United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Supports the designation of National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Day to honor those who are serving and have served in the Armed Forces in the noble and self-sacrificing profession of explosive ordnance disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Democratic Members of the House should join its Republican Members in a total ban on earmarks for one year; (2) discretionary spending should be reduced in the concurrent budget resolution for FY2011 by the total amount that was spent on requests for earmarks in FY2010; (3) if spending in that resolution is not reduced by such amount, an amendment to that resolution to effectuate this change should be made in order; and (4) a complete review and overhaul of the congressional budgetary, spending, and earmark processes should be commenced by creating a bipartisan, bicameral committee to study the issue and report to the House and Senate with its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2010
Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or maximum prison term of five years for anyone who knowingly sells or offers to sell an animal crush video in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain. States that this prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the selling or offering to sell videos that depict hunting. Defines "animal crush video" as any visual depiction of animals being intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, or impaled that: (1) depicts actual conduct in which a living animal is tortured, maimed, or mutilated that violates any criminal prohibition on intentional cruelty under federal law or the law of the state in which the depiction is sold; and (2) taken as a whole, does not have religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2010
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the government of Taiwan should be accorded observer status in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); and (2) the U.S. government should take a leading role in gaining international support for granting Taiwan observer status in the ICAO.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
UNRWA Humanitarian Accountability Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to withhold U.S. contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) or to any successor or related entity unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that: (1) no UNRWA official, employee, representative, or affiliate is a member of a foreign terrorist organization, has propagated anti-American, anti-Israel, or anti-Semitic rhetoric, or has used UNRWA resources to propagate political materials regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; (2) no UNRWA facility is used by a foreign terrorist organization; (3) no UNRWA school uses educational materials that propagates anti-American, anti-Israel, or anti-Semitic rhetoric; (4) UNRWA is subject to auditing oversight; and (5) UNRWA holds no accounts or other affiliations with financial institutions deemed by the United States to be complicit in money laundering and terror financing. Limits, upon certification compliance, U.S. contributions to UNRWA.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Day of Prayer is constitutional, a needed tribute to the value of prayer, and a fitting acknowledgment of our nation's religious history.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the fire at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington. Honors Matthew C. Bowen, Darrin J. Hoines, Daniel J. Aldridge, Kathryn Powell, Lew Janz, and Donna Van Dreumel who died as a result of the fire.Offers best wishes to Matt Gumbel, who suffered severe burns and is recovering at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2010
Supports: (1) Israel's right to defend itself against terrorists that wish to infiltrate its borders and attack its citizens; and (2) Israel's plight to protect its borders with the construction of a security fence and checkpoints along the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Egypt. Recognizes: (1) the security fence's success in keeping out terrorists; and (2) Israel's efforts to combat international terrorism. Condemns the actions and rhetoric of Iranian leaders and terrorist organizations to terrorize Israel's people. Reaffirms the U.S.-Israel alliance.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2010
Recognizes the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel as a place of refuge and national homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms bipartisan support for the alliance and friendship between the governments and peoples of the United States and Israel, for Israel's security and right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state, and for its right to defend itself. Commends the people of Israel for their achievements in the face of adversity. Extends congratulations and best wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 62nd anniversary of Israel's independence.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2010
Renewable Fuels Reinvestment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015 the income and excise tax credits for alcohol used as fuel, the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit, and the reduced credit for ethanol blenders. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend until 2016 the additional tariff on ethyl alcohol blends (ethanol) used as fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2010
Recognizes the exemplary service and sacrifice of the members of the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) during the Korean War, and the support and sacrifice exhibited by their families. Commends such members and their families, and all other members of the Armed Forces who served or are serving in support of U.S. military contingency operations, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order that provides for disposition of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590 (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA]) unless it provides for: (1) at least one hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader; and (2) a requirement that the Speaker put the question on disposition of the Senate amendments and that the yeas and nays be considered as ordered thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1343 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois, as the "Steve Goodman Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow a Member of Congress, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to administer the oath of renunciation and allegiance to applicants for naturalization.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2010
