United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2011
Health Care Choice Act of 2011 - Repeals Title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (provisions related to health insurance and health coverage expansion) and any amendments to such provisions made by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Restores provisions of law amended or repealed by such provisions. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with the conditions of this Act. Exempts issuers from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the issuer in such state, subject to certain restrictions imposed by such state. Specifies the notice that an issuer must provide in any insurance coverage offered in a secondary state and at renewal of the policy. Requires each issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage in both primary and secondary states to submit to the insurance commissioners of such states: (1) a copy of the plan of operation or feasibility study; (2) written notice of any change in its designation of its primary state and of its compliance with all the laws of the primary state; and (3) a quarterly financial statement. Prohibits an issuer from offering, selling, or issuing individual health insurance coverage in a secondary state if the state insurance commissioner does not use a risk-based capital formula for the determination of capital and surplus requirements for all issuers. Gives sole jurisdiction to the primary state to enforce the primary state's covered laws in the primary state and any secondary state. Requires the Comptroller General to study the effect of this Act on specified health insurance issues.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2011
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011 - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Defines "major rule" as any rule, including an interim final rule, that has resulted in or is likely to result in: (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or U.S. competitiveness. Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for joint resolutions approving major rules and disapproving non-major rules.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2011
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law (federal funds) for any abortion. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services, except in cases involving rape, incest, or life endangerment.) Prohibits federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. (Thus making permanent existing federal policies.) Disallows any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan that includes coverage of abortion, including any medical deduction for such amounts or any credit for such an employer-sponsored plan. Prohibits the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal or District of Columbia health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government or the District. Provides that such prohibitions shall not apply to an abortion if: (1) the pregnancy is the result of forcible rape or, if the pregnant woman is a minor, incest; or (2) the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, as certified by a physician. Makes such prohibitions applicable to District funds. Codifies the prohibition against a federal agency or program or any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance from subjecting any individual or health care entity to discrimination on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Creates a cause of action for any violations of such provisions. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to prevent and redress actual or threatened violations of such provisions by issuing any form of legal or equitable relief, including an injunction or order preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance until the prohibited conduct has ceased. Gives standing to institute an action to affected health care entities and the Attorney General. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, investigate, and refer to the appropriate federal agency complaints alleging a violation of such provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2011
Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act - Designates a memorial located at March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California, as the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial, in honor of current and former members of the armed forces who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2011
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the "Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2011
Medical Liability Procedural Reform Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to states to develop, implement, and evaluate health care tribunals. Defines "health care tribunal" to mean a trial court or administrative tribunal: (1) the sole function of which is to adjudicate disputes over injuries allegedly caused by health care providers; (2) to which all or a portion of such disputes within a jurisdiction are assigned; and (3) the judges for which have health care expertise and render decisions about the standard of care in dispute adjudication, with reliance on independent expert witnesses commissioned by such court or tribunal. Permits the Attorney General to provide technical assistance to states to: (1) develop common definition, formats, and data collection infrastructure for states to use in reporting in order to facilitate aggregation and analysis of data within and between states; and (2) provide guidance about the identification and selection of heath care tribunal judges and independent expert witnesses, compensation of injured patients, and clinical resources relating to the standard of care. Requires the Attorney General to contract with a research organization to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of grants awarded, to include an analysis of the effect of such grants on: (1) the number, nature, and costs of health care liability claims; (2) the liability environment; (3) health care quality; and (4) patient safety.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2011
Health Care Paperwork Reduction and Fraud Prevention Act - Establishes the Commission on Health Care Billing Codes and Forms Simplification which shall make recommendations regarding: (1) standardizing and simplifying credentialing and billing forms for health care claims; (2) reducing and simplifying billing codes; (3) reforming the Medicare regulatory and appeals processes to ensure that the Secretary of Health and Human Services provides appropriate guidance to providers for submitting Medicare claims and does not target inadvertent billing errors; and (4) updating electronic forms of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure simplicity and privacy. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process under which a physician may request from a carrier written assistance in addressing questionable codes and procedures under the Medicare program. Prohibits the Administrator from implementing any new evaluation and management (E&M) guidelines under the Medicare program unless the Administrator: (1) has provided for an assessment of the proposed guidelines by physicians; (2) has established a plan that contains specific goals, including a schedule for improving participation of physicians in such assessment; (3) has carried out a minimum of four pilot projects in at least four different regions to test E&M guidelines; and (4) finds that specified objectives will be met in the implementation of such guidelines. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) physician participation and pilot program testing requirements and objectives for new E&M guidelines under Medicare; and (2) notice, administrative, and penalty requirements with respect to Medicare overpayments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2011
Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a provision (added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) that extends to corporations that are not tax-exempt the requirement to report payments of $600 or more.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2011
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry and Standards of Performance for Portland Cement Plants.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Health Care Safety Net Enhancement Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem a hospital or an emergency department and a physician or physician group of such hospital or emergency department to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise due to providing emergency and post-stabilization services on or after January 1, 2012.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a competitive leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Deems any oil and gas leasing programs and activities authorized by this Act to be in compliance with ANWR purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to designate up to 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain as a Special Area, after consultation with the state of Alaska, the city of Kaktovik, and the North Slope Borough. Permits directional drilling in the Special Area. Prescribes procedures governing Coastal Plain lease sales, as well as terms and conditions, including: (1) environmental protection; (2) federal and state distribution of revenues; (3) rights-of-way; and (4) local government impact aid and community service assistance. Sets forth: (1) a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities; and (2) guidelines for expedited judicial review of complaints. Establishes the ANWR Alternative Energy Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, effective as of its enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Act. Repeals the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of the Act's enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by the Act's health care provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) allow licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, dealers, or collectors (licensees) to sell or deliver any firearm (currently, rifles or shotguns) to a resident of a state other than the state in which the licensee is located or temporarily located if the licensee meets with the purchaser to complete the sale or delivery and the transaction complies with the laws of the state in which the transfer is conducted and the purchaser's state of residence; and (2) eliminate the requirement that a licensee must conduct business at a gun show only in the state that is specified on the licensee's license. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition: (1) between licensed firearms dealers at any location in any state; or (2) by a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to an unlicensed person at a temporary location in any state. Amends definitions for federal firearms provisions to: (1) revise the definition of a "member of the Armed Forces on active duty" to include a resident of the state in which the member maintains legal residence or in which the member maintains a place of abode from which he or she commutes each day to the permanent duty station; and (2) provide that an officer or employee of the United States (other than a member of the Armed Forces) stationed outside the United States for a period exceeding one year is a resident of the state in which the member maintains legal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Fair Tax Act of 2011 - Repeals the income tax, employment tax, and estate and gift tax. Redesignates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the Internal Revenue Code of 2011. Imposes a national sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. Sets the sales tax rate at 23% in 2013, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. Allows exemptions from the tax for property or services purchased for business, export, or investment purposes, and for state government functions. Sets forth rules relating to: (1) the collection and remittance of the sales tax, and (2) credits and refunds. Allows a monthly sales tax rebate for families meeting certain size and income requirements. Grants states the primary authority for the collection of sales tax revenues and the remittance of such revenues to the Treasury. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to: (1) the filing of monthly reports and payments of tax, (2) accounting methods, (3) registration of sellers of goods and services responsible for reporting sales, (4) penalties for noncompliance, and (5) collections, appeals, and taxpayer rights. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate sales tax revenues among: (1) the general revenue, (2) the old-age and survivors insurance trust fund, (3) the disability insurance trust fund, (4) the hospital insurance trust fund, and (5) the federal supplementary medical insurance trust fund. Prohibits the funding of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after FY2015. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer excise taxes not administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax. Terminates the sales tax imposed by this Act if the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (authorizing an income tax) is not repealed within seven years after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Redesignates: (1) the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps; and (2) the Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Makes similar redesignations with respect to the Department Under Secretary, the Department Assistant Secretaries, and the General Counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2010
Requests the President to transmit to the House of Representatives not later than seven days after the adoption of this resolution all documents (including records, memos, correspondence, or other communications) in the possession of the President that refer or relate to a review being conducted by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence described in a document entitled "FACT SHEET: U.S. Government Mitigation Efforts in Light of the Recent Unlawful Disclosure of Classified Information," as issued by the White House on December 1, 2010, including copies of all documents known to have been stolen from the government to cause such review.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Recognizes Mark Twain as one of America's most famous literary icons and commemorates him on the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Recognizes Rotary International for 105 years of service to the world and commends members on their dedication to the mission and principles of their organization.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010
