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United States · Official source
8,859 records where Rep. Waxman, Henry A. [D-CA-33] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation. Requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe National Arbor Day.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Women's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of centers to conduct multidisciplinary research on environmental factors that may be related to the development of women's health conditions. Requires each such center to: (1) conduct basic or clinical research; (2) develop protocols and conduct training programs for physicians, scientists, nurses, and other health and allied health professionals; (3) disseminate information to such professionals and the public; and (4) emphasize activities that are directed toward preventing the development in women of the diseases and conditions involved. Allows a center to use funds to provide stipends for health and allied health professionals enrolled in training programs. Requires each center to establish and maintain ongoing collaborations with community organizations in the geographic area served by the center, including organizations that represent women or children with disorders that appear to stem from environmental factors. Requires the Director to provide for the coordination of information among centers and ensure regular communication between them.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Electronic Communications Preservation Act - Requires: (1) the Archivist of the United States to promulgate regulations governing agency preservation of electronic communications that are records; (2) agencies to comply with such regulations and to report to the Archivist on their compliance; and (3) the Archivist to report to specified congressional committees on such compliance. Requires the Archivist to promulgate regulations that include provisions for establishing standards necessary for the economical and efficient management of presidential records during a President's term of office. Requires the Archivist to: (1) annually certify whether the records management controls established by the President meet this Act's requirements; and (2) report to specified congressional committees on the status of the certification. Requires the Archivist, one year following the conclusion of a President's term or the conclusion of the last consecutive term, to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the volume and format of records deposited into that President's archival depository; and (2) whether the records management controls of that President met this Act's requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Environmental Hormone Disruption Research Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a comprehensive program to: (1) research the health effects on women and children that may result through disruption of the hormone systems; (2) carry out research, development, and demonstrations on technologies to mitigate the occurrence of hormone-disrupting pollutants in the environment and their unintended effects on ecological and wildlife health, in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey (USGS); and (3) coordinate U.S. research on hormone disruption with research conducted in other nations. Requires the program to provide for: (1) the collection and dissemination of scientifically valid information on human health effects of hormone-disrupting pollutants, the extent of human exposure to such pollutants, and the exposure of wildlife species to such pollutants and possible associated health effects; and (2) research on mechanisms by which such pollutants interact with biological systems, testing for hormone disruption, and the identity and fate of hormone-disrupting pollutants in the environment. Gives the Director principal responsibility for conducting and coordinating research on the unintended effects of hormone-disrupting pollutants on human health and the environment. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Hormone Disruption Research Interagency Commission. Establishes a Hormone Disruption Research Panel to make recommendations on the design and implementation of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability and Consistency Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of payments of $600 or more made to corporations; (2) set forth criteria and rules relating to the treatment of workers as employees or independent contractors; and (3) increase penalties for failure to file correct tax return information or comply with other information reporting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue an annual report on worker misclassification.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2008
Federal Real Property Disposal Enhancement Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to obligate amounts from the Treasury fund containing the proceeds of the disposition of surplus real and related personal property to pay: (1) the costs related to identifying and preparing properties to be reported as "excess" by another agency (authorizes GSA to be reimbursed for such costs from the proceeds of the sale of such properties); and (2) the costs associated with the reversion, custody, and disposal of reverted real property. Requires the Administrator to: (1) take control of certain property for which reversion is recommended or determined to be necessary and to sell it at fair market value for cash and not by lease, exchange, or leaseback arrangements; and (2) make such property available to state and local governments and certain nonprofit institutions or organizations prior to sale. Requires: (1) excess or surplus property proceeds to be deposited into the appropriate real property account of the agency that has custody and accountability for the real property (currently, deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts); and (2) the funds from such deposits to be expended only as authorized in annual appropriations Acts and only for activities related to federal real property asset management and disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2008
Commends Secretaries of State Debra Bowen of California and Jennifer Brunner of Ohio for their efforts to ensure the integrity of the voting process. Congratulates Secretaries Bowen and Brunner for being named recipients of the 2008 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Bipartisan Earmark Reform Commission Act of 2008 - Establishes the Bipartisan Earmark Reform Commission to: (1) develop a clear definition of what constitutes an earmark; and (2) report findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the President and Congress. Requires the Majority Leaders of the House of Representatives and of the Senate to introduce (by request) the legislation recommended in the report.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Food Safety Recall Information Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require that a person that voluntarily recalls a meat product shall, not later than five days after the voluntary recall begins, submit to the Secretary of Agriculture a list of all retail stores or public school districts that are known to have purchased a meat product subject to the voluntary recall. Makes similar amendments to the the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Egg Products Inspection Act. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to prohibit the use of nonambulatory livestock for human food.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to arrange for the National Academy of Sciences to prepare a two-part study of potential impacts of climate change on water resources and water quality, addressing issues of: (1) hydrology and water quality (including the potential for impacts to wetlands, shoreline erosion, and saltwater intrusion as a result of sea level rise, as well as significant regional variation in precipitation events from historic patterns); and (2) policy considerations (including an identification of the scientific consensus, assumptions, and uncertainties related to predictions of climate change in the United States and of steps to assess emerging information and identify appropriate response actions).
