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United States · Official source
2,468 records where Rep. Shea-Porter, Carol [D-NH-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008
Transportation Flexible Savings Accounts Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain employer-provided transportation benefits (i.e., commuting and parking costs, transit passes) under tax-qualified flexible spending arrangements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Elder Care Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax credit for dependent care expenses for parents (or ancestors of such parents) of the taxpayer who are physically or mentally incapable of self-care, regardless of whether such a parent has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Georges Bank Preservation Act - Prohibits the issuance of any lease or other authorization by the federal government for exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in: (1) any marine national monument or national marine sanctuary; or (2) the fishing grounds known as Georges Bank in the waters of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Improving Dependent Care Tax Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $7,500 the employee tax exclusion for employer-provided dependent care assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Middle Class College Tuition Tax Credit Expansion Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credits with a tax credit for 50% of qualified tuition and related expenses (including required books), up to $10,000, for attendance at an institution of higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Family Work Flexibility Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for the cost of teleworking equipment used by employees to telework and for expenses to maintain such equipment. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to the lesser of $500 for each teleworking employee or $50,000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Elder Caregiver Support and Information Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize additional FY2009-FY2011 appropriations for the family caregiver support program. Authorizes additional FY2009-FY2011 appropriations for the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Health Insurance Stability Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for amounts paid to continue health care coverage for the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents under the applicable continuation provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Limits the amount of such credit and disqualifies taxpayers who, in any month, have employer-provided coverage, are covered under Medicare, Medicaid, or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act, or are imprisoned. Denies such credit to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents or who are dependents of a taxpayer. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for advancing payments of credit amounts to health insurance providers of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Public Service Scholarship Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Public Service Scholarship program authorizing the Secretary of Education to make grants to states for scholarships to exceptionally able students who show promise of continued excellence and agree to serve as federal employees for at least five years. Allocates scholarship funds among states on the basis of each state's share of the nation's population of five- through 17-year olds; but sets the minimum allocation at a level allowing grantees to award at least 10 scholarships per year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer who uses a residence to conduct a trade or business a standard tax deduction equal to the lesser of $2,000 or the taxpayer's gross trade or business income derived from the business use of such residence. Provides for an inflation adjustment to such deduction amount beginning after 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008
Ready to Compete Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a new Ready to Learn program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award a grant to a public broadcasting entity to provide a coordinated Ready to Learn television service by awarding subgrants and contracts to public television stations and producers or distributors of educational programming for the operation of Ready to Learn programs for preschool and elementary school children. Requires such service to include programming that: (1) is aligned with state academic and early learning standards; (2) addresses specific community and school needs, ascertained via ongoing community outreach programs; and (3) is in reading and social and emotional development. Specifies that public broadcasting entities are eligible for Ready to Teach grants to improve teaching in core curriculum areas by using high-tech platforms to deliver integrated educational content and services and teacher training. Requires grantees to direct a significant portion of such services to schools that have failed for two consecutive years to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards. Alters the Digital Educational Programming Grants program by authorizing competitive five-year (currently, three-year) grants to public television stations that partner with certain other entities to develop, and train teachers in the use of, innovative educational tools and digital content for core curriculum content areas, particularly math, science, and technology. Reauthorizes appropriations for such revamped programs through FY2014. Directs the Secretary to award ten-year grants to television public broadcasting entities to develop and operate a national on-demand digital education media service available to teachers, parents, educational entities, and the public at low or no cost. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to create a Ready to Earn program authorizing the Secretary to award competitive grants to public television stations that partner with states, state workforce investment boards, or institutions of higher education to develop, disseminate, and provide on-line and on-air education and training services for adults.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise conditions of and limitations on payment for home health care services. Allows payment for home health services to Medicare beneficiaries by: (1) a nurse practitioner; (2) a clinical nurse specialist working in collaboration with a physician in accordance with state law; (3) a certified nurse-midwife; or (4) a physician assistant under a physician's supervision.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act of 2007 [ sic ] - Allows an unmarried member of the Armed Forces with one or more dependent children, upon becoming eligible to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), to elect to provide an SBP annuity to an individual who acts as a guardian or caretaker to the dependent child or children. Directs the Secretary of Defense to appoint a panel to review and identify best practices among pre-deployment counseling and services provided by the military departments to unmarried members of the Armed Forces with dependent children.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
