United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Commemorates the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Honors the victims of Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration and extermination camps, and all those who perished at the hands of the Nazis. Expresses gratitude to the Allied soldiers, underground fighters, and all those whose efforts helped defeat the Nazi regime and liberate Auschwitz and other concentration and extermination camps during World War II. Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to enhance Holocaust education at home and abroad and to ensure that what happened in Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration and extermination camps is never allowed to happen again. Urges all countries to enhance their efforts to combat bigotry, racism, intolerance, and anti-Semitism.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010
Recognizes the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the government of the Republic of the Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army. Urges: (1) all parties in Sudan to cease hostile activities and to commit to establishing peace; and (2) the President of the United States and the Secretary of State to intervene at the highest levels within the international community to reinvigorate support for the establishment of peace in Sudan.
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 · 13 January 2010
Expresses support for the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the vital contributions of the thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in this country.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Condemns the violent suppression of legitimate political dissent and gross human rights abuses perpetrated by forces under the command of the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) in Guinea and demands that these perpetrators be brought to justice. Expresses concern about the further deterioration of security and rule of law in Guinea. Calls on China to cease its material support for the CNDD. Urges all member states of the United Nations to join the United States, the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to impose sanctions against the regime until constitutional order and rule of law has been restored in Guinea.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
African Higher Education Expansion and Improvement Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the importance to the development of sub-Saharan Africa of support for the improvement of primary, secondary, and higher education in that region. States that it is this country's policy to provide Africa with long-term assistance to improve the capacity of its institutions of higher education (IHEs) through partnerships with our IHEs. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide long-term assistance to sub-Saharan Africa that improves higher education by: (1) building the capacity of IHEs in sub-Saharan Africa; (2) building linkages and partnerships between sub-Saharan IHEs and our IHEs; (3) assisting efforts to recruit and retain women as students, faculty, and administrators; and (4) establishing an American University in West Africa. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to designate a Director of Assistance to Support and Promote Higher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa, who is to carry out such activities. Establishes a Sub-Saharan African Higher Education Advisory Board within USAID, which is appointed by the Administrator and composed of individuals from the private sector who have the requisite experience with Africa and higher education to assist the Director. Urges the Director and the Board to make every effort to leverage resources from the private sector in carrying out their responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine and encourages continued efforts to implement the United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership. Expresses support for the Ukrainian people's efforts to consolidate democratic institutions and economic reforms. Supports international financial institution measures to assist Ukraine. Urges the government of Ukraine and all political parties to ensure that the 2010 election is conducted freely.
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 · 10 December 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of the excise tax on beer produced within or imported into the United States for brewers who produce not more than 6 million barrels of beer a year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Expresses support for the designation of National Stalking Awareness Month to educate Americans about stalking. Encourages efforts to promote awareness of stalking and the availability of services for stalking victims. Urges national and community organizations, private businesses, and the media to promote, through National Stalking Awareness Month, awareness of the crime of stalking.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Condemns any violence against innocent individuals regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or religious beliefs. Calls on the government of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to: (1) desist from further executions based on trials that violate human rights and due process standards; (2) allow international observers and the media to attend such trials; (3) provide a list of individuals detained in the aftermath of the July 2009 events in Xinjiang to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the public; and (4) cease all crackdowns in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Calls on the President of the United States to: (1) state the strong U.S. opposition to these legally flawed trials and executions; (2) raise human rights concerns publicly and in all meetings with Chinese officials; (3) restate U.S. interest to open consulates in Lhasa, Tibet, and in Urumqi, Xinjiang; and (4) direct the U.S. Embassy in Beijing to automatically request permission from Chinese authorities for Embassy staff to observe trials if credible reasons exist that such trials may not meet human rights and legal standards.