United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Internet Investment, Innovation, and Competition Preservation Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from regulating the rates, terms, conditions, provisioning, or use of an information service or an Internet access service unless: (1) there is a market failure in the provision of such service; (2) there is substantial evidence such failure is preventing a substantial number of consumers nationwide from accessing a substantial amount of lawful Internet content, applications, and services of their choice on a continuing basis; (3) regulations are necessary to ameliorate such consumer harm; and (4) the FCC has performed a cost-benefit analysis determining that the benefit of such regulation exceeds its costs. Requires any FCC regulation to: (1) be the least restrictive necessary to address market failure and consumer harm; and (2) not prohibit network management from addressing quality of service or measures to prevent unauthorized or illegal activity, including copyright infringement. Requires the FCC to enforce any such regulation on a nondiscriminatory basis between and among broadband network providers, service providers, application providers, and content providers.
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 · 4 May 2010
Outdoor Lighting Efficiency Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to set forth provisions concerning establishing energy efficiency standards for: (1) pole-mounted outdoor luminaires manufactured on or after three years after this Act's enactment; and (2) high light output double-ended quartz halogen lamps manufactured on or after January 1, 2016. Sets forth control requirements for luminaires, including requiring luminaires to be sold with: (1) integral controls that have the capacity of operating the luminaire at specified power levels; and (2) internal electronics and connective wiring or hardware that enable the area luminaire to operate at specified power levels. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) determine whether the standards for such luminaires should be amended; and (2) publish rules containing the amendments to such standards, if any, by specified deadlines. Sets forth provisions concerning establishing test procedures for efficiency standards with respect to such luminaires. Requires the National Electrical Manufacturers Association to develop and publish on a publicly available website a table including standard lamp types by wattage, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) code, initial lamp lumen value, lamp orientation, and lamp finish. Sets forth provisions concerning the adoption of the table by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to establish labeling rules for such luminaires. Prohibits the manufacture of general purpose mercury vapor lamps on or after January 1, 2016. Provides that state energy conservation standards that are adopted by January 1, 2015, pursuant to statutory requirements to adopt efficiency standards for reducing outdoor lighting energy use enacted prior to January 31, 2008, will not be preempted by federal standards.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a value-added tax (VAT) in addition to existing federal taxes is a massive tax increase that will result in hardships for U.S. families and job-creating small business and will stunt economic recovery.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2010
Nuclear Power 2021 Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to implement, through cooperative agreements with private sector partners, a program to: (1) develop a standard design for each of two small modular reactors, at least one of which has a rated capacity of not more than 50 electrical megawatts; (2) obtain a design certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for each of the designs by January 1, 2018; and (3) demonstrate the licensing of small modular reactors by developing applications for a combined license for each of the designs so certified, and obtaining a combined license from the NRC for each of the certified designs by January 1, 2021. Requires the Secretary to select proposals for such cooperative agreements through the use of competitive procedures and an impartial review of their scientific and technical merit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2010
Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct research to lower the cost of nuclear reactor systems; and (2) develop and publish on the Department of Energy (DOE) website a schedule outlining a five-year strategy to lower such cost effectively. Includes among research subjects: (1) modular and small-scale reactors; (2) balance-of-plant issues; (3) cost-efficient manufacturing and construction; (4) licensing issues; and (5) enhanced proliferation controls.