Next Generation 9-1-1 Preservation Act of 2010 - Revises provisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to provide for matching grants (with a federal share of up to 80%) to eligible entities for: (1) the implementation and operation of E-911 services, migration to an IP-enabled emergency network, and adoption and operation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services and applications; (2) the implementation of IP-enabled emergency services and applications enabled by Next Generation 9-1-1 services, including the establishment of IP backbone networks and the application layer software infrastructure needed to interconnect the multitude of emergency response organizations; and (3) training in 9-1-1 services of public safety personnel, including call-takers, first responders, and other individuals and organizations who are part of the emergency response chain. Defines "9-1-1 services" as service including both E-911 services and Next Generation 9-1-1 services. Defines "Next Generation 9-1-1 services" to mean an IP-based system comprised of hardware, software, data, and operational policies and procedures that: (1) provides standardized interfaces from emergency call and message services to support emergency communications; (2) processes all types of emergency calls, including voice, data, and multimedia information; (3) acquires and integrates additional emergency call data useful to call routing and handling; (4) delivers the emergency calls, messages, and data to the appropriate public safety answering point and other appropriate emergency entities; (5) supports data or video communications needs for coordinated incident response and management; or (6) provides broadband service to public safety answering points or other first responder entities. Requires a report to Congress from: (1) the Administrator of General Services (GSA) identifying the 9-1-1 capabilities of the multi-line telephone system in use by all federal agencies in all federal buildings and properties; and (2) the Comptroller General (GAO) concerning state and local use of 9-1-1 service charges.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Supports the mission of the World Economic Forum and encourages the ongoing pursuit of international collaboration through economic, political, cultural, and intellectual engagement. Honors: (1) Klaus Schwab for creating the Forum and for his 40 years of successful leadership; and (2) the 40th anniversary of the Forum's global economic and social leadership.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Commends the Community of Democracies for its achievements. Applauds the establishment of the Permanent Secretariat of the Community of Democracies and expresses appreciation to the government of Poland for the support it has extended to the Permanent Secretariat. Welcomes the initiative of the Lithuanian Presidency supported by the Convening Group and the Permanent Secretariat to reestablish the Working Groups within the Community of Democracies. Endorses the Krakow Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Honors the life and accomplishments of Clare Boothe Luce. Recognizes her leadership in the women's suffrage movement and her continuing influence today.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Repeals: (1) provisions in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 terminating tax reductions made by such Act after December 31, 2010; and (2) the provision in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 terminating after 2008 reductions in tax rates on dividends and net capital gain. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the tax deductions for state and local sales taxes and for tuition and related expenses; and (2) the increased expensing allowance (i.e., $125,000) for depreciable business assets.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 15, 2009, relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should promote policies related to the nation's manufacturing sector that, among other things: (1) create sustainable economic growth and increased employment; (2) recruit, improve, and educate the workforce; (3) increase productivity, exports, and global competitiveness; and (4) maintain and improve national and homeland security. Directs the President, every four years, to: (1) conduct a comprehensive analysis of the nation's manufacturing sector; and (2) submit to Congress a National Manufacturing Strategy (Strategy). Requires the President, in developing each Strategy, to convene a Manufacturing Strategy Task Force to make recommendations regarding specified matters for incorporation into the Strategy, including short- and long-term goals for the manufacturing sector. Directs that: (1) each final Strategy be published on a public website; and (2) the first Strategy be issued by February 28, 2011. Directs the Comptroller General, three years after publication of a Strategy, to review its recommendations. Requires the President to convene a President's Manufacturing Strategy Board to provide information and recommendations regarding the needs of, and opportunities for, the nation's manufacturing sector. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) conduct quadrennial studies concerning U.S. manufacturing; and (2) report each study's results to Congress and the President. Provides for additional required and discretionary studies. Requires the President, in preparing each annual budget, to include information regarding that budget's consistency with the goals and recommendations included in the latest Strategy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Commends the members of the 45th Agri-Business Development Team of the Oklahoma National Guard for their efforts to modernize agriculture and sustainable farming practices in Afghanistan and their dedication and service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Reaffirms the nation's commitment to combating multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its causes and risks, promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment. Recognizes people living with multiple sclerosis and salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who assist those so afflicted and continue to work to find cures and improve treatments.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Congratulates Silver Dollar City and Herschend Family Entertainment on the 50th anniversary of the opening of Silver Dollar City, "The Home of American Craftmanship."