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Regrets the killing of unarmed civilians and expresses deepest condolences to the families of the 57 victims who were slain in Maguindanao in the worst politically motivated violence in recent Philippine history. Calls for: (1) an independent investigation and prosecution of those responsible; (2) an end to extrajudicial killings and election-related violence; and (3) freedom of press and safety for the investigating reporters. Urges the Department of State, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and other U.S. government agencies to review their assistance programs to the government of the Philippines and to offer any technical assistance that Philippine authorities may request. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to work with Philippine authorities to combat corruption, terrorism, and security threats.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States remains deeply concerned about the plight of specified vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities of Iraq; (2) the U.S. government and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) should urge the government of Iraq to enhance security at places of worship in Iraq, particularly where religious minorities are known to be at risk; Urges the U.S. government to continue to work with the government of Iraq to: (1) train and deploy into the Iraqi police and security forces members of vulnerable minority communities in Iraq; and (2) ensure that members of such communities suffer no discrimination in recruitment, employment, or advancement in such forces, and be assigned to their locations of origin, rather than transferred to other areas. Urges the government of Iraq, with U.S. government assistance, to: (1) ensure that the upcoming national elections in Iraq are safe, fair, and free of intimidation and violence so that all Iraqis, including religious minorities, can participate in them; and (2) permit and facilitate election monitoring by experts from local and international nongovernmental organizations, the international community, and the United Nations, particularly in minority areas. Encourages the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan regional government to work towards a peaceful and timely resolution of disputes over territories. Encourages the U.S. government and UNAMI to urge the government of Iraq to work with minority communities and their representatives to develop measures to implement article 125 of the Iraq Constitution. Urges the government of Iraq to take affirmative measures to reverse the legal, political, and economic marginalization of religious minorities in Iraq. Urges the U.S. government to: (1) direct assistance to projects that develop the ability of ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq to organize themselves civically and politically to effectively convey their concerns to government; and (2) continue to fund capacity-building programs for the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights (IMHR), the independent national Human Rights Commission, and a new independent minorities committee whose membership is selected by minority communities of Iraq. Urges the government of Iraq to: (1) direct the IMHR to investigate and report on abuses against and the marginalization of minority communities in Iraq, making recommendations to address such abuses; and (2) help ensure that displaced Iraqis considering return to Iraq have the proper information needed to make informed decisions regarding such return. Urges the U.S. government and international organizations to continue to work with the government of Iraq to develop the legal framework necessary to address property disputes resulting when displaced Iraqis attempt to return to their homes in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Calls on the President to: (1) not enter into or extend any arms control agreement with the Russian Federation that may jeopardize the ability of the United States to ensure a credible strategic deterrent with regard to the People's Republic of China (PRC) or other countries that are deemed capable of deploying a strategic nuclear arsenal; (2) report to Congress on any plans or steps taken to enter into any bilateral arms control agreement with the Russian Federation; (3) report to Congress on the PRC's capabilities and intentions regarding the future deployment of a major strategic nuclear arsenal; and (4) refuse to enter into any strategic nuclear arms agreement with the Russian Federation or any other country that would require the United States to limit or suspend its efforts to create missile defense systems for itself and its allies. Urges the President to refrain from negotiating any follow-on agreement to START I until the Nuclear Posture Review is completed and the President, Congress, and all relevant U.S. government departments and agencies have had an opportunity to evaluate the Nuclear Posture Review.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Runaway Reporting Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 with respect to the reporting of missing children to require: (1) federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to certify to the Attorney General compliance with requirements to report missing children to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database; and (2) state and local law enforcement officers to give a written information sheet to each individual who reports a missing child that includes the toll-free phone numbers of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the National Runaway Switchboard and a description of services provided by such organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand treatment services for patients with Alzheimer's disease and training and support services for families and caregivers of such patients.