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Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

United States · Official source

Records

8,597 records where Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 6539 (110th)referred

Tracking Registered And Convicted Known (TRACK) Sex Offenders Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Tracking Registered And Convicted Known (TRACK) Sex Offenders Act - Amends title IV (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) information in the National Directory of New Hires to assist in the enforcement of a federal or state law requiring the registration of sex offenders. Authorizes the FBI to disclose such information to state or local law enforcement agencies for purposes of enforcing sex offender registration laws.

Bill· HRH.R. 6520 (110th)referred

To increase global stability and security for the United States and the international community by reducing the number of individuals who are de jure or de facto stateless and at risk of being trafficked.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008

States that: (1) it shall be U.S. policy that the President and the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations work with the international community to increase political and financial support for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to prevent and resolve problems related to de jure and de facto statelessness and to promote the rights of de jure or de facto stateless persons; (2) the President shall make prevention and reduction of de jure or de facto statelessness an important goal of U.S. foreign policy and human rights efforts; and (3) it shall be U.S. policy to comply with the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Directs the Secretary of State to increase staff and resources in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration to work toward the prevention and resolution of de jure and de facto statelessness and the protection of de jure or de facto stateless persons.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1351 (110th)passed

Resolution expressing support for the United Nations/African Union Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and calling upon United Nations Member States and the international community to contribute the resources necessary to ensure the success of UNAMID, including troops and essential tactical and utility helicopters.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 6503 (110th)open

Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program Reauthorization of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2008

Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program Reauthorization of 2008 - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program through FY2015 and to revise program requirements to: (1) provide for competitive grants to nonprofit organizations to assist in locating missing patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (2) expand such program to include locating other missing elderly individuals; (3) require the Attorney General to solicit grants for program applications in the Federal Register and on the Department of Justice (DOJ) website; and (4) establish a preference in awarding grants to national nonprofit organizations that have a direct link to patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their families (currently, grants may be awarded to only such organizations).

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1328 (110th)referred

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 6438 (110th)referred

National Guard Technician Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2008

National Guard Technician Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008 - Provides that if an individual is first employed by the National Guard as a military technician (dual status) while already a member of a reserve component, the Secretary of the military department concerned may not require the individual to repay any enlistment, reenlistment, or affiliation bonus connected with the individual's enlistment or reenlistment before such employment. Prohibits such individual from being precluded from receiving any such bonus or denied the opportunity to participate in any Department of Defense (DOD) educational loan repayment program as an additional incentive to accept and maintain reserve membership. Repeals the prohibition against overtime pay for such technicians.

Bill· HRH.R. 6391 (110th)referred

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Specifies how loss of earning is to be calculated for vaccine-related injuries to individuals under the age of 18. Increases the award for vaccine-related deaths. Allows compensation under the Program for expenses for family counseling and for establishing and maintaining a guardianship, conservatorship, or trust for an individual with a vaccine-related injury. Allows a special master to make an interim award of attorneys' fees and costs under certain circumstances. Allows such award to be payable directly to the petitioner's attorney. Extends the statute of limitation for vaccine-related injury or death to six years after the date of injury or onset of symptoms. Specifies who is to be a member of the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines. Provides that the Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair (currently, the Commission must meet not less than four times a year). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of expenses for administering the Program that are allowed to be paid from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. Allows the payment from the Trust Fund of administrative and personnel expenses that the Bureau of Public Debt incurs for financial services for the Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to include a public service announcement in efforts to inform the public about the Program.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1314 (110th)passed

Remembering the 75th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine (Holodomor) of 1932-1933 and extending the deepest sympathies of the House of Representative to the victims, survivors, and families of this tragedy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Remembers the 75th anniversary of the 1932-1933 Ukrainian Famine-Genocide and: (1) extends sympathies to the victims, survivors, and families of this tragedy; and (2) encourages dissemination of information regarding the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide. Condemns the Soviet government's systematic violations of the Ukrainian people's human rights. Supports Ukraine's continuing efforts toward ensuring democratic principles, a free-market economy, and full respect for human rights.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1306 (110th)referred

