United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2009
Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carryback Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses, including the operating losses of life insurance companies, incurred in 2008 and 2009. Denies such extended loss carryover period to: (1) taxpayers in whom the federal government acquires an equity interest under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008; (2) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac); and (3) members of certain affiliated groups.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to expand, intensify, and coordinate the research and training activities with respect to scleroderma. Directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to carry out an educational campaign to increase public awareness of scleroderma.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 400,000 $1 coins emblematic of the 100th anniversary of President Wilson's proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such coins beginning January 1, 2014, except that the Secretary may initiate sales of such coins, without issuance, before such date. Terminates such minting authority after December 31, 2014. Requires coin sales to include a $10 surcharge per coin, with distribution of such surcharges to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Osteoporosis Foundation for the purpose of furthering research.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Mynisha's Law - Authorizes any local or tribal government or a group of counties to submit an application to the Attorney General for designation as a Comprehensive Gang Prevention and Relief Area. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish criteria for reviewing such applications and for selecting areas for designation; and (2) establish an Interagency Gang Prevention Task Force. Directs the Task Force to: (1) coordinate government activities to create a comprehensive gang prevention response, focusing on early childhood intervention, at-risk youth intervention, literacy, employment, community policing, and comprehensive community-based programs such as Operation Cease Fire; (2) coordinate with local and regional gang prevention efforts; and (3) prioritize the needs of Comprehensive Gang Prevention and Relief Areas for funding under specified federal community assistance and grant programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2009 - Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to prepare and publish a monthly Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI) that indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are typical for individuals aged 62 years of age or older. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to use such new CPI in the computation of cost-of-living increases for Social Security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the recognition of state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who are certified diabetes educators as Medicare providers of diabetes outpatient self-management training services. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program. Directs the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress, by December 31, 2009, outlining the exit strategy for U.S. military forces in Afghanistan participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Honors and commends Catholic sisters for their humble service and courageous sacrifice throughout U.S. history. Supports the goals of the "Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America Traveling Exhibit."
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Supports increased efforts to allow spouses and family members of veterans, including those killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, to receive needed counseling services at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. Encourages the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Defense to develop programs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that include and treat the entire family. Calls on the Secretaries and the heads of other appropriate federal agencies to increase resources available for family and friends of veterans suffering from PTSD. Urges the Secretaries to increase access to counseling and other mental health services to family members of veterans as part of the comprehensive plan for the treatment of mental health conditions of members of the Armed Forces required by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Urges the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to collaborate with the Department of Defense (DOD) center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of PTSD and other mental health conditions with respect to the education, treatment, and support of family members of veterans with such conditions. Requests the Secretaries to submit to Congress a list of statutory barriers that prevent each department from expanding access to mental health counseling services to family members of veterans. Urges the Secretary to aggressively work with Congress, veterans service organizations, and others to determine how to best meet the needs of veterans and their family members.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month; and (2) the finding of the President's Commission on Mental Health that the nation's failure to prioritize mental health is a national tragedy. Recognizes that mental well-being is as important as physical well-being for people, the economy, and the country. Applauds the coalescing of national and community organizations in working to promote public awareness of mental health and in providing critical information and support to the people and families affected by mental illness. Encourages all organizations and health practitioners to use Mental Health Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness, ensure access to appropriate services, and support overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Supports the designation of a National Child Awareness Month to promote awareness of children's charities and youth-serving organizations across the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the administering authority to: (1) determine, based on certain requirements, whether the exchange rate of the currency of an exporting country is fundamentally and actionably undervalued or overvalued (misaligned) against the U.S. dollar for an 18-month period; and (2) take certain actions under a countervailing duty or antidumping duty proceeding to offset such misalignment in cases of an affirmative determination. Subjects the misalignment to the U.S. dollar of the currency of nonmarket economy countries also to the countervailing and antidumping duty provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Labor to propose a standard on safe patient handling and injury prevention to prevent musculoskeletal disorders for direct-care registered nurses and all other health care workers that requires the use of engineering controls to lift patients and the elimination of