United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals of National STD Awareness Month by requesting that the federal government, states, localities, and nonprofit organizations observe the month with appropriate programs and activities with the goal of increasing knowledge of the risks of STDs and protecting Americans of all ages. Recognizes the human toll of the STD epidemic and makes the prevention and cure of STDs a higher public health priority. Calls on U.S. citizens to learn what screenings are recommended and to seek appropriate care.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Wireless Internet Nationwide for Families Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote nationwide broadband competition through the use of wireless services by issuing nationwide licenses, for a term of at least 15 years, for two bands of frequencies, each composed of 20 megahertz of unpaired contiguous spectrum, one band under 3 gigahertz and not part of the recovered analog spectrum and the other band between 2155 and 2180 megahertz. Requires licensees, among other things, to offer to consumers and authorized public safety users, without subscription, airtime, usage, or other charges, a data service that is faster than 200 kilobits per second and that has technology that protects underage users from accessing obscene or indecent material. Requires a separate rule-making or other procedures for licensing through auction additional unpaired contiguous spectrum of 20 megahertz below 3 gigahertz, but states that the auction shall be conducted without the conditions specified in the immediately preceding paragraph unless the Commission finds it is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Amends the federal judicial code to provide for the direct payment of attorney fees to the attorney representing a prevailing party in civil actions involving Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Claims under titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act. Declares that such fees shall not be subject to offset due to a claim of the United States against the prevailing party.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008 - Amends the National Housing Act to create the Refinance Program Oversight Board, charged with establishing program and oversight requirements for the programs established under this Act. Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure any (homeownership retention) mortgage covering a one- to four-family residence made to pay or prepay outstanding obligations under an existing mortgage on the residence. Declares that all penalties for prepayment of the existing mortgage, and all fees and penalties related to default or delinquency on all existing mortgages, shall be waived or forgiven. Sets forth terms for: (1) reduction of indebtedness under an existing senior mortgage; and (2) extinguishment of debt by refinancing. Requires any debt service payments due under a mortgage insured under this Act to be substantially reduced from the debt service payments due under the existing mortgage or mortgages. Requires the mortgage to provide that the HUD Secretary shall retain a lien on the residence which shall: (1) be subordinate to the mortgage insured under this Act but senior to all other existing mortgages on the residence; and (2) secure the repayment. Authorizes the Oversight Board to prohibit borrowers from granting a new second lien on the mortgaged property during the first five years of the term of the mortgage insured under this Act. Requires the mortgagee to document and verify the income of the mortgagor. Requires a mortgage insured under this Act to: (1) bear interest at a single fixed rate for the entire mortgage term; and (2) involve a principal obligation that does not exceed the limitation on the amount that would be allowable for a mortgage insured pursuant to the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. Requires the Oversight Board to establish specified underwriting standards for mortgages insured under this Act, including a limitation on origination fees. Prohibits the aggregate original principal obligation of all mortgages insured under this Act from exceeding $300 billion. Directs: (1) the Oversight Board and the HUD Secretary to monitor independent quality reviews of designated underwriters and risk; and (2) the Inspector General of HUD to conduct an annual compliance audit of the mortgage insurance program under this Act. Requires the HUD Secretary to ensure that securities based on and backed by a pool or trust composed of mortgages insured under this Act are available to be guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) for timely payment of principal and interest. Makes the insurance of each mortgage under this Act the obligation of the Special Risk Insurance Fund. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to study and report to specified congressional committees on the need for and efficacy of an auction or bulk refinancing mechanism to facilitate refinancing of existing residential mortgages that are at risk for foreclosure into mortgages insured under the National Housing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week. Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women. Calls on women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventative screenings.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants and loans to qualified states, in accordance with HUD-approved plans, to carry out eligible housing stimulus activities. Allows such loans to be used by a state, a unit of local government or its entity, or a nonprofit organization. Limits the use of such loans to: (1) purchasing or financing the purchase of qualified foreclosed housing for resale as housing for homeownership to families having incomes of up to 140% of the median income for the area in which the housing is located; (2) rental of such housing only by families whose incomes do not exceed 100% of such median income in the area; and (3) rehabilitation of such property for the purpose of reselling it within three months at a price as close as possible to its acquisition price. Limits the use of grants to: (1) property holding and operating costs; (2) property-related acquisition costs; and (3) state-related administrative and planning costs. Requires the Secretary, by regulation, to prohibit the use of such grants or loans for: (1) political activities; (2) advocacy; (3) lobbying, whether directly or through other parties; (4) counseling services; (5) travel expenses; and (6) preparing or providing advice on tax returns. Requires the use of such grants to provide housing only for families with: (1) very low-income; and (2) extremely low-income. Prohibits a loan or grant recipient from discriminating against a prospective tenant because the individual holds a voucher or certificate of eligibility under section 8 (public housing rental assistance) of the United States Housing Act of 1937. Conditions the use of such loans or grants on a shared appreciation agreement between the federal government and the owner of such housing regarding the federal share of proceeds from its sale or disposition. Directs the Secretary to require a state to reimburse the Treasury for amounts of any misused funds.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Food Assistance to Improve Reintegration Act of 2008 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of food stamp eligibility for a person convicted of a felony which has as an element the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance. .