Recognizing the dedication and honorable service of members of the National Guard who are serving or have served in Operation Jump Start.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Unconditionally supports members of the National Guard and their families. Recognizes: (1) the sacrifices made by such members and their families; (2) the men and women who have so served as examples of leadership, courage, and service before self; and (3) the work the National Guard has put forth to secure our southwest border.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1308 (110th)referred

Condemning the broadcasting of incitement to violence against Americans and the United States in media based in the Middle East, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Condemns the broadcast of incitement to violence against Americans and the United States by Middle East-based media. Calls on the President to: (1) designate al-Aqsa TV as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT); (2) designate as SDGTs satellite providers that knowingly contract with SDGTs to broadcast their channels for support to terrorist entities; and (3) consider state sponsorship of anti-American incitement when determining relations with, and assistance to, regional states.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 385 (110th)referred

Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Reiterates condemnation of the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, honors the victims of the attack, and expresses sympathy to the victims' relatives. Applauds the government of Argentina for increasing the pace of the AMIA bombing investigation. Commends the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for upholding and issuing the Red Notices. Expresses concern regarding the government of Saudi Arabia's failure to detain certain Iranian officials in connection with the AMIA case. Urges: (1) all nations to cooperate fully with the AMIA investigation; and (2) governments in the Western Hemisphere to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and to penalize those providing support for Hezbollah and other Islamist terrorist organizations. Encourages the President to direct U.S. law enforcement agencies, upon Argentine request, to cooperate in the AMIA investigation.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1303 (110th)referred

Calling on the Egyptian Government to respect human rights and freedoms of religion and expression in Egypt.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2008

Recognizes that respect for human rights is a fundamental value and that the bilateral relationship between the United States and Egypt should be a platform for promoting the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. Calls on the Egyptian government to: (1) respect human rights, minority rights, and freedoms of religion and expression; and (2) release Ayman Nour and all political activists. Welcomes Egypt's efforts to secure the border with Gaza and fight smuggling. Urges the President and the Secretary of State to put human rights and religious freedom developments in Egypt very high on the U.S. government's agenda during meetings with Egyptian officials.

Bill· HRH.R. 6328 (110th)reported

To develop a policy to address the critical needs of Iraqi refugees.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2008

Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the position of White House Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons who shall: (1) develop and implement U.S. policies, and coordinate federal functions, to address the protection, resettlement, and assistance needs of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons; (2) monitor the development and implementation of assistance strategies to countries in the Middle East hosting Iraqi refugees; (3) ensure that the President's budget requests to Congress are sufficient to meet the needs of such persons, including providing assistance for international efforts on behalf of such persons; (4) serve as principal liaison with the government of Iraq and the international community and organizations that are assisting such persons; and (5) ensure that the U.S. government will encourage refugee returns only when conditions permit safe and voluntary returns.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1290 (110th)referred

Joining the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in observance of World Refugee Day and calling on the United States Government, international organizations, and aid groups to take immediate steps to secure urgently needed humanitarian relief for the more than 2,000,000 people displaced by genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 6303 (110th)referred

To amend chapter 141 of title 10, United States Code, to include disclosures made by Department of Defense contract employees to their immediate employers in the provisions providing protections against reprisal for certain disclosures.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2008

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 6282 (110th)referred

Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2008

Helping Housing, Awareness, and Navigation Demonstration Services for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders Act of 2008 or the Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary), in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Secretary) and the Secretary of Education, to establish a demonstration program to award grants to eligible entities to develop an autism navigator program to create a more efficient, effective, coordinated use of the health, housing, education, and social service systems for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Requires: (1) an eligible entity that receives a grant to develop an autism navigator program that will recruit, employ, train, assign, and supervise autism navigators; and (2) the HHS Secretary to provide for evaluations to determine the effects of navigator services. Directs the HHS Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) develop, demonstrate, and disseminate a standard curriculum for training first responders in assisting individuals with autism and other cognitive behavioral disabilities and their families during emergencies; and (2) award grants to states and local governments to train first responders in providing assistance to such individuals in emergency situations. Requires the HUD Secretary to convene a task force to establish a housing demonstration grant program to award grants to entities to provide a program aimed at providing individualized housing and services to adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

