United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2009 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the establishment of national standards and prohibitions for discharges from cruise vessels. Defines "cruise vessel" as a passenger vessel that is authorized to carry at least 250 passengers and has onboard sleeping facilities for each passenger. Excludes vessels owned or operated by federal, state, or local governments. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit cruise vessels departing from, or calling on, a U.S. port from discharging effluents, including sewage or sewage sludge, incinerator ash, hazardous waste, graywater, or bilge water, into navigable waters. Allows an exception for discharges made solely to secure the safety of a cruise vessel or to save a human life at sea. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) promulgate effluent limits for sewage, graywater, and bilge water discharges from cruise vessels; (2) establish dates for compliance with such limits; (3) require sampling, monitoring, and reporting to ensure compliance with such limits and other applicable requirements; and (4) establish an inspection program to ensure the compliance of cruise vessels with the requirements of this Act. Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Administrator, to establish and carry out a program for hiring and placing trained, independent, observers on cruise vessels to monitor and inspect vessel operations, equipment, and discharges. Establishes in the Treasury the Cruise Vessel Pollution Control Fund. Requires the Commandant and the Administrator to collect fees from cruise vessels and deposit such fees in the Fund for use in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish a report that contains physical activity information and guidelines for the general public that are based on the preponderance of current scientific and medical knowledge. Requires any federal agency that proposes to issue any physical activity guidance for the general population or identified subgroups to submit the text of such guidance to the Secretary for review. Prescribes review procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Transparency for America's Heroes Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make available on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website redacted records and documents (but not personal identifying information) created by the VA as part of a medical quality-assurance program. Requires the Secretary to ensure that any such records or documents created during the two-year period before the enactment of this Act are also made available in the same manner.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Promoting Alternatives to Truancy and Incarceration by Encouraging New and Comprehensive Efforts (PATIENCE) Act of 2009 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to require the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to set aside at least 5% of funding under such Act for incentive grants to states. Requires states receiving such grants to: (1) support evidence-based or promising programs that address the mental health treatment needs of juveniles; (2) support reforms that protect juveniles while incarcerated; and (3) demonstrate improvement in public safety and rehabilitation of delinquent and at-risk youth.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Every Child Deserves a Family Act - Prohibits an entity that receives federal assistance and is involved in adoption or foster care placements from discriminating against prospective adoptive or foster parents solely on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identification, or martial status. Requires a General Accounting Office study and report to Congress on whether states have substantially complied with this Act in eliminating policies, practices, or statutes that deny adoption rights on the basis of these criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009
Veterans Training Act - Deems a program of education as an approved program for purposes of the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program if the program is offered by an institution offering: (1) postsecondary instruction that leads to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved institution of higher learning; or (2) instruction that does not lead to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
First-Time Homebuyer Credit Continuation Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the first-time homebuyer tax credit to: (1) extend such credit and its waiver of recapture provisions through November 30, 2010; (2) extend through December 31, 2009, the election to treat, for tax purposes, a residence purchased in 2009 as having been purchased on December 31, 2008; (3) allow taxpayers to treat, for tax purposes, a residence purchased after December 31, 2009, and before December 1, 2010, as having been purchased on December 31, 2009; and (4) extend through December 31, 2009, the coordination of the first-time homebuyer tax credit for District of Columbia residents.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2009 - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to create an Office of Specialized Instructional Support Services within the Department of Education to improve specialized instructional support services in schools. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a Reduced Barriers to Learning program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to states to: (1) establish or expand specialized instructional support services and programs at the state level that are designed to provide technical assistance, coordination, and support to specialized instructional support services and programs addressing barriers to learning within local educational agencies and individual schools; and (2) hire and support specialized instructional support services coordinators to provide such assistance, coordination, and support. Replaces references to pupil services and pupil services personnel with references to specialized instructional support services and specialized instructional support personnel. Defines such services as those provided by school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other qualified professionals that provide assessment, diagnosis, counseling, educational, therapeutic, and other necessary services as part of a comprehensive program to meet student needs.