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and make available for sale not more than 2 million silver national medals, containing one ounce of silver each, 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. Declares that all sales of medals under this Act shall include a surcharge of $10 per medal, which shall be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
National Discovery Trails Act of 2010 - Amends the National Trails System Act to establish national discovery trails which shall be extended, continuous interstate trails located so as to provide for outdoor recreation and travel and to connect representative examples of America's trails and communities. Authorizes the designation of such trails on federal lands and, with the consent of the owner, on non-federal lands. Designates as a national discovery trail the 6,000-mile American Discovery Trail which shall extend from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware to Point Reyes National Seashore in California, traveling northern and southern routes from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Denver, Colorado. Sets forth requirements for designation as a national discovery trail. Requires the appropriate Secretary for each national discovery trail to: (1) administer the trail in cooperation with a competent trailwide volunteer-based organization; and (2) submit a comprehensive plan for the protection, management, development, and use of such trail.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2010
Corporal Dustin Lee Memorial Act - Provides that, for purposes of determining the appropriateness of the adoption of a military working dog (dog) before the end of the dog's useful life, the unusual or extraordinary circumstances that must exist in such case may include situations in which the handler is killed in action, dies of wounds received in action, or is so seriously wounded in action that the member will, or most likely will, receive a medical discharge. Provides that, under such circumstances, if the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that an adoption is justified, the dog will be made available for adoption only by the immediate family of such member.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2010
Congratulates Augustana College, in Rock Island, Illinois, on its 150th anniversary. Commends its excellence in academics, athletics, and student quality of life. Expresses the House of Representatives' best wishes for the school's continued success.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Haitian Orphan Placement Effort Act or the HOPE Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the humanitarian parole policy for certain Haitian orphans announced on January 18, 2010, so as to apply it on a case-by-case basis to children who were legally confirmed as orphans eligible for intercountry adoption by the government of Haiti before January 12, 2010. Authorizes the placement of Haitian children granted humanitarian parole into the United States in an unaccompanied refugee minor program if a suitable family member is not available to provide care.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Prohibits any funds appropriated or made available to the Department of Justice (DOJ) from being used to commence or continue a prosecution in an Article III court of any individual suspected of involvement in the attacks on the United States and its citizens on September 11, 2001, who is not a citizen of the United States and is subject to the jurisdiction of a military commission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Expresses: (1) condolences and sympathy for the horrific loss of life and the physical and psychological damage caused by the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti; and (2) solidarity with Haitians, Haitian-Americans, and all those who have lost loved ones or have otherwise been affected by the tragedy. Commends the assistance efforts of: (1) the people of the United States, including the Haitian-American community; and (2) the men and women of USNS Comfort and the U.S. Navy.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Calls on the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the United States Postal Service (USPS) to issue a commemorative stamp honoring the life of Elijah Parish Lovejoy and commemorating the 175th anniversary of his death.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Recognizes the proud history of the 24th Infantry Division (the 24th) and its soldiers who made countless sacrifices to protect the nation's freedom. Remembers with profound gratitude, sorrow, and respect the 14 soldiers of the 24th who received the Medal of Honor. Encourages the provision of an appropriate site in Arlington National Cemetery for a memorial marker to honor the memory of those 14 soldiers, as long as the Secretary of the Army has exclusive authority to approve the design and site of the marker.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Expresses support for: (1) designation of a National Autism Awareness Month; and (2) devoting new resources to researching the root causes of autism, identifying the best methods of early intervention and treatment, expanding programs for individuals with autism, and promoting understanding of their special needs. Commends parents and relatives for providing for the special needs of children with autism. Stresses the need to begin early intervention services. Recognizes: (1) the shortage of appropriately trained teachers to teach, assist, and respond to special needs students; and (2) the importance of worker training programs tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled persons.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Belarus Arms Transfers Accountability Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretary of State should consider reports of arms sales by Belarus to state sponsors of terrorism and states that do not cooperate with the United States in its anti-terrorism efforts, as well as any information gathered for a certain congressional report concerning Belarus' proliferation of conventional and nuclear weapons to such countries, including Venezuela, in determining whether to impose terrorism and nonproliferation sanctions to deter such arms sales by Belarus; and (2) any use by Iran of nuclear cooperation agreements with other countries as a means to proliferate weapons technology and expertise to countries such as Venezuela, either directly or by arrangements with Belarus or other countries, would not be in the interest of the United States. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on exports of weapons and related services by the government of Belarus and Belarusian enterprises, especially to state sponsors of terrorism or countries not fully cooperating with U.S. antiterrorism efforts, including Venezuela.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010