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Requests the Attorney General to appoint a special counsel to investigate the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and its affiliates and report to Congress on the results of such investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Supports the "Green Movement" within Iran which embraces the Iranian people's yearning for freedom and human rights. Encourages a more robust form of communication to the Iranian people through uninhibited information flow via media, Internet, and telecommunications. Condemns the suppression of the Iranian people through censorship, imprisonment, and continued acts of violence by the government and pro-government militias.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Expresses support for Chinese human rights activists Huang Qi and Tan Zuoren for engaging in peaceful expression as they seek answers and justice for the parents whose children were killed as a result of the collapse of numerous school buildings in the Sichuan earthquake of May 12, 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act - Amends the Troops-to-Teachers program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (which provides veterans with teacher certification stipends in exchange for three years of service in a high-need local educational agency [LEA] or public charter school). Expands program eligibility to cover certain individuals: (1) who, on or after September 11, 2001, serve at least 90 continuous days on active duty in the Armed Forces before being honorably released from such service; or (2) who, on or after January 8, 2002, are separated or released from active duty after at least four (currently, six) years of continuous active duty immediately preceding such separation or release, and agree to serve in the Armed Forces Reserves for at least three years. Makes any LEA that is receiving school improvement funds eligible to host Troops-to-Teachers program participants. Directs the Secretary of Education to establish an Advisory Board, composed of federal, state, and veteran service organization representatives, to collect, study, and disseminate feedback from the program and report to Congress on how the program is operating and might be improved. Reserves specified funding to carry out the Troops-to-Teachers program through FY2014.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Condemns the government of Venezuela for its state-sponsored support of international terrorist groups. Calls on the Secretary of State to designate Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism. Urges increased counter-terrorism cooperation between the United States and allies in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Considers the "Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict" (Goldstone Report) to be biased and unworthy of further consideration or legitimacy. Supports the Administration's efforts to combat anti-Israel bias at the United Nations (U.N.). Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose endorsement of, and measures stemming from, the Report. Reaffirms support for Israel's right to defend its citizens from violent militant groups and their state sponsors.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to: (1) take all necessary steps to begin installation of cameras in room H-313 of the Capitol during the next recess lasting 10 calendar days or longer; (2) during the next such recess, begin and complete installation of such cameras; and (3) coordinate with the Chair of the Committee on Rules to provide for live broadcasting of the proceedings of such Committee on the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to list permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained: (1) from a licensed dealer; (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements; (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year; or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Sets forth additional monetary penalties for related violations. Prohibits federal facilities from purchasing or otherwise acquiring dogs or cats for exhibition purposes (currently, for research, experimentation, or exhibition purposes) except from: (1) the operator of an auction that comports with legal requirements; or (2) a person holding a valid dealer or exhibitor license. Prohibits dealers from selling or otherwise providing any research facility (currently, any individual or entity) with random source dogs or cats unless specified certification requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any meetings held to determine the final content of sweeping health care legislation be held in public view and not behind closed doors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Welcomes to the United States and to Washington, DC, His All Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, Ecumenical Patriarch. Recognizes the importance to the United States and to the world of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's leadership on matters of environment, peace, and religion. Encourages Turkey to grant religious freedom and property rights to the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as to reopen the theological school at Halki.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Condemns violations of religious freedom in the Middle East. Calls on the President to consider the status of religious freedom in each country in the Middle East when assessing relations with governments in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Recognizes Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury (PABI) as the leading cause of death and disability in the United States for children and young adults from birth until 25 years of age. Endorses the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan and encourages its implementation by federal, state, and local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax deduction for the expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers to: (1) increase the maximum dollar amount of such deduction to $500; (2) allow the deduction of professional development expenses; and (3) make such deduction permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Mourns the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa and Samoa, and offers condolences to the victims' families. Pledges full support to the people of American Samoa and the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Failolo, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Faga'alu, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Afono, Vatia, Lauli'i, Faga'itua, Masefau, Alao, Tula, and Aoa. Expresses appreciation to the foreign governments that are lending their support to the United States Territory of American Samoa. Commends: (1) the efforts of all persons and relief organizations; and (2) the over 100,000 Samoans residing in the United States from American Samoa and Samoa for coming to the aid of their "aiga" in the affected islands.