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Shark Conservation Act of 2008 - Amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to list a nation in the biennial report on international compliance if the nation's fishing vessels are or have been engaged in fishing activities that target or incidentally catch sharks and the nation has not adopted a shark conservation program that is comparable, taking into account different conditions, to that of the United States, including measures to prohibit removal any of the fins of a shark (including the tail) and discarding the carcass of the shark at sea. Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to make it a prohibited act to have a shark fin (including the tail) aboard a vessel (currently, aboard a fishing vessel) without the corresponding carcass. Removes provisions creating a rebuttable presumption that any shark fins on board a fishing vessel were in violation if the total weight of shark fins exceeds 5% of the total weight of shark carcasses on board.
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 · 8 April 2008
Recognizes the contributions of nurses to the U.S. health care system. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2008
Recognizes: (1) National Public Health Week; (2) the efforts of public health professionals, first responders, states, municipalities, and local communities to incorporate measures to adapt health care systems to address impacts of climate change; and (3) the role of adaptation in preventing impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, the improvement of health status and equity through efforts to address climate change, and the need to include health policy in the development of climate responses. Encourages: (1) further research, interdisciplinary partnership, and collaboration to understand and monitor the health impacts of climate change, for preparedness activities, and for improvement of health care infrastructure; and (2) every American to learn about the impact of climate change on health.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2008
Recognizes the historic significance of the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between the United States and Israel for the past 60 years and commits to strengthening those bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Smuggled Tobacco Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require manufacturers and importers of tobacco products to legibly print a unique serial number on all packages of tobacco products manufactured or imported for sale or distribution. Imposes marking requirements for exports of tobacco products. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to require additional secure methods of identification or marking of tobacco products. Requires the Secretary to prescribe a system of tobacco tax stamps, meter impressions, or other tax-payment indicia for tobacco products. Requires tobacco products sold on Indian reservations to be visibly and prominently labeled as such. Prohibits the export of tobacco products without the posting of a bond with the Secretary. Extends permit, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements to wholesalers of tobacco products. Establishes new criminal offenses relating to the distribution of tobacco products. Increases the civil penalty for tobacco-related infractions from $1,000 to $10,000. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) extend criminal penalties for contraband cigarettes to tobacco products (i.e., cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco) and define "contraband tobacco product" for purposes of such penalties; (2) establish new unlawful acts relating to tobacco products and machines used to manufacture or package tobacco products; and (3) establish whistleblower protections for employees who provide information about violations relating to contraband tobacco.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Federal Advisory Committee Act to require appointments to advisory committees to be made without regard to political affiliation or activity, unless required by federal statute. Requires each agency head to ensure that: (1) no individual is appointed who has a relevant conflict of interest, unless the conflict is unavoidable and the need for the individual's service outweighs the potential impacts of the conflict; and (2) committee reports are the result of independent judgment. Requires public disclosure of: (1) any such conflict of interest; (2) any communication between an interagency committee or task force established by the President or the Vice President and a person who is not a federal officer or employee; (3) charters of advisory committees; (4) the process used to establish and appoint committee members; (5) specified information about current members; (6) each committee's decision-making process; (7) transcripts or recordings of committee meetings; and (8) determinations to close meetings. Requires agency heads to make such information available electronically 15 days before each meeting (or 7 days after for meeting transcripts or recordings). Requires the Administrator of General Services to: (1) provide electronic access to such information; (2) promulgate regulations defining "conflict of interest"; and (3) issue guidance for agencies and advisory committees on procedures and best practices for ensuring the advisory committees provide independent advice and expertise. Requires an individual who is not a full-time or permanent part-time federal officer or employee to be regarded as a committee member if the individual regularly attends and participates in committee meetings, even if the individual does not have the right to vote on or veto committee advice or recommendations. Requires the Comptroller General to review compliance by agencies with such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Close the Contractor Fraud Loophole Act - Requires a government contractor that has reasonable grounds to believe it has violated a criminal law or received a significant overpayment in connection with the award or performance of a covered contract to notify the Office of Inspector General of the awarding executive agency. Defines a covered contract as one for more than $5 million and 120 days' duration. Requires a contractor to submit such notification within 14 days of becoming aware of the violation or overpayment. Provides for disbarment or suspension for knowingly failing to notify.