other human organ or subpart (including that derived from a fetus) specified by the President. Includes in the definition of "severe forms of trafficking in persons" trafficking in human organs. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to prohibit the issuance of a passport to, and revoke a previously issued passport from, a person convicted of trafficking in human organs who used a passport or otherwise crossed an international border in committing such offense. Authorizes the President to exercise specified authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in connection with: (1) the export of anti-rejection human organ transplant drugs to countries identified as the largest source of illegally trafficked human organs or the largest recipients of illegally trafficked human organs; or (2) the travel abroad by U.S. citizens to participate in any activity relating to human organ trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Expresses the appreciation of the House of Representatives for the efforts of those countries that have restored religious property wrongly confiscated during the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus. Welcomes the initiatives and commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to work to restore and maintain religious heritage sites. Urges the government of Turkey to: (1) implement immediately the United Nations Security Council Resolutions relevant to Cyprus as well as the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights; (2) work to retrieve and restore all lost artifacts and immediately halt destruction on religious sites, illegal archaeological excavations, and traffic in icons and antiquities; and (3) allow for the proper preservation and reconstruction of destroyed or altered religious sites and immediately cease all restrictions on freedom of religion for the enclaved Cypriots. Calls on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, the President, the Secretary of State, and the State Department Office of International Religious Freedom to take specified steps to address the concerns and actions called for in this resolution. Urges the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to: (1) ensure that member states do not receive stolen Cypriot art and antiquities; and (2) press the government of Turkey to abide by its international commitments in this matter.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010
Celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Conference of Catholic Charities, now called Catholic Charities USA. Honors Catholic Charities USA for being a national leader in the efforts to fight poverty and to strengthen the United States in times of need and crisis.
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
Mourns the loss of life, as well as the physical damage, caused by the flooding in Pakistan and expresses condolences to the flood victims' families. Recognizes that Pakistan is a close U.S. ally and friend. Supports the use of funds authorized by the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 to provide long-term recovery and rehabilitation for flood-affected areas and populations and urges a reexamination of priorities for spending such funds with a view toward ensuring that the needs of the Pakistani people are appropriately addressed in the aftermath of the disaster. Commends the relief and recovery actions by the U.S. military, the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Pakistani-American and U.S. business communities, and international and nongovernmental organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Recognizes the formation of the Friends of Israel Initiative and affirms its founding goals. Reaffirms bipartisan support for: (1) the alliance and friendship between the governments and peoples of the United States and Israel; (2) Israel's security and right to self-defense; and (3) Israel's right to exist as a democratic Jewish state.
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
Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry Act of 2010 or the SAFER Act of 2010 - Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to: (1) allow states or local governments to use grant funds under such Act to conduct audits of samples of sexual assault evidence that are awaiting testing; and (2) provide funding in FY2011-FY2014 for such purpose. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants for such audits only if the grant recipient (i.e., a state or local government) submits a plan for performing the audit of samples of sexual assault evidence and includes a good-faith estimate of the number of such samples. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry to include information about samples of sexual assault evidence awaiting testing and to track the testing and processing of such samples; and (2) develop and disseminate to law enforcement and other appropriate agencies a report on best practices for the testing and use of DNA evidence collected as part of a criminal investigation of sexual assault cases. Sets forth requirements relating to information required to be included in such Registry, the protection of personally identifiable information in the Registry, and the updating of information in the Registry. Expresses the sense of Congress that law enforcement agencies and other appropriate entities should use the best practices developed by the Attorney General to develop, evaluate, and improve DNA evidence protocols.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2010
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation on behalf of Congress of a gold medal of appropriate design to Greg Mortenson in recognition of his humanitarian work in Asia and elsewhere.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Emergency China Trade Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a persistent trade deficit with the People's Republic of China (PRC) is harmful to the long-term health of the U.S. economy and must be corrected; and (2) the President should begin immediate negotiations with the PRC to eliminate the trade deficit within four years. Withdraws the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations) from PRC products. Requires the President to: (1) negotiate a balanced trade relationship between the United States and the PRC within four years after enactment of this Act; and (2) submit trade implementing legislation to Congress, which shall be considered on an expedited basis.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits: (1) the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion; (2) any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes coverage of abortion; and (3) the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government. Exempts from such prohibitions an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest with a minor, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the women in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Makes such prohibitions applicable to federal funding within the budget of the District of Columbia. Prohibits federal agencies or programs and states and local governments that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating against any individual or institutional health care entity on the basis that such entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, and coordinate the investigation of, discrimination complaints.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Recognizes the importance of honoring the nation's parents of special needs children. Expresses its sense that a National Day of Recognition for Parents of Special Needs Children should be established to honor such parents.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Honors the members of the Armed Forces who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Extends gratitude to U.S. military and civilian personnel responsible for directing the implementation of the "surge strategy" and bringing security and stability to Iraq. Expresses a commitment to working with President Obama and the Administration to build on the military success in Iraq since the surge. Recognizes: (1) the importance of success in Iraq; and (2) that the President and the Administration have a responsibility to build a lasting strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Catastrophe Savings Accounts Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create tax-exempt catastrophe savings accounts (CSAs). Allows tax-free distributions from CSAs to pay expenses resulting from a presidentially declared major disaster. Limits CSA balances to: (1) $2,000 (for individuals with homeowner insurance deductibles of not more than $1,000); and (2) the lesser of $15,000 or twice a homeowner's insurance deductible (for individuals with deductibles of more than $1,000).
