United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Prohibits either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from taking action on public lands which impede the activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the border on such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Honors the U.S. troops who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy (World War II). Recognizes the 66th anniversary of the D-day landings at Normandy, France. Expresses gratitude to the "greatest generation" of U.S. soldiers who fought fearlessly for freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
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 · 13 April 2010
Recognizes the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel as a place of refuge and national homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms bipartisan support for the alliance and friendship between the governments and peoples of the United States and Israel, for Israel's security and right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state, and for its right to defend itself. Commends the people of Israel for their achievements in the face of adversity. Extends congratulations and best wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 62nd anniversary of Israel's independence.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2010
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to require the participation of the President, Vice President, each Member of Congress, each political appointee, and each Congressional employee in state Exchanges established for the purchase of health care coverage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2010
Virginia Access to Energy Act or the VA Energy Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct offshore oil and gas Lease Sale 220 on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) by as soon as practicable, but not later than one year, after the date the Secretary receives a petition from the governor requesting that the lease sale be conducted. Provides for the disposition of revenues received from such lease sale for both federal and non-federal purposes, including payments to the state of Virginia. Establishes in the Treasury the Alternative Energy Trust Fund, consisting of a portion of such revenues, which may be used for making grants for a coal and related technologies program, solar and wind technologies, and nuclear power loan guarantees, among other things.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2010
Close the Congressional Health Care Loophole Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to expand the definition of "congressional staff" for purposes of determining coverage under a state health care Exchange to include all full-time and part-time employees of the federal government whose pay is disbursed under the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for the fiscal year involved.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2010
Congratulates the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy and its staff for 100 years of operation of the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2010
Recognizes the achievements of the soldiers serving in the 10th Mountain Division, as well as citizen-soldiers of the Army Reserve and National Guard who have fought with the 10th Mountain Division during its 60-year history. Expresses gratitude to the family members of the 10th Mountain Division for their service and sacrifice. Commends the North Country (New York) community for their unwavering support of Fort Drum and the men and women serving in uniform. Offers heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of 10th Mountain soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2010
Toxic Drywall Homeowner Relief Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income for the cost of removing and remediating drywall installed in a principal residence between 2004 and 2009 which is reasonably believed to have been manufactured in China and which contains elevated levels of sulphur or strontium. Allows an additional deduction for the taxpayer's alternative living costs, and a tax credit of up to $1,000 for the cost of moving from a principal residence to temporary lodging, while drywall in such residence is being evaluated, removed, and replaced. Terminates the tax deductions and credit allowed by this Act after 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Commends Lance Mackey on his record-breaking fourth consecutive Iditarod victory during the 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Applauds each musher who was courageous enough to compete in the 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Expresses appreciation to all volunteers and staff who help make this Alaskan race possible every year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order that provides for disposition of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590 (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA]) unless it provides for: (1) at least one hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader; and (2) a requirement that the Speaker put the question on disposition of the Senate amendments and that the yeas and nays be considered as ordered thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Expresses: (1) the nation's appreciation for the contributions made by federal employees; and (2) support for the goal of protecting their safety and security. Urges the government to seek ways to improve the safety and security of federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2010
Requires the total budget resources for expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for harbor maintenance programs to equal the level of receipts plus interest credited to such Fund for that fiscal year. Limits the use of such resources to such programs only. Declares that it shall be out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that would cause total budget resources for the Fund in a fiscal year for harbor maintenance programs to be less than the level of receipts plus interest credited to the Fund for that fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Safeguarding Access to Preventative Services Act of 2010 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using any recommendation of the Preventive Services Task Force to deny or restrict coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program (including Medicare, Medicaid, and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program). Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) prohibit a group health plan from using any recommendation of that Task Force to deny or restrict coverage; (2) require the sponsor of a group health plan, in determining which preventive items and services to provide coverage for, to consult the medical guidelines and recommendations of relevant professional medical organizations of relevant practice areas, including those relating to the coverage of women's preventive services; and (3) require the plan administrator to disclose such guidelines and recommendations as part of a summary of benefits and coverage provided to participants. Amends PHSA to apply such requirements to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market in the same manner it applies to coverage offered in the group market.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Honors the heroic efforts of the West Virginia National Guard and local first responders in rescuing 17 individuals from a downed military helicopter on a rugged, snow-covered mountain in West Virginia. Recognizes the countless volunteers, families, and neighbors who assisted in such rescue. Recognizes the courage, ability, determination, and willingness of West Virginians to lend a hand.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Military Spouses Employment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty (more than 90 days or for an indefinite period) as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit (thus giving employers a tax incentive for hiring military spouses).
