United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2008 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to reestablish the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers as a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to provide a mechanism through which licensing, continuing education, and other insurance producer qualification requirements and conditions can be adopted and applied on a multi-state basis, while preserving the right of states to: (1) license, supervise, and discipline insurance producers; and (2) prescribe and enforce laws and regulations regarding insurance-related consumer protection and unfair trade practices. Sets forth membership requirements, including a mandatory criminal background check applicable to state-licensed insurance producers. Sets limits upon permissible uses of such criminal background information, and imposes a criminal penalty for improper use. Authorizes the Association to deny membership to a state-licensed insurance producer on the basis of the criminal history information obtained. Establishes classes and categories of membership. Declares that membership authorizes an insurance producer to sell, solicit, negotiate, effect, procure, deliver, renew, continue, or bind insurance in any state for any line or lines of insurance specified in such producer's home state license, and exercise all such incidental powers, including claims adjustments and settlement, risk management, employee benefits advice, retirement planning, and any other insurance-related consulting activities. Preserves state consumer protection and market conduct regulation powers. Grants the Association membership probation, suspension and revocation powers. Requires the Association to establish an office of consumer complaints, including a toll-free telephone number. Creates a Board of Directors to govern and supervise the Association and its members. Preempts specified state actions. Permits judicial review over litigation involving the Association.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation on behalf of the Congress of a gold medal to Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet in recognition of his courageous and unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 - Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Appropriations Act, 2007 to extend until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on implementation of a proposed rule ("Medicaid Program; Cost Limit for Providers Operated by Units of Government and Provisions To Ensure the Integrity of Federal-State Financial Partnership") relating to the federal-state financial partnerships under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act. Extends until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on any action by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to restrict Medicaid payments for graduate medical education (GME). Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 to extend until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on certain restrictions relating to Medicaid coverage or payment for rehabilitation services or school-based administration and school-based transportation, including specified proposed regulations, if such restrictions are more restrictive in any aspect than those applied to such areas as of July 1, 2007. Establishes additional moratoria until April 1, 2009, on specified regulatory actions concerning Medicaid: (1) treatment of optional case management services; (2) outpatient hospital services; and (3) allowable provider taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2008 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals with income below 135% of the poverty line who: (1) reside in an assisted living facility, a resident care program facility, a board and care facility, or any other appropriate licensed facility, including a community mental health center, a psychiatric health facility, a mental health rehabilitation center, and a mental retardation developmental disability facility; or (2) receive home and community-based services in a home setting under a home and community-based waiver.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Calls for the release of Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan and other political detainees by the government of Vietnam. Condemns the ongoing human rights abuses in Vietnam. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) re-designate Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern; (2) demand the government of Vietnam comply with internationally-recognized standards for basic freedoms and human rights; and (3) remove Vietnam's permanent normal trade relations status unless all political and religious prisoners are released and significant and immediate human rights reforms are made by the government of Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Condemns the government of Venezuela for its support of international terrorist groups. Directs the Secretary of State to work with the countries of the Western Hemisphere to ensure implementation of: (1) the Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism; and (2) U.N. Security Council resolutions to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and to halt the spread of global terrorism. Calls upon the government of Venezuela to renounce all support to terrorist organizations, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian National Liberation Army. Urges the U.S. government to designate Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of campaigns working to improve long-term public health and well being, including campaigns that work to prevent underage drinking of alcoholic beverages, such as the We Don't Serve Teens Campaign. Encourages Americans to utilize resources that provide a wealth of information beneficial to combating and reducing such underage drinking. Commends the leadership and continuing efforts of all groups working to reduce underage drinking.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2008
Supports the idea that the war in Iraq is not lost. Recognizes that: (1) the overall progress being made on the ground in Iraq is undeniable; (2) much of this progress is due to the skill and valor of the American service member; and (3) the decision by the President and our military leadership to provide a surge of troops to implement a new counterinsurgency strategy was the correct course of action.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2008