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
Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to reauthorize the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) at increased levels for FY2010-FY2015. Requires the LSC Board of Directors to include at least one individual with financial or audit experience. Eliminates state advisory councils. Increases the maximum pay level for LSC officers and employees. Requires the LSC to establish: (1) a protocol for the receipt of donations; (2) an audit committee, a finance committee, and a governance and performance review committee; (3) a continuity of operations plan; and (4) an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting. Requires the LSC to promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff members for all grantees, contractees, or recipients of financial assistance through the Pilot Loan Repayment Assistance Program or other appropriate programs. Limits the coverage of prohibited purpose provisions of federal law only to recipient use of funds from the LSC itself. (Thus lifts such restrictions, except those related to abortion litigation, on the use of state and local funds and private donations.) Revises eligibility requirements for LSC grantees and funds recipients, extending specific eligibility to those seeking assistance with matters relating to home foreclosure or mortgage default or delinquency. Requires distribution of LSC funds on the basis of a system of competitive bidding, as well as specific allocations for all geographic areas, Native American communities, and migrant and seasonal farm workers. Prohibits the use of LSC funds to provide legal assistance with respect to: (1) litigation relating to prison conditions; (2) the defense of an individual in a proceeding to evict him or her from a public housing project in connection with a drug offense; or (3) all but certain aliens. Authorizes the LSC to allow use of a portion of the funds provided under the grant or contract to acquire and develop information technology to promote full access to high-quality, efficient legal representation and materials for self-representation. Directs the LSC to require an audit of each recipient in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - Requires federal public land management officials to exercise their authority under existing law, including regarding land use planning, to provide for the use of, and access to, federal public lands and waters for fishing, sport hunting, and recreational shooting, except as described in this Act. Requires the heads of federal public land management agencies to exercise their discretion in a manner that supports, promotes, and enhances recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting opportunities, to the extent authorized under applicable law. States that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands, excluding lands on the Outer Continental Shelf, shall be open to recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting unless the managing agency acts to close lands to such activity. Permits closures or restrictions on such lands for purposes including resource conservation, public safety, energy or mineral production, energy generation or transmission infrastructure, water supply facilities, national security, or compliance with other law. Requires publication of a public notice preceding any such closures or restrictions, unless mandated by other law. Requires annual reports on closures of federal public lands to recreational fishing, sport hunting, or shooting. Sets forth requirements for specified closures or significant restrictions involving 640 or more acres of federal public lands or waters to fishing or hunting. Establishes the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council and the Sporting Conservation Council.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to declare that a plaintiff establishes an unlawful employment practice if the plaintiff demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) an impermissible factor or authority was a motivating factor for the practice complained of, even if other factors also motivated that practice; or (2) the practice complained of would not have occurred in the absence of an impermissible factor. Specifies the types of: (1) evidence that a plaintiff may utilize; and (2) relief and damages available to a successful plaintiff.
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
Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish an urban revitalization and livable communities program to provide federal grants to eligible general purpose local governments for various park and recreation purposes, including grants for rehabilitation and construction, innovation, at-risk youth recreation, and recovery action programs. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a list of such governments meeting specified criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to authorize other eligible governments in standard metropolitan statistical areas, but not on the list, to receive up to a specified portion of such grants. Authorizes the Secretary, upon approval of an application by the chief executive of an eligible applicant, to provide 70% matching rehabilitation and construction, innovation, and at-risk youth recreation grants directly to such applicant. Allows an applicant, at its discretion, to transfer a grant in whole or in part to special purpose local governments or private nonprofit agencies for recreational areas and facilities they own or operate which offer recreational opportunities to the general population Requires an applicant, as a requirement for project approval, to submit to the Secretary evidence of its commitment to ongoing planning, rehabilitation, service, operation, and maintenance programs for its park and recreation systems, expressed in a five-year local park and recreation recovery action program. Requires an eligible applicant for an at-risk youth recreation grant to include in its five-year program the goal of, and implementation strategies for, reducing crime and juvenile delinquency. Authorizes the Secretary to increase all grants to a state under this Act by up to 15% (but not more than 85% in total). Prohibits the conversion of any property improved or developed with assistance under this Act, without HUD approval, for uses other than for public recreation. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for acquisition of land or interests in land.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Armed Forces Education Parity Act - Makes enlisted members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard eligible to participate in the higher education programs offered by the Community College of the Air Force. (Currently, only enlisted members of the Air Force and other enlisted members of the Armed Forces who are serving as Air Force training school instructors are eligible to participate in such programs.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Amends the Small Business Act with respect to the HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone) program to authorize (under current law, requires) a contracting opportunity to be awarded under the program on the basis of competition restricted to qualified HUBZone small businesses if the contracting officer expects that not less than two qualified HUBZone small businesses will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair market price.
