The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Sires, Albio [D-NJ-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001165_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
3,987 records where Rep. Sires, Albio [D-NJ-13] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008
Recognizes the vital role of nongovernmental organizations in peace-building efforts between Israel and Palestinians. Affirms the importance of U.S. support to such nongovernmental organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008
Calls on the government of the People's Republic of China to perform specified actions, including ending immediately abuses of the human rights of its citizens, ceasing repression of Tibetan and Uighur citizens, and ending its support for the governments of Sudan and Burma, in order to ensure that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games take place in an atmosphere that honors the Olympic traditions of freedom and openness. Calls on the President to: (1) make a strong public statement on China's human rights situation prior to his departure to Beijing for the Olympic Games; (2) make a similar statement in Beijing; (3) meet with the families of jailed prisoners of conscience; and (4) seek to visit Tibet and Xinjiang.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008
New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that 10% of new vehicles sold in the United States should be natural gas vehicles by December 31, 2018. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property tax credit with respect to natural gas fuel; (2) allow new tax credits for investment in energy security bonds and natural gas vehicle production bonds; (3) allow a new tax credit for producing vehicles fueled by natural gas or liquified natural gas; (4) allow an increased alternative motor vehicle tax credit for the purchase of vehicles fueled by natural gas or liquified natural gas; and (5) extend through 2017 the tax credits for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures and for new qualified alternative fuel vehicles. Requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to study whether the federal fleet should increase the number of its natural gas vehicles. Requires each retail automotive fueling station owned by a major integrated oil company to have at least one pump dispensing natural gas for automotive purposes by January 1, 2018. Imposes a civil fine on oil companies that fail to comply with such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the first annual National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day. Encourages: (1) primary care physicians and other clinicians nationwide to become actively involved in HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, treatment, and referral services; and (2) individuals to get tested for HIV and educate themselves about the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
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
Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act of 2008 - Amends the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an oil and gas competitive leasing program in the National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska, that includes at least one lease sale each year during the period 2009 through 2013. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) facilitate pipeline construction to transport oil and gas from or through the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to existing transportation or processing infrastructure on the North Slope of Alaska; and (2) require certain authorized pipeline operators to certify annually that the pipeline is being fully maintained and operated in an efficient manner. Directs the President to coordinate with oil and natural gas producers on the North Slope of Alaska, and other specified entities, to expedite construction of a natural gas pipeline from Alaska to U.S. markets. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal provisions authorizing the export of Alaskan North Slope oil. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to reimpose the prohibition against crude oil exports. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing any new lease for exploration or production of oil or natural gas unless the lessee: (1) certifies for each existing lease that the lessee has diligently developed the pertinent federal lands in order to produce oil or natural gas, or is producing oil or natural gas from them; or (2) has relinquished all federal oil and gas leases that are not being diligently developed. Instructs the Secretary to ensure that lessees under leases for exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas on federal lands make prompt, transparent, and accurate royalty payments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008
Condemns the attack on the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) peacekeepers and expresses condolences to the people of Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda and to the families and friends of those killed and wounded. Calls upon: (1) the Sudanese government to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice; and (2) U.N. member states and the international community to contribute the resources necessary to ensure UNAMID's success. Expresses: (1) commitment to the Darfuri people; and (2) support for UNAMID.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2008
Timley Due Process for the Disabled Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) establish time frames, within specified limits, to ensure timely disability determinations; and (2) establish a program for the monitoring of disability determinations in reconsideration.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008
Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to include aquatic habitat restoration activities among activities the Great Lakes National Program Office is authorized to implement for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing such a remediation project if any nonfederal sponsor has not entered into a written agreement with the Administrator under which each party agrees to carry out its responsibilities and requirements for the project. Revises provisions concerning the nonfederal share of the project costs. Requires the Administrator to implement at federal expense the initial site characterization of a project for the remediation of contaminated sediment. Repeals a prohibition against implementing a project unless the nonfederal sponsor agrees to maintain aggregate expenditures from all other sources for remediation programs in the area of concern in which the project is located at or above the average level of such expenditures in the two fiscal years preceding the date on which the project is initiated. Authorizes appropriations through FY2013 for: (1) such remediation projects; and (2) the development and use of innovative approaches, technologies, and techniques for such remediation. Limits to 20% the amount of funds appropriated for remediation projects that may be used for site characterization.