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 · 26 April 2010
International Megan's Law of 2010 - Requires registered sex offenders to notify appropriate jurisdictions of their intent to travel not later than 30 days before their departure from or arrival in the United States. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to 10 years for failure to report such travel. Requires notice to registered sex offenders of their duty to report international travel. Requires diplomatic or consular missions in each foreign country to establish and maintain a countrywide, nonpublic, sex offender registry for sex offenders from the United States who temporarily or permanently reside in such country. Specifies the information required to be included in such registry, including passport and visa type, social security or alien registration number, addresses, and the purpose for the sex offender's residence in the country. Allows access to the registry by the general public. Directs the President to establish the International Sex Offender Travel Center to monitor the travel of high interest registered sex offenders (offenders who pose a high risk of committing a sex offense against a minor). Requires the Center to issue guidelines for the assessment of sex offenders who report travel from the United States to another country or whose travel is reported by law enforcement agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of State to revoke the passport of individuals convicted of a sex offense in a foreign country and limit to one year the validity of a passport issued to a high interest registered sex offender. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should negotiate agreements with foreign governments to further the purposes of this Act. Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to include in the annual report of the Secretary of State on the status of severe forms of human trafficking efforts of foreign countries to identify and provide notice of international travel by sex offenders. Encourages the President to use authorities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to assist foreign countries in identifying and providing notice of sex offenders traveling to the United States and other countries. Sets forth reporting requirements relating to the travel of international sex offenders.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Urges that a certificate of loss of nationality should be issued finding that Anwar al-Awlaki voluntarily relinquished his status as a U.S. citizen by: (1) voluntarily participating in and collaborating with armed forces seeking to carry out hostilities against the United States; (2) inciting peaceful Muslims to join al Qaeda in jihad against the United States by engaging in acts of violence against the people of the United States; (3) teaching members and supporters of al Qaeda and related organizations that they have a duty to engage in acts of terrorism against the people of the United States; and (4) participating in al Qaeda's call for the violent overthrow of the U.S. government.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Democratic Members of the House should join its Republican Members in a total ban on earmarks for one year; (2) discretionary spending should be reduced in the concurrent budget resolution for FY2011 by the total amount that was spent on requests for earmarks in FY2010; (3) if spending in that resolution is not reduced by such amount, an amendment to that resolution to effectuate this change should be made in order; and (4) a complete review and overhaul of the congressional budgetary, spending, and earmark processes should be commenced by creating a bipartisan, bicameral committee to study the issue and report to the House and Senate with its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2010
Protect Medical Innovation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on medical device manufacturers and importers (established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA]).
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2010
Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or maximum prison term of five years for anyone who knowingly sells or offers to sell an animal crush video in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain. States that this prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the selling or offering to sell videos that depict hunting. Defines "animal crush video" as any visual depiction of animals being intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, or impaled that: (1) depicts actual conduct in which a living animal is tortured, maimed, or mutilated that violates any criminal prohibition on intentional cruelty under federal law or the law of the state in which the depiction is sold; and (2) taken as a whole, does not have religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Day of Prayer is constitutional, a needed tribute to the value of prayer, and a fitting acknowledgment of our nation's religious history.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the definition of "health care provider" for purposes of health information technology provisions to include a behavioral or mental health professional, a substance abuse professional, a psychiatric hospital, a behavioral and mental health clinic, and a substance abuse treatment facility. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, to award grants to eligible entities to: (1) facilitate the purchase of health information technology; (2) enhance the use of such technology, including covering costs associated with upgrading such technology in order to meet the criteria required to become a certified electronic health record (EHR) technology; (3) train personnel in the use of such technology; (4) improve the secure electronic exchange of health information among behavioral and mental health professionals, substance abuse professionals, and other health care providers; (5) improve such technology for adaptation to community-based behavioral health settings; (6) assist with the implementation of telemedicine, including facilitation of distance clinical consultations in rural and underserved areas; and (7) collaborate and integrate with health information technology regional extension centers. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include qualified clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric hospitals, mental health treatment facilities, and substance abuse treatment facilities within the health professionals, hospitals, and Medicaid providers eligible for incentive payments for the meaningful use of certified EHR technology.