manual lifting of patients through the use of mechanical devices, except where patient care may be compromised. Requires health care employers to: (1) develop and implement a safe patient handling and injury prevention plan; (2) provide their workers with training on safe patient handling and injury prevention; and (3) post a uniform notice that explains the standard and the procedures to report patient handling-related injuries. Requires the Secretary to conduct unscheduled inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. Allows health care workers to: (1) refuse to accept an assignment in a health care facility that violates safety standards or for which such worker has not received required training; and (2) file complaints against employers who violate this Act. Prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against any health care worker who in good faith reports a violation, participates in an investigation or proceeding, or discusses violations. Authorizes health care workers who have been discharged, discriminated, or retaliated against in violation of this Act to bring legal action for reinstatement, reimbursement of lost compensation, attorneys' fees, court costs, and other damages. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a grant program for purchasing safe patient handling and injury prevention equipment for health care facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Guidance, Understanding, and Information for Dual Eligibles (GUIDE) Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a three-year demonstration program under which the Secretary awards grants and contracts to appropriate, qualified community programs and clinics for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or certain programs under the Public Health Services Act, to employ qualified social workers and case managers to provide one-on-one counseling about benefits under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to a full-benefit dual eligible individual (eligible for benefits under both Medicare and SSA title XIX [Medicaid]) who has one or more mental disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of Title VI (International Education Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Recognizes the need to continue to develop and promote international educational programs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require a group health plan providing benefits for intravenously administered or injected cancer medications to provide no less favorable coverage for prescribed, orally administered anticancer medication used to kill or slow the growth of cancerous cells. Applies such requirement to individual health insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use Act of 2009 - Establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a WaterSense program to identify and promote water efficient products, buildings and landscapes, and services to reduce water use, conserve energy, and preserve water resources. Sets forth the duties of the EPA Administrator for promoting, publicizing, and administering the WaterSense program. Requires federal agencies to purchase WaterSense products or services or a Federal Energy Management Program designated product through their procurement process. Establishes a program to provide financial incentives for consumer purchase and installation of residential water efficient products and services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award recruitment incentive grants or contracts to graduate medical schools to enable them to improve primary care education and training for medical students. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to: (1) award grants to critical shortage health facilities to enable them to provide scholarships to individuals who agree to serve as physicians at such facilities after completing a residency in a primary care field; (2) establish an educational loan repayment program for individuals who agree to serve as primary care physicians or primary care providers (including nurse practitioners) in an area that is not a health professional shortage area but has a critical shortage of such physicians or providers; and (3) establish an educational loan repayment program for individuals who agree to serve as physicians in the field of obstetrics and gynecology or as certified nurse midwives in an area that is not a health professional shortage area. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for deferment of education loans during medical residency and internships in a primary care field. Amends the PHSA to direct the Secretary to award grants to eligible state and local government entities for the development of informational materials that promote careers in primary care. Amends the PHSA to extend the authorization of appropriations for training in a family medicine, general internal medicine, general geriatrics, general pediatrics, physician assistance, general dentistry, and pediatric dentistry Authorizes increased appropriations for the national health service corps scholarships and loan repayment programs. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow the use of Medicaid transformation payments for methods for improving medical assistance under Medicaid and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) by encouraging certain medical practices to qualify as patient centered medical homes. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to: (1) increase budget neutrality limits under the physician fee schedule to account for anticipated savings resulting from payments for certain services and the coordination of beneficiary care; and (2) require a separate Medicare payment for designated primary care services and comprehensive care coordination services. Amends SSA title XVIII to cover patient-centered medical home services. Directs the Secretary to develop a methodology to increase payments for designated evaluation and management services provided by primary and principal care providers. Requires: (1) additional incentive payments for primary care services furnished in health professional shortage areas; (2) permanent extension of the floor on the Medicare work geographic adjustment under the physician fee schedule; and (3) permanent extension of the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the process for determining relative value under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Eliminates cost sharing for preventive benefits and the time restriction for initial preventive physical examination. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) facilitating the receipt of Medicare preventive services by Medicare beneficiaries; (2) increasing the ability of physicians and primary care providers to assist Medicare beneficiaries in obtaining needed prescriptions under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program); and (3) developing and implementing mechanisms to promote and increase interaction between physicians or primary care providers and the families of Medicare beneficiaries, as well as other caregivers who support such beneficiaries, for the purpose of improving patient care under the Medicare program. Requires additional payments to physicians for services to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Requires various specified studies. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to provide an ongoing assessment of the impact of changes in Medicare payment policies in improving access to and equity of payments to primary care physicians and primary care providers. Authorizes distribution of additional residency positions and the counting of resident time in certain outpatient settings. Establishes rules for counting resident time in a nonhospital setting primarily engaged in furnishing patient care in non-patient care activities, such as didactic and scholarly activities and other activities (but not research not associated with the treatment or diagnosis of a particular patient). Authorizes redistribution of residency slots after a hospital closes or is acquired by another entity with the approval of a bankruptcy court. Directs the Secretary to revise the 9th Statement of Work under the Quality Improvement Program to include a requirement that, in order to be an eligible Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for the 9th Statement of Work contract cycle, a QIO provide assistance, including technical assistance, to physicians under the Medicare program that seek to acquire the elements necessary to be recognized as a patient centered medical home practice under the National Committee for Quality Assurance's Physician Practice Connections -- PCMH module.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Veterans Business Centers program to provide entrepreneurial training and counseling to veterans. Provides small business grants through veterans business centers for: (1) securing capital; (2) procurement assistance; and (3) service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Authorizes a biennial veterans entrepreneurial development summit. Directs the Administrator to contract with third-party vendors for entrepreneurial distance learning content and the development of communications technology that can distribute such content to potential and existing entrepreneurs throughout the United States. Establishes within the SBA: (1) an Associate Administrator for Native American Affairs; and (2) the Office of Native American Affairs. Requires the Office to develop and increase Native American entrepreneurship, business training, and access to capital and federal small business contracts. Authorizes a Tribal Business Information Centers program. Allows SBA small business development center (SBDC) participants to apply for an additional grant to assist with outreach, development, and enhancement on Indian lands of small business startups and expansions owned by Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Revises the SBA's women's business center program to: (1) direct the Administrator to annually publish the amount of grants made to each center, and to establish a process to communicate with such centers regarding program administrative matters; (2) authorize the Administrator to provide financial assistance to private nonprofit organizations to conduct projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by women; (3) direct the Administrator to establish women's business centers' performance measures; and (4) require National Women's Business Council studies to include the impact of the 2008-2009 financial markets crisis on women-owned businesses, as well as the use of SBA programs by such businesses. Revises the SBA's Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program to: (1) direct the Administrator to ensure that SCORE develops a plan to increase the proportion of mentors from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, establishes benchmarks for evaluating its performance and the performance of its volunteers, and establishes a mentoring program of one-on-one advice to small businesses from qualified counselors; (2) change the name of the program to SCORE; and (3) authorize appropriations for FY2010-FY2011. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop a plan for using the SBA's entrepreneurial development programs as a catalyst for job creation for FY2009-FY2010; (2) develop and implement a data collection process for all entrepreneurial development programs; (3) report to Congress on opportunities to foster coordination, limit duplication, and improve program delivery; (4) establish a database of entrepreneurial development services; (5) designate in each district office an entrepreneurial development community specialist; and (6) publish a design for a web-based portal to provide comprehensive information on SBA entrepreneurial development programs. Revises the SBDC program to direct the Administrator to establish a grant program for: (1) increasing small business access to credit and capital; (2) small business contract procurement training and assistance; (3) green entrepreneurs training; and (4) small business development centers for small business helplines in each U.S. state and territory, as well as related small business advice and resources assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2011.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person to operate a gun show unless such person: (1) has attained 21 years of age; (2) is not prohibited from transporting, shipping, or receiving firearms and has not violated any federal firearms requirements; (3) has registered with the Attorney General as a gun show operator and has provided a photograph and fingerprints; (4) has not concealed material information nor made false statements in connection with a gun show operator registration; and (5) notifies the Attorney General of the date, time, and duration of a gun show not later than 30 days before the commencement of such show and verifies the identity of each vendor at the gun show. Imposes recordkeeping requirements on gun show operators and criminal penalties for failure to register as a gun show operator and maintain required records. Grants the Attorney General authority to enter the business premises of any gun show operator, without a showing of reasonable cause or a warrant, to examine records and inventory to determine compliance with this Act. Increases criminal penalties for serious recordkeeping violations and violations of criminal background check requirements. Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to hire additional investigators to carry out inspections of gun shows.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make qualified micro-combined heat and power property expenditures eligible for the 30% tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Defines "qualified micro-combined heat and power property expenditures" as expenditures for a residential heating and electrical power generating system that has a fuel use efficiency rating of not less than 80% and operates with a rated capacity of at least 1, but not more than 30, kilowatts of electricity.