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Terrorist Notification Act of 2010 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to direct the head of an element of the intelligence community (IC) to provide to the Secretary of Defense any intelligence information obtained by such IC element that indicates that a member of the Armed Forces, a civilian employee of the Department of Defense (DOD), or a DOD contractor employee has communicated with a person that seeks to harm the United States or U.S. interests. Allows an exception when the IC head determines that providing such information would negatively affect an ongoing investigation. Requires: (1) the Secretary to prescribe a process for expediting an official response to any information submitted, and to seek to achieve such response within 24 hours after receipt of the information; (2) such response to include whether the contact of the member or employee with such a person is directly related to his or her duties; (3) the Secretary to annually review and revise the response process as necessary; and (4) the Secretary to report annually to Congress concerning the instances in which such information was provided and the response to the information.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Achievements of the GI Bill Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a single gold medal in honor of the recipients of assistance under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights), in recognition of their great contributions in both their military and civilian life, and the contributions of Harry W. Colmery in initiating actions which led to the enactment of that Act. Requires the medal, following its award, to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display. Expresses the sense of Congress that the medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations selected by the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense (DOD), or Education.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Prohibits any Department of Defense (DOD) installation in the United States or its territories and possessions from being used to commence or continue a prosecution in an Article III court of any individual suspected of involvement in the attacks on the United States and its citizens on September 11, 2001, who is not a citizen of the United States and is subject to the jurisdiction of a military commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Repeals: (1) provisions in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 terminating tax reductions made by such Act after December 31, 2010; and (2) the provision in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 terminating after 2008 reductions in tax rates on dividends and net capital gain. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the tax deductions for state and local sales taxes and for tuition and related expenses; and (2) the increased expensing allowance (i.e., $125,000) for depreciable business assets.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits annual federal outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding one-fifth of economic output of the United States of America, unless two-thirds of each chamber provides for a specific increase of outlays above this amount. Authorizes waiver of this article when a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Taking Responsibility For Congressional Pay Act - Reduces the rate of basic pay for each Member of Congress by 5%, rounded to the nearest multiple of $100 (or, if midway between multiples of $100, to the next higher multiple of $100). Declares that such adjustment shall be in lieu of any adjustment which (but for this Act) might otherwise take effect in 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Honors the USS New Mexico (SSN 779) as one of the most advanced submarines in U.S. Navy history. Commends the diligence of the New Mexico Council, Navy League of the United States, and USS New Mexico Commissioning Committee, who contributed to the support of the USS New Mexico. Recognizes the hard work of the individuals and organizations who contributed to the construction of the USS New Mexico. Honors the U.S. Navy and the crew of the USS New Mexico for their commitment to helping maintain U.S. supremacy of the seas.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces (military spouse) who moves with such member to another state under a permanent change of station order a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified relicensing costs incurred by such spouse. Defines "qualified relicensing costs" as costs for a state license or certification to engage in the profession that such military spouse engaged in while residing in the former state.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Reaffirms the nation's commitment to combating multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its causes and risks, promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment. Recognizes people living with multiple sclerosis and salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who assist those so afflicted and continue to work to find cures and improve treatments.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and make available for sale not more than 2 million silver national medals, containing one ounce of silver each, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. Declares that all sales of medals under this Act shall include a surcharge of $10 per medal, which shall be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Recognizes the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima (World War II). Recognizes and commends the members of the U.S. Marine Corps and all other members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in such Battle for their service and sacrifice, with particular honor and gratitude to those who gave their lives during such Battle in defense of the United States and freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2010