Congratulates Mr. Riki Ellison for his leadership and vision in founding the Youth Impact Program (which provides at-risk young men in the inner cities with football training and mentoring designed to improve their academic performance and character). Recognizes the contributions of the National Football League, the University of Southern California, and Tulane University to the Youth Impact program. Encourages the expansion of the Youth Impact Program to inner cities across the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008
Second Amendment Enforcement Act - Amends specified law prohibiting the killing of wild birds and wild animals in the District of Columbia to declare that nothing in it or any other provision of law shall authorize or be construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or regulatory authority of the District to prohibit, constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law from acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, or using for sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither prohibited by federal law nor subject to the National Firearms Act. Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms. Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 (FCRA) to repeal the definition of a machine gun as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily converted or restored to shoot semiautomatically, more than 12 shots without manual reloading. (Thus repeals the ban on semiautomatic weapons.) Redefines "machine gun" as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or is readily restored to shoot automatically, more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. Includes the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person. Repeals the District's: (1) registration requirement for possession of firearms; (2) requirement that licensed firearms dealers keep records of ammunition received into inventory and ammunition sold or transferred; and (3) requirement that, under certain conditions, firearms in the possession of certain individuals must be kept unloaded, disassembled, or with the trigger locked. Maintains the current ban on the possession and control of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or short-barreled rifle. Amends FCRA to allow an individual to possess ammunition in the District if the individual owns (currently, holds the valid registration certificate for) a firearm of the same guage or caliber as such ammunition. Eliminates criminal penalties for possessing an unregistered firearm. Amends federal law to eliminate criminal penalties for carrying a pistol whether loaded or unloaded in one's dwelling house, place of business, or on land possessed by such person. Amends the federal criminal code to make it lawful for any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to sell or deliver a handgun to a District resident if such individual is licensed in Maryland or Virginia to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008
Declares that Congress commits to pass, and urges the President sign, within 18 months, legislation that guarantees health care for all and that: (1) recognizes the role of women as health care consumers, caregivers, and providers; (2) guarantees inclusion of benefits essential to achieving and maintaining good health; (3) promotes primary and preventive care; (4) provides a choice of public and private plans and direct access to a choice of doctors and health care providers to ensure continuity of coverage and a delivery system that meets the need of women; (5) eliminates disparities on the basis of gender, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health status, or sexual orientation; (6) shares financing responsibility among employers, individuals, and the government while taking into account small business needs; (7) ensures affordable access to health care; (8) enhances quality and patient safety; (9) ensures a sufficient supply of qualified providers through expanded medical and public health education and adequate reimbursement; and (10) promotes administration efficiency and is easy to utilize.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive, renewable, five-year grants to partnerships between low-income local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools offering graduate programs in school counseling, social work, or psychology to increase the number of program graduates employed by low-income LEAs. Defines "low-income LEAs" as those that: (1) serve students at least 20% of which are from low-income families; (2) have ratios of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists to students that fall at least 10% below specified target ratios; and (3) have been identified as needing improvement or corrective action or include at least one school identified as needing improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Allows the use of grant funds to: (1) provide program graduate students with field training at partnership LEA schools; (2) contribute to program graduates' salaries at such schools for up to three years after they graduate; (3) increase the number of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists per student in such schools; (4) enhance the capacity of partnership graduate schools to train such professionals; (5) develop course work designed to facilitate such graduates' service to low-income LEAs and at-risk students; and (6) provide tuition credits to such graduate students and student loan forgiveness to program graduates employed as school counselors, social workers, or psychologists by low-income LEAs for at least five consecutive years. Directs the Secretary to establish a program providing student loan forgiveness to non-participants in this Act's grant program who have been employed for at least five consecutive years as school counselors, social workers, or psychologists by low-income LEAs. Requires the Secretary to identify a formula for future use in designating regions as eligible for benefit programs because of having a shortage of such school personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Fallen Hero Commemoration Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to grant access to accredited members of the media: (1) at military commemoration ceremonies and military memorial services for members of the Armed Forces who have died on active duty; and (2) when the remains of such members arrive at U.S. military installations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the policy for media accreditation.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008
Prohibiting the Department of Labor's Secret Rule Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Labor from issuing, administering, or enforcing any rule, regulation, or requirement derived from the proposal submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) entitled Requirements for DOL Agencies' Assessment of Occupational Health Risks.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008