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Future Physicians Serving America Act of 2009 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to make Peace Corps volunteers eligible for a year of tuition assistance for undergraduate medical education for each year of service in the Peace Corps. Limits such assistance to a maximum of two years. Amends the National and Community Service Trust Act to provide individuals who successfully complete a required term of full-time or part-time national service an educational award for undergraduate medical education. Makes such assistance applicable to up to two terms of service.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Healthy Food Choices for Kids Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to up to 10 states and, through them, subgrants to up to 10 schools in each of those states for a pilot program requiring schools to: (1) post nutritional content information in school cafeterias regarding the food they serve; and (2) teach students how to make healthy food selections. Requires the Secretary to encourage such schools to post the nutritional content information, including caloric information, on their websites.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Encourages research that promotes health and well-being among African-American youth and seeks to understand the relationship between resilience and the various types of development including physical, identity, emotional, social, and cognitive. Supports related research. Endorses the development of centers on resilience. Encourages increased collaboration across federal funding agencies involved in resilience research. Promotes interdisciplinary partnerships among physicians, mental health practitioners, educators, schools, community leaders, government agencies, and families to ensure adaptation, dissemination, and implementation of culturally relevant, evidence-based treatments that incorporate resilience strategies in community settings for African-American youth, families, and communities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Eliminating Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a breast cancer treatment quality performance system to: (1) assess and disclose publicly, through the use of quality measures, the quality of care provided for the treatment of breast cancer by specified health care providers; and (2) base payment to such providers for such treatment on their performance with respect to such measures. Requires reduced payments to providers that either do not submit data in accordance with the reporting process in the system, or furnish low quality care for treatment of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Gulf Coast Civic Works Act - Establishes within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Federal Coordinator of Gulf Coast Rebuilding the Gulf Coast Civic Works Commission. Authorizes any municipality of over 25,000 people in the affected area to designate a local advisory council to advise the Commission. Requires the Commission to: (1) establish regional taskforces and prepare a regional policy plan; (2) establish and administer a Gulf Coast Civic Works Project that employs a minimum of 100,000 Gulf Coast region residents and evacuees for public works projects to rebuild and develop the Gulf Coast region impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; (3) establish or support existing job-training programs and apprenticeships to recruit and train qualified workers, with emphasis on women and disadvantaged workers from the Gulf Coast region, for specific job vacancies in approved Civic Works Projects and other recovery, rebuilding, and development projects; (4) ensure that all workers are paid wages at not less than the prevailing locality rate (Davis-Bacon Act); and (5) establish or coordinate other infrastructure projects, including environmental restoration, energy efficiency and conservation, search for affordable workforce housing, and youth works projects. Authorizes the Commission to provide grants to Gulf Coast region residents who possess certain skills for: (1) artistic and cultural projects which reflect or preserve the history and culture of the Gulf Coast region; and (2) projects that chronicle the story of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research and Awareness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) conduct, support, and expand epidemiology research on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (i.e., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) in pediatric and adult populations and establish a registry of pediatric IBD patients; (2) enter into cooperative agreements to develop and administer such epidemiology research and the pediatric IBD registry; and (3) award grants to increase awareness of IBD among the general public and health care providers. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to include information on IBD research in the biennial reports of NIH to Congress. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Directors of NIH and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases should support specified research and training goals for inflammatory bowel disease.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require hospitals to implement staffing plans that meet specified ratios for direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing levels for each unit and other requirements, including for receiving input from nurses. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to further limit such ratios as needed to ensure public safety and to establish ratios for units not specified. Provides an exception to such staffing requirements for a declared state of emergency. Requires hospitals to provide the Secretary with their staffing plan and annual updates. Requires the Secretary to conduct audits to ensure the implementation of adequate staffing plans. Requires the Secretary: (1) acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to complete a study of licensed practical nurse staffing and its effects on patient care in hospitals; and (2) to establish requirements for hospitals based on the outcome of the study. Requires the Secretary to adjust payments to cover additional Medicare costs that are attributable to this Act. Requires the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to submit to Congress and the Secretary a report estimating total costs and savings attributable to compliance with nurse staffing requirements. Provides nurses with the right to refuse to accept assignments that would violate staffing requirements or for which they are not prepared. Prohibits retaliation by hospitals for such refusals or for reporting violations of staffing requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Healthy Kids for Healthy Futures Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to provide coverage for appropriate preventive care for a participant's dependent child who is not more than 18 years of age. Defines "appropriate preventive care" to mean medical care that meets the most recent Bright Futures Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents. Prohibits a group health plan from imposing any cost-sharing for such preventive services. Prohibits a group health plan from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this Act. Applies the provisions of this Act to individual health insurance coverage. Excludes a plan from being treated as a high deductible health plan unless the requirements of this Act are met.