Bill· HRH.R. 6264 (110th)referred

To prevent excessive speculation in over-the-counter derivatives markets for certain energy commodities by limiting participation in those markets to persons who are capable of producing, manufacturing, or taking physical delivery of the commodities.

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.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1270 (110th)passed

Commending the efforts of those who sought to block an international arms transfer destined for Zimbabwe, where the government has unleashed a campaign of violence and intimidation against members of the political opposition, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Recognizes the efforts of: (1) southern African trade unions, religious leaders, and advocacy groups to raise awareness about a possible weapons transfer to Zimbabwe as part of a campaign to address Zimbabwe's worsening political, economic, and humanitarian crisis; and (2) southern African governments which denied access through their territories for a weapons shipment destined for a regime that continues to perpetuate gross human rights violations against its own citizens. Urges the United States to continue to work with African governments and multilateral institutions to compel Robert Mugabe's regime to respect the will of its citizens and find a peaceful solution to the current political standoff. Urges the U.S. Permanent Representative at the United Nations to advocate for an international moratorium on arms shipments to Zimbabwe until democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are respected by the government of Zimbabwe.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1245 (110th)referred

Urging the international community to provide the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur with essential tactical and utility helicopters.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2008

Urges: (1) the members of the international community, including the United States, that possess the capability to expeditiously provide the tactical and utility helicopters needed for the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur to do so as soon as possible; (2) the President to personally ask other heads of state to contribute aircraft and crews for the Darfur mission; and (3) the Department of State to organize a special meeting of the U.N. Security Council, the Friends of UNAMID working group, and the U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations to resolve outstanding force and equipment issues.

Bill· HRH.R. 6185 (110th)referred

TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2008

TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2008 - Makes a member of the Retired Reserve who is qualified for a non-regular (reserve) retirement at age 60, but is not yet 60, eligible for health benefits under TRICARE Standard (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed health care program for members of the reserves). Terminates such eligibility when the member becomes eligible for TRICARE Standard at age 60. Includes immediate family members under such coverage. Requires members to pay a premium for such coverage.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 89 (110th)referred

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Protection Amendment - Defines marriage in the United States as consisting only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits either the U.S. Constitution or the constitution of any state from being construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon any other union.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 362 (110th)referred

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the threat posed to international peace, stability in the Middle East, and the vital national security interests of the United States by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and regional hegemony, and for other purposes.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 6064 (110th)referred

To encourage, enhance, and integrate Silver Alert plans throughout the United States, to authorize grants for the assistance of organizations to find missing adults, and for other purposes.

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.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1198 (110th)referred

Commending the people of the Montenegro on holding free and fair presidential elections on April 6, 2008, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's decision at the Bucharest Summit to invite Montenegro to enter into an Intensified Dialogue, and the reforms and progress undertaken by Montenegro since its declaration of independence.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2008

Commends the people and the government of Montenegro for the manner in which the April 2008 presidential election was conducted. Supports the decision by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to initiate an Intensified Dialogue with Montenegro. Welcomes the close relationship between the United States and Montenegro and urges the people and the government of Montenegro to continue to embrace the principles of a democratic government, a free market economy, and an open society.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1195 (110th)passed

Expressing condolences and sympathy to the people of the People's Republic of China for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the earthquake of May 12, 2008 in Sichuan Province.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2008

Extends condolences and sympathy to the people of the People's Republic of China (PRC) for the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake centered in Sichuan Province. Vows full support for the people of the PRC as well as the members of the Chinese American community who have relatives in the affected areas.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1181 (110th)passed

Expressing condolences and sympathy to the people of Burma for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Extends condolences to the people of Burma for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis, and vows full support with the people of Burma. Calls on Americans to provide emergency assistance to cyclone victims in Burma through humanitarian agencies. Calls for the Burmese military junta to consider the well-being of its people and accept international assistance.