Entitles federal employees who satisfy age and service requirements for immediate or early retirement under the Federal Employees' Retirement System or the Foreign Service Pension System and who are separated from service or transferred to a position not subject to either of those retirement systems to a lump-sum payment for 15% of the amount of their accumulated sick leave exceeding 500 hours. Prohibits such a payment from exceeding $10,000. Excludes hours of sick leave that are creditable in the computation of any other compensation or benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008
Extends congratulations to the people of Greece as they celebrate the 187th anniversary of Greece's independence. Notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider European region and in the community of nations since gaining its independence.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2008
Condemns the government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of Baha'is. Calls on the government of Iran to release Ms. Raha Sabet, Mr. Sasan Taqva, and Ms. Haleh Roohi. Calls on the government of Iran and the Iranian Parliament to reject a draft Islamic penal code which violates Iran's commitments under the International Covenants on Human Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2008
Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Directs the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally to develop a five-year strategic plan for program monitoring, operations research, and impact evaluation research of U.S. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programs, including mother-to-child HIV transmission. Extends funding for: (1) the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria; (2) the Vaccine Fund; (3) the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative; and (4) malaria vaccine development programs. Authorizes appropriations for tuberculosis vaccine research. Directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a program to facilitate availability of proven microbicides that prevent the transmission of HIV. Directs the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally to develop a plan to combat HIV/AIDS by strengthening health policies and health systems of host countries as part of USAID's Health Systems 2020 project. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to assistance programs to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Authorizes the President to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership. Establishes within USAID a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat Malaria Globally. Provides for U.S.-foreign health care partnerships to combat HIV/AIDS. Directs the President to formulate a comprehensive global HIV/AIDS prevention strategy that addresses the vulnerabilities of women and youth to HIV infection. Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to extend funding for activities under such Act. Prohibits foreign taxation of such amounts. States that it shall be U.S. policy to support countries receiving U.S. assistance to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and other health programs in developing and implementing five-year health workforce strategies. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2008
Commemorates the 12th anniversary of the 1996 shooting down by the Cuban regime of two unarmed civilian aircraft flown by the Brothers to the Rescue. Condemns the shooting down of such aircraft and the murders of Armando Alejandre, Jr., Mario de la Pena, Carlos Costa, and Pablo Morales. Recognizes the efforts of those working to bring international attention to this tragedy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2008
Expresses support for the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of early detection and screening.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 2008
Sex Offender Mandatory Registration Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) apply registration requirements to sex offenders regardless of the date of their offense or the date of their travel in interstate commerce; and (2) make failure to register or update a sex offender registration a continuing offense for as long as such failure exists.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2008
Recognizes the necessity for the United States to maintain its significant leadership role in improving the health and promoting the resiliency of coral reef ecosystems by strengthening awareness about ecological, economic, social, and cultural values of coral reefs and associated ecosystems, improving understanding of coral reef threats and generating practical and innovative solutions, and initiating development and implementation of effective management strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of those ecosystems.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Global Autism Assistance Act of 2008 - Directs the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish and administer a health and education grant program (Global Autism Assistance Program) to: (1) support activities by nongovernmental organizations and other service providers, including advocacy groups, focused on autism in developing countries; and (2) establish a "teach the teachers" program to train health and education professionals working with autistic children in developing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
United States-Republic of Korea Defense Cooperation Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to include the Republic of Korea among those countries given preferential consideration with respect to certain: (1) arms export presidential certification and legislative review requirements; and (2) military training reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