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 · 9 July 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Recognizes that a strong, sustained commitment of resources is needed to learn what causes pancreatic cancer, ways to detect and diagnose it earlier, and test compounds that will extend survival and improve quality of life.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2008
National Highway Chokepoint Congestion Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) issue regulations to establish a chokepoint congestion relief program; and (2) develop criteria for designating national chokepoint regions in a state. Authorizes the Secretary to make capital improvement grants to states in order to carry out eligible projects that reduce traffic congestion in the national chokepoint regions. Sets forth a formula for the apportioning of grant funds. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) states should adopt both interim and long-term objectives for significantly reducing traffic congestion at chokepoint areas; (2) establishment of performance measures and quantitative goals will allow states to make efficient use of available resources on projects that have the maximum impact in reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility at chokepoint areas; and (3) alleviation of traffic congestion requires Congress to commit to authorizing and funding nonautomotive travel modes as well as travel demand management, growth management, and land use strategies. Requires the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), through the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, to study and report to specified congressional committees on the extent to which congestion pricing can encourage travelers to drive during off-peak hours, or change their mode of transportation, and can also generate revenue and thus require less tax-based funding.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2008
Commends the Arizona State University softball team for winning the 2008 Women's College World Series.
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
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) everyone in the United States should have a decent home in which to live; (2) Members of Congress should demonstrate the importance of volunteerism; (3) during the 110th, 111th, and 112th Congresses, Members are encouraged to participate in Congress Building America, a program in which congressional delegations work with Habitat for Humanity affiliates to build homes in their districts and states; and (4) these occasions should be used to emphasize and focus on the importance of providing decent homes for all people in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day. Encourages: (1) state and local governments to recognize such day, publicize its importance, encourage individuals to undergo counseling and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and establish and maintain effective linkages to care and treatment services for individuals testing positive; (2) use of rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a fast and efficient method of HIV testing; (3) media organizations to carry messages in support of the Day; and (4) the President to emphasize the importance of addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic among all Americans, especially among minority communities. Expresses support for the development of a national AIDS strategy with clear goals and objectives to reduce new HIV infections, especially among minorities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2008
Expresses support for the designation of National Tourette Syndrome Day. Recognizes the accomplishments of those who work to increase awareness of Tourette Syndrome.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2008
Recognizes the important social and labor contributions and accomplishments of Congresswoman Mary T. Norton of New Jersey on the 70th anniversary of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Acknowledges the importance and role the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 has played in shaping today's labor standards, especially minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor laws, and equal pay.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2008
Supports the designation of a Louisa Swain Day. (Louisa Swain became the nation's first woman voter on September 6, 1870.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2008
Increasing Transparency and Accountability in Oil Prices Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should immediately send to Congress a request for emergency appropriations for FY2008 for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in an amount that is sufficient to: (1) help restore public confidence in energy commodities markets and federal oversight of those markets; (2) potentially impose limits on excessive speculation that may be increasing the price of oil, gasoline, diesel, and other energy commodities; (3) significantly improve the information technology capabilities of the CFTC to help it effectively regulate the energy futures markets; and (4) fund at least 100 new full-time positions at the CFTC to oversee energy commodity market speculation and to enforce the Commodity Exchange Act. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to provide for additional employees for improved enforcement. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to address the kind of case in which the CFTC grants or considers granting relief to a foreign board of trade from the requirement that it become a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity with respect to an energy commodity physically delivered in the United States. Requires the CFTC, before granting or considering such relief, to determine that the foreign board of trade: (1) applies comparable principles or requirements regarding the daily publication of trading information and position limits or accountability levels for speculators as apply to a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity trading energy commodities physically delivered in the United States; and (2) provides such information to the Commission regarding the extent of speculative and nonspeculative trading in the energy commodity that is comparable to the information the Commission determines necessary to publish a Commitment of Traders report for such a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity. Requires the Commission to disaggregate and make public monthly: (1) the number of positions and total value of index funds and other passive, long-only positions in energy markets; and (2) data on speculative positions relative to bona fide physical hedgers in those markets.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2008