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 · 6 October 2009
Recognizes the commencement of the 9th year of Operation Enduring Freedom. Recognizes the sacrifice and contributions of U.S. servicemembers and their families in support of such Operation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Community Restoration and Revitalization Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the building rehabilitation tax credit to: (1) allow an increased 30% credit for projects involving $7.5 million or less in rehabilitation expenditures; (2) allow rehabilitated buildings used for lodging to qualify for such credit; (3) establish a 50-year placed-in-service requirement for non-historic rehabilitated buildings; (4) allow such credit for certain tax-exempt use property; (5) provide for the transferability of such credit; (6) increase the energy efficiency tax credit allowed to rehabilitated buildings; and (7) exempt from taxation refunds attributable to state historic tax credits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act - Identifies roadless areas within the National Forest System set forth in specified maps as National Forest Inventoried Roadless Areas, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to manage such Areas to maintain their roadless character. Authorizes the Forest Service to modify such maps for the sole purpose of improving their accuracy or inclusiveness. Requires any substantial modification of those maps to be made through the national forest management planning process and documented in an environmental impact statement.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
1863 Gettysburg Campaign Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the history and memory of the 1863 invasion of Pennsylvania, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Gettysburg Address of President Abraham Lincoln.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009
Kelsey Smith Act of 2009 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require telecommunication carriers to provide, at the request of a law enforcement agency, call location information of users a commercial mobile service or an IP-enabled voice service (e.g., cell phones) to such agencies and other public safety agencies to respond to emergency situations. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a program to provide education and training to state and local law enforcement agencies and officials to collect and use call location information in emergency situations; and (2) develop and disseminate procedures to ensure that such agencies and officials have the necessary contact information to request and obtain call location information.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009
American Small Business Innovation Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to require (under current law, authorizes) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to participate in the new markets venture capital program (a program under which investment companies provide capital financing to small businesses). Requires a report from the Administrator to Congress evaluating the success of the new markets venture capital program (program). Requires the Administrator, in selecting companies for program participation, to approve at least one company from each SBA geographic region. Requires each conditionally approved company engaged primarily in development of and investment in small manufacturers to raise at least $3 million in capital for such purposes from private investors. Directs the SBA's Chief Counsel for Advocacy to study the availability of equity capital in low-income urban and rural areas. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to conditionally-approved companies for participation in the program. Revises the program's operational assistance grant formula. Reauthorizes appropriations to fund debenture guarantees and for operational assistance grants. Establishes the Office of Angel Investment, headed by a Director, to provide support for the development of angel investment opportunities for small businesses. Requires the Director to establish and carry out a program to provide financing to approved angel groups. Establishes an Angel Investment Fund. Requires the Director to establish and maintain a searchable database to assist small businesses in identifying angel investors. Requires the Director to establish and carry out a program to make grants for the development of new or existing angel groups and to increase awareness and education about angel investing.
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 · 29 September 2009
Milk Import Tariff Equity Act - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to impose tariff-rate quotas (quantitative import limits) and provide various duty rates on certain casein, caseinates, milk protein concentrate, and other casein derivatives and glues imported into the United States (except imports from a country which has entered into a free trade agreement with the United States). Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into a trade agreement with a foreign country to grant new concessions as compensation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions; and (2) proclaim any necessary modification or continuance of any existing duty, or continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or any quantitative limitation. Sets forth certain limits on the reduction of duties on such products.
