United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Considers the "Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict" (Goldstone Report) to be biased and unworthy of further consideration or legitimacy. Supports the Administration's efforts to combat anti-Israel bias at the United Nations (U.N.). Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose endorsement of, and measures stemming from, the Report. Reaffirms support for Israel's right to defend its citizens from violent militant groups and their state sponsors.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Honors the service and achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female veterans. Expresses support for groups that raise awareness about the service and achievements of such women.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Affirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to international child survival and development programs that prioritize protection, prevention, and treatment against pneumonia. Salutes the health professionals and community health workers in the world's poorest countries who are extending preventative care and treatment to children most at-risk of contracting pneumonia. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to reaching the Millennium Development Goals, particularly for reducing child mortality. Recognizes World Pneumonia Day.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Recognizes National Veterans Awareness Week. Supports the designation of a National Veterans History Project Week. Calls on the people of the United States to interview at least one veteran in their families or communities according to guidelines provided by the Veterans History Project. Encourages local, state, and national organizations along with federal, state, city and county governmental institutions to participate in support of the effort to document, preserve, and honor the service of American wartime veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to list permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained: (1) from a licensed dealer; (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements; (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year; or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Sets forth additional monetary penalties for related violations. Prohibits federal facilities from purchasing or otherwise acquiring dogs or cats for exhibition purposes (currently, for research, experimentation, or exhibition purposes) except from: (1) the operator of an auction that comports with legal requirements; or (2) a person holding a valid dealer or exhibitor license. Prohibits dealers from selling or otherwise providing any research facility (currently, any individual or entity) with random source dogs or cats unless specified certification requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Military Family Month. Recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of military families and their contributions to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Congratulates the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) on its 40th anniversary. Declares that the IAF is a vital component of U.S. foreign policy in the Americas and of the U.S. development agenda.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any meetings held to determine the final content of sweeping health care legislation be held in public view and not behind closed doors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Welcomes to the United States and to Washington, DC, His All Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, Ecumenical Patriarch. Recognizes the importance to the United States and to the world of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's leadership on matters of environment, peace, and religion. Encourages Turkey to grant religious freedom and property rights to the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as to reopen the theological school at Halki.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Condemns violations of religious freedom in the Middle East. Calls on the President to consider the status of religious freedom in each country in the Middle East when assessing relations with governments in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Medical Education Development Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program of grants to newly accredited allopathic medical schools to support scholarships, develop residencies, build infrastructure, recruit and retain faculty, and develop research programs, for the purpose of increasing the supply of physicians. Directs the Secretary to: (1) give first priority to schools accredited to admit students from FY2009-FY2014; (2) provide increased funding to schools that enroll larger classes while maintaining competitive faculty-to-student ratios; and (3) allocate funds to only schools that provide accountability and transparency in expending such funds. Requires: (1) each school to report annually on the specific uses of funds received and on how the grant has benefited the region and the nation; and (2) the Secretary to report annually on the extent to which such grants have increased the supply of physicians, resulted in greater access to health care, enabled the creation of new care models, provided economic regional benefits, and increased the focus on medical students' communications skills.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should: (1) continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities; and (2) support programs designed to end domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Mourns the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa and Samoa, and offers condolences to the victims' families. Pledges full support to the people of American Samoa and the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Failolo, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Faga'alu, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Afono, Vatia, Lauli'i, Faga'itua, Masefau, Alao, Tula, and Aoa. Expresses appreciation to the foreign governments that are lending their support to the United States Territory of American Samoa. Commends: (1) the efforts of all persons and relief organizations; and (2) the over 100,000 Samoans residing in the United States from American Samoa and Samoa for coming to the aid of their "aiga" in the affected islands.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Mourns the loss of life and expresses deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the September 2009 earthquake that struck Indonesia. Recognizes the ties between the United States and Indonesia and expresses continued solidarity with the people of Indonesia during this time of crisis. Applauds the response of Indonesian and international rescue workers. Supports President Obama's offer of U.S. assistance to Indonesia.