A Child Is Missing Alert and Recovery Center Act - Directs the Attorney General to make annual grants to the A Child Is Missing Alert and Recovery Center to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in recovering missing children.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for grants under provisions relating to administration of a state's coastal zone management program, resource management improvement, coastal zone enhancement, and national estuarine reserves. Authorizes the use of amounts in the Coastal Zone Management Fund for expenses incidental to the administration of the Act. Increases, beginning in FY2009, the portion of amounts appropriated to carry out provisions relating to administration of a state's coastal zone management program and resource management improvement to be retained for use in implementing coastal zone enhancement grant provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
White House Conference on Children and Youth in 2010 Act - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on Children and Youth in 2010 to: (1) encourage improvements in each state and local child welfare system; and (2) develop recommendations for actions to implement express policy regarding federal, state, and local programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Expresses gratitude for, and urges states, localities, and all Americans to honor the courage and sacrifice of, members of the Armed Forces, including Samuel R. Johnson of Texas, who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict. Declares that the House of Representatives will continue to press for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from that conflict. Honors all members of the Armed Forces who have fought and died in the defense of freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Commercial Fishing Industry Health Care Coverage Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish a grant program to assist commercial fishing states in establishing or strengthening programs to expand health care coverage and access for uninsured or underinsured workers in the commercial fishing industry and their families. Requires the Secretary to provide: (1) program planning grants for commercial fishing states and organizations within such states, including for initial research and planning to develop a qualified health care coverage program; and (2) implementation and administration grants for such states.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day. Recognizes and reaffirms the commitment to fighting heart disease and stroke by promoting awareness about the causes, risks, and prevention, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment. Encourages all Americans to learn about their risk for heart disease.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Expresses support for the Venezuelan people and their continued democratic self-governance. Calls upon the Chavez government to immediately implement measures to stop Venezuelan territory and weapons from being used as resources by terrorist organizations. Calls upon the United States to examine the extent to which Venezuela may be designated as a terrorist sanctuary.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 19101 Cortez Boulevard in Brooksville, Florida, as the "Cody Grater Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Nursing and Allied Health Education Preservation Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from denying provider-operated status for a nursing and allied education program that substantially meets certain requirements pertaining to the cost of approved activities for such programs, in effect as of October 1, 2006, on the basis of an organizational structure, contractual arrangements, or legal structure of the program, or a change in such a structure or arrangement, so long as a hospital, hospitals, or health system continues to substantially control the nursing or allied program. Prohibits denial of payments for the costs of approved educational activities for a nursing or allied health education program. Requires restoration to a hospital of any recoupment or denial effected for a previous cost reporting year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Condemns the ongoing Iranian-enabled rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and places responsibility for launching the attacks on Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza. Supports the government of Israel's right to defend its territory. Recognizes the difficult balance Israel faces with the competing pressures of being the primary supplier of numerous necessities for Palestinian civilians, even while rockets are being fired at Israel from Palestinian areas. Supports Palestinian civilians who reject Hamas and all forms of terrorism. Reaffirms the friendship between the governments and the people of Israel and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Congratulates Lee Myung-Bak on his election to the presidency of the Republic of Korea and wishes him well during his transition and on his inauguration on February 25, 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Condemns the glorification of terrorism and the continuing anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric at the United Nations. Calls on the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Secretary of State to take actions against such activities and hold responsible officials and member states for such statements. Calls on the President to use U.S. influence to prevent the use of the U.N. budget to support the planned 2009 Durban Review Conference and to withhold a proportional amount of U.S. contributions to the United Nations should the Durban Review Conference proceed as planned.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2008
Condemns the People's Republic of China (PRC) for producing unsafe products, disregarding the environment, and exploiting workers. Encourages: (1) U.S. merchants to suspend the importation and sales of goods from the PRC until reforms are made; and (2) U.S. parents to consider the "Made in China" label when purchasing toys due to potential high levels of toxic materials that may cause serious injury or death.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2008
Expresses support for the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2008
Condemns the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and expresses condolences to her family and the families of all those who were killed or injured in the attack. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to assist the people of Pakistan in combating terrorist activity and promoting a free and democratic Pakistan.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Miami, FL, as the "Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center."
