United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2009
Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009 - Prohibits an automobile manufacturer (manufacturer) in which the federal government has an ownership interest, or which receives loans from the federal government, from depriving an automobile dealer (dealer) of its economic rights. Requires the manufacturer to honor those rights as they existed for Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corporation dealers prior to the commencement of the bankruptcy cases of each corporation, including dealer rights to recourse under state law. Requires the appropriate manufacturer to restore the franchise agreement between the dealers and Chrysler LLC or General Motors that was in effect prior to the commencement of their respective bankruptcy cases, and to take assignment of such agreements. States that nothing in this Act is intended to make null and void the transfer of substantially all the assets of such corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Fixed Indexed Annuities and Insurance Products Classification Act of 2009 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to include within the class of securities exempt from its coverage any insurance or endowment policy or annuity contract or optional annuity contract: (1) whose value does not vary according to the performance of a separate account; and (2) which satisfies standard nonforfeiture laws or similar requirements of the applicable state, Territory, or District of Columbia at time of issue or, in the absence of applicable standard nonforfeiture laws or requirements, satisfies the Model Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Life Insurance or Model Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities, or any successor model law, as published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Declares without force or effect Rule 151A promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 16, 2009, and entitled "Indexed Annuities and Certain Other Insurance Contracts."
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2009 - Requires the President to establish, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM education) within the National Science and Technology Council. Establishes an Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education in the Department of Education, to be administered by an Assistant Secretary. Requires the Assistant Secretary to conduct at least every five years an evaluation of the STEM education programs administered by the department. Requires the Secretary of Education to award a grant to establish a voluntary State Consortium on STEM Education and a grant to the National Science Digital Library to establish the STEM Education Resource Alliance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009
CAH Designation Waiver Authority Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the Medicare rural hospital flexibility program a state may establish. Authorizes state designation of a Medicare critical access hospital (CAH), even if it does not comply with the requirement that it be located more than a 35-mile drive from another hospital, if it is certified by the state on or after enactment of this Act as being a necessary provider of health care services to residents in the area. (Thus restores state authority that existed before January 1, 2006, to waive the 35-mile rule.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to reestablish the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (NARAB) as a nonprofit corporation to prescribe, on a multi-state basis, licensing and insurance producer qualification requirements and conditions. Retains states' regulatory authority over: (1) licensing, supervision, disciplining, and setting of licensing fees for insurance producers; and (2) insurance-related consumer protection and unfair trade practices. Authorizes NARAB to: (1) establish membership criteria, including a mandatory criminal background check for state-licensed insurance producers; and (2) deny membership to a state-licensed insurance producer on the basis of the criminal history information obtained. Grants NARAB enforcement powers, including denial of membership to any state-licensed insurance producer for failure to meet membership criteria. States that NARAB membership authorizes an insurance producer to engage in the business of insurance in any state for any lines of insurance specified in the producer's home state license, including claims adjustments and settlement, risk management, and specified insurance-related consulting activities. Retains state regulatory jurisdiction regarding consumer protection and market conduct. Requires NARAB to establish an office of consumer complaints, including a toll-free telephone number. Authorizes NARAB to coordinate with state insurance regulators to: (1) establish a central clearinghouse; and (2) establish a national database for the collection of regulatory information concerning the activities of insurance producers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Amends federal patent law to deny a patent for a tax planning method. Defines "tax planning method" as any method for reducing, minimizing, or deferring tax liability (not including tax preparation software).