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Community College Energy Training Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, to create a program awarding grants to community colleges to provide workforce training and education in sustainable energy industries and practices, such as: (1) alternative energy; (2) energy efficient construction, retrofitting, and design; (3) sustainable energy technologies; (4) water and energy conservation; (5) recycling and waste reduction; and (6) sustainable agriculture and farming. Requires at least one-half of the grant funds to be awarded to community colleges with existing sustainability programs leading to certificates or degrees in one or more of the industries or practices listed above.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Recognizes the historical and religious significance of Diwali. Celebrates the rich cultural and religious diversity of the people of the United States and the freedom of religion guaranteed to all Americans. Conveys best wishes to its fellow Americans and to people around the world celebrating Diwali.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Help Find the Missing Act or Billy's Law - Authorizes the Attorney General to maintain public databases, known as the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System or NamUs, to contain missing persons records and unidentified remains cases to assist in identifying missing people and solve cases of unidentified human remains. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) share information on missing persons and unidentified human remains contained in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing and Unidentified Person File database with the NamUs database; (2) update the online data entry format for such databases to allow states to report information to each database; (3) establish a grant program to assist in the reporting of missing persons and unidentified remains information to the NCIC and NamUs databases; (4) issue a report to the offices of medical examiners, offices of coroners, and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies describing the best practices for collecting, reporting, and analyzing data and information on missing persons and unidentified human remains; and (5) report to Congress on the status of the NCIC Missing and Unidentified Person File and NamUs databases. Amends the National Child Search Assistance Act of 1990 to require reports of missing children (under age 21) to NamUs databases.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Seniors and Veterans Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to extend through the first three months of 2010 the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to make a payment of $250 to each eligible individual age 18 or over who, during the three-month period immediately preceding enactment of such Act (for purposes of payments made for calendar year 2009), or the three-month period beginning with December 2009 (for purposes of payments made for calendar year 2010), was entitled to Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, railroad retirement benefits, or veterans disability compensation or pension benefits. Repeals the limitation to one payment only to an individual regardless of whether the individual is entitled to, or eligible for, more than one benefit or cash payment. Entitles such individual to a payment in each of calendar years 2009 and 2010. Rescinds from the unobligated balance of the discretionary appropriations made available by division A of such Act the amount determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to be required to offset the increase in spending resulting from this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009
Recognizes the canonization of Father Damien de Veuster, SS.CC., to sainthood and honors him for his legacy and his insistence on recognizing the human rights and dignity of every individual, particularly those who lived alongside him at the Hansen's disease settlement on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. .
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16555 Springs Street in White Springs, Florida, as the "Clyde L. Hillhouse Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to direct the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia (Task Force) established by such Act, to: (1) establish and maintain a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program to develop a national strategy to address marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; (2) promote activities and an action strategy to implement such Program; (3) oversee the development and implementation of regional research and action plans for addressing marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; and (4) identify the appropriate regions and subregions to be addressed by such plans. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force, to report on progress toward the attainment of the coastal goal of the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan released by the EPA on June 16, 2008. Directs the Task Force to complete and submit to Congress and the President an integrated assessment of hypoxia in the coastal and estuarine waters of the Pacific Northwest.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require personnel who perform or plan the technical component of either medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures for medical purposes to possess, effective January 1, 2013: (1) certification in each medical imaging or radiation therapy modality and service provided from a certification organization designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); or (2) state licensure or certification where such services and modalities are within the scope of practice as defined by the state for such profession and where the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration meet or exceed the standards established by the Secretary. Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum standards for personnel who perform, plan, evaluate, or verify patient dose for medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures; (2) establish a program for designating certification organizations after consideration of specified criteria; (3) provide a method for the recognition of individuals whose training or experience are determined to be equal to, or in excess of, those of a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty; and (4) approve and publish a list of accrediting bodies for such certification organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural or health professional shortage areas as appropriate to assure access to quality medical imaging. Amends the Social Security Act to allow Medicare payment for medical imaging and radiation therapy services furnished on or after January 1, 2013, only if the examination or procedure is planned or performed by an individual who meets this Act's requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) ensure that promotion of inter-religious dialogue and protection of religious freedom and human rights are key components of the U.S. engagement strategy with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; and (2) support efforts by the government of Pakistan to protect the religious freedom of all Pakistanis and prioritize the prevention of religiously motivated and sectarian violence; and (3) urge the government of Pakistan to review legislation that restricts the right to practice and propagate religion or that constitutes discrimination on the basis of religion or belief in order to bring Pakistani law into conformity with international human rights standards.