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Grid Reliability and Infrastructure Defense Act or GRID Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with or without notice, hearing, or report, to issue orders for emergency measures to protect the reliability of either the bulk-power system or the defense critical electric infrastructure whenever the President issues a written directive or determination identifying an imminent grid security threat. Instructs FERC, to the extent practicable in light of the nature of the grid security threat and the urgency for emergency measures, to consult with certain governmental authorities, including Canada and Mexico, regarding implementation of emergency measures. Prescribes: (1) implementation procedures; and (2) related cost recovery measures affecting owners, operators, or users of either the bulk-power system or the defense critical electric infrastructure. Directs FERC to require any owner, user, or operator of the bulk-power system in the United States to implement measures necessary to protect the bulk-power system against specified vulnerabilities. Directs FERC also to order the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) to submit reliability standards to: (1) protect the bulk-power system from a reasonably foreseeable geomagnetic storm event; and (2) require entities that own or operate large transformers to ensure their adequate availability to restore promptly the reliable operation of the bulk-power system in the event that any such transformer is destroyed or disabled as a result of a reasonably foreseeable physical or other attack or a geomagnetic storm event. Directs the President to designate for FERC the domestic facilities that are: (1) most critical to the national defense; and (2) most vulnerable to an electric energy supply disruption. Directs FERC to require an owner or operator of defense critical electric infrastructure to implement measures to protect it against any vulnerability that has not been adequately addressed. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to develop technical expertise in the protection of systems for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy against either geomagnetic storms or malicious acts using electronic communications or electromagnetic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2010
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to require the participation of the President, Vice President, each Member of Congress, each political appointee, and each Congressional employee in state Exchanges established for the purchase of health care coverage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2010
Declares that the House of Representatives strongly believes that the decision to abandon the 23-year bipartisan project establishing Yucca Mountain as the nation's primary permanent nuclear waste storage site: (1) breaks a commitment made to certain states nearly three decades ago; and (2) goes against the will and intent of Congress by extending the length of time states will be forced to store nuclear waste at significant additional cost to the taxpayers. Calls upon the Administration to comply with the bipartisan commitment passed by Congress, and to cease and desist: (1) withdrawing the Yucca Mountain license application from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) with or without prejudice; and (2) any action to move forward with terminating activities required to complete the Yucca Mountain license application, including the termination of employees supporting the project and termination of any leases housing employees. Calls upon the Administration to: (1) halt reprogramming of FY2010 funds appropriated by Congress for the Yucca Mountain license application; and (2) preserve all scientific and site-specific files and data related to Yucca Mountain in accordance with NRC document controls and quality assurance procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2010
Supports the designation of March 20, 2010, as National American Meat and Poultry Appreciation Day. Recognizes the contributions made by the farmers, ranchers, processors, packers, and other meat and poultry industry employees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Commends Lance Mackey on his record-breaking fourth consecutive Iditarod victory during the 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Applauds each musher who was courageous enough to compete in the 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Expresses appreciation to all volunteers and staff who help make this Alaskan race possible every year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order that provides for disposition of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590 (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA]) unless it provides for: (1) at least one hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader; and (2) a requirement that the Speaker put the question on disposition of the Senate amendments and that the yeas and nays be considered as ordered thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
American Job Creation and Investment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a corporation to elect in 2010 and 2011 to increase its alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits by a specified credit adjustment amount for purposes of increasing its U.S. workforce and making investments in business equipment. Allows a similar election for a taxable year which includes December 31, 2009, with certain restrictions. Terminates such additional credit allowance after December 31, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2010
Recognizes the 150th anniversary of the birth of Will Keith Kellogg and his contributions to the citizens of the United States and the people of the world.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Supports the mission of the World Economic Forum and encourages the ongoing pursuit of international collaboration through economic, political, cultural, and intellectual engagement. Honors: (1) Klaus Schwab for creating the Forum and for his 40 years of successful leadership; and (2) the 40th anniversary of the Forum's global economic and social leadership.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits annual federal outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding one-fifth of economic output of the United States of America, unless two-thirds of each chamber provides for a specific increase of outlays above this amount. Authorizes waiver of this article when a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 15, 2009, relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all people in the United States should participate in a moment of silence (on March 26, 2010, National Support Our Troops Day) to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the U.S. Armed Forces both at home and abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and make available for sale not more than 2 million silver national medals, containing one ounce of silver each, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. Declares that all sales of medals under this Act shall include a surcharge of $10 per medal, which shall be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act - Designates specified lands and inland waters within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Wilderness. Sets forth requirements for the administration of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Wilderness, including with respect to road maintenance, hunting, fish and wildlife, watercraft, and buffer zones.