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill individuals in certain length-of-service categories who, commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serve on active duty in the Armed Forces. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Makes individuals entitled to assistance under this Act also eligible for supplemental educational assistance for additional active duty service. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program, to be known as the "Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program," under which colleges and universities may enter into an agreement with the Secretary to cover, for certain individuals, a portion of established charges not otherwise covered and match contributions toward such costs. Requires educational assistance under this Act to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Recognizes and honors the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Fair Housing Act and the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half dollar clad coins as numismatic items emblematic of the traditions, history, and heritage of the U.S. Army, and its role in American society from the Colonial period to today. Requires the design for such coins to contain motifs that honor specifically the American soldier of both today and yesterday, in wartime and in peace, consistent with the traditions and heritage of the U.S. Army, the mission and goals of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, and the missions and goals of the Army Historical Foundation. Restricts coin issuance to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2011. Requires all surcharges from coin sales to be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Foundation to help finance the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Recognizes and commends the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for 50 years of service as a cultural ambassador of the United States to the world, during which it has provided world-class American modern dance to people across the globe. Recognizes that: (1) Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been a true pioneer in the world of dance by establishing an extended cultural community which provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people while using the beauty and humanity of African-American heritage and other cultures to unite people; and (2) the Ailey II company, the Ailey School, and the extensive and innovative Arts in Education and Community Programs train future generations of dancers and choreographers while exposing young people to the arts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Honors former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on his 90th birthday (July 18, 2008) and extends best wishes to him and his family. Congratulates him for his efforts to promote dialogue to peacefully resolve conflicts between people in Africa and around the world.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month (April 2008), including raising public awareness about financial education. Recognizes the importance of managing personal finances, increasing personal savings, and reducing indebtedness in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2008
Encourages all Americans to: (1) pause and remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the 40th anniversary of his death; (2) commemorate Dr. King's legacy so that, as he hoped, "one day this Nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal"; and (3) remember the message of Dr. King and rededicate themselves to his goal of a free and just United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Nondiscriminatory Use of Consumer Reports and Consumer Information Act of 2008 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit a consumer reporting agency from furnishing to any person, and any person from using or obtaining, a consumer report or consumer information for use in making any decision to underwrite or rate any personal lines of insurance for which the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determines that such use: (1) results in racial or ethnic discrimination; or (2) represents a proxy or proxy effect for race or ethnicity. Excludes from such proscription insurance information, including property loss data, driver history, and medical history, derived from specified data bases.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008
Recognizes Chi-Chi Rodriguez for his successes in the sport of golf, for his exemplary conduct as a private citizen, for a life devoted to service to others, and for his service as a role model.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2008
Fully-Funded United States Military Redeployment and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act of 2008 - States that it is the policy of the United States to: (1) commence the safe and orderly redeployment of U.S. troops and military contractors from Iraq; (2) pursue security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy; (3) help preserve the territorial integrity of Iraq and establish a democratic central government there; (4) account for missing U.S. personnel and citizens in Iraq; and (5) turn over all internal security activities and military operations in Iraq to its elected government within one year after the enactment of this Act. Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. Requires the withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces and contractor security forces from Iraq within one year. Prohibits the further use of any funds to continue such deployments. Prohibits the construction of permanent or long-term military installations in Iraq unless explicitly approved by Congress. Authorizes the President to deploy an international stabilization force to Iraq. Requires the closure of U.S. detention centers in Iraq. Permits actions for damages by a citizen or national of Iraq (or of any other foreign country who was imprisoned or detained in Iraq) against the United States for certain acts committed by specified U.S. personnel against prisoners or detainees in Iraq. Limits the total number of U.S. government personnel at the United States Embassy in Iraq. Prohibits U.S. production-sharing agreements for Iraqi petroleum resources. Establishes an Iraqi-American Interparliamentary Group. Authorizes the President of the United States Institute for Peace to provide political reconciliation assistance to Iraq. States that it is the policy of the United States to work with Iraq and the international community to provide for the reconstruction of Iraq. Directs the President to: (1) establish and implement a plan to initiate a diplomatic surge to bring an end to the occupation of Iraq; and (2) deploy U.S. Armed Forces outside the United States to target global terrorism. Establishes the Commission on Funding the Reconstruction of Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Job Investment and Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2008 to the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor for summer youth employment activities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Encourages: (1) Americans to use their rebate checks to invest in renewable energy and energy-efficient products and services in order to save money, stimulate the economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) retailers and service providers to offer promotions for such investments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2008