Veteran Voting Support Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit a state to designate facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) located in the state as voter registration agencies under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Requires any VA facility designated as a voter registration agency to: (1) provide information relating to the opportunity to request an absentee ballot; (2) make available absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots upon request, as well as assistance in completing them; and (3) work with local election officials to ensure the proper delivery of such applications and ballots. Directs the Secretary to permit a meaningful opportunity for nonpartisan organizations to provide voter registration information and assistance at VA facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from banning any election administration official, whether state or local, party-affiliated or non-party affiliated, or elected or appointed, from providing nonpartisan voting information to veterans at any VA facility. Directs the Secretary to provide reasonable access to VA facilities to state and local election officials for the purpose of providing nonpartisan voter registration services to individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2008
Veterans Health Equity Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to each of the 48 contiguous states, to ensure that veterans eligible for hospital care and medical services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have access to: (1) at least one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the state; or (2) hospital care and medical services comparable to that provided in full-service hospitals through contract with other health providers in the state.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to three years for possessing, shipping, transporting, purchasing, selling, delivering, or receiving any horse, horse flesh, or carcass with the intent that it be used for human consumption. Reduces the prison term to one year if the offense involves less than five horses or less than 2,000 pounds of horse flesh or carcass and the offender has no prior conviction for this offense.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008
James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide medical monitoring and treatment benefits to: (1) eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Provides for cost-sharing with workers' compensation and health insurance plans, but not with eligible individuals. Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) implement a quality assurance program; (2) review the program's health care expenditures to detect fraudulent or duplicate billing and payment for inappropriate services; (3) establish the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (4) establish the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee; (5) institute a program that provides education and outreach on the existence and availability of services under the WTC program; and (6) provide for the uniform collection of data related to WTC-related health conditions. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish similar programs with respect to the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Requires the administrator to conduct or support research on physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Requires the administrator to extend and expand arrangements with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry. Authorizes the administrator to make grants to the Department to address mental health needs relating to the terrorist attacks. Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to provide, under certain circumstances, for an extension of time for filing claims under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Home Energy Assistance Through Emergency Relief Act - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP Program). Makes appropriations for FY2008 to carry out the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons under the Energy Conservation and Production Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
National Energy Security Intelligence Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues relating to rapidly escalating energy costs, including: (1) the short- and long-term outlook for prices, supply, and demand for key forms of energy such as crude oil, natural gas, and alternative fuels; (2) the plans and intentions of key energy-producing and exporting nations with respect to energy production and supply; and (3) the national security implications.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to transfer from the Treasury $8.017 billion to the Highway Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008
Honors the 28th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army for serving and protecting the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008
Oil for Americans Act - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal authority for the export of Alaskan crude oil. Makes effective the ban on the export of Alaskan crude oil of the Export Administration Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2008
Recognizes and honors Anne d'Hanoncourt for her contributions as an internationally-esteemed museum leader and art scholar. Expresses condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Anne d'Hanoncourt to her husband Joseph J. Rishel, and her surviving family members and friends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, across the Philadelphia region and around the world.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Tay-Sachs Awareness Month. Encourages and expresses support for education and research efforts with respect to Tay-Sachs disease.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008
Commends the extraordinary contributions of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Recognizes: (1) that the United States has an affirmative duty to care for the men and women who have so served; and (2) the efforts of the National Association of State Veterans Homes in providing veterans with high-quality care. Commends efforts made by state veterans homes for the past 120 years in ensuring that veterans receive the highest quality of care worthy of their sacrifices.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2008
National Guard Technician Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008 - Provides that if an individual is first employed by the National Guard as a military technician (dual status) while already a member of a reserve component, the Secretary of the military department concerned may not require the individual to repay any enlistment, reenlistment, or affiliation bonus connected with the individual's enlistment or reenlistment before such employment. Prohibits such individual from being precluded from receiving any such bonus or denied the opportunity to participate in any Department of Defense (DOD) educational loan repayment program as an additional incentive to accept and maintain reserve membership. Repeals the prohibition against overtime pay for such technicians.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Amends the Inspector General Act of 1878 to require presidential appointment of the Inspector General of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer Act - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP Program).