Commends the city of Jacksonville, Arkansas, for its outstanding support in creating a unique and lasting partnership with Little Rock Air Force Base, members of the Armed Forces stationed there and their families, and the Air Force.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Persian Gulf War, which began on August 2, 1990. Honors the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces and armed forces of allied countries that served in the Persian Gulf since 1990 to the present. Encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities to pay tribute to Persian Gulf War veterans. Calls upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing such anniversary. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to peace and prosperity in the Persian Gulf region.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Recognizes the shootings that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, as a tragic event in the history of the Army and the United States. Extends the deepest sympathies of Congress to the families and friends of the shooting victims. Honors the civilian law enforcement personnel of the Department of Defense (DOD) for implementing their training to eliminate the threat promptly, thereby limiting additional loss of life or injury. Commends the Fort Hood command team for its timely response and situational control. Expresses gratitude to the Fort Hood communities, military personnel stationed at Fort Hood, military service organizations, and the American people for promptly extending comfort and assistance to the victims of the shootings and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Education deny Texas and its local educational agencies funds from the Education Jobs Fund until the state assures the Secretary that: (1) funds used to support elementary and secondary education shall be distributed based on LEAs' relative shares of school improvement funds for the most recent fiscal year for which data are available; (2) such funds will not be used to supplant state formula funding that is distributed like school improvement funds; and (3) state funding for elementary and secondary education, as a percentage of the state's total revenue, will not be reduced through FY2013.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2010
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide that no permit shall be required for: (1) the use of a pesticide that is registered or otherwise authorized for use under such Act; (2) the use of a biological control organism for the prevention, control, or eradication of a plant pest or noxious weed that is in accordance with the Plant Protection Act; or (3) the conduct of any other plant pest, noxious weed, or pest control activity conducted in accordance with the Plant Protection Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Recognizes the service of the medical and air crews in helping our wounded warriors make the trip home. Commends the personnel of the Air Force for their commitment to the well-being of all our service men and women.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits: (1) the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion; (2) any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes coverage of abortion; and (3) the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government. Exempts from such prohibitions an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest with a minor, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the women in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Makes such prohibitions applicable to federal funding within the budget of the District of Columbia. Prohibits federal agencies or programs and states and local governments that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating against any individual or institutional health care entity on the basis that such entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, and coordinate the investigation of, discrimination complaints.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Honors the members of the Armed Forces who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Extends gratitude to U.S. military and civilian personnel responsible for directing the implementation of the "surge strategy" and bringing security and stability to Iraq. Expresses a commitment to working with President Obama and the Administration to build on the military success in Iraq since the surge. Recognizes: (1) the importance of success in Iraq; and (2) that the President and the Administration have a responsibility to build a lasting strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2010 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit an individual debtor to exempt from the property of the estate in bankruptcy a single rifle, shotgun, or pistol of any value or any combination of rifle, shotgun, or pistol in aggregate value not to exceed $1,500. Declares the date of enactment as the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the outbreak of the Gulf War. Honors the service and sacrifice of the armed forces of the United States and of allied countries that served in the Persian Gulf since 1990. Encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities. Calls upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing that anniversary. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to its alliance with Kuwait.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Directs Amtrak to ensure that fares charged for sleeper class service on all Amtrak long-distance routes are priced to equal all of the operating costs for providing such service. Requires Amtrak to discontinue such service in cases where total service costs exceed total revenues for the service for the first full fiscal year beginning after enactment of this Act. Prohibits Amtrak from using federal funds to subsidize sleeper class service.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Extends through FY2011 the deadline for state expenditure of certain emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Administration for Children and Families provided for recovery from Hurricanes Ike and Rita and other 2008 natural disasters under the title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Security Services) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010
Part D Off-Label Prescription Parity Act - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsor offering a PDP or a MedicareAdvantage (MA) organization offering an MA-PD plan to offer coverage of covered part D drugs for uses that are determined to be for medically accepted indications based upon: (1) guidance provided by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for determining accepted uses of covered part D drugs; and (2) supportive clinical evidence in peer reviewed medical literature.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2010 - Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to authorize the Secretary of State to provide for the preparation and dissemination of information intended primarily for foreign audiences abroad about the United States, including about its people, its history, and the federal government's policies, through press, publications, radio, motion pictures, the internet, and other information media, and through information centers and instructors. (Under current law such authority is restricted to information disseminated abroad, with a limited domestic exception.) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 to prohibit Department of State funds from being used to influence public opinion or propagandizing in the United States. (Under current law such provision applies to the United States Information Agency [USIA].) States that such provision shall: (1) not prohibit the Department from responding to inquiries about its operations, policies, programs, or program material, or making such information available to members of the media, public, or Congress; (2) not be construed to prohibit the Department from engaging in any medium of information on a presumption that a U.S. domestic audience may be exposed to program material; and (3) apply only to the Department and to no other federal department or agency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Marshals Service, to mint and issue $5 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 225 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of: (1) $35 per $5 coin; and (2) $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $5 million to the Director of the United States Marshals Service National Museum, for the preservation, maintenance, and display of artifacts and documents of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires distribution of: (1) $1 million to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; (2) $1 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in support of the National Law Enforcement Museum and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; (3) $1 million to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; (4) $500,000 to the William "Bill" Degan Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (5) $500,000 to the Robert D. May Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (6) $500,000 to the Community Oriented Policing Service; and (7) $500,000 to the United States Marshals Service Association. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $5 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Recognizes the 65th anniversary of the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II. Honors the thousands of men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in defense of freedom and liberty.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Recognizes the exemplary service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division of the U.S. Army, known as the Liberators, during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Congratulates the government of South Africa upon its first two successful convictions for human trafficking. Calls on the government of South Africa to: (1) adopt the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill; (2) prioritize anti-trafficking law enforcement during the 2010 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup; and (3) adopt measures to protect vulnerable children from sexual and labor exploitation. Urges the government of South Africa to prosecute tourists participating in commercial sexual exploitation of women and children during the 2010 World Cup.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to state that an accused may retain private counsel before a general court-martial or special court-martial and will be reimbursed for such counsel if the accused is acquitted or the charges are dismissed or withdrawn with respect to cases involving the treatment of an insurgent, enemy combatant, detainee, or suspected or known terrorist, including cases in which charges were brought after September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
Expresses deepest gratitude to the brave Japanese-Americans (Nisei) who constituted the Military Intelligence Service and the invaluable contribution they provided during and after World War II. Recognizes and appreciates the hardships that the Nisei experienced while serving the United States with honor and distinction.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2010
Recognizes and honors the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans and thanks such members and veterans for their service. Urges all Americans to do the same.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
NATO First Act - States that it is U.S. policy on force structure in Europe to permit the United States to: (1) satisfy its commitments under article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949; (2) address the current security environment in Europe, including U.S. participation in theater cooperation activities; and (3) contribute to peace and stability in Europe. Requires a report from the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to the congressional defense committees evaluating potential changes in the composition and capabilities of such force structure. Directs the Secretary to notify Congress at least 30 days before the permanent relocation of a military unit stationed outside the United States. Provides exceptions, including relocation due to deployment to a combat zone. Repeals a superseded reporting requirement under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2010. Amends the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2006 to increase funding limits for, and extend through FY2013, a program to build the capacity of foreign military forces to support the European Command and other geographic combatant commands. Requires a program implementation plan by the Secretary. Sets forth U.S. policy on its extended deterrence commitment to Europe. Provides specific limitations on reductions in U.S. nuclear forces based in Europe, including that such reduction is requested by the government of the host nation and that the President makes certain certifications concerning the effects of such reduction. Requires the President to notify the defense committees of any such reduction, including a justification therefor, and prohibits the reduction until 180 days after such notification. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) developing the F-35 Lightning II aircraft into a dual-capable aircraft; and (2) supporting the life extension program for the B61 gravity bomb. Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to long-range missile defenses in Europe, including defending all North American Treaty Organization (NATO) allies from intercontinental and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, and continuing development and testing of the two-stage ground-based interceptor. Reserves FY2012-FY2013 funding for such purposes. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning the effects on U.S. missile defense of the New STAR treaty between the United States and Russia. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to establish and maintain a scholarship program to allow personnel of air forces of foreign signatories of the Partnership for Peace Framework Document to receive undergraduate pilot and related training through the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Declares that imposing a value-added tax (VAT) would be a massive tax increase that would cripple families on fixed income and only further push back the U.S. economic recovery and that the House of Representatives opposes a VAT.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Recognizes that trust in God is embedded into the fabric of this country's society and history. Rejects the notion that the laws and Constitution of this country require the exclusion of God from matters of government and public life. Reaffirms "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States. Supports and encourages its display in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a provision (added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) that extends to corporations that are not tax-exempt the requirement to report payments of $600 or more.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prohibit federal funds from being to used to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion services. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.) Requires any qualified health benefit plan offered through an Exchange that includes coverage for abortions to also offer a qualified health benefit plan through the Exchange that is identical in every respect except that it does not cover abortions.
![Official portrait of Rep. Thornberry, Mac [R-TX-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000238_200.jpg)