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the new markets tax credit through 2013; (2) provide for an inflation adjustment to the limitation amount for such credit after 2009; and (3) allow an offset against the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act - Establishes in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) a Cash for Clunkers Temporary Vehicle Trade-in Program through which the Secretary of Transportation shall: (1) authorize the issuance of an electronic voucher to offset the purchase or lease price for a new fuel efficient automobile upon the surrender of an eligible trade-in vehicle to a participating dealer; (2) certify dealers for Program participation; (3) make payments to them for vouchers they accept between March 30, 2009, and April 1, 2010; (4) provide for the payment of rebates to qualifying persons; and (5) establish and provide for the enforcement of measures to prevent and penalize fraud under the Program. Prescribes requirements, including combined fuel economy, for $3,500 and $4,500 vouchers to offset the purchase or lease price for a qualifying passenger automobile or truck. Limits the number of vouchers to one per customer, including joint registered owners of a single eligible trade-in vehicle. Requires a dealer to certify that each eligible trade-in vehicle: (1) will be crushed or shredded, or transferred to an entity that will ensure it will be crushed or shredded, within the period of the Program; and (2) has not been, and will not be, sold, leased, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of for use as an automobile in the United States or in any other country. Makes any person who purchased or leased a new fuel efficient vehicle after March 30, 2009, and before the enactment of this Act eligible for a cash rebate equivalent to the appropriate voucher amount. Prescribes standards which any regulations issued by the Secretary for the Program must meet. Makes it unlawful for any person to violate this Act or any regulations issued under it, particularly by fraud. Prescribes civil penalties for any such violation. Directs the Secretary to make Program information available on an Internet website and through other means.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Veterans Missing in America Act of 2009 - Recognizes the tireless work and dedication of the Missing in America Project, in conjunction with numerous veterans service organizations, in identifying unclaimed remains of veterans. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to cooperate with such organizations to assist entities in possession of unclaimed or abandoned human remains in determining if any such remains are the remains of veterans or other individuals eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Requires the Secretary, upon a positive determination with respect to any such remains, to provide for and cover the cost of the burial and funeral expenses if the Secretary determines that: (1) there is no next of kin or other person claiming the remains; and (2) there are no other sufficient resources to cover such expenses. Directs the Secretary to establish a publicly accessible database of the names of any veteran or other individual so identified.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2009
Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carryback Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses, including the operating losses of life insurance companies, incurred in 2008 and 2009. Denies such extended loss carryover period to: (1) taxpayers in whom the federal government acquires an equity interest under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008; (2) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac); and (3) members of certain affiliated groups.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices Act of 2009 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to cover: (1) energy transactions; and (2) coal, crude oil, gasoline, electricity (except financial transmission rights subject to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC]), natural gas, and any substance used as a source of energy (other than an excluded commodity, a metal, or an agricultural commodity). Extends the regulatory authority of the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to swap transactions in: (1) energy commodities; (2) energy transactions; and (3) energy transactions on foreign boards of trade. Prohibits the CFTC from exempting energy transactions from futures trading regulation, unless certain notice and public comment requirements are observed. Requires the CFTC to fix limits upon the aggregate number of energy transaction positions held by any person for each month across all markets subject to its jurisdiction. Grants the CFTC exclusive authority to grant exemptions from position limits imposed upon energy transactions for bona fide hedging transactions and positions. Requires the CFTC to disaggregate and publicize specified market data with respect to index traders and swap dealers and the identity of holders of positions in indexes in excess of position limits. Empowers the CFTC to set limits to prevent excessive speculation in indexes. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 with respect to the CFTC Inspector General. Excludes from CFTC jurisdiction certain derivative transactions, swap transactions, and transactions in exempt commodities which settle and clear through a derivatives clearing organization registered with the CFTC. Prescribes requirements for alternatives to clearing through designated clearing organizations. Specifies requirements for eligibility to purchase credit default swaps. Requires the CFTC to charge and collect transaction fees from clearing organizations. Amends the Natural Gas Act and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to: (1) grant the Federal Power Commission (FPC) and FERC cease and desist authority regarding violations; and (2) instruct the FPC to establish a refund effective date for an initiated proceeding. Grants the CFTC oversight authority over carbon derivatives markets.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 400,000 $1 coins emblematic of the 100th anniversary of President Wilson's proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such coins beginning January 1, 2014, except that the Secretary may initiate sales of such coins, without issuance, before such date. Terminates such minting authority after December 31, 2014. Requires coin sales to include a $10 surcharge per coin, with distribution of such surcharges to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Osteoporosis Foundation for the purpose of furthering research.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Rural Career and Technical Education Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to assume or cancel a loan made under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) or the Direct Loan programs to an individual who: (1) has been employed as a teacher at a rural secondary school for five consecutive complete program years; (2) is not in default on the loan they seek forgiveness; and (3) whose qualifying employment is teaching career and technical education coursework on a full-time basis, including at least one course or credit that is integrated coursework.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Honors and commends Catholic sisters for their humble service and courageous sacrifice throughout U.S. history. Supports the goals of the "Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America Traveling Exhibit."