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Clean Energy Partnership with India Act of 2008 - Establishes in the legislative branch the Congressional Commission on Renewable Power Technology Commerce with India to: (1) study methods for improvement and promotion of bilateral renewable energy cooperation between the United States and India; and (2) recommend to Congress and the President methods and strategies to develop joint energy policy between the United States and India for reliable energy throughout India using renewable, environmentally-friendly means of production. Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on: (1) the extent to which energy is reliably available in India and what portion of it is produced through renewable means; (2) estimated investment, export, and job creation potential if U.S. industry plays a central role in the production and distribution of renewable energy in India; (3) estimated economic benefits and poverty reduction that would result if India's energy needs were met through renewable energy; (4) the estimated level of greenhouse gasses that India would produce in the coming years if it did not pursue renewable means of energy production; and (5) recommendations for the federal government and the private sector regarding technical assistance with the investment, production, and distribution of renewable energy in India. Directs the President to seek to establish a permanent joint renewable energy council between the United States and India to advise the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of India on promotion of environmentally sustainable economic growth in India and the United States through public policy regarding investment, production, and distribution of renewable energy in India.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - Requires specified minimum percentage pay increases and lump sum back payments for certain Government Accountability Office (GAO) officers and employees. Establishes an Office of the Inspector General in GAO, who shall report semiannually to the Comptroller General. Requires the Comptroller General's annual report to Congress to assess the overall degree of federal agency cooperation with GAO audits. Requires any executive agency (or component) that prepares an audited financial statement to reimburse GAO the cost of any GAO audit of such statement. Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to revise the coverage of certain GAO officers and employees under its financial disclosure requirements. Revises the highest basic pay rate for GAO personnel from GS-15 to Executive Level III. Increases from 15 to 20 the number of experts and consultants whose services the Comptroller General may procure for renewable three-year terms at rates up to level IV of the Executive Schedule. Makes funds appropriated to GAO for salaries and expenses also available for recruitment-related meals and entertainment. Revises provisions governing GAO voluntary separation incentive payments.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to the nation during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year. Honors government employees who have given their lives in service to their country. Encourages efforts to promote public service careers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2008
Poison Center Support, Enhancement, and Awareness Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide coordination and assistance for the maintenance of the nationwide toll-free phone number to access poison centers. Changes the name of poison control centers to poison centers. Requires the Secretary to carry out and expand upon a national media campaign to educate the public and health care providers about poison prevention and the availability of poison center resources in local communities. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with a nationally recognized organization for the development and implementation of a nationwide poison prevention and poison center awareness campaign. Expands the poison center grant program to allow the Secretary to award grants for poison centers to comply with the operational requirements needed to sustain certification of the center. Adds as the purposes for which such grants may be used: (1) to establish and evaluate best practices in the United States for poison prevention, poison center outreach, and emergency and preparedness programs; (2) to develop and implement standard patient management guidelines for commonly encountered toxic exposures; (3) to improve national toxic exposure surveillance; (4) to develop, support, and enhance technology and capabilities of professional organizations in the field of poison control to collect national poisoning, toxic occurrence, and related public health data; and (5) to develop initiatives to foster the enhanced public health utilization of national poison data. Eliminates matching requirements for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of the International Year of Sanitation. Recognizes the importance of sanitation on public health, poverty reduction, economic and social development, and the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Child Protection Improvements Act of 2008 - Amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to direct the Attorney General to provide for a program for national criminal history background checks for child-serving organizations. Amends the PROTECT Act to provide for an extension of the Child Safety Pilot Program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 - Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Appropriations Act, 2007 to extend until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on implementation of a proposed rule ("Medicaid Program; Cost Limit for Providers Operated by Units of Government and Provisions To Ensure the Integrity of Federal-State Financial Partnership") relating to the federal-state financial partnerships under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act. Extends until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on any action by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to restrict Medicaid payments for graduate medical education (GME). Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 to extend until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on certain restrictions relating to Medicaid coverage or payment for rehabilitation services or school-based administration and school-based transportation, including specified proposed regulations, if such restrictions are more restrictive in any aspect than those applied to such areas as of July 1, 2007. Establishes additional moratoria until April 1, 2009, on specified regulatory actions concerning Medicaid: (1) treatment of optional case management services; (2) outpatient hospital services; and (3) allowable provider taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and received by Congress on February 22, 2008, relating to broadcast media ownership.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Global Security Priorities Resolution - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should continue negotiations with other countries and unilateral initiatives to achieve nuclear arms reductions, and agree to the verifiable reduction of deployed U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons; (2) the Cooperative Threat Reduction (Nunn-Lugar) Program should be extended to requesting third countries; and (3) funds saved through nuclear arms reductions should be used for cooperative threat reduction and to alleviate problems affecting children and families that can contribute to support for international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2008
Honors the life, legacy, and contributions to civil rights of Chief Standing Bear.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2008
Moratorium on Uncontrolled Power Plants Act of 2008 - Prohibits authorities, until such time as a comprehensive program to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) is in effect, from issuing permits for proposed new coal-fired electric generating units under the Clean Air Act that do not require the use of state-of-the-art control technology to capture and permanently sequester carbon dioxide emissions. Defines as "state-of-the-art" such technology that captures not less than 85% of the total carbon dioxide produced and permanently sequesters it in an approved geological formation in a manner that prevents its later release into the atmosphere. Defines a "comprehensive program" as one adopted by Congress or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires immediate and significant reductions in GHGs across the U.S. economy and increases the reductions over time to reduce U.S. GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Prohibits new coal-fired electric generating units that commence construction after the date of introduction of this Act and do not install and operate such state-of-the-art control technology from receiving GHG emission allowances free of charge or at any price less than the market price under any future program to address global warming.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2008
Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act - Declares that the United States should develop policies and programs that will reduce: (1) mercury use and emissions; (2) mercury releases from the reservoir of mercury currently in use or circulation; and (3) exposures to mercury, particularly of women of childbearing age and young children. Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture of chlorine or caustic soda using mercury cells, effective January 1, 2012. Requires the owner or operator of each chlor-alkali facility to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator and the state in which the facility is located an annual report for 2009-2012 concerning mercury waste, emissions, and content in products. Requires the Administrator to : (1) conduct a comprehensive mercury inventory covering the life and closure of chlor-alkali facilities that cease operations on or after January 1, 2009; and (2) obtain mercury purchase records and such other information from each such facility as are necessary to determine the magnitude and nature of mercury releases from the facility into air and other environmental media.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008
Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act or FLAME Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement Fund (the Flame Fund). Requires amounts in the Flame Fund to be made available to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretaries) to pay the costs of catastrophic emergency wildland fire suppression activities that are separate from amounts annually appropriated for the predicted annual workload for such activities. Provides for amounts in the Flame Fund to be made available to the Secretaries only after such Secretaries issue a declaration that a wildland fire suppression activity is eligible for funding through the Fund. Directs such Secretaries to establish an accounting and reporting system for the Flame Fund. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) annually report on the use of the funds from the Flame Fund, together with recommendations that the Secretaries may have to improve administrative control and oversight of the Fund; and (2) submit a report that contains a cohesive wildland fire management strategy, consistent with the recommendations of the Comptroller General reports regarding such issue.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008
Right to Clean Vehicles Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to approve the application of the state of California for a waiver of federal preemption of its motor vehicle emission standards.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
States that the House of Representatives: (1) makes a stronger commitment to reducing maternal mortality both at home and abroad through greater financial investment and participation in global initiatives; and (2) recognizes maternal health as a human right.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008
Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act of 2008 - Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to revise requirements for services provided under grants from the Secretary of Health and Human Services for centers for runaway and homeless youth and their families. Limits the length of stay in such a center, unless it is located in a state or locality with a child or youth-serving-facility licensure law or regulation that permits a longer length of stay. Increases grant allotments for states and specified U.S. territories. Requires the plan proposed by grant applicants for a runaway and homeless youth center to include an adequate emergency preparedness and management plan. Redefines age limits of homeless youth served under such Act. Revises requirements for transitional living programs to provide a longer length of stay if the program is located in a state or locality that permits one. Requires the Secretary to report periodically to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate estimates of the incidence and prevalence of runaway and homeless individuals between 13 to 25 years of age. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a national homeless youth awareness campaign; and (2) establish priorities for making grants for research, evaluation, demonstration, and service projects. Requires the Secretary to: (1) give priority to public and, as under current law, nonprofit private agencies for sexual abuse programs; (2) establish performance standards for grant recipients; and (3) establish appeals procedures regarding amounts or denials of such grants. Defines "runaway youth" as an individual under age 18 who absents himself or herself from home or place of legal residence without the permission of parents or legal guardians.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of National Women's History Month (March 2008). Recognizes and honors the women and organizations in the United States that have fought for and continue to promote the teaching of women's history. Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to promoting National Women's History Month, which this year honors female artists.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008
Authorizes the use of the Capitol rotunda on May 1, 2008, for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2008
Condemns the government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of Baha'is. Calls on the government of Iran to release Ms. Raha Sabet, Mr. Sasan Taqva, and Ms. Haleh Roohi. Calls on the government of Iran and the Iranian Parliament to reject a draft Islamic penal code which violates Iran's commitments under the International Covenants on Human Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2008
Recognizes that increased and safe bicycle use for transportation and recreation is in the national interest of the United States. Supports policies that increase bicycle use.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2008
Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Directs the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally to develop a five-year strategic plan for program monitoring, operations research, and impact evaluation research of U.S. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programs, including mother-to-child HIV transmission. Extends funding for: (1) the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria; (2) the Vaccine Fund; (3) the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative; and (4) malaria vaccine development programs. Authorizes appropriations for tuberculosis vaccine research. Directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a program to facilitate availability of proven microbicides that prevent the transmission of HIV. Directs the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally to develop a plan to combat HIV/AIDS by strengthening health policies and health systems of host countries as part of USAID's Health Systems 2020 project. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to assistance programs to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Authorizes the President to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership. Establishes within USAID a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat Malaria Globally. Provides for U.S.-foreign health care partnerships to combat HIV/AIDS. Directs the President to formulate a comprehensive global HIV/AIDS prevention strategy that addresses the vulnerabilities of women and youth to HIV infection. Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to extend funding for activities under such Act. Prohibits foreign taxation of such amounts. States that it shall be U.S. policy to support countries receiving U.S. assistance to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and other health programs in developing and implementing five-year health workforce strategies. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2008
Public Health Preparedness Workforce Development Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Public Health Workforce Scholarship Program to assure an adequate supply of public health professionals to eliminate critical public health preparedness workforce shortages in federal, state, local, and tribal public health agencies by offering four-year scholarships in return for employment at such agencies. Requires the Secretary to establish the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program to provide for the repayment of loans incurred by individuals in the pursuit of the relevant public health preparedness workforce educational degree or certificate in exchange for working at such agencies for at least three years. Requires the Secretary to award grants to public health agencies that receive public health preparedness cooperative agreements from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to operate state, local, and tribal public health workforce loan repayment programs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for scholarships to enable mid-career professionals in the public health workforce to receive additional training in the field of public health preparedness or biodefense. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to ensure that included in the OPM website there is an online catalogue of public health workforce employment opportunities in the federal government. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to establish Academic Health Departments to provide for collaboration between the academic and practice aspects of public health.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2008