Congratulates the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, Illinois, on its 150th anniversary. Expresses the House of Representatives' best wishes for its continued success. Commends the school for its dedication to educating world class physicians and scientists, sponsoring cutting edge medical research, and providing highly specialized clinical care.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
James Monroe Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $50 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the election of President James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. Authorizes the issuance of such coins only during the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2016. Requires all sales of coins minted under this Act to include specified surcharges and requires such surcharges to be promptly paid to the James Monroe Memorial Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Condemns the gross abuses of the rights of Iranian citizens by the government of Islamic Republic of Iran and calls on the government to immediately honor its obligations under its own constitution and International Human Rights Laws. Supports the rights of Iranian citizens to peacefully protest. Urges the government of Iran to release all those peaceful protectors and opposition supporters it has detained, stop the harassment and violent acts against these Iranian citizens committed by security forces and the Basij militias, and bring to justice the government authorities responsible for such unlawful acts of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President and the Secretaries of State and Defense (DOD) should urge France and the other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European Union (EU) members not to sell major weapons systems or offensive military equipment to the Russian Federation until that country has: (1) withdrawn its troops from Georgia and revoked its recognition as sovereign states of the separatist regions within Georgia; (2) fulfilled its commitments to withdraw its military forces from the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova; (3) ceased actions that violate or threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring states; (4) halted weapons and related technology sales to state sponsors of terrorism; and (5) taken steps to enforce the rule of law and human rights within the Russian Federation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Expresses the House of Representatives' belief that it is reprehensible for a Safe Schools Czar to promote sex between adults and children and that those who hold such post should not promote criminal behavior. Calls on the President and the Secretary of Education to find an immediate replacement for Kevin Jennings, the current Safe Schools Czar.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Control America's Purse-strings to Deliver a Better Tomorrow Act or the CAP the DEBT Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives and in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report increasing the statutory limit on the public debt if there is any other matter in such measure. Requires a two-thirds recorded vote of Members in the House and a roll call vote of at least two-thirds of the Members of the Senate before legislation increasing the statutory limit on the public debt may be considered as passed or agreed to in either chamber. Permits a successful appeal from the ruling of the Chair in the Senate on such prohibition, but only by an affirmative roll call vote of two-thirds of its Members. Repeals Rule XXVIII (Statutory Limit on Public Debt) of the Rules of the House, and known as the "Gephardt Rule," providing for mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Stop the Automatic Pay Raise for Members of Congress in Fiscal Year 2011 Act - Declares that no automatic pay adjustment shall be considered to have taken effect in FY2011 in the rates of basic pay for Members of Congress under the General Schedule (thus eliminating the pay adjustment for Members for such fiscal year).
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Recognizes the importance of Christmas symbols and traditions. Disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas. Supports the use of these symbols and traditions by those who celebrate Christmas.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Medicare SGR Improvement and Reform Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide an increased annual update for the Sustainable Growth Mechanism (SGR) formula for determining rates in the fee schedule for Medicare physician payments. Sets a three-year time limit for the commencement of a health care lawsuit. Prescribes requirements for: (1) unlimited damages for a claimant's actual economic losses in health care lawsuits; (2) court supervision of arrangements for payment of such damages, including limitation of contingent attorney fees; (3) restrictions on punitive damages; and (4) payment of future damages to claimants in health care suits. Terminates funding of the Medicare Improvement Fund as of January 1, 2010. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prescribe requirements for the licensure of biological products as biosimilar or interchangeable. Includes under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act fees relating to the licensure of a biological product. Amends patent law with respect to biosimilar products. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to adopt a single set of consensus-based operating rules for each health information transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Keep Terrorists Out of the Midwest Act - Prohibits an individual detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from being: (1) transferred to or housed in a facility in a Midwestern state; or (2) prosecuted or tried for any offense against the United States in any Midwestern state. Defines "Midwestern state" as Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nebraska, and Kansas.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to the members of the Army National Guard of the state of Illinois and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Commends the members of the 33rd Brigade Combat Team of the Illinois Army National Guard on the completion of their deployment to Afghanistan. Recognizes that Team's achievements and all other formerly and presently deployed Illinois Army National Guard members for their exemplary service.
![Official portrait of Rep. Shimkus, John [R-IL-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000364_200.jpg)