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 · 24 September 2009
Honors all those participating in a production of "The Laramie Project: 10: Years Later" in remembrance of Matthew Shepard. Expresses its continuing condemnation of all violent acts motivated by hatred, including the torture and murder of Matthew Shepard, and commends all Americans' involvement in building a more civil and tolerant society. Congratulates the participants and patrons involved for continuing to engage in activities that raise awareness of hate crimes in our society.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Declares that the House of Representatives is committed to: (1) promoting and sustaining the spirit of unity shared by members of the United States Submarine Force; (2) paying tribute once again to the seven submariners who were awarded the Medal of Honor, including two who were awarded the medal posthumously; and (3) keeping alive the memory of the Submarine Force veterans so that the American people never forget their courage and sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2009
Expresses support for the designation of a National Animal Rescue Day to create awareness for animal rescue programs, address overpopulation through continued spaying and neutering of adopted pets, and bring Americans together to support this common goal.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009 - Declares that nothing in the McCarran-Ferguson Act shall be construed to permit health insurance issuers or issuers of medical malpractice insurance to engage in any form of price fixing, bid rigging, or market allocations in connection with providing health insurance coverage or coverage for medical malpractice claims or actions. Makes this Act nonapplicable to any information gathering and rate setting activities of any state commission of insurance or any other state regulatory entity with authority to set insurance rates.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Plastics Recycling Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit equal to 60 cents per gallon of qualified synthetic oil produced from recycled waste plastics. Defines "qualified synthetic oil" as oil derived from post-consumer and post-industrial waste plastics and which has a minimum market value of 90% of crude oil. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to persons eligible for the waste plastic recycling tax credit provided by this Act in lieu of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the state of Pennsylvania and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Commends the members of the 56th Brigade Combat Team (Stryker) of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard on the completion of their most-recent deployment to Iraq. Recognizes that Team's achievements and all other formerly and presently deployed Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard units and members for their exemplary service.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009
National Oilheat Research Alliance Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 to extend the national oilheat research alliance program until February 6, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Education Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents (EARNED) Act of 2009 - Allows any former member of the Armed Forces who has 20 years of active-duty service as of any date between September 30, 2011, and ending July 31, 2009, including at least 90 days of such service after September 10, 2001, and is honorably discharged to transfer to their dependents any remaining entitlement to educational assistance under the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Respect for Marriage Act of 2009 - Amends the Defense of Marriage Act to repeal provisions allowing states, territories, possessions of the United States, or Indian tribes to give no effect to a public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other such entity respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under that entity's laws or a right or claim arising from such relationship. Amends the federal rules of construction added by such Act concerning the definitions of "marriage" and "spouse" to provide that, for purposes of any federal law in which marital status is a factor, an individual shall be considered married if that individual's marriage is valid in the state where the marriage was entered into or, in the case of a marriage entered into outside any state, if the marriage is valid in the place where entered into and the marriage could have been entered into in a state.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Everyone Deserves Unconditional Access to Education (EDUCATE) Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reauthorize and make appropriations for the grant program to assist states and outlying areas in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. Sets the amount to be authorized and the amount to be appropriated for each fiscal year from FY2010-FY2015 as the greater of: (1) a specified amount; or (2) a specified percentage of an amount determined pursuant to a formula that multiplies the number of children receiving special education services by the average per-pupil expenditure in public elementary and secondary schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY2016 and thereafter that equal 40% of the amount determined using such formula. Makes appropriations for FY2016 and thereafter that are determined by subtracting a specified amount from the amount authorized. Requires amounts appropriated to be expended consistent with pay-as-you-go requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 with respect to the state-established individual emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA). Requires a further additional Tier-3 period for deposits to an individual's EUCA, using the current formula, if, at the time the amount added to such individual's account under the Act is exhausted or at any time thereafter, the individual's state is in an extended benefit period. Prescribes a formula for determining if a state is in an extended benefit period. Allows the Tier-3 period augmentation to be applied to the individual's EUCA only once. Authorizes a state to pay extended compensation to an otherwise eligible individual before any further additional emergency unemployment compensation (EUC), if such individual claimed extended compensation for at least one week of unemployment after the exhaustion of additional EUC. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from 2009 through 2010 the 6.2% surtax on employers under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA). Delays the scheduled 2010 reduction in the surtax to 6% until 2011. Amends title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act to require an employer to report to the state Directory of New Hires, in addition to other information, the date services for remuneration were first performed by a newly hired employee. Qualifies the requirement that an employer file new hire reports on a W-4 or equivalent form by adding the phrase "to the extent practicable."