Authorizes additional appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 to the Secretary of Labor for summer youth employment activities under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2008
Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to extend the regulatory authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to certain transactions in derivatives involving specified energy commodities ("included energy transactions"), including those on foreign boards of trade. Defines "included energy transaction" as a contract, agreement, or transaction in an energy commodity for future delivery that: (1) provides for a delivery point in the United States; or (2) is transacted on a computer terminal located in the United States. Prohibits the CFTC from exempting from regulation any "included energy transaction" unless certain notice to Congress and public comment requirements are met. Declares null and void any CFTC "no-action letter" exemptions from CEA requirements for "included energy transactions." Requires the CFTC to establish uniform limits on the aggregate number of positions with respect to "included energy transactions" which may be held by any person for the prompt month, for each month, and for all months in all markets subject to CFTC jurisdiction. Excludes swaps involving "included energy transactions" from any CEA exemption for bona fide hedging transactions. Defines "bilateral included energy transaction" as an included energy transaction executed or traded other than on or through a trading facility. Exempts such transactions from the requirement that transactions be made on or through a designated contract market. Applies to "bilateral included energy transactions" certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Instructs the CFTC to publish monthly on its website: (1) the aggregate number and value of long and short positions held by a person in any portfolio constructed to match or track the components of an index of all commodities; and (2) the portion of the positions that are net long positions in "included energy transactions." Amends the Natural Gas Act and the Federal Power Act to set forth enforcement powers of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), including cease-and-desist proceedings, temporary orders, and general implementation authority.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2008
Reaffirms the historic commitment of the United States as a nation founded by refugees. Calls on: (1) the Department of State to support the refugee assistance efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and of nongovernmental organizations; (2) the U.S. government to continue its international leadership role in response to the people of the Darfur region of Sudan who have been displaced by Sudan's genocide; and (3) the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the resettlement of an appropriate number of Darfuris. Urges the parties to the conflicts in and between Chad and Sudan to conclude a cessation of hostilities agreement. Calls upon the Joint African Union-United Nations Special Representative for Darfur to ensure that displaced persons are fairly represented in peace negotiations. Affirms the goals of World Refugee Day and reiterates a strong commitment to protecting the millions of refugees who live without material, social, and legal protections.
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 · 18 June 2008
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from taking actions to regulate the scheduling of airline operations at a U.S. commercial airport if such an action includes: (1) auctioning rights or permission to conduct airline operations at that airport; (2) implementing peak-period or congestion pricing at the airport; (3) withdrawing an airline's right to operate at that airport; (4) charging a fee for use of navigable airspace at the airport; or (5) requiring, or providing incentives or disincentives to, airport owners to take any such actions.
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 · 12 June 2008
Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing any new lease for exploration or production of oil or natural gas unless the lessee: (1) certifies for each existing lease that the lessee has diligently developed the lands in order to produce oil or natural gas, or is producing oil or natural gas from such lands; or (2) has relinquished all federal oil and gas leases that are not being diligently developed. Instructs the Secretary to promulgate diligent development regulations that: (1) include benchmarks for oil and gas development to ensure that leaseholders produce oil and gas from each lease within the five-year original term of the lease; and (2) require each leaseholder to submit a diligent development plan showing how the lessee will meet the benchmarks. Establishes a civil penalty for noncompliance with this Act. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Mineral Leasing Act, and the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands Act to set forth lease terms for an initial period of five years, renewable for additional one-year periods, subject to specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2008
Congratulates the Hamilton College Continentals on winning the NCAA Division III women's lacrosse championship.