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties. Revises the definition of "willfully" for purposes of firearms violations and standards for criminal violations of firearms recordkeeping requirements. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) make preliminary determinations on firearms license applications and notify applicants in writing of a proposed denial; and (2) establish guidelines for Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible firearms violations. Prohibits ATF from disclosing information on firearms purchasers other than to a court, law enforcement agency, or prosecutor. Permits an owner of a firearms business whose license is expired, surrendered, or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory. Requires any state agency that stores or keeps explosive materials to report to the Attorney General on the location and amount of such materials. Allows the transfer and possession of machineguns for use by federal security contractors. Prohibits taxes or user fees for background checks under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. Eliminates the requirement of written permission for the use of a handgun for lawful purposes by a minor (under age 18) where a parent or legal guardian is present at all times during such use. Restricts the disclosure of information in the ATF firearms trace system database. Increases penalties for possession of firearms by felons with prior convictions of a crime of violence or a serious drug offense.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Commemorates the courage of the Haitian soldiers who fought for American independence in the Siege of Savannah and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Recognizes the strategic importance of the African continent and welcomes the establishment of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Stuttgart, Germany. Urges the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to work collaboratively and to consult with African partners in implementing AFRICOM's mandate. Encourages African nations to take advantage of AFRICOM to collaborate in promoting peace and stability on the continent.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should reaffirm its commitment to Taiwan's democracy and security; and (2) international delegations should be encouraged to visit Taiwan to witness the March 2008 presidential elections.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2007
Objects to any U.N. proposal to fund the Durban Review Conference and preparatory activities through the U.N. regular budget which is itself funded by assessed contributions of member states. Urges the United States to oppose any proposal for funding Durban Review Conference activities through the U.N. regular budget.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007
Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2007 - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of gold medals to Native American code talkers of specified Indian tribes. Defines "code talker" as a Native American who served in the Armed Forces during a foreign conflict and who participated in military communications using a native language. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and Indian tribes, to identify code talkers eligible for a gold medal.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007
Congratulates the Army Reserve on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the enactment of its original authorizing law on April 23, 1908. Recognizes and commends the Army Reserve for the service of its past and present citizen-soldiers whose personal courage, contributions, and sacrifices have helped preserve the freedom and advance the national security and homeland defense of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007
Underage Drinking Prevention Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) understanding which programs are effective in reducing underage drinking will maximize scarce federal resources and help confront underage drinking in a more effective, cost-efficient manner; (2) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration should explore ways to expand and improve evaluation efforts; and (3) federal agencies should strive to evaluate all federally funded underage drinking programs and modify programs as needed to reach maximum effectiveness. Requires the Director of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs to award grants to states and local governments to implement and evaluate enforcement and public education programs aimed at reducing the provision of alcohol by social sources to underage drinkers as part of the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as Chair of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking, to: (1) work with members of that Committee to improve federal data collection by ensuring that federally funded surveys related to underage drinking collect and report data in a consistent manner; and (2) establish a federal data improvement committee. Requires the Secretary of Education to: (1) award grants on a competitive basis to local educational agencies to develop and implement innovative and effective programs to increase parental awareness and involvement in reducing underage drinking in elementary and secondary schools; and (2) identify existing, effective, national programs that increase parent-child interaction to prevent underage drinking and disseminate that information to such agencies for replication at the local level.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007
Prescribe A Book Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a Pediatric Early Literacy program under which the Secretary of Education awards matching grants to nonprofit organizations for the implementation of three-part models through which: (1) health care providers encourage parents to read aloud to their children and offer them recommendations and strategies for doing so; (2) health care providers give each visiting child between the ages of six months and five-years a new, developmentally appropriate children's book to take home and keep; and (3) volunteers reading to children in health care facility waiting areas show parents the techniques and pleasures of reading aloud to children. Requires that the books provided to children under the program be obtained at a discount.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007
Expresses the heartfelt sympathy of the U.S. House of Representatives for the victims and families of the shootings in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. Conveys its gratitude to the city and county officials, and all the police, fire, sheriff, and emergency medical teams who responded swiftly to the scene and secured the mall and surrounding area.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 824 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton, Florida, as the "Dan Miller Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2007
Commends all countries that worked to ratify the amendments to the Bonn Accords to allow for open access to the Holocaust Archives located in Bad Arolsen, Germany. Congratulates the efforts of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Department of State, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to open the archives. Encourages the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the International Committee of the Red Cross to act with urgency to ensure that survivors, their families, and researchers have access to, and assistance in using, the archives. Remembers the murder of six million innocent Jews and of more than five million other innocent victims committed by the Nazis and their collaborators.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2007
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2007
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of Everglades National Park. Dedicates the House of Representatives to the success of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [R-FL-27]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000435_200.jpg)