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Iran Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 or ITA Act of 2010 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require an issuer to state, in its mandatory periodic report, whether it (or any subsidiary or affiliate) has: (1) engaged in an activity of a type and involving an amount that could subject it to sanctions under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996; (2) knowingly engaged in an activity or violated regulations described under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010; or (3) had any ties to a company designated by either the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary of State as contributing or supporting the proliferation activities of Iran. Prescribes specified disclosures. Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to make such disclosures public. Directs the President, upon receipt of such report, to investigate and determine if the issuer should be subject to sanctions under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Recognizes the growing threat that al Qaeda and its affiliates in Africa, particularly al Shabaab and al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, pose to the United States and its allies. Acknowledges the cooperation of a number of governments and regional organizations in Africa to deny safehaven to al Qaeda and its affiliates and calls upon all governments to intensify their efforts toward that end. Calls upon the Administration to formulate a comprehensive strategy, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders in the U.S. government and its African partners, to confront the threat posed by al Qaeda and its affiliates in Africa and prevent the spread of violent Islamist extremism.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Billfish Conservation Act of 2010 - Prohibits any person from offering billfish (except swordfish) or billfish products for sale, selling, importing, or exporting them, or having custody, control, or possession of them for purposes of offering them for sale, selling, importing, or exporting them. Treats a violation of this Act as an act prohibited by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Subjects a person to a maximum civil penalty of $100,000 for each violation. Defines "billfish" as any of the following: (1) blue marlin; (2) striped marlin; (3) black marlin; (4) sailfish: (5) shortbill spearfish; (6) white marlin; (7) roundscale spearfish; (8) Mediterranean spearfish; or (9) longbill spearfish.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2010 - Directs the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to adopt underwriting standards that are consistent with the Guidelines for Pilot PACE Financing Programs issued on May 7, 2010, by the Department of Energy (DOE). Provides that liens or other property obligations that secure property taxes or assessments under a PACE program and that are consistent with such standards shall be considered to comply with the Uniform Instruments of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and shall not constitute a default on an existing mortgage or trigger the exercise of lender's remedies for a property with such a lien. Defines a "PACE program" as a property assessed clean energy program under which a state or political subdivision levies taxes or assessments on real property to finance the installation of renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. Prohibits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from requiring repayment of a PACE program tax or assessment in order for a property owner to finance, refinance, or transfer property that meets their underwriting criteria without consideration of the PACE program lien. Requires the underwriting standards to provide that, in the event that a tax or assessment under a PACE program is delinquent, only the unpaid delinquent amount along with applicable penalties, interest, and costs will be subject to foreclosure and not the entire amount. Prohibits the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and all federal agencies and entities chartered under federal law from discriminating against communities implementing or participating in a PACE program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Secure All Facilities to Effectively Guard the United States Against and Respond to Dangerous Spills Act of 2010 or the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2010 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) prohibit the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) from issuing a permit or other authorization for exploration for or production of oil and gas under a lease under such Act unless an oil spill response plan for the operations of the facility on which the activity is conducted has been approved by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating as meeting requirements for such a plan under provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act); (2) require the Secretary to approve an oil and gas exploration plan within 90 (currently 30) days of submission, with a 60-day extension authorized if the Secretary certifies that it's necessary to allow adequate consideration of the plan; and (3) prohibit an exploration plan from being eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Clean Water Act to require: (1) the President to issue regulations to require owners or operators of offshore facilities to have their plans for responding to a worst case discharge of oil or a hazardous substance approved by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating; and (2) such worst case plans of owners and operators of tank vessels, nontank vessels, offshore facilities, or onshore facilities to include plans for responding to uncontrolled or uncontained discharges from wells. Requires the National Contingency Plan for removal of oil and hazardous substances to: (1) include water quality monitoring by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of waters affected by discharges of oil or other hazardous substances that begins not later than 48 hours after such a discharge is reported; (2) include designation of the Commandant of the Coast Guard as the National Incident Commander for activities in response to a discharge that results in a substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the United States if such a discharge affects waters with respect to which the Coast Guard is responsible for response efforts under the Plan; and (3) be updated by the President every five years, including separate response plans for discharges of oil or other hazardous materials into or upon land and water.