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
Asset Management Improvement Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from imposing restrictions or limitations on the amount of management and related fees for a public housing project which the public housing agency (PHA) determines reasonable, unless such restriction or limitation: (1) is determined pursuant to a negotiated rulemaking convened by the Secretary no earlier than April 1, 2009, with representatives from interested parties; and (2) is effective only on or after January 1, 2011. Allows any PHA that owns or operates fewer than 500 public housing units under the United States Housing Act of 1937 to elect to be exempt from asset management requirements imposed by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing any requirement, regulation, or guideline relating to asset management that restricts or limits in any way the use by PHAs of amounts for Capital Fund assistance for costs of any PHA central office. Requires the Secretary to ensure that PHAs encourage the reasonable efforts of resident tenant organizations to represent their members and of tenants to organize. Makes illegal immigrants ineligible for financial assistance under this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from accepting as reasonable any management or related fees for enforcing a dwelling lease or other similar agreement that requires the registration of or prohibits the possession of firearms by an individual for personal protection or for sport, if the possession is not prohibited, or the registration is not required, by existing law. Amends the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 to permit a PHA or owner of federally assisted housing to terminate the tenancy or assistance for any household with a member who is illegally possessing a firearm, or whose illegal use is determined by the PHA or owner to interfere with the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents.
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
Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe a regulation prohibiting advertisements accompanying video programming from: (1) being excessively noisy or strident; (2) having modulation levels substantially higher than the accompanying program; and (3) having an average maximum loudness substantially higher than that of the accompanying program.
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 · 9 June 2008
Recognizes the need to promote equality and continue to work toward eliminating racial discrimination in the United States and Brazil. Commends Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Brazilian Minister of Racial Integration Edson Santos for signing the "Joint Action Plan Between the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Government of the United States of America to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality." Supports continued U.S. involvement in the United States-Brazil Joint Action Plan Against Racial Discrimination through funding. Encourages specified U.S. participation in the United States-Brazil Steering Group on Equality of Opportunity. Urges that the private sector, civil society, and experts on race relations and other relevant topics be considered as part of the Steering Group Advisory Board.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2008
Cure and Understanding through Research for Alzheimer's Act of 2008 or La Cura Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure sufficient resources for activities relating to Alzheimer's disease and Hispanic communities, including by: (1) increasing efforts in epidemiological work in Hispanic subgroups; (2) allocating resources to the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's disease research centers and other academic centers involved in such research to increase participation of Hispanics and other underrepresented ethnic groups in research and clinical trials in sufficient numbers to draw valid conclusions; and (3) conducting social, behavioral, and health services research to understand the underlying reasons why Hispanic individuals delay diagnosis and underutilize services, to identify culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches to address such delays and underutilization, and to identify approaches for providing, and improving the quality of, culturally competent care. Requires the Director to expand and intensify NIH efforts to educate communities about the importance of research relating to Alzheimer's disease and to respond effectively to cultural concerns about participation in such research. Authorizes appropriations for a program of grants to states to carry out demonstration programs related to Alzheimer's disease. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct an aggressive, evidence-based education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer's disease, particularly to Hispanic populations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2008
Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008
The White House Conference on Food and Nutrition - Directs: (1) the President to call the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition to be convened in order to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the United States; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Treasury to plan and conduct the Conference. Sets forth Conference provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008
Teacher Education Assistance Creating Hope for Our Future Act of 2008 or the TEACH for Our Future Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the loan forgiveness available to public elementary and secondary school teachers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Loan (DL) programs. Makes inapplicable to public school teachers the requirements limiting loan forgiveness to: (1) new borrowers on or after October 1, 1998; and (2) highly qualified teachers in certain schools that serve a high proportion of disadvantaged students. Maintains the requirement that such teachers teach full-time for five consecutive complete school years before becoming eligible for loan forgiveness. Raises to $25,000 the amount of the FFEL or DL outstanding that may be forgiven after a public school teacher's fifth complete school year of teaching. Maintains current loan forgiveness eligibility requirements for private elementary and secondary school teachers.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008