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Expresses support for the designation of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Encourages awareness about the prevalence of asthma and allergies and the disparities in asthma cases based on race, ethnicity, and economic status. Reaffirms the nation's commitment to continued education surrounding asthma and allergy treatment and symptoms and to advancing care for both conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of the Intermediate Space Challenge in Mojave, California. Commends the volunteers who run the Intermediate Space Challenge and the Mojave Air and Space Port for opening its facility to the young leaders of the future in science and engineering fields. Encourages teachers and school administrators across the country to implement similar programs to stimulate students and infuse them with a love of engineering, mathematics, and science.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Celebrates the life of President Gerald Rudolph Ford. Recognizes: (1) the significance of his presidency and his legacy of substantial contribution to the United States and to the peoples of the world; and (2) the significance and support of Betty Ford as his confidant and First Lady.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy to raise awareness about the importance of this critical issue, promote parent-child communication, and invest in programs that have been proven to reduce teen pregnancy.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week. Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women. Calls on women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventive screenings.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present gold medals, on behalf of Congress, to: (1) the astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission to the surface of the moon, Neil A. Armstrong (the first human to walk on the moon), Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. (pilot of the lunar module Eagle and second person to walk on the moon), and Michael Collins (pilot of their command module Columbia) in recognition of the first lunar landing, on July 20, 1969; and (2) John Herschel Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, on February 20, 1962.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009 - Includes as part of the Republic of Vietnam, for purposes of the presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure by veterans to certain herbicide agents while in Vietnam, such Republic's inland waterways, ports, and harbors, waters offshore, and airspace above. Includes as veterans eligible for such presumption those who: (1) served on Johnston Island during the period beginning on April 1, 1972, and ending on September 30, 1977; or (2) received the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to require: (1) states to use grants for safe and drug-free schools to collect and report information on the incidence of bullying and harassment; and (2) local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools to use subgrants to prevent and respond to incidents of bullying and harassment. Requires such LEAs or schools to: (1) notify parents and students annually of conduct prohibited in their school discipline policies, that now must include bullying and harassment; and (2) establish grievance procedures for students and parents to register complaints regarding such conduct. Includes bullying and harassment within the Act's definition of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2009
Equitable Compensation for American Victims of Torture Act of 2009 - Terminates the authority of the President to grant the government of Iraq immunity from actions by victims of terrorism seeking compensation for injuries caused by officials, employees, or agents of the government of Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War when such government was classified as a state sponsor of terrorism, unless the claims in specified cases of U.S. soldiers and civilians held in Iraq as POWs and hostages and subject to state-sponsored torture and terrorism have been adequately settled. Defines various adequate settlement amounts, depending on the victim, length of torture or detainment, etc.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2009
Secondary School Innovation Fund Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to establish a Secondary School Innovation Fund program awarding competitive matching grants to partnerships, which must include at least one state or local educational agency, for the implementation of innovative strategies to improve the achievement of at-risk students in secondary schools. Permits partnerships to award subgrants to schools for the implementation of such strategies. Lists innovative strategies, one or more of which grantees or subgrantees must implement, that include: (1) creating multiple education pathways that offer students a range of educational options aligned with their needs and interests and preparing them for postsecondary education and the workforce; (2) giving students access to early college high school or other dual enrollment learning opportunities; (3) using secondary school early warning indicators and intervention systems attuned to the needs of at-risk students; (4) creating expanded learning time opportunities; (5) improving student transitions from middle school to high school or from high school to postsecondary education and the workforce; (6) increasing the autonomy and flexibility of secondary schools; (7) improving rural education through educational technology; (8) improving learning opportunities for students in the middle grades; (9) improving teaching and increasing academic rigor at the secondary school level; and (10) improving community and parental involvement in students' education. Requires the Secretary to disseminate, and provide technical assistance regarding, best practices in improving secondary school student achievement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2009