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the administering authority to: (1) determine, based on certain requirements, whether the exchange rate of the currency of an exporting country is fundamentally and actionably undervalued or overvalued (misaligned) against the U.S. dollar for an 18-month period; and (2) take certain actions under a countervailing duty or antidumping duty proceeding to offset such misalignment in cases of an affirmative determination. Subjects the misalignment to the U.S. dollar of the currency of nonmarket economy countries also to the countervailing and antidumping duty provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2009 - Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to prepare and publish a monthly Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPIEC) that indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are typical for individuals aged 62 years of age or older. Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVIII (Medicare) to use such new CPIEC in the computation of cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare benefits, replacing the CPI for All Urban Consumers (U.S. city average).
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2009 or the SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. Establishes a Small Business Health Board to monitor the implementation of the program and make recommendations for improvements. Requires the Administrator of the program to: (1) enter into contracts with health insurance issuers to provide health insurance coverage under this Act; and (2) enter into agreements with entities to serve as navigators to provide information about the program, provide referrals to applicable agencies for any grievance, complaint, or question, and assist in enrollment. Requires a participating employer to ensure that each eligible employee has an opportunity to enroll in a plan. Sets forth requirements for health plans offered under this Act. Requires the Administrator to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to study: (1) the rating requirements that apply to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in the states and to develop recommendations concerning rating requirements; and (2) the administrative procedures that apply to the program and to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in states. Sets forth premium-setting rules for plans under this Act. Allows a state to prohibit participation in this program if the state offers alternative health benefit plans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small employers for qualified employee health insurance expenses under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award recruitment incentive grants or contracts to graduate medical schools to enable them to improve primary care education and training for medical students. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to: (1) award grants to critical shortage health facilities to enable them to provide scholarships to individuals who agree to serve as physicians at such facilities after completing a residency in a primary care field; (2) establish an educational loan repayment program for individuals who agree to serve as primary care physicians or primary care providers (including nurse practitioners) in an area that is not a health professional shortage area but has a critical shortage of such physicians or providers; and (3) establish an educational loan repayment program for individuals who agree to serve as physicians in the field of obstetrics and gynecology or as certified nurse midwives in an area that is not a health professional shortage area. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for deferment of education loans during medical residency and internships in a primary care field. Amends the PHSA to direct the Secretary to award grants to eligible state and local government entities for the development of informational materials that promote careers in primary care. Amends the PHSA to extend the authorization of appropriations for training in a family medicine, general internal medicine, general geriatrics, general pediatrics, physician assistance, general dentistry, and pediatric dentistry Authorizes increased appropriations for the national health service corps scholarships and loan repayment programs. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow the use of Medicaid transformation payments for methods for improving medical assistance under Medicaid and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) by encouraging certain medical practices to qualify as patient centered medical homes. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to: (1) increase budget neutrality limits under the physician fee schedule to account for anticipated savings resulting from payments for certain services and the coordination of beneficiary care; and (2) require a separate Medicare payment for designated primary care services and comprehensive care coordination services. Amends SSA title XVIII to cover patient-centered medical home services. Directs the Secretary to develop a methodology to increase payments for designated evaluation and management services provided by primary and principal care providers. Requires: (1) additional incentive payments for primary care services furnished in health professional shortage areas; (2) permanent extension of the floor on the Medicare work geographic adjustment under the physician fee schedule; and (3) permanent extension of the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the process for determining relative value under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Eliminates cost sharing for preventive benefits and the time restriction for initial preventive physical examination. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) facilitating the receipt of Medicare preventive services by Medicare beneficiaries; (2) increasing the ability of physicians and primary care providers to assist Medicare beneficiaries in obtaining needed prescriptions under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program); and (3) developing and implementing mechanisms to promote and increase interaction between physicians or primary care providers and the families of Medicare beneficiaries, as well as other caregivers who support such beneficiaries, for the purpose of improving patient care under the Medicare program. Requires additional payments to physicians for services to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Requires various specified studies. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to provide an ongoing assessment of the impact of changes in Medicare payment policies in improving access to and equity of payments to primary care physicians and primary care providers. Authorizes distribution of additional residency positions and the counting of resident time in certain outpatient settings. Establishes rules for counting resident time in a nonhospital setting primarily engaged in furnishing patient care in non-patient care activities, such as didactic and scholarly activities and other activities (but not research not associated with the treatment or diagnosis of a particular patient). Authorizes redistribution of residency slots after a hospital closes or is acquired by another entity with the approval of a bankruptcy court. Directs the Secretary to revise the 9th Statement of Work under the Quality Improvement Program to include a requirement that, in order to be an eligible Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for the 9th Statement of Work contract cycle, a QIO provide assistance, including technical assistance, to physicians under the Medicare program that seek to acquire the elements necessary to be recognized as a patient centered medical home practice under the National Committee for Quality Assurance's Physician Practice Connections -- PCMH module.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2009 or the GREEN Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish annual energy efficiency participation incentives for HUD programs to achieve substantial improvements in energy efficiency. Establishes: (1) basic HUD energy efficiency and conservation standards, including green building standards, for residential single family or multifamily structures; and (2) an energy efficiency and conservation demonstration program for multifamily housing projects assisted with project-based rental assistance. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to assign an additional housing credit for compliance with Federal Mortgage Insurance Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) housing goals for energy-efficient and location-efficient mortgages. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop loan products and flexible underwriting guidelines to facilitate a secondary market for energy-efficient and location-efficient mortgages for low and moderate income families, for second and junior mortgages made for purposes of energy efficiency or renewable energy, or both. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary, in applying underwriting standards for mortgages on single-family housing, to consider the impact on the income of borrowers under Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs and Native American and Native Hawaiian loan guarantee programs from savings on utility costs resulting from energy efficiency standards established by this Act. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Secretary to establish a commission to develop and recommend model mortgage products and underwriting guidelines that provide market-based incentives to incorporate energy efficiency upgrades and location efficiencies in new mortgage loan transactions. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to require the collection of information on energy-efficient and location-efficient mortgages. Makes it unlawful to deny homeowner insurance for residences that are not connected to or able to receive electricity service from any wholesale or retail electric power provider. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish mortgage incentives for energy-efficient multifamily housing; (2) develop and implement a pilot program to facilitate the financing of cost-effective capital improvements for certain assisted housing projects to improve their energy efficiency and conservation; and (3) establish and provide incentives for developers of HUD-financed housing to enter into agreements and partnerships with tree-planting organizations, nurseries, and landscapers for the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary to make grants for energy efficiency improvements in new and existing single-family and multifamily housing. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to include sustainable development and transportation strategies for affordable housing. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit organizations to increase low-income community development capacity. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit the Secretary from making a site revitalization grant unless the applicant's proposed revitalization plan meets specified Green Developments, Green Communities, and Green Buildings certification requirements. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to require real estate appraisals , in determining the value of a property, to consider any renewable energy sources or energy-conserving improvements or features of the property. Directs the Secretary to require entities receiving assistance from the Housing Assistance Council or the HUD Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development to comply with energy efficiency standards established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury the Alternative Energy Sources State Revolving Fund to provide loans to states and Indian tribes to carry out renewable energy and energy conservation activities. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to establish and maintain green banking centers to provide energy efficiency information to consumers seeking a mortgage or home equity loan. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the effect of this Act on the availability or affordability of mortgages. Requires the Secretary to obtain from public housing agencies and report to Congress on information on the energy costs of their housing units. Authorizes the Secretary to make loan guarantees for the financing of renewable energy systems leased for residential use and for the repayment of portions of mortgages used to finance sustainable building elements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties. Requires fines to be based upon the nature and severity of the violation, the size of the firearms business involved, and the prior record of the firearm's licensee. Prohibits consideration of the amount of fines or license revocations imposed by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in the retention, promotion, or transfer of such agents. Revises the definition of "willfully" for purposes of firearms violations and standards for criminal violations of firearms recordkeeping requirements. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) make preliminary determinations on firearms license applications and notify applicants in writing of a proposed denial; and (2) establish guidelines for ATF inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible firearms violations. Permits an owner of a firearms business whose license is expired, surrendered, or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory. Allows purchasers of existing firearms businesses the right to cure firearms violations attributable to such businesses. Allows the transfer, possession, and importation of machineguns for industry testing, research and training, national security services, and motion picture or television production. Eliminates the requirement of written permission for the use of a handgun for lawful purposes by a minor (under age 18) where a parent or legal guardian is present at all times during such use. Prohibits the Attorney General from electronically retrieving inactive firearms licensee information by name or personal identification code. Directs the Attorney General to authorize the importation of all frames or receivers of rifles, or barrels for firearms other than handguns, if the importation is for repair or replacement purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Congratulates LeBron James for: (1) being named the 2008-2009 National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player; and (2) being the first Cleveland Cavaliers player, and the youngest player since 1979, to be named Most Valuable Player. Recognizes his contributions to the cities of Akron and Cleveland.