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Marshals Service, to mint and issue $5 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 225 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of: (1) $35 per $5 coin; and (2) $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $5 million to the Director of the United States Marshals Service National Museum, for the preservation, maintenance, and display of artifacts and documents of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires distribution of: (1) $1 million to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; (2) $1 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in support of the National Law Enforcement Museum and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; (3) $1 million to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; (4) $500,000 to the William "Bill" Degan Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (5) $500,000 to the Robert D. May Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (6) $500,000 to the Community Oriented Policing Service; and (7) $500,000 to the United States Marshals Service Association. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $5 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Reiterates condemnation of the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, honors the victims of the attack, and expresses sympathy to the victims' relatives. Applauds the government of Argentina for its onging investigative efforts. Urges: (1) all nations to cooperate fully with the AMIA investigation; and (2) governments in the Western Hemisphere to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and to penalize those providing support for Hezbollah and other Islamist terrorist organizations. Encourages the President to direct U.S. law enforcement agencies, upon Argentine request, to cooperate in the AMIA investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
Designates the Little River Branch facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 NE 84th Street in Miami, Florida, as the "Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. Post Office. "
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Act of 2010 -States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) undertake measures to deny the government of Cuba, the Cuban Communist Party, or any of their instrumentalities the financial resources to engage in activities that threaten U.S. security and other interests, threaten Florida's marine environment and the environment of the submerged lands off Cuba's coast, and prolong the dictatorship that oppresses the Cuban people; and (2) deter foreign investments that would enhance the Cuban regime's ability to develop its petroleum resources. Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to exclude from U.S. entry an alien who: (1) is an officer or principal of an entity, or a shareholder who owns a controlling interest in an entity that on or after January 10, 2005, has made or makes an investment of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period) that contributes to Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands; or (2) is a spouse, minor child, or agent of such person. Exempts on a case-by-case basis entries: (1) for medical reasons or property-related litigation; or (2) where a transition government is in place. Directs the President to impose two or more specified export, procurement, financial institution, loan, or Export-Import Bank sanctions if the President determines that a person has, on or after January 10, 2005, made an investment of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that in the aggregate equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period) that contributes to the enhancement of Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands or has made an investment of any amount of money that contributes to such an enhancement and has trafficked in confiscated U.S. property. Makes it illegal for a U.S. person to facilitate Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually respecting the impact of the development of Cuba's petroleum resources on the environment and natural resources of Cuba's submerged lands and Florida's marine environment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2010
Expresses support for the work of the United States Paralympics. Congratulates all of the U.S. Paralympic Team medal winners from the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, honors all of the athletes for their contributions to the Games, and recognizes the contributions of the athletes' families, schools, and communities to the Games and the U.S. Team.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Gulf Coast Homeowners Relief Act of 2010 - Applies through FY2011 certain provisions of Mortgagee Letter 2002-17 of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), relating to Type I Special Forbearance, to mortgagees of specified mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) whose mortgagors suffered a loss of income or an increase in living expenses as a result of the explosion on and sinking of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon, the ensuing discharge of oil in the Gulf of Mexico, or the effects of such discharge on the economy in affected areas. Directs the Secretary of HUD to develop and submit to the Congress: (1) a list of HUD-administered programs and resources that will be made immediately available to assist homeowners of one- to four-family dwelling, and communities, that have suffered negative economic consequences as a result of such incident or the discharge of oil caused by it; and (2) a long-term plan to assist such homeowners.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Oil Spill Tax Relief Act of 2010 - Treats as a qualified disaster for income tax purposes the explosion on and sinking of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon and the discharge of oil in the Gulf of Mexico caused by such explosion and sinking. Excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, compensation paid by BP, PLC to the victims of such disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Gulf Coast Access to Savings Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-free distributions, up to $50,000 in any taxable year, from retirement plans on or after April 20, 2010, and before January 1, 2011, for individuals whose principal place of abode is in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas and who sustained an economic loss caused by the explosion on and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling unit, the resulting discharge of oil in the Gulf of Mexico, or the effects of such discharge on the economy in the affected areas. Provides tax incentives for the use of distributions by individuals in affected states to make home purchases. Increases to $100,000 the amount which may be borrowed without penalty from an employer benefit plan by individuals in affected states.