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income for income tax purposes AmeriCorps educational awards awarded under the National and Community Service Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2008
Supports the designation of a National Child Awareness Month to promote the awareness of children's charities and youth-servicing organizations across the United States. Recognizes the efforts of such charities and organizations on behalf of children and youth as a critical contribution to the future of our nation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2008
Congratulates the 2007-2008 National Basketball Association World Champions, the Boston Celtics, on an outstanding and historic season.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2008
Climate Market, Auction, Trust & Trade Emissions Reduction System Act of 2008, or the Climate MATTERS Act of 2008 - Declares the purpose of this Act to establish a federal program to reduce US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions substantially enough by 2050 to avert the catastrophic impacts of global climate change. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an international reserve GHG emission allowance program, whose allowance sales proceeds shall be used to mitigate the negative impacts of global climate change on disadvantaged communities in World Trade Organization (WTO) participant countries. Establishes the International Climate Change Commission to determine annually whether a WTO participant country has taken certain action to limit its GHG emissions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a system for issuing, auctioning, recording, and tracking GHG emission allowances; and (2) impose an excess emissions penalty on owners or operators of covered facilities that fail to submit one or more emission allowances to the Secretary for any year. Establishes a Carbon Market Efficiency Board to: (1) analyze information on the GHG emission allowance market; and (2) authorize the Secretary to carry out cost relief measures if the market poses a substantial harm to the U.S. economy. Provides for the distribution of emission allowances to owners and operators of fossil fuel-fired electric power generating facilities and of energy intensive manufacturing facilities. Establishes: (1) the Deficit Reduction Trust Fund; and (2) the Citizen Protection Trust Fund (CPTF). Directs the Secretary to administer a Climate Change Rebate Program. Provides for a healthy families fund. Sets forth allocations of specified CPTF account funds for: (1) investment in natural resource adaptation to impacts of climate change and ocean acidification; (2) owners and operators of covered facilities who take actions that result in verified GHG emission reductions; (3) states that comply with certain federal building energy standards; (4) states with GHG emission reduction programs exceeding federal GHG emission reduction targets; (5) reductions in GHG emissions from the agriculture and forestry sectors, including those from deforestation activities in foreign countries; and (6) states and load-serving entities that implement energy-efficiency programs. Requires distribution of certain funds for grants for fixed guideway transit and other specified alternative transportation projects. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) develop a federal greenhouse gas registry; (2) make certain GHG emission determinations for covered facilities; and (3) promulgate regulations that require that U.S. GHG emissions in uncovered sectors do not grow.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008
Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an annual production incentive fee for federal onshore and offshore lands subject to a lease for production of oil or natural gas under which production is not occurring. Prescribes the fee amount for each acre of land from which oil or natural gas is produced for less than 90 days in a calendar year. Establishes the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund to serve as depository for fees received under this Act. Enumerates energy programs to be funded with such fees, including: (1) low-income home energy assistance; (2) advanced vehicles research, development, and demonstration; (3) new technologies to improve the energy efficiency of and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings; (4) energy storage systems to support electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution; (5) next-generation wind turbines; (6) weatherization assistance low income housing; and (7) wind and solar energy research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008
Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to make it unlawful for a person to enter into or execute an otherwise excluded swap transaction or exempt transaction involving crude oil, heating oil, gasoline, or diesel fuel (specified energy commodity), unless the person has been certified by the Commodities Future Trading Commission (CFTC) as having the capacity of accepting physical delivery of the commodity. Makes it unlawful, as well, for any person to hold a contract or agreement of sale of a specified energy commodity for future delivery, which is otherwise an excluded swap transaction or an exempt transaction, unless the CFTC has certified that the person has the capacity to produce or manufacture the commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of National Internet Safety Month (June 2008). Recognizes that the month provides the U.S. citizens an opportunity to learn more about being safe and responsible online. Commends national and community organizations for promoting safe Internet use and providing information and training that develops critical thinking and decision making skills needed to use the Internet safely. Calls on parents, educators, Internet safety organizations, law enforcement, community leaders, Internet service providers, and volunteers to increase their efforts to raise the level of awareness for the need for online safety.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2008