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act - Grants the Secretary of the Treasury regulatory and enforcement jurisdiction over the Internet Gambling Licensing Program established by this Act. Prescribes administrative and licensing requirements for Internet betting. Prohibits any person from operating an Internet gambling facility that knowingly accepts bets or wagers from persons located in the United States without a license issued by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to assess: (1) fees against licensee institutions to cover the cost of administering this Act; and (2) specified civil money penalties upon licensees or other persons for willful violation of this Act or related regulations. Cites safeguards required of licensees, including: (1) tax collection related to Internet gambling; (2) safeguards against fraud, money laundering, and terrorist finance; and (3) safeguards to combat compulsive Internet gambling. Requires the Secretary and any qualified state or tribal regulatory body to prescribe regulations for: (1) development of a Problem Gambling, Responsible Gambling, and Self-Exclusion Program; (2) a list of persons self-excluded from gambling activities at licensee sites; and (3) a program to alert the public to the existence, consequences, and availability of the self -exclusion list. Prohibits a person who is prohibited from gambling with a licensee from collecting any winnings, or recovering any losses that arise as a result of prohibited gambling activity. Shields a financial transaction provider from liability for engaging in financial activities and transactions on behalf of a licensee, or involving a licensee, if such activities are in compliance with federal and state laws. Permits states and Indian tribal authorities to opt-out of Internet gambling activities within their respective jurisdictions. Prohibits electronic cheating devices. Subjects violators of this Act to civil and criminal penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Reasonable Prudence in Regulation Act - Extends from December 1, 2009, to December 1, 2010, the deadline for compliance with specified regulations prohibiting the funding of unlawful Internet gambling (Regulation GG).
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Expresses support for the designation of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Encourages awareness about the prevalence of asthma and allergies and the disparities in asthma cases based on race, ethnicity, and economic status. Reaffirms the nation's commitment to continued education surrounding asthma and allergy treatment and symptoms and to advancing care for both conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present gold medals, on behalf of Congress, to: (1) the astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission to the surface of the moon, Neil A. Armstrong (the first human to walk on the moon), Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. (pilot of the lunar module Eagle and second person to walk on the moon), and Michael Collins (pilot of their command module Columbia) in recognition of the first lunar landing, on July 20, 1969; and (2) John Herschel Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, on February 20, 1962.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009 - Includes as part of the Republic of Vietnam, for purposes of the presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure by veterans to certain herbicide agents while in Vietnam, such Republic's inland waterways, ports, and harbors, waters offshore, and airspace above. Includes as veterans eligible for such presumption those who: (1) served on Johnston Island during the period beginning on April 1, 1972, and ending on September 30, 1977; or (2) received the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
Preserving the American Historical Record Act - Requires the Archivist of the United States to make grants to states to: (1) protect historical records; (2) use such records in new and creative ways; (3) provide education and training to those who care for historical records; and (4) create a wide variety of access tools, including finding aids, documentary editions, indexes, and images of key records maintained on state and local organization websites. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of grant funds to states. Requires the Archivist to consult with state archivists, state secretaries of state, or other appropriate state and local officials who have administrative responsibilities for archival functions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2009
Commends the students of the first graduating class at the University of California, Merced, the class of 2009, for their pioneering spirit, dedication, efforts, and desire to help establish an institution that puts Merced on the road to opportunity and promises to inspire the educational dreams of young people in this underserved region for generations to come.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) diplomatic efforts to address Iran's illicit nuclear efforts, unconventional and ballistic missile development programs, and support for international terrorism are more likely to be effective if the President is empowered with explicit authority to impose additional sanctions on the government of Iran; (2) U.S. concerns regarding Iran are strictly the result of that government’s actions; and (3) the people of the United States have feelings of friendship for the people of Iran and regret that developments in recent decades have created impediments to that friendship. States that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) support international diplomatic efforts to end Iran's uranium enrichment program and its nuclear weapons program; (2) encourage foreign governments to direct state-owned and private entities to cease all investment in, and support of, Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum products to Iran; (3) impose sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and any other Iranian financial institution engaged in proliferation activities or support of terrorist groups; and (4) work with allies to protect the international financial system from deceptive and illicit practices by Iranian financial institutions involved in proliferation activities or support of terrorist groups. Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to direct the President to impose two or more current sanctions under such Act if a person has, with actual knowledge, made an investment of $20 million or more (or any combination of investments of at least $5 million which in the aggregate equals or exceeds $20 million in any 12-month period) that directly and significantly contributed to Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources. (Under current law the sanction thresholds are $40 million, $10 million, and $40 million, respectively.) Directs the President to impose: (1) sanctions established under this Act (in addition to any current sanctions imposed under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996) if a person has, with actual knowledge, sold, leased, or provided to Iran any goods, services, technology, information, or support that would allow Iran to maintain or expand its domestic production of refined petroleum resources, including any assistance in refinery construction, modernization, or repair; and (2) sanctions established under this Act if a person has, with actual knowledge, provided Iran with refined petroleum resources or engaged in any activity that could contribute to Iran's ability to import refined petroleum resources, including providing shipping, insurance, or financing services for such activity. Establishes additional sanctions prohibiting specified foreign exchange, banking, and property transactions. Includes references to refined petroleum resources in a presidential report to Congress requesting waiver of sanctions for purposes of national interest. Requires that the President immediately investigate a person upon receipt of credible information that such person is engaged in prohibited investment or other activity. Defines "credible information" as public or classified information or reporting supported by other substantiating evidence. Includes among the exceptions to the imposition of sanctions a situation in which the President determines in writing that the person to which the sanctions would otherwise be applied is: (1) a citizen or resident of a country that is a participant in the Proliferation Security Initiative; or (2) a foreign person organized under the laws of such country and is a subsidiary of a U.S. person. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees every six months regarding any person who has: (1) provided Iran with refined petroleum resources; (2) sold, leased, or provided to Iran any goods, services, or technology that would allow Iran to maintain or expand its domestic production of refined petroleum resources; or (3) engaged in any activity that could contribute to the enhancement of Iran's ability to import refined petroleum resources. States that the term "petroleum resources" includes petroleum, petroleum by-products, oil or liquefied natural gas, oil or liquefied natural gas tankers, and products used to construct or maintain pipelines used to transport oil or compressed or liquefied natural gas. (Under current law the definition of the term "petroleum resources" is limited to petroleum and natural gas resources.) Defines "petroleum by-products" as gasoline, kerosene, distillates, propane or butane gas, diesel fuel, residual fuel oil, and other goods classified in headings 2709 and 2710 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Celebrates the life of Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity. Honors Millard Fuller for three decades of leadership and service through Habitat for Humanity. Urges the people of the United States to recognize and pay tribute to Millard Fuller's life and legacy of service by carrying on his vision for a kinder, gentler world.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009
SMA Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a national clinical trials network for spinal muscular atrophy by upgrading and unifying spinal muscular atrophy clinical trial sites and recruiting new investigators and sites. Requires the Director to ensure that such network: (1) conducts coordinated, multisite, clinical trials of therapies and clinical approaches to the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) rapidly and efficiently disseminates scientific findings to the field. Requires the Director to: (1) establish a data coordinating center with respect to spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) expand and intensify NIH programs with respect to preclinical translation research related to spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance and support a spinal muscular atrophy patient registry to provide for expanded epidemiological research towards improving awareness, management, treatment, and prevention of spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary to ensure the collection and analysis of longitudinal data related to individuals of all ages. Directs the Secretary to establish the Interagency Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Coordinating Committee. Sets forth the duties of the Committee, including to develop a comprehensive strategy related to spinal muscular atrophy research and other related neurological diseases and disorders. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide information and education on spinal muscular atrophy to health professionals and the general public.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009
Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that each federal agency head should consult with the congressional committees with jurisdiction over the agency each fiscal year regarding the agency's performance plan. Requires each agency head, in collaboration with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to conduct an assessment of each agency program at least once every five fiscal years, assessing the program's purpose, strategic plan and objectives, organizational design, management, efficiency, and effectiveness in achieving its performance objectives and identifying strengths and weaknesses and factors affecting program success. Requires the Director to: (1) make available, by May 1 of each year, a list of programs to be assessed and the criteria and methodology that will be used; (2) submit in a report to Congress, at the same time the President submits the annual federal budget, assessment results, including an identification of program best practices for allocating resources and recommendations for modifications focusing on opportunities for consolidation and integration of programs and authorities; and (3) develop an improvement plan, which the agency head shall implement, that responds to the assessment report and identifies follow-up actions to improve program performance. Changes: (1) the date by which the heads of each federal agency are required to submit strategic plans for program activities to September 30 of each year following a presidential election; and (2) the period of coverage for strategic plans from five to four years. Provides for: (1) designation of agency performance improvement officers to supervise an agency's performance management activities; and (2) establishment of a Performance Improvement Council to make recommendations concerning, and to monitor, performance management and evaluation of program performance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009
Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to increase the amount of loans the Secretary of Energy may provide for facility funding under the advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program from $25 billion to $50 billion.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009
Fiscal Honesty and Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to extend Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) requirements through FY2014 and enforcement mechanisms through FY2018. Requires the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) each to report to the House Committee on the Budget on how to broaden the PAYGO sequestration base and make it more fair and equitable. Extends through FY2013 the spending limits (spending caps) for the discretionary categories in new budget authority and outlays. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to address issues of emergency spending by requiring: (1) Committee on the Budget guidelines; (2) a separate House vote on an emergency designation; and (3) detailed reserve funds for emergencies in the President's budget request to Congress. Prescribes a procedure for adjustments in committee allocations resulting from such spending in joint budget resolutions. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to prohibit floor amendments to amendments reported by the Committee on the Budget (or from the consideration of which the Committee has been discharged) with respect to legislation for emergency reserve funds for certain military operations. Prohibits consideration of an amendment to a joint budget resolution which changes the amount of budget authority and outlays set forth in the CBA for the emergency reserve fund. Requires reports on legislation which provide new budget, spending, or credit authority, or otherwise provide an increase or decrease in revenues or tax expenditures, to include a CBO projection of the cost of debt servicing (interest). Amends the CBA concerning: (1) CBO cost analysis (scoring) for conference reports; (2) legislation which evades specified budget enforcement mechanisms; and (3) legislation which is unreported by committee (for purposes of budget point of order rules). Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives concerning: (1) budget compliance statements (permitting inclusion of budgetary implications); (2) requirements for budget act waivers (inclusion mandatory for bill consideration); and (3) a separate vote to waive a major budget act point of order.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009
Remembers the lives of the women and men who have lost their fight with breast cancer and expresses support and admiration for those who have survived. Congratulates participants in the Global Race for the Cure to raise money for research and education. Urges Americans to walk this year and support their family and friends who participate. Honors the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009
Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins and $1 silver coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner . Requires a coin design emblematic of the War of 1812, and in particular of, the Battle for Baltimore that formed the basis for the Star-Spangled Banner. Limits the period for coin issuance to calendar year 2012. Imposes a surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coins and $10 per coin for the $1 coins, which shall be distributed to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission for the purpose of supporting bicentennial activities, educational outreach activities, and preservation and improvement activities pertaining to the sites and structures relating to the War of 1812.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2009
Congressional Made in America Promise Act of 2009 - Amends the Buy American Act to apply Buy American requirements to articles, materials, and supplies acquired for the use of any legislative branch office, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, in the same manner as the Act applies with respect to articles, materials, and supplies acquired for the use of a department or independent establishment. Prescribes a special rule in the case of any product which bears a congressional seal that is acquired for the use of a legislative branch office. Prohibits the head of such office from making a determination under the Act that: (1) it is inconsistent with the public interest to enter into a contract in accordance with the Act; or (2) an article, material, or supply is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of satisfactory quality. Applies this prohibition to otherwise exempted manufactured articles, materials, or supplies procured under any contract the award value of which is less than or equal to the micro-purchase threshold.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2009
No Child Left Inside Act of 2009 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states, as a prerequisite to receiving implementation grants, to develop environmental literacy plans, approved by the Secretary of Education, for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 that include environmental education standards and teacher training. Directs the Secretary to award Environmental Education Professional Development Grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to partnerships that include an LEA and, permissibly, institutions of higher education (IHE), other educational entities, or federal, state, regional, or local natural resource or environmental agencies, for activities involving, among other things, teacher training and the development of more rigorous environmental education curricula that advance the teaching of interdisciplinary courses. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive matching grants to partnerships that include an LEA and, permissibly, IHEs, other educational entities, federal, state, regional, or local natural resource or environmental agencies, or park and recreation departments, for activities to improve and support environmental education that include: (1) advancing content and achievement standards; (2) developing or disseminating innovations or model programs; and (3) research.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2009
Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act of 2009 - Requires the manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold, leased, or otherwise introduced into U.S. commerce to: (1) provide to the vehicle owner and service providers all information necessary to diagnose, service, maintain, or repair the vehicle; (2) offer for sale to the vehicle owner and service providers any related tool or equipment; and (3) provide the information that enables aftermarket tool companies to manufacture tools with the same functional characteristics. Exempts trade secrets, so long as the information is not disclosed to authorized dealers or service providers. Authorizes enforcement of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and civil actions by state attorneys general, consumers, and service providers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009