Bill· HRH.R. 5970 (110th)referred

Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2008

Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 to authorize assistance to promote democracy and civil society in Belarus. Includes Internet broadcasting within the scope of increased support and funding for U.S. government and surrogate broadcasting to Belarus. Specifies that funding may be used for broadcasting by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Voice of America, and European Radio for Belarus and Belsat. Includes cessation of repression against student activists and ethnic minorities among the criteria that the government of Belarus must meet in order to end U.S. sanctions under such Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5942 (110th)referred

National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions governing grants to trauma centers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish four programs to award grants to public or nonprofit trauma centers to: (1) assist in defraying substantial uncompensated care costs; (2) further a center's core mission; (3) provide emergency relief to ensure continued and future availability of trauma service; and (4) support the development and maintenance of innovative information technology systems. Sets forth: (1) minimum qualifications of eligible centers, including requirements for levels of uncompensated care provided; and (2) preferences for awarding grants among level I, II, III, and IV trauma centers and among centers based on the changing availability of or demand for trauma care in the area served and financial need. Requires grantees to submit a long-term plan for providing trauma care. Requires the Secretary to: (1) annually determine and notify centers of their eligibility to receive a grant; and (2) periodically report on the status of such grants, the financial stability of the centers, the populations using the centers, and the effectiveness and efficiency of center activities. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY2009-FY2014 and specifies percentages to be reserved for the different types of grants.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1166 (110th)passed

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding provocative and dangerous statements and actions taken by the Government of the Russian Federation that undermine the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008

Condemns recent decisions by the government of the Russian Federation to establish official ties with the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a process that impedes reconciliation between those regions and the government of the Republic of Georgia and that violates Georgia's sovereignty and Russia's commitments to international peacekeeping. Encourages Russia to work with Georgia, the peoples of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the international community to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. Calls on U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to investigate the April 2008 downing of an unarmed Georgian reconnaissance aircraft. Supports the declaration of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Bucharest Summit stating that Georgia will become a NATO member.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1159 (110th)passed

Recognizing the historical significance of the United States sloop-of-war Constellation as a surviving witness to the horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and a leading participant in America's effort to end the practice.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2008

Expresses support for the USS Constellation, a 153-year-old American warship berthed in Baltimore, Maryland, as an appropriate site for the nation to commemorate the bicentennial of the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Bill· HRH.R. 5910 (110th)referred

Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008

Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act of 2008- Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit and to set penalties for: (1) creating or attempting to create a human-animal hybrid (a being with human and non-human tissue as specified in this Act); (2) transferring or attempting to transfer a human embryo into a non-human womb, or a non-human embryo into a human womb; or (3) transporting or receiving for any purpose a human-animal hybrid.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 332 (110th)referred

Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008

Recognizes: (1) on its 60th anniversary year the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a singular achievement of the community of nations; and (2) the contribution in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution to the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Urges all U.N. member states to uphold the principles of human dignity enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially on behalf of the world's most vulnerable persons.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1140 (110th)referred

Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2008

Recognizes the tenth anniversary of the signing of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and the fundamental importance of religious freedom within U.S. historical experience and foreign policy. Urges all United Nations member states to respect their obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Calls on the President to appoint a National Security Advisor on International Religious Freedom, promote respect for religious freedom, and address the findings and recommendations of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom regarding asylum-seekers in the United States. Calls on the Secretary of State to: (1) ensure that no foreign government official who has been directly involved in particularly severe violations of religious freedom receives a U.S. visa; (2) ensure that religious freedom is a key part of dialogue with all countries where concerns exist; (3) ensure that U.S. foreign aid program funding promotes respect for religious freedom; (4) ensure that religious freedom and other human rights training is required of all foreign service officers; and (5) develop strategies to address new religious freedom concerns.