Congratulates the New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV. Recognizes the significant contributions made by the team in the recovery efforts of New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast Region.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2010
Commends Brittany and Robbie Bergquist (founders of Cell Phones for Soldiers), their family, and the thousands of volunteers who help members of the Armed Forces (members) keep in touch with their families through the use of recycled cell phones. Pledges continued support for members to maintain contact with their families and loved ones while serving in harm's way. Expresses appreciation for Cell Phones for Soldiers and other nonprofit entities that work selflessly to provide an affordable means for members to maintain such contact while serving overseas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Commends the personnel of the Agri-business Development Teams of the National Guard, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their efforts to modernize agriculture practices and increase food production in war-torn countries.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Recognizes the efforts of the U.S. Armed Forces, local first responders, U.S. public servants, and other members of Operation Unified Response for their actions to meet the needs of Haiti's citizens and government and facilitate the evacuation and medical attention of U.S. citizens impacted by the earthquake in Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) a federal government mandate requiring individuals to purchase health insurance is unconstitutional; (2) any such mandate should be removed from pending national health care legislation; and (3) all states should pass legislation protesting any such mandate.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Janey Ensminger Act - Makes any veteran who was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, during a period in which the water there was contaminated by volatile organic compounds, including known and probable human carcinogens, eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any illness, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the illness is attributable to such contamination.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Prohibits any funds appropriated or made available to the Department of Justice (DOJ) from being used to commence or continue a prosecution in an Article III court of any individual suspected of involvement in the attacks on the United States and its citizens on September 11, 2001, who is not a citizen of the United States and is subject to the jurisdiction of a military commission.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Supports the designation of National Robotics Week (NRW) as an annual event. Encourages institutions of higher education and companies which utilize robotics technology to hold open houses during NRW. Encourages science museums to organize events and demonstrations during NRW that help to educate and engage the public on the importance of robotics technology. Encourages schools, clubs, and organizations to hold open houses, organize local competitions, and demonstrate student activities related to the field of robotics technology. Encourages activities that advance the use of robotics to revolutionize the way fundamental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts are taught in the classroom and that highlight the success that robotics competitions organized by groups such as For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) are having in inspiring students to pursue STEM-related careers. Affirms the growing importance of robotics technology and supports all other efforts to increase national awareness of it and its impact on the future of the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to permit a state home to provide VA nursing home care to parents who had any children who died while serving in the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Extends through 2013 eligibility for the concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation for veterans who were retired or separated due to physical disability, regardless of their disability rating or years of service.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Recognizes the 150th anniversary of the Colorado National Guard (Guard). Recognizes the Guard's valuable, historic, and continued contribution to the citizens of Colorado and the United States. Honors the men and women of the Guard who have given the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Helping Small Business Compete Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to increase from 23% to 25% the government-wide small business procurement contract goal. Requires the President, before the close of each fiscal year, to establish new goals. Requires each federal agency to have an anuual goal at least equal to the federal goal. Sets forth provisions concerning methods for goal achievement, including requiring procurement training for senior executives and a limitation on incentive awards for failure to meet goals. Redefines the term: (1) "bundled contract" to mean a contract or order entered into to meet procurement requirements that are consolidated in a bundling of contract requirements, without regard to its designation by the procuring agency or whether a study of the effects of the solicitation on civilian or military personnel has been made; and (2) "bundling of contract requirements" to mean any bundling methodology to satisfy two or more procurement requirements for new or existing goods or services, including any construction services, that is likely to be unsuitable for award to a small business due to the specialized nature of performance, the dollar value of the award, or the geographical dispersion of the contract or order performance. Makes the revised definitions inapplicable for contracts under $65 million for construction services and, for all other types of contracts, under $5 million. Requires notification to Small Business Administration (SBA) procurement center representatives of identifying information on incumbent contract holders, a description of the industries potentially