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11001 Dunklin Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, as the "William 'Bill' Clay Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of the 10th Annual National Consumer Protection Week, including raising public awareness of consumer protection and financial literacy. Encourages people to take advantage of consumer protection information.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2008 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from using certain adverse information, including information in a consumer report or any change in a consumer's credit score, as the basis for increasing any annual percentage rate (APR) of interest on the consumer's outstanding balance under an open end consumer credit plan, except for actions or omissions of the consumer directly related to such account. (Thus eliminates the universal default for credit already outstanding.) Bars a creditor from changing any term of the contract or agreement of an open end consumer credit plan until contract renewal, except for specific material reasons already contained in the contract or agreement. Requires advance notice of credit card account rate increases. Authorizes a consumer who receives such notice to: (1) cancel the credit card without penalty or the imposition of any fee; and (2) pay any outstanding balance that accrued before the effective date of the increase at the APR and in the repayment period in effect before notice was received. Prohibits a creditor from imposing interest on credit repaid within the interest-free repayment time period. (Thus prohibits double cycle billing). Prohibits the imposition of fees on any outstanding balance on a credit card account attributable only to accrued interest on previously repaid credit. Requires each periodic statement of account to provide specified information on obtaining the payoff balance. Prohibits a creditor from furnishing information to a consumer reporting agency concerning a newly opened credit card account until the consumer has used or activated the credit card. Details mandatory pro rata payment allocations by a creditor. Authorizes a consumer to opt-out of creditor authorization of over-the-limit transactions if fees are imposed. Restricts the frequency of over-the-limit fees. Specifies the contents of credit card price and availability information the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System must collect and make public semiannually. Prescribes a standard for the initial issuance of subprime or "fee harvester" cards (accounts requiring first-year fee payments in excess of 25% of the total amount of credit authorized).
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the temporary suspension of duty on 1/ 3-Phenyl-7-(4-propoxyphenyl)benzoY1,2-b:4,5-b?difuran- 2,6-dione.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the temporary suspension of duty on 4-YY3-(Acetylamino)phenyl?amino?-1-amino-9,10-dihydro- 9,10-dioxo-2-anthracenesulfonic acid, monosodium salt.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Automobile Arbitration Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends federal arbitration law to require that a controversy arising out of a motor vehicle consumer sales or lease contract, including a refusal to perform all or any part of such contract, may not be settled by arbitration unless, after the controversy arises, all parties to it agree in writing to settle it by arbitration.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Delays until April 1, 2009, implementation of proposed changes to payment rules under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for case management and targeted case management services. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, before such date, from taking any action to restrict coverage or payment under Medicaid if such action is more restrictive than the administrative action, policy, or practice that applies to coverage of, or payment for, such services under Medicaid on December 3, 2007. Makes null and void any such action taken by the Secretary between December 4, 2007, and March 31, 2009, that is based in whole or in part on such interim final rule.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Removing Impediments to Students Education Act or the RISE Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal a provision which makes persons convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive federal student financial assistance for specified periods.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Calls for recognition of Earl Lloyd for breaking the color barrier and becoming the first African-American to play in the National Basketball Association League 58 years ago.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2008
Securing Success for Veterans on Campus Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award three-year grants to institutions of higher education to develop model programs that require each grantee to establish a campus Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success that provides a single point of contact for the coordination of comprehensive support services for students who are veterans. Requires the Secretary to develop an evaluation and accountability plan for measuring the effect such programs have on veterans' success in postsecondary education.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2008
Recognizes the significance of Black History Month as an important time to recognize the contributions of African-Americans in the nation's history. Encourages the continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity for all peoples of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the nation. Recognizes that the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Requires the payment of compound interest by the United States on the payment of any claim in connection with the correction of a military record that involves the setting aside of a conviction by court-martial.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Commends the Kenyan people for their commitment to democracy and respect for the democratic process as evidenced by the high voter turnout and peaceful voting on election day. Condemns the ongoing violence in Kenya and urges all parties concerned to immediately end use of violence as a means to achieve their political objectives. Calls on the two leading presidential candidates to accept offers of external and internal assistance to help find a solution to the current crisis which has the support of the people of Kenya. Calls on Kenyan security forces to refrain from using excessive force and to respect the human rights of Kenyan citizens. Calls for an immediate end to the restrictions on the media, and on the rights of peaceful assembly and association. Condemns threats to civil society groups, journalists, religious leaders, and human rights activists making every effort towards a peaceful, just, and equitable political solution to the current electoral crisis. Calls on the international community, United Nations aid organizations, and all neighboring countries to: (1) assist those affected by violence; and (2) use all the diplomatic means to persuade relevant political actors to commit to a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Urges the President to: (1) support diplomatic efforts to facilitate a dialogue between leaders of the Party of National Unity, the Orange Democratic Movement, and other relevant actors; (2) consider the imposition of targeted sanctions on such leaders who refuse to engage in meaningful dialogue to end the current crisis; and (3) review current U.S. aid to Kenya to restrict all non-humanitarian assistance to Kenya unless the parties are able to establish a peaceful political resolution to the crisis which is credible to the Kenyan people.
![Official portrait of Rep. Watt, Melvin L. [D-NC-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000207_200.jpg)