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
National Guard Education Equality Act - Includes as qualifying service for veterans educational assistance purposes (Post-9/11 Educational Assistance): (1) certain active duty service in the reserve components (including service such as part of an airport security mission or counterdrug activity); and (2) discharge from active duty service in the reserve components because of a service connected disability.
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 · 9 September 2009
Full-Service Community Schools Act of 2009 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) consortia composed of a local educational agency and one or more community-based, nonprofit, or other public or private entities to assist public elementary or secondary schools to function as full-service community schools; and (2) state collaboratives to support the development of full-service community school programs. Requires such schools to: (1) participate in community-based efforts to coordinate educational, developmental, family, health, and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private partnerships; and (2) provide access to such services to students, families, and the community. Gives local grant priority to consortia that: (1) will serve at least two full-service community schools eligible for schoolwide programs under the Act, and more than one full-service community school as part of a community or districtwide strategy; (2) demonstrate a record of effectiveness in coordinating multiple qualified services; and (3) will be connected to a school and community partnership group that brings together key stakeholders across varied sectors to improve results for students and their families. Establishes a Full-Service Community Schools Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2009
Small Business Lending Promotion Act of 2009 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to carry out the Community Express Program in the same manner as the SBA's Community Express Pilot Program was carried out on September 8, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2009
Congratulates the Chula Vista Park View Little League baseball team from Chula Vista, California, on winning the 2009 Little League World Series Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Salmon Solutions and Planning Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for scientific analysis of federal salmon recovery efforts, including a review of Snake River dam removal (Washington state) and other actions necessary to achieve recovery of endangered or threatened salmon and steelhead populations of the Columbia and Snake River Basin. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to conduct a peer-reviewed analysis of which rail, highway, and Columbia River barge infrastructure improvements would be necessary to ensure a cost-effective and efficient transportation system for shippers who currently use barge transportation between Lewiston, Idaho, and the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers and who would be unable to do so if the four lower Snake River dams were removed; (2) the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to conduct a peer-reviewed analysis of options to replace the power currently generated by such dams if they were removed; (3) the Army Corps of Engineers to analyze riverfront revitalization and restoration opportunities and costs in the event of such removal; and (4) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to conduct a peer-reviewed analysis of the options and costs regarding any needed modifications to affected irrigation systems, cooling systems, and private wells if the dams were removed. Sets forth the congressional determination that the Secretary of the Army may remove the four lower Snake River dams. Directs the Secretary to reevaluate and update the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Final Lower Snake River Juvenile Salmon Migration Feasibility Report/Environmental Impact Statement (February 2002) pursuant to new information.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Waterfront Brownfields Revitalization Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to require the President to establish a grant program for reuse planning, site characterization and assessment, or remediation at waterfront brownfields sites, including the integration of activities related to the design and implementation of water quality improvements, low impact development approaches, green infrastructure, remediation and management of sediments, or flood damage prevention associated with brownfields remediation and reuse. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide training, research, and technical assistance to individuals and organizations to facilitate waterfront brownfields revitalization. Authorizes funding for brownfields revitalization for FY2010-FY2014. Requires the Administrator to establish and serve as chairperson of a task force on waterfront brownfields revitalization that shall identify: (1) funding and technical assistance resources for such revitalization; (2) barriers to and solutions for revitalization; and (3) methods to coordinate interagency revitalization efforts. Directs: (1) the Administrator to submit to specified congressional committees an annual report on the implementation of the brownfield site characterization and assessment grant program authorized by CERCLA; and (2) such committees to hold hearings each year on such report.