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions prohibiting knowingly creating, selling, or possessing a depiction of animal cruelty to prohibit knowingly and for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain selling or distributing an animal crush video in interstate or foreign commerce. States that such prohibition does not prohibit the sale or distribution of any visual depiction of hunting, trapping, fishing, or customary and normal veterinary or agricultural husbandry practices. Defines "animal crush video" as any obscene photograph, motion-picture film, video recording, or electronic image that depicts actual conduct in which one or more living animals is intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, or impaled in a manner that would violate a criminal prohibition on cruelty to animals in the federal or state jurisdiction in which the depiction is created, sold, distributed, or offered for sale or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Minerals Management Service with the following components: (1) an Office of Leasing and Permitting, which shall perform functions relating to the leasing of areas of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the issuance of activity permits under such leases that were vested in the Minerals Management Service (MMS) (or its Director) on May 19, 2010; (2) an Office of Inspection, which shall perform functions relating to vessel and facility inspection that were vested in the MMS (or its Director) on that date; and (3) an Office of Revenue, which shall perform functions relating to the collection of OCS lease revenue that were vested in the MMS (or its Director) on such date. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations that require each MMS employee to be subject to random testing for the use of a controlled substance at least twice a year. Prohibits, during the two-year period beginning on an individual's departure from MMS employment, the employment of such individual by any person conducting any activity under a lease or permit issued by MMS or subject to MMS regulation. Directs the Secretary, acting through MMS, to inspect monthly each vessel and facility used for OCS oil or gas drilling. Prohibits the Secretary from exempting any category of vessel or facility activity in OCS oil or gas drilling in waters deeper than 1,000 feet from any applicable federal requirement or restriction. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to repeal the liability limits applicable to a responsible party for discharge of oil from an offshore facility.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Recognizes: (1) Japan as an indispensable U.S. security partner in providing peace and stability to the Asia-Pacific region; and (2) that the support and understanding of the Japanese people are indispensable for the stationing of U.S. Armed Forces in Japan. Expresses appreciation to the people of Japan, and especially on Okinawa, for their continued hosting of U.S. Armed Forces. Encourages Japan to continue its international engagement in humanitarian, development, and environmental issues. Anticipates another 50 years of friendship and cooperation under the auspices of the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Reaffirms: (1) support for all Iranian citizens who struggle for freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law; and (2) the universality of individual human and political rights. Condemns: (1) the violence and human rights abuses against the people of Iran by the government of Iran and pro-government militias, as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication; and (2) the government of Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability and unconventional weapons and ballistic missile capabilities. Urges the release of all political prisoners detained by the government of Iran and the end of harassment and violence against the people of Iran. Calls for freedom and democracy for the people of Iran, including democratic and independent elections in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Reaffirms the friendship and alliance between the United States and Colombia. Congratulates President-elect Juan Manuel Santos on his recent victory in Colombia's June 20, 2010, presidential election. Recognizes Colombia's commitment to the democratic process as demonstrated by the free and fair nature of the presidential elections.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Mourns the loss of life and expresses solidarity with the people affected by Tropical Storm Agatha. Commends the brave efforts of the people of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador as they recover from Tropical Storm Agatha. Recognizes the assistance of the international community during the recovery effort in providing relief to the people of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Urges the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to continue to develop a strategic plan to promote food security and recovery efforts with the goal of mitigating the current and future effects of the recent natural disasters that have devastated Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2010
States that Congress does not favor the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and transmitted to Congress by the President on May 10, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2010
Congratulates the University of Dayton men's basketball team for winning the 2010 National Invitation Tournament Division I men's basketball championship.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2010
Expresses support for the observance of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month to enhance thyroid cancer awareness and encourage early detection. Recognizes the work of national and community thyroid cancer organizations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [R-FL-27]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000435_200.jpg)