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Recognizes the significant contributions of the Military Working Dog (MWD) Program to the U.S. Armed Forces. Honors retired Air Force MWD Ben C020 for his lifetime of service. Supports the adoption and care of these quality animals after such service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
White House Conference on Autism Act of 2009 - Requires the President, by December 31, 2010, to call the White House Conference on Autism (to be convened within 18 months of the selection of a Policy Committee) to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to combat the autism epidemic in the United States. Sets forth as purposes of the Conference to: (1) galvanize a national effort to find the underlying causes of autism; (2) identify viable solutions and valuable services to help autistic individuals and their families; (3) bring together the best scientific minds to chart a comprehensive research agenda; (4) bring together parents of autistic children and leaders in the fields of education and social services to begin a national dialogue on the challenges faced by these children and their families; (5) highlight emerging and innovative programs that effectively serve the needs of autistic children and adults; and (6) review the effectiveness of existing legislation and programs that provide autism research services and develop recommendations for legislative action for improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Ensuring the Future Physician Workforce Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the formula for calculating payments for physicians' services. Resets to 2009 the base year for application of the sustainable growth rate formula, which shall be eliminated in 2011. Amends SSA title XVIII to extend the current transitional bonus payments through 2011 at 3%. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a reporting system for quality measures relating to physicians' services that focus on disease-specific high cost conditions. Amends SSA title XI to create safe harbors to antikickback and civil and criminal penalties for provision of health information technology (HIT) and training services. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the impact of such safe harbors. Amends SSA title XVIII to create an exception to the limitation on certain physician referrals for the provision of HIT and training services to health care professionals. Directs the Secretary to report annually to: (1) each physician information on the physician's total Medicare billings; and (2) each individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) on the amount of Medicare payments made to or on behalf of the individual during the year involved. Directs the Secretary to collect data on annual savings in expenditures in the Medicare program due to physicians' services that resulted in hospital or in-patient diversion. Requires the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to monitor and examine the extent to which the different funding mechanisms under Medicare parts A, B, and D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) provide an appropriate alignment with the program goals of the respective parts. Requires the Secretary to provide for a study of, and report to Congress on, health care disparities in high-risk health condition areas and minority communities with respect to the impact reporting requirements may have on physician penetration in such communities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Urges Congress to work with health care providers and advocacy organizations to encourage awareness and education regarding Down syndrome.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Declares that the House of Representatives is committed to: (1) promoting and sustaining the spirit of unity shared by members of the United States Submarine Force; (2) paying tribute once again to the seven submariners who were awarded the Medal of Honor, including two who were awarded the medal posthumously; and (3) keeping alive the memory of the Submarine Force veterans so that the American people never forget their courage and sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) ensure that promotion of inter-religious dialogue and protection of religious freedom and human rights are key components of the U.S. engagement strategy with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; and (2) support efforts by the government of Pakistan to protect the religious freedom of all Pakistanis and prioritize the prevention of religiously motivated and sectarian violence; and (3) urge the government of Pakistan to review legislation that restricts the right to practice and propagate religion or that constitutes discrimination on the basis of religion or belief in order to bring Pakistani law into conformity with international human rights standards.