interested in bidding on the contract requirements, and the number of small businesses listed in the industry categories that could be excluded from future bidding if the contract is bundled. Allows the SBA Administrator, if there is cause to believe a contract combines requirements or a contract or task or delivery order for construction services or includes unjustified bundling, to request a statement of work for goods and services, and to request that the solicitation process be postponed at least 10 days (but not more than 30) to allow the Administrator to review the statement and make recommendations. Allows a small business adversely affected by a proposed procurement that includes contract bundling to take specified actions. Allows the SBA, whenever the head of a contracting agency makes a decision concerning the Administrator's challenge to a bundling of contract requirements, to file a challenge with the appropriate agency board of contract appeals. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning good faith compliance with small business subcontracting plans and requirements. Provides criminal penalties for violators making false statements in an effort to obtain a federal contract.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Detainee Transfer and Release Security Act of 2010 - Prohibits the President from releasing or transferring an individual currently detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody of the individual's country of origin or to a third country unless the President certifies to Congress that: (1) such country is not a designated state sponsor of terrorism; (2) such country's government can secure and exercise control over all of its territory; (3) no portion of such country's territory serves as a safe haven for terrorists or insurgent groups, particularly al Qaeda; and (4) there is no confirmed case of any individual who had been detained at Guantanamo who reengaged in terrorist activities subsequent to being transferred or released to such country.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010
Military Personnel Toxic Exposure Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish and administer a system to identify members of the Armed Forces who were potentially exposed to a hazardous disposal site, as well as any negative health effects that may be related to such exposure. Requires the Secretary to: (1) administer the system using existing medical surveillance systems; (2) notify a member and his or her commanding officer of a potential exposure; (3) for each member notified, collect information for purposes of the system; (4) for each member notified, annually provide a complete physical examination and related consultation and counseling; and (5) report annually to the congressional defense committees on the status of system implementation and incidences of illnesses which may have been caused by such exposure. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 to: (1) include solid waste containing plastics within the definition of "covered waste" for purposes of a prohibition against the disposal by the Armed Forces of covered waste in open-air burn pits during contingency operations; and (2) include in a required report concerning the use of such pits those situations in which such pits were used to dispose of waste during military exercises and operations worldwide during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2010
Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members deployed in support of a contingency operation. States that if a motion for change of custody of a child of such a member is filed while the member is so deployed, no court may enter an order modifying or amending a previous child custody judgment, except if the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child. Prohibits any court from considering a member's absence due to deployment, or possible deployment, in support of a contingency operation in determining the best interest of the child.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2010
State and Local Law Enforcement Hatch Act Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the Hatch Act to: (1) allow state and local law enforcement officers to be candidates for the office of sheriff; and (2) allow sheriffs to engage in campaign activities by attending or speaking at political campaign rallies or events, holding or sponsoring political fundraisers, or appearing on political advertisements. Establishes a limitation period of six months after the later of the date of the alleged violation or the date of enactment of this Act for presenting charges against a law enforcement officer for Hatch Act violations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
INTERPOL Immunities Oversight Act of 2010 - Directs the The President to revoke Executive Order 13524 and amend Executive Order 12425 so as to restore the words removed by Executive Order 13524. (Restores certain limitations on property search, customs duty, and taxation immunities in the United States for the International Criminal Police Organization's [INTERPOL].)
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010
Waives, during FY2011, the basic military pay adjustment tied to increases in the Employment Cost Index. Increases, effective January 1, 2011, such basic pay by 1.9%.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize continued use of 2009 Medicare practice expense relative value units for certain cardiology services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with an independent entity to study and report to Congress on the practice expense methodology used to determine relative value units under this Act to determine whether the cost finding, indirect cost allocation, scaling, and budget neutrality methodologies used: (1) are consistent with generally accepted accounting principles; (2) distribute the burden of any necessary budget neutrality adjustments proportionally among all physicians' services; and (3) result in allowances that accurately reflect the relative direct and indirect resources involved in the provision of various physicians' services.