Bill· HRH.R. 5868 (110th)open

Caleb Martin-Travis Dodson Wounded Warrior Retention Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008

Caleb Martin-Travis Dodson Wounded Warrior Retention Act - Authorizes a member of the Armed Forces who would normally be retired, placed on the temporary disability retired list, or separated as the result of a combat-related disability to elect to instead be retained on active service in an active status, as long as the member: (1) remains medically able to perform noncombat-related military occupational specialties or duties; and (2) is not disqualified from performing such specialties or duties because of performance, mandatory retirement for age, or other reasons. Subjects members placed in such status to periodic physical examinations, as provided to members placed on the temporary disability retired list. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to permit, on a case-by-case basis, the reenlistment or appointment in such status of a member who, during the period beginning on September 1, 2001, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, was retired or separated as the result of a combat-related disability. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on the number and types of noncombat-related military occupational specialties in the Armed Forces and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employee positions that would be available for such members.

Law· HRH.R. 5872 (110th)enacted

Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008

Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. Requires the coin design to be emblematic of the 100 years of the organization. Restricts issuance of such coins to February 8 through December 31, 2010. Subjects coin sales to a surcharge of $10 per coin. Requires payment of such surcharges to the National Boy Scouts of America Foundation, to be made available to local councils in the form of grants for the extension of Scouting in hard-to-serve areas.

Bill· HRH.R. 5874 (110th)referred

National MS Disease Registry Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008

National MS Disease Registry Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, to: (1) develop a system to collect data on multiple sclerosis (MS); and (2) establish a national surveillance system for the collection and storage of such data, including a population-based registry of U.S. cases of MS. Requires the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on the MS National Surveillance System. Allows the Secretary to award grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public or private nonprofit entities for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on MS. Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify, build upon, expand, and coordinate existing data and surveillance systems, surveys, registries, and other federal public health and environmental infrastructure wherever possible; and (2) provide for research access to MS data. Requires the Secretary to ensure that epidemiological and other types of information collected are made available to agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Department of Defense (DOD).

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1127 (110th)passed

Resolution condemning the endemic restrictions on freedom of the press and media and public expression in the Middle East and the concurrent and widespread presence of anti-Semitic incitement to violence and Holocaust denial in the Arab media and press.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008

Condemns the restrictions on freedom of the press and expression in the Arab world and the widespread presence of anti-Semitic material, Holocaust denial, and incitement to violence in the Arab media. Expresses concern that many of the Arab governments to which United States has turned for assistance in ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are responsible for using their government-controlled media to promulgate incendiary speech regarding Israel and the Jewish people that makes U.S. efforts to help resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict all the more difficult. Calls on the President, the Secretary of State, and all U.S. ambassadors to Arab countries to protest the lack of freedom of thought and expression.

Law· HRH.R. 5834 (110th)enacted

North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) activities to support human rights and democracy and freedom of information in North Korea; and (2) assistance to North Koreans who are outside North Korea. Directs the Broadcasting Board of Governors to report respecting U.S. broadcasting to North Korea and the extent to which the Board has achieved the goal of 12-hour-per-day broadcasting to North Korea. States that the Special Envoy on human rights in North Korea shall have the rank of ambassador. Sets forth specified reporting provisions.

Bill· HRH.R. 5837 (110th)referred

To make technical corrections to section 1244 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which provides special immigrant status for certain Iraqis, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Makes technical corrections to provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 which provide special immigrant status for certain Iraqis employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or State to convert approved petitions for such status with respect to which visas are not immediately available to approved petitions for petitions filed before October 1, 2008.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1122 (110th)passed

Recognizing Armed Forces Day.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Recognizes Armed Forces Day in appreciation of the members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.