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 South Del Mar Avenue in San Gabriel, California, as the "Chi Mui Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to suspend, during calendar year 2008, petroleum acquisition for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) through the royalty-in-kind program or any other acquisition method. Authorizes resumption of such acquisition during calendar 2008 not earlier than 30 days after the Secretary notifies Congress that the weighted average price of petroleum in the United States for the most recent 90-day period is $50 or less per barrel.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Technologies for Restoring Users' Security and Trust in Health Information Act of 2008 or the TRUST in Health Information Act of 2008 - Sets forth rights of individuals to protect their personal health information, including the right to inspect and copy such information. Sets forth obligations of a person that discloses, uses, or receives an individual's personal health information, including notification if the security of such information is breached. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate guidelines for the establishment of safeguards and procedures for use under this Act. Prohibits a person from disclosing, accessing, or using personal health information except as authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to designate an Office of Health Information Privacy within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate complaints of alleged violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish and implement standards for health information technology products. Provides for whistleblower protection. Establishes: (1) the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology; (2) the public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement to make recommendations concerning standards for the electronic exchange of personal health information; and (3) the American Health Information Community to make recommendations concerning policies to support the widespread adoption of health information technology. Provides for health information technology grants. Requires the Secretary to develop and use health care quality measures. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center to provide technical assistance and develop best practices for interoperable health information technology. Prohibits the expenditure of federal funds for the purchase of any new health information technology that is not consistent with applicable federal standards.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Coastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2008 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize grants to eligible coastal states to support voluntary state efforts to initiate and complete surveys of portions of coastal state waters and federal waters adjacent to a state's coastal zone to identify potential areas suitable or unsuitable for the exploration, development, and production of renewable (wind, wave, current, tidal, or ocean thermal) energy that are consistent with the enforceable policies of coastal management plans. Requires suitable areas to be given priority consideration by federal agencies for the siting, licensing, leasing, or permitting of renewable energy facilities and requires unsuitable areas to be avoided by federal agencies to the maximum extent practicable.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Recognizes: (1) the need to apply what is known about reducing the transmission of infections in hospitals and assuring appropriate use of antibiotics to meet patient and public health needs; (2) the need to pursue operational research on preventing hospital- and community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and developing new antibiotics for improving care for MRSA patients; and (3) the importance of raising awareness of MRSA and methods of preventing MRSA infections. Expresses support for the work of advocates, healthcare practitioners, and science-based experts in educating, supporting, and providing hope for individuals and their families affected by community and healthcare associated infections.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Honors the goals and ideals of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Encourages early diagnosis and access to high-quality care for people with cystic fibrosis. Expresses support for research to find a cure by fostering an enhanced research program through a strong federal commitment and expanded public-private partnerships.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Commercial Fishing Industry Health Care Coverage Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish a grant program to assist commercial fishing states in establishing or strengthening programs to expand health care coverage and access for uninsured or underinsured workers in the commercial fishing industry and their families. Requires the Secretary to provide: (1) program planning grants for commercial fishing states and organizations within such states, including for initial research and planning to develop a qualified health care coverage program; and (2) implementation and administration grants for such states.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Recognizes the first-ever World Glaucoma Day. Expresses support for the efforts of the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Eye Institute to fund research on the causes of glaucoma. Congratulates the American Glaucoma Society for its efforts to expand awareness of the prevalence and economic burden of glaucoma and the continued need for federally funded glaucoma research.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2008
Honors Margaret Truman Daniel and her lifetime of accomplishments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Provides that, if the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) determined under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act without regard to this Act for a state for FY2008 is less than the FMAP as so determined for FY2007, the FY2007 FMAP shall be substituted for the FMAP for the third and fourth calendar quarters of FY2008, before the application of this Act. Provides that, if the FMAP determined without regard to this Act for a state for FY2009 is less than the FMAP as so determined for FY2008, the FY2008 FMAP shall be substituted for the FMAP for the first, second, and third calendar quarters of FY2009, before the application of this Act. Provides that, for each eligible state for the third and fourth calendar quarters of FY2008, and for the first, second, and third calendar quarters of FY2009, the FMAP shall be increased by 2.95 percentage points. Provides for an increase in the cap on Medicaid payments to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Declares that, only for FMAP computation purposes, any significant disproportionate employer pension or insurance fund contribution shall be disregarded in computing the per capita income of a state, but not in computing the per capita income for the continental United States (and Alaska) and Hawaii.