Condemns all forms of sexual violence, including rape, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Calls on the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to address the large-scale sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Urges an increased U.S. and donor country effort to provide greater assistance for police and military human rights training in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Calls on the Secretary of State to: (1) appoint a special envoy to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to sustain U.S. engagement in a peace process and stabilization programs; and (2) encourage the Congolese government to refer individuals or armed groups found guilty of rape and sexual violence consistent in magnitude to crimes against humanity to an international criminal court system. Encourages: (1) the international community to ensure greater coordination in its response to sexual violence and to provide further humanitarian assistance in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo; (2) full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 and related law and policy on the protection of women and girls; and (3) U.S. companies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to exert oversight concerning where their products are coming from and who is benefiting from the trade. Reaffirms support for constitutional government, the rule of law, human rights, and democratic processes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of Caribbean-American Heritage Month (in the month of June). Affirms that: (1) the contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States; and (2) the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008
Declares that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability through economic, political, and diplomatic means is vital to U.S. national security. Urges the President to use his authority to impose sanctions on: (1) Iranian banks engaged in proliferation activities or the support of terrorist groups; (2) international banks which conduct financial transactions with proscribed Iranian banks; (3) energy companies with large investments in the Iranian petroleum or natural gas sector; and (4) all companies which do business with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Demands that the President initiate an international effort to increase economic, political, and diplomatic pressure on Iran to suspend its nuclear enrichment activities. Urges the President to lead a regional diplomatic effort to support the legitimate governments in the region against Iranian destabilization efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008
Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the management of pain experienced by veterans, including department-wide management of acute and chronic pain, the standard of care, the consistent application of pain assessments, health care personnel education and training, and education for veterans and their families.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008
Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, upon the request of a public housing agency (PHA) which has a Moving to Work agreement (under the demonstration program authorized by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996), to extend it for a 12-month period under such terms as are or were in effect upon the agreement's expiration. Provides that, for a PHA that previously received an extension of its agreement and entered into a subsequent agreement after January 1, 2008, the Secretary shall, upon the PHA's request, invalidate such subsequent agreement and extend any agreement that was in effect as of such date also for a 12-month period under such terms as were in effect as of that date. Prohibits the Secretary from extending a Moving to Work agreement if a PHA is noncompliant with its agreement's terms. Expresses the sense of Congress that the maximum number of PHAs authorized to participate in the Moving to Work demonstration program should not be expanded until the demonstration program has been reformed and permanently authorized through enactment of a federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008
Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Requires the Secretary of HUD to conduct a program to demonstrate the effectiveness of funding a portion of the costs of carrying out energy efficiency and conservation and green building measures for multifamily housing projects for which rental assistance is provided under a covered multifamily assistance program. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary to: (1) ensure that the aggregate outstanding principal obligation of mortgages on single-family housing meeting energy efficiency standards that are insured by the Secretary is not less than $1 billion; and (2) conduct an energy efficient mortgages education and outreach campaign. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to require the disclosure of the number and dollar amount of mortgage loans that are energy efficient and location efficient. Prohibits insurers from denying homeowner insurance coverage or discriminating in coverage for structures that are not connected to, or not able to receive electricity from, electric power providers. Requires the Secretary to establish incentives for developers to: (1) increase the energy efficiency of multifamily housing; and (2) certify that trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants are planted properly. Sets forth provisions concerning energy saving techniques and energy performance requirements for manufactured homes. Requires the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to facilitate the financing of cost-effective capital improvements for covered assisted housing projects to improve their energy efficiency and conservation. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the Secretary to make grants for energy efficiency improvements in housing. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to require state and local housing strategies to include provisions to encourage sustainable development for affordable housing. Requires the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit organizations to increase low-income community development capacity. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) direct the Secretary to ensure that public housing agencies will receive the full financial benefit from reductions in utility costs resulting from contracts to undertake energy conservation improvements in connection with revitalization plans; and (2) prohibit the Secretary from making grants for demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance unless the applicant's proposed revitalization plan meets green development requirements. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to require federal financial supervisory agencies, in assessing the record of a financial institution, to consider specified energy efficiency and environmental ventures undertaken by the institution. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct: (1) federal financial institution regulatory agencies to require their standards for the performance of real estate appraisals to consider renewable energy sources for, or energy-efficiency or energy-conserving improvements or features of, the property in determining its value; and (2) the Appraisal Subcommittee to establish requirements for appraisers regarding energy-efficiency features and guidelines for appraising photovoltaic measures and training of appraisers. Directs the Secretary to require the Housing Assistance Council to establish incentives for compliance by structures assisted by the Secretary and HUD's Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development with energy efficiency requirements. Establishes in the Treasury the Alternative Energy Sources State Revolving Fund. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to require federal banking agencies to prescribe guidelines encouraging the establishment and maintenance of green banking centers by insured depository institutions to provide consumers information on home energy ratings, financing for energy-saving improvements to property, and beneficial terms for mortgages or loans that meets energy-efficiency standards.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008
Home Retention and Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to establish the right of an eligible deferred-foreclosure consumer, defendable in court, to defer initiation of a foreclosure or related action, including a foreclosure sale, brought by any creditor, servicer, or holder of an eligible deferred-foreclosure mortgage, during a specified deferment period. Declares invalid any foreclosure action or proceeding regarding a deferred-foreclosure mortgage if the creditor or servicer fails to notify the consumer: (1) at least 30 days before instituting the action or proceeding; and (2) at least once during each subsequent 30-day period until the foreclosure becomes final. Prescribes procedures governing: (1) initiating foreclosure deferment; (2) payment notices during the deferment period; and (3) the manner of consumer payment during the deferment period. Amortizes over the life of the mortgage the difference between the amount of monthly payment due under the eligible deferred-foreclosure mortgage and the deferment payment amount. Prohibits a creditor or servicer from imposing any late fee or other fee or charge during the deferment period. Requires the creditor or servicer to provide the consumer with separate, written notification, distinct from all other correspondence, regarding: (1) any interest rate increase with respect to a sub-prime mortgage; (2) any minimum monthly payment increase with respect to a negative amortization mortgage; (3) clear and conspicuous disclosure of the good faith estimate of the monthly payment applicable after the adjustment or reset date; and (4) a list of alternatives available to consumers prior to the date of adjustment or increase. Authorizes appropriations for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to implement foreclosure mitigation activities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008
National Silver Alert Act - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a national Silver Alert communications network to assist regional and local search efforts for missing seniors; (2) assign a Department of Justice officer to serve as the Silver Alert Coordinator to coordinate the network with states; and (3) award grants to states for support of Silver Alert plans and the network. Defines "missing senior" as any individual who is reported as missing to or by a law enforcement agency and who meets state requirements for designation as a missing senior. Directs the Coordinator to: (1) establish minimum standards for the issuance of, and the extent of the dissemination of, alerts issued through the network; and (2) make available to states, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and other concerned entities network training and information.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit, for purposes of voting for a federal, state, or local office, deeming a person to have lost a residence or domicile in a state, acquired a residence or domicile in any other state, or become a resident in or of any other state solely because the person is absent from a state because the person is accompanying the person's spouse who is absent from the state in compliance with military or naval orders. Prohibits a servicemember's spouse from either losing or acquiring a residence or domicile for purposes of taxation because of being absent or present in any U.S. tax jurisdiction solely to be with the servicemember in compliance with the servicemember's military orders if the residence or domicile is the same for the servicemember and the spouse.