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Health Savings and Affordability Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction from gross income for the cost of health insurance coverage for individual taxpayers, their spouses, and dependents; (2) permit holders of health savings accounts (HSAs) and their spouses who are age 55 or older to make additional (catch-up) contributions to a joint HSA; (3) increase the allowable amount of the tax deduction for contributions to HSAs; (4) combine individual and family deductibles under high deductible health insurance plans; (5) allow for increased rollovers from flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) or health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) into HSAs; (6) allow the payment of premiums from HSAs for high deductible health plans; and (7) treat as medical care for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses certain exercise equipment and fees for physical fitness programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Offers condolences to the family of Jim Pouillon, who was murdered in Owosso, Michigan. Commits to the American principle that the suppression of thought by any means and by either government or individuals must always yield to the right of free speech and that violence is never an appropriate response to a difference in beliefs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Commemorates the lives and work of Jesuit Fathers Ignacio Ellacuria, Ignacio Martin-Baro, Segundo Montes, Amando Lopez, Juan Ramon Moreno, Joaquin Lopez y Lopez, and housekeeper Julia Elba Ramos and her daughter Celina Mariset Ramos who were executed by members of the Salvadoran Army on November 16, 1989, at the University of Central America Jose Simeon Canas (UCA) in San Salvador, El Salvador. Extends sympathy to their families, friends, colleagues, and religious communities. Recognizes the continuing academic, spiritual, and social contributions of the UCA. Commends the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in this country for their solidarity with the UCA and annual remembrances of the Jesuit martyrs. Continues to find inspiration in the lives and work of the Jesuit martyrs. Remembers the seminal reports by Chairman John Joseph Moakley and the Speaker's Special Task Force on El Salvador in investigating the murders. Acknowledges the role played by the Speaker's Special Task Force, Congressman John Joseph Moakley, the Jesuit leadership of the UCA, and the Salvadoran judicial investigation and convictions in advancing negotiations to end the war so that the deaths of the Jesuits and two laywomen contributed directly to achieving the peace to which they had dedicated their lives. Calls upon the people of this country, schools, and churches to participate in local, national, and international events commemorating the 20th anniversary of their deaths. Recognizes that despite significant post-war progress, social and economic hardships persist among many sectors of Salvadoran society. Calls upon our government to support and work with the El Salvadoran government and other public, private, nongovernmental, and religious organizations in efforts to reduce poverty and hunger and promote educational opportunity, human rights, the rule of law, and social equity for Salvadorans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Underscores the value of respectful speech while affirming that the freedoms of speech and religious exercise are integral to free societies and human dignity. Urges the Secretary of State to make every effort to defeat the passage of resolutions on the "defamation of religions" at the United Nations and other resolutions or international instruments that threaten the free and peaceful exchange of ideas, beliefs, and truth claims. Calls on the United Nations (U.N.) to abandon efforts to adopt the flawed concept of "defamation of religions." Urges U.N. member states to focus on protecting the fundamental freedom of individuals to peacefully express their religious beliefs and to avoid supporting resolutions that threaten freedom of expression.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Calls on: (1) the Secretary of State to support the efforts of the appropriate Honduran authorities to ensure that the November 29, 2009, elections are free and transparent; and (2) the President of the United States to recognize such elections as an important step in consolidating democracy and the rule of law in Honduras.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009
National Oilheat Research Alliance Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 to extend the national oilheat research alliance program until February 6, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009
Includes certain disclosures made by a Department of Defense (DOD) contract employee to his or her employer among those for which reprisal (discharge, demotion, or other discriminatory acts) is prohibited.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Defund ACORN Act - Prohibits any federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other form of agreement from being awarded to, any federal funds in any other form from being provided to, or any federal employee or contractor from promoting any organization that: (1) has been indicted for a violation under any federal or state law governing the financing of a campaign for election for public office or any law governing the administration of such an election, including a voter registration law; (2) had its state corporate charter terminated due to its failure to comply with federal or state lobbying disclosure requirements; (3) has filed a fraudulent form with any federal or state regulatory agency; or (4) employs, has under contract, or retains to act on its behalf any individual who has been indicted for a violation under federal or state law relating to an election for federal or state office. Identifies, specifically, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and any affiliate as such an organization. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to be revised to carry out provisions of this Act relating to contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Urges: (1) the President to issue a report clearly outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and authorities of the special assistants he has appointed (commonly referred to as "czars") and to certify to Congress that such czars will not assert powers other than those granted by statute to a commissioned officer on the President's staff; and (2) Congress to hold hearings on such report and certification within 30 days.
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000522_200.jpg)