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Prohibits any funds appropriated or made available to the Department of Justice (DOJ) from being used to commence or continue a prosecution in an Article III court of any individual suspected of involvement in the attacks on the United States and its citizens on September 11, 2001, who is not a citizen of the United States and is subject to the jurisdiction of a military commission.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Expresses support for: (1) designation of a National Autism Awareness Month; and (2) devoting new resources to researching the root causes of autism, identifying the best methods of early intervention and treatment, expanding programs for individuals with autism, and promoting understanding of their special needs. Commends parents and relatives for providing for the special needs of children with autism. Stresses the need to begin early intervention services. Recognizes: (1) the shortage of appropriately trained teachers to teach, assist, and respond to special needs students; and (2) the importance of worker training programs tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled persons.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Honors the contributions of school counselors to the success of students in our elementary and secondary schools. Encourages the observation of National School Counseling Week with ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the crucial role school counselors play in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010
Close All Routes and Prevent Asian Carp Today Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of the Army to take actions to ensure: (1) the immediate closure and ceasing of operation of the locks at the O'Brien Lock and Dam and the Chicago Controlling Works until a strategy relating to controlled lock operations is developed; (2) the installation of structures in the North Shore Channel and the Grand Calumet and Little Calumet Rivers to prevent the migration of bighead and silver carps into Lake Michigan; (3) the installation of interim barriers in the Chicago waterway system between the Des Plaines River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to prevent bighead and silver carps from entering the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal during a flood event; (4) the operation of the Electrical Disbursal Barrier System at optimal operating power and the expedited completion of proposed barrier IIB of such system; (5) the comprehensive monitoring of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and all connected waterways for the presence and location of bighead and silver carps; (6) the eradication of any bighead or silver carps discovered in the Chicago waterway system; (7) the upgrading and making permanent of barrier I of the Electrical Disbursal Barrier System in a location and with the features and operations determined to be the most effective; (8) the implementation of measures recommended in the efficacy study authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 or provided in related interim reports; (9) the implementation of emergency measures to prevent bighead and silver carps from dispersing into the Great Lakes; and (10) the acquisition of real estate necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Electrical Disbursal Barrier System. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on strategies for addressing any effects with respect to commerce and flood control resulting from such actions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2010
Military Tribunals for Terrorists Act of 2010 - Requires trial only by a military commission for any foreign national who: (1) engages or has engaged in an offense relating to a terrorist attack against persons or property in the United States or U.S. government property or personnel outside the United States; and (2) is subject to trial for that offense by a military commission under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
INTERPOL Immunities Oversight Act of 2010 - Directs the The President to revoke Executive Order 13524 and amend Executive Order 12425 so as to restore the words removed by Executive Order 13524. (Restores certain limitations on property search, customs duty, and taxation immunities in the United States for the International Criminal Police Organization's [INTERPOL].)
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President shall direct the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) initiate discussions with Japan immediately to identify and remedy violations of Japan's World Trade Organization (WTO) trade obligations for its discriminatory practices in not applying incentives for U.S. automotive imports under Japan's Eco-Friendly Vehicle Purchase Program (scrappage program); and (2) if no remedy is forthcoming, file complaints to initiate dispute resolution actions under the WTO. Expresses the sense of the House that: (1) any such action should include the impacts on the U.S. economy incurred by implementation of the U.S. Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) incentives program in regards to Japanese manufactured automobiles that received subsidies; and (2) the Secretary of State should immediately take diplomatic and other measures to ensure that any extension of Japan's Eco-Friendly Vehicle Program is not discriminatory to U.S. manufactured automobile imports to Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Nonprofit Mortgage Licensing Clarification Act of 2009 - Amends the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to permit a state to exempt from certain registration or licensing requirements any charitable organization exempt from federal tax (including their employees and agents acting as loan originators), if the organization: (1) executes loan originations in order to promote or facilitate homeownership for certain low-income, disabled, or other disadvantaged persons or families; (2) offers loans at interest rates lower than the bank prime loan rate, or that are no-interest loans or loans with interest rates significantly below those for loans to purchase generally available single-family housing; and (3) does not otherwise engage in the business of a loan originator or mortgage broker.
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
Stop the Automatic Pay Raise for Members of Congress in Fiscal Year 2011 Act - Declares that no automatic pay adjustment shall be considered to have taken effect in FY2011 in the rates of basic pay for Members of Congress under the General Schedule (thus eliminating the pay adjustment for Members for such fiscal year).
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Congratulates the Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention and Visitors Bureaus for securing the 2012 Region II United States Youth Soccer Association tournament.
![Official portrait of Rep. Upton, Fred [R-MI-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/u000031_200.jpg)