Elder Justice Act - Amends the Social Security Act to establish an Elder Justice program under title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services). Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC). Establishes the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to establish stationary and mobile forensic centers, to develop forensic expertise regarding, and provide services relating to, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Directs the Secretary to provide incentives for individuals to train for, seek, and maintain employment providing direct care in a long-term care (LTC) facility. Directs the Secretary to make grants to LTC facilities to: (1) offer continuing training and varying levels of certification to employees who provide direct care to LTC facility residents; and (2) provide bonuses or other benefits to employees who achieve certification. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist LTC facilities in offsetting the costs for standardized clinical health care informatics systems designed to improve patient safety and reduce adverse events and health care complications resulting from medication errors. Directs the Secretary to ensure that HHS: (1) provides funding to state and local adult protective services services offices that investigate reports of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and (2) collects and disseminates related data in coordination with the Department of Justice. Establishes a program of annual adult protective services grants to states. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to: (1) improve the capacity of state LTC ombudsman programs to respond to and resolve abuse and neglect complaints; and (2) conduct pilot programs with state or local LTC ombudsman offices. Directs the Secretary to establish programs to provide and improve ombudsman training for national organizations and state LTC ombudsman programs. Amends part A of SSA title XI to require each individual owner, operator, employee, manager, agent, or contractor of an LTC facility receiving certain federal support to report to the Secretary and local law enforcement entities any reasonable suspicion of crimes occurring in such facility. Requires the owner or operator of such an LTC facility to notify the Secretary and the appropriate state regulatory agency of a facility's impending closure, as well as a plan for the transfer and adequate relocation of facility residents. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the EJCC and appropriate congressional committees on establishing a national nurse aide registry. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) study, analyze, and report to Congress, the Secretary, and the states on state laws and practices relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and (2) develop objectives, priorities, policies, and a long-term plan for elder justice programs and activities. Requires the Comptroller General to review and report to Congress on existing federal programs and initiatives in the federal criminal justice system relevant to elder justice. Authorizes the Attorney General to award victim advocacy grants to eligible entities to study the special needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to provide: (1) training, technical assistance, policy development, multidisciplinary coordination, and other types of support to local and state prosecutors and courts, as well as employees of state Attorneys General and Medicaid Fraud Control Units handling elder justice-related matters; and (3) similar types of support to police, sheriffs, detectives, public safety officers, corrections personnel, and other front line law enforcement responders who handle elder justice matters to fund specially designated elder justice positions or units designed to support front line law enforcement in elder justice matters. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to reauthorize the missing Alzheimer's Disease patient alert program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a long-term care facility worker employment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009
Oleoresin Capsicum Spray Pilot Program of 2009 - Directs the Bureau of Prisons to conduct a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of the routine issuance of Oleoresin Capsicum spray (pepper spray) to staff. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress on an evaluation of such pilot program and on tools to improve officer safety in federal prisons.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009
Commends the crew of the Maersk Alabama and Captain Richard Phillips, who selflessly placed himself in harm's way to protect his crew. Recognizes the U.S. Navy, the crews of the USS Bainbridge, Boxer, Halyburton, and Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 for their role in the rescue. Congratulates the Navy SEALs on the scene for their decisive action that resulted in the rescue of Captain Phillips. Joins all Americans in expressing great relief that the crew has returned home safely.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009
Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the classification, for depreciation purposes, of any motorsports entertainment complex as seven-year property.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009
National Health Service Corps Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the definition of "primary health services" for purposes of the National Health Service Corps to include optometry health services. Includes optometrists within: (1) the fellowship program for the delivery of primary health services in health professional shortage areas; (2) the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program; and (3) the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009
Congratulates the boys' basketball team at Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, for winning the California Interscholastic Federation Division 2 title.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 2009 - Designates the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National World War I Memorial. Establishes the World War I Centennial Commission to: (1) plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I; (2) encourage private organizations and state and local governments to organize and participate in such activities; (3) facilitate and coordinate such activities throughout the United States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about centennial events and plans.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009
Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for charitable contributions by individuals and corporations of real property interests for conservation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009
Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2015. Requires compliance with federal wage rate requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act as a condition of eligibility for the tax credit and expensing allowance provided by this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Wilson, Charles A. [D-OH-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000801_200.jpg)