Modifies the procedures the U.S. Postal Service must follow in connection with the closing or consolidation of any post office, including: (1) requiring an assessment of the need for the closure or consolidation; (2) eliminating a requirement to consider the resulting Postal Service economic savings; (3) requiring a posting in each affected post office at least 90 days before the final decision is made; and (4) requiring (currently, allowing) suspension of the determination pending an appeal to the Postal Regulatory Commission. Provides for exceptions for emergency suspensions (as defined under Postal Service regulations) or lease termination or cancellation by a party other than the Postal Service. Defines "post office," for the provisions amended by this Act, to include an office, branch, station, or other facility operated by the Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2008
Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2008 or the SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. Establishes a Small Business Health Board to monitor the implementation of the program and make recommendations for improvements. Requires the Administrator of the program to: (1) enter into contracts with health insurance issuers to provide health insurance coverage under this Act; and (2) enter into agreements with entities to serve as navigators to provide information about the program and assist in enrollment. Requires a participating employer to ensure that each eligible employee has an opportunity to enroll in a plan. Sets forth requirements for health plans offered under this Act. Requires the Administrator to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to study the rating requirements, administrative procedures, and standards of external and internal review that apply to such plans and to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in the states and to develop recommendations concerning rating requirements. Sets forth premium-setting rules for plans under this Act. Allows a state to prohibit participation in this program if the state offers alternative health benefit plans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small employers for qualified employee health insurance expenses under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2008
Entitles a member of the uniformed services to additional pay of $1,500 per month while the member's service is extended, or eligibility for retirement is suspended, by the exercise of any provision of law commonly referred to as a "stop-loss authority."
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2008
Recognizes the men who served aboard the USS Farenholt in the South Pacific during World War II. Recognizes the contributions of the USS Farenholt and commends the men who served aboard her for their selfless service to the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2008
Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2008, or the TRADE Act of 2008 - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to: (1) review biennially certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries; and (2) report to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee regarding such agreements, including analyses of specified subjects and of each agreement, as well as whether the country has a democratic form of government that respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws. Declares that implementing bills of new trade agreements shall not be subject to expedited consideration or special procedures limiting amendment,unless such agreements include certain standards with respect to: (1) labor; (2) environment and public safety; (3) food and product health and safety; (4) provision of services; (5) investment; (6) procurement; (7) intellectual property; (8) agriculture; (9) trade remedies and safeguards; (10) rules of origin; (11) dispute resolution and enforcement; (12) technical assistance; (13) national security; and (14) taxation. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan for the renegotiation of existing trade agreements to bring them into compliance with such standards. Establishes a Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) certain requirements urging the attainment of certain trade goals shall apply to all existing and new trade agreements; and (2) a certain process for U.S. trade negotiations should be followed when Congress considers legislation providing special procedures for implementing bills of trade agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008
Medicare Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding telehealth services (furnished via a telecommunication system by a physician to an enrolled individual). Removes current geographic restrictions on the provision of such services. Adds to the types of facilities authorized to participate in the telehealth program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage and facilitate the adoption of state reciprocity agreements for practitioner licensure in order to expedite the provision of telehealth services across state lines. Directs the Secretary to include as a home health visit for Medicare purposes telehealth services furnished an individual by a home health agency. Provides for coverage of remote patient management services, including home health remote patient management services, for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project to evaluate the impact and benefits of covering remote patient management services for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (of the Health Resources and Services Administration), to make grants to expand access via telehealth to health care services for individuals in medically underserved rural, frontier, and urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of Vietnam Veterans Day. Calls on the American people to remember those men and women who sacrificed their lives defending the nation in Vietnam, recognize the prisoners of war and Armed Forces members who are missing in action, and honor all Vietnam veterans who served the nation faithfully to protect its freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008
Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008 - Requires the President to establish, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM education) within the National Science and Technology Council. Establishes an Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education in the Department of Education, to be administered by an Assistant Secretary. Requires the Assistant Secretary to conduct an annual evaluation of the STEM education programs administered by the department. Requires the Secretary of Education to award a grant to establish a voluntary State Consortium on STEM Education and a grant to the National Science Digital Library to establish a National STEM Education Research Repository.