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Commute LESS Act of 2009 or the Commute-Leveraging Employer Support and Successes Act of 2009 - Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to revise the composition of metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to include at least one representative designated by an employer advisory council established by this Act. Revises contents of MPO transportation plans prepared for metropolitan planning areas to include proposed activities and strategies to provide outreach to employers in the region to create and expand alternative commuting and commuter benefit programs (i.e. carpools, transit benefit, and telework programs). Requires each MPO to establish an employer advisory council consisting of representatives of employers within the MPO's boundaries. Requires an MPO transportation improvement program (TIP) to be developed in coordination with the advisory council and to include projects identified by it. Requires the advisory council to: (1) review how long-range transportation plans and TIPs will affect commuting habits; and (2) develop a commuter trip reduction plan. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to create and expand employer investment in transportation and commuter benefit programs. Requires a state receiving funding, in coordination with MPOs, to establish statewide goals for achieving reductions in vehicle miles traveled. Requires a recipient receiving federal-aid highway funding for a project with a value of $100 million or more or that will reduce traffic flow for more than 120 days to prepare, in coordination with the advisory council, a congestion mitigation plan for the project that includes funding for projects that reduce peak hour vehicle miles traveled along an impacted corridor. Requires the Secretary, when approving a major capital investment grant of $75 million or more for a major new fixed guideway capital project, to consider, among other things, the ability of the grant recipient to work with employers to get commuters to utilize the project. Directs the Secretary to require the grant applicant to include in its request a plan on how it intends to work with local employers and transportation management organizations to create and expand a commuter benefit program for the project.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Federal Electronic Equipment Donation Act of 2009 - Directs each federal agency to identify useful federal electronic equipment that the agency has determined is excess to its needs and to: (1) report such equipment to the Administrator of General Services (GSA) for processing for transfer to an educational recipient in accordance with provisions relating to the donation of personal property through state agencies; (2) transfer such equipment directly to such a recipient by arrangement with the Administrator; or (3) report such equipment to the Administrator as excess property if transfer is not practicable. Provides procedures, in the transfer of such equipment, for refurbishing for classroom use and data removal. Requires transferring agencies to give the highest preference to educational recipients located in an enterprise community or empowerment zone designated under the Internal Revenue Code or a qualifying small town or county (those with certain levels of poverty). Requires state plans of operation for property transfers to give the same preference. Defines "educational recipient" as a school or community-based educational organization. Defines "federal electronic equipment" to include computers and peripheral equipment, fax machines, and software (where a license transfer is permitted). Requires a report to Congress from the Administrator on equipment inventories and transfers not later than 18 months after enactment of this Act. States that this Act supersedes Executive Order No. 12999 of April 17, 1996 (entitled "Educational Technology: Ensuring Opportunity for All Children in the Next Century").
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Roosevelt Scholars Act of 2009 - Establishes the Theodore Roosevelt Scholarship Foundation as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Directs the Foundation to award scholarships in an annual nationwide competition to individuals (to be known as "Roosevelt Scholars") who are: (1) enrolled in or seeking admission to accredited full-time graduate studies that prepare them for occupations critical to the missions of federal agencies; and (2) nominated by persons that have direct knowledge of their academic or work experience. Sets the maximum scholarship amount at $60,000 for each of up to five academic years, covering tuition, room and board, books, materials, and fees. Requires Roosevelt Scholars to: (1) agree to serve in the federal government for a period of years equal to the number of academic years during which they received their scholarship; (2) complete a federal internship related to their studies while earning their degree; (3) participate in certain extracurricular activities designed to assist their pursuit of federal careers and development of leadership qualities; and (4) serve as sources of information regarding federal scholarship and employment opportunities. Establishes the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund consisting of appropriations and gifts for such scholarships. Sets forth additional duties of the Foundation, including the creation of an online directory of all federal scholarship opportunities available to individuals pursuing federal employment and an online directory of current occupations critical to the missions of federal agencies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude Roosevelt Scholarships from gross income.
![Official portrait of Rep. Sestak, Joe [D-PA-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001169_200.jpg)