Commends the service and honors the sacrifice of approximately 147,000 members of the Armed Forces (members) who are also mothers. Recognizes the support provided by mothers of members and by mothers who are spouses of members. Recognizes the tremendous debt owed for the service, patriotism, and fidelity of military mothers, mothers of members, and military spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to identify efficient, effective, and economical procedures for long-term care facilities or providers to conduct background checks on prospective direct patient access employees on a nationwide basis under similar terms and conditions as the pilot program established under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. Sets forth requirements for states wishing to participate in the program, including requiring: (1) searches of neglect registries and databases; (2) searches of any proceedings that may contain disqualifying information; (3) searches of federal criminal history records, including a fingerprint check; and (4) methods that reduce duplicative fingerprinting. Sets forth program requirements. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate the program under this Act. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state claims processing and information retrieval systems to incorporate compatible methodologies of the National Correct Coding Initiative administered by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to identify and notify states as to which methodologies should be incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Mercury Pollution Reduction Act - Declares that the United States should develop policies and programs that will reduce: (1) mercury use and emissions; (2) mercury releases from the reservoir of mercury currently in use or circulation; and (3) exposures to mercury, particularly of women of childbearing age and young children. Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit: (1) the manufacture of chlorine or caustic soda using mercury cells; and (2) the export of any mercury, mercury cells, mercury compounds, and mixtures containing mercury by the owner or operator of a chlor-alkali facility. Requires the owner or operator of each chlor-alkali facility to report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator and the state in which the facility is located on mercury waste, emissions, and content in products. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a comprehensive mercury inventory covering the life and closure of chlor-alkali facilities that cease operations on or after January 1, 2009; and (2) obtain mercury purchase records and such other information from each such facility as are necessary to determine the magnitude and nature of mercury releases from the facility into air and other environmental media.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Amends the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act to authorize appropriations to the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Account for FY2010-FY2015.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, working with other national security and intelligence agencies, to conduct research and determine if the security of federally owned programmable electronic devices and communication networks (including hardware, software, and data) essential to the operation of critical electric infrastructure has been compromised. Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Secretary to make ongoing assessments and provide periodic reports with respect to: (1) cyber vulnerabilities or threats to critical infrastructure, including critical electric infrastructure and advanced metering infrastructure; and (2) the enhancement of domestic preparedness for a cyber attack. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish mandatory interim measures to protect against known cyber vulnerabilities or threats to the operation of the critical electric infrastructure in the United States. Amends the the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to evaluate the capacity and authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies to ensure the security against a cyber attack and resilience of electronic devices and communication networks essential to the critical infrastructure sectors.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to make grants to states for the modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools, including early learning facilities and charter schools, to make them safe, healthy, high-performing, and technologically up-to-date. Allocates grant funds among states on the basis of the relative portion of school improvement funds provided to local educational agencies (LEAs) in each state under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Reserves 1% of the grant funds for assistance to outlying areas and Indian schools. Requires states to reallocate such grant funds to LEAs on the basis of each LEA's share of school improvement funds received by LEAs in the state for the previous fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to make grants to LEAs in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama for the construction, modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools, including early learning facilities and charter schools, to make them safe, healthy, high-performing, and technologically up-to-date. Allocates grant funds among such LEAs on the basis of each LEA's share of infrastructure damage inflicted on public school facilities in such states by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita in 2005. Requires the iron and steel used in projects funded under this Act to have been produced in this country, subject to specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Grassroots Rural Water Systems Act - Calls for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize the type of technical assistance that small communities find is the most beneficial. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize: (1) increased appropriations to the Administrator of EPA for FY2010-FY2015 for technical assistance to enable small public water systems to comply with national primary drinking water regulations; and (2) the Administrator to provide technical assistance to organizations providing on-site technical assistance, circuit-rider technical assistance programs, on-site and regional training, assistance with implementing source water protection plans, and assistance with implementation monitoring plans, rules, regulations, and water security enhancements and to give preference to nonprofit organizations determined to be qualified, effective, and to have the majority of support from small community water systems in the states.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Essential Oral Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to purchase portable or mobile dental equipment and to pay for appropriate operational costs, including direct health care or service delivery costs, for the provision of free dental services to underserved populations that are delivered in a manner consistent with state licensing laws. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to increase the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for states implementing equal access requirements that ensure that individuals enrolled in the state Medicaid plan have access to oral health care services to the same extent as such services are available to the population of the state.
![Official portrait of Rep. Sestak, Joe [D-PA-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001169_200.jpg)