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Limiting the Intrusive Miles of International Terrorist Sponsors Act of 2009 or LIMITS Act of 2009 - Directs the President to restrict to a specified designated area the travel of officials and representatives of countries that are designated as state sponsors of terrorism who are visiting the U.N. headquarters complex in connection with official business. Authorizes presidential waiver of such restriction upon submission of a report to Congress explaining why it is in the national interest to do so. Excludes from such restriction: (1) direct travel to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport or LaGuardia Airport to the designated area in connection with official business at the U.N. headquarters complex; (2) land travel to and from any lodgings or other hotel accommodations in which an official or representative is staying if such lodging or other hotel accommodation is within the designated area; and (3) travel to and from New York University medical center or Bellevue Hospital Center for emergency medical care.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Underscores the value of respectful speech while affirming that the freedoms of speech and religious exercise are integral to free societies and human dignity. Urges the Secretary of State to make every effort to defeat the passage of resolutions on the "defamation of religions" at the United Nations and other resolutions or international instruments that threaten the free and peaceful exchange of ideas, beliefs, and truth claims. Calls on the United Nations (U.N.) to abandon efforts to adopt the flawed concept of "defamation of religions." Urges U.N. member states to focus on protecting the fundamental freedom of individuals to peacefully express their religious beliefs and to avoid supporting resolutions that threaten freedom of expression.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to extend the authority of the Broadcasting Board of Governors to make grants to operate Radio Free Asia through September 30, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Calls on: (1) the Secretary of State to support the efforts of the appropriate Honduran authorities to ensure that the November 29, 2009, elections are free and transparent; and (2) the President of the United States to recognize such elections as an important step in consolidating democracy and the rule of law in Honduras.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Urges: (1) the President to issue a report clearly outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and authorities of the special assistants he has appointed (commonly referred to as "czars") and to certify to Congress that such czars will not assert powers other than those granted by statute to a commissioned officer on the President's staff; and (2) Congress to hold hearings on such report and certification within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center, to mint and issue up to two million $1 coins emblematic of the courage, sacrifice, and strength of those who perished and who risked their lives to save others during such attacks. Requires: (1) all coin sales to include a surcharge of $10 per coin; and (2) all surcharges received from the sale of coins to be paid to support the operations and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
Mourns the loss of life caused by Typhoon Morakot that occurred on August 8, 2009, in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and expresses condolences to the families of the many victims. Recognizes the deep ties between the United States and Taiwan and expresses continued solidarity with its people during this time of crisis. Expresses gratitude to the people of the United States who have supported those humanitarian aid agencies working to assist the people of Taiwan in this time of need.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Safe Babies Act of 2009 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to create, and provide technical assistance to, local court teams to promote the well-being of maltreated infants and toddlers and their families, prevent the recurrence of child abuse and neglect, and promote timely reunification of families. Defines "maltreated infant or toddler" as any child three years of age or younger who is the victim of a substantiated case of physical abuse, neglect, medical neglect, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse. Directs the Administrator to award a grant to establish a National Court Teams for Maltreated Infants and Toddlers Resource Center to provide information, training, and other assistance to local court teams and to establish a uniform data collection system related to the operation and outcomes of projects initiated by such teams. Sets forth required activities for local court teams, including: (1) conducting monthly reviews of cases handled by such teams; (2) incorporating child-focused services into case plans for maltreated infants and toddlers; (3) organizing training of community members working with court teams; (4) identifying areas for improvement in providing mental health and substance abuse treatment for families; and (5) prioritizing after-care services for families.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Enable Divestment from Sudan and Iran Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to promote the divestment of investments in Iran or the Sudan by permitting the deferral of tax on gain from the sale of securities in any business that is engaged in certain discouraged activities in Iran or the Sudan if the holder of such securities purchases replacement securities from a business not engaged in such discouraged activities. Includes as discouraged activities in Iran: (1) investment of $20 million or more in the energy sector of Iran (i.e., petroleum, natural gas, or nuclear power) or in a person who provides Iran with oil or liquefied natural gas tankers or pipelines; (2) an extension of credit of $20 million or more to a person who invests in the energy sector of Iran; (3) investment that enhances Iran's ability to develop petroleum resources; (4) the sale of goods, services, technology, information, or support to Iran that allows it to maintain or expand its petroleum industry; or (5) providing Iran with refined petroleum resources. Defines "Sudan discouraged activity" as an investment in any business operation described in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (e.g., businesses engaged in power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment). Includes as an Iran or Sudan discouraged activity business transactions with or charitable donations to any Iranian or Sudanese person designated as a terrorist or to any foreign terrorist organization. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to publish and update every six months a list of business entities engaging in any Sudan or Iran discouraged activities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Deplores the violence by Iraqi security forces against the residents of Camp Ashraf. Calls upon the Iraqi government and the President of the United States to ensure the security and protection of Camp Ashraf residents.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Statistics Act of 2009 - Amends the Hate Crime Statistics Act to include crimes against the homeless in the crime data collected by the Attorney General under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Improving Assistance to Domestic and Sexual Violence Victims Act of 2009 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to: (1) amend certain definitions, grant conditions relating to confidential information, and matching fund requirements under such Act; (2) expand the role of the national resource center on workplace responses to domestic violence to require information and assistance to victim service providers and other community-based organizations and coalitions; and (3) expand requirements for providing culturally and linguistically specific services to domestic and sexual violence victims. Amends grant provisions under the violence against women program of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) impose limits on Internet publication of protection order information in domestic violence cases; (2) exempt victims of dating violence from certain costs for criminal proceedings and protection orders; (3) provide for sexual assault forensic medical personnel examiners to collect and preserve evidence in sexual assault cases; and (4) expand grant purposes to include HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment for victims of sexual assault. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to expand visa eligibility for aliens who are victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 to permit certain aliens lawfully present in the United States to qualify for low-income housing assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2009 - States that it is U.S. policy: (1) to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel; and (2) that the U.S. Embassy in Israel should be established in Jerusalem not later than January 1, 2012. Amends the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 to eliminate the President's authority to waive certain funding limitations for Department of State acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened. Requires any official U.S. document which lists countries and their capital cities to identify Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Limits appropriations that may be obligated in FY2012 for Department acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened. States that for each of FY2010-FY2011, of funds authorized to be appropriated for Department acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad, necessary sums should be made available until expended only for construction and other costs associated with the establishment in Jerusalem of the U.S. Embassy in Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) high school students should spend at least one week in September of their senior year learning about the U.S. Constitution, as knowledge of this country's founding document is critical to being an effective citizen; and (2) upon reaching voting age, high school seniors should demonstrate their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship by petitioning the government on an issue of importance to them.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study of the population of the South Atlantic red snapper fishery and report to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from promulgating any interim rule under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that prohibits fishing in the South Atlantic red snapper fishery before such report demonstrates the need for interim rules. Prohibits any interim rule that was promulgated before enactment of this Act from having any force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Condemns the July 2009 attacks in Jakarta and all other terrorist attacks against Indonesian targets. Expresses condolences to the people of Indonesia and to the other countries suffering casualties in the attacks. Supports the government of Indonesia's efforts to investigate and prosecute the attacks and calls upon Indonesia and its neighbors to work together to combat terrorism in Southeast Asia. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to strengthen democratic institutions and promote peace and ethnic and religious tolerance in Indonesia.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009
Authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD), including combatant commands and Regional Centers, to: (1) provide material and personnel support to assist in the planning and execution of the Ocean for Life Program of the National Marine Sanctuaries under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); and (2) pay all or a portion of the costs for citizens of the United States and foreign nationals to participate in the Program. Allows amounts available to the Regional Centers from the DOD "Voice" programs to be used to make those payments.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2009
Supports granting temporary protected status to Haitian nationals currently residing in the United States. Acknowledges that it is in U.S. economic and security interests for Haiti to be a safe and productive country.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2009
Durban Taxpayer Refund Act of 2009 - Finds that the goals of the 2001 United Nations World Conference Against Racism held in Durban, South Africa, and commonly referred to as the Durban Conference, were undermined by hateful, anti-Jewish rhetoric and anti-Israel political agendas, prompting both Israel and the United States to withdraw their delegations from the Conference. States that it shall be U.S. policy to lead a diplomatic effort to: (1) encourage other countries to not fund any portion of the Durban Review Conference; and (2) explore alternative forums for combating racism and related intolerance. Directs the Secretary of State to withhold from the U.S. contribution to the regularly assessed biennial budget of the United Nations an amount equal to the percentage of such contribution that the Secretary determines would be or has been allocated by the United Nations for the Durban Review Conference or its preparatory or follow-on activities. Provides that: (1) until the Secretary makes a specified certification to the appropriate congressional committees the United States shall withhold from its contribution to such budget an amount equal to the percentage of such contribution that the Secretary determines has been allocated by the United Nations for any conference, other multilateral forum, or related preparatory or follow-on activity of any conference or other multilateral forum under U.N. aegis; and (2) withheld appropriations shall revert to the Treasury if no such certification is made within one year after the appropriation.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [R-FL-27]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000435_200.jpg)