United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
James Monroe Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $50 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the election of President James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. Authorizes the issuance of such coins only during the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2016. Requires all sales of coins minted under this Act to include specified surcharges and requires such surcharges to be promptly paid to the James Monroe Memorial Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Telework Tax Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer or an employee a tax credit, up to $1,000 per year, for teleworking expenses incurred by or on behalf of a teleworking employee under an arrangement whereby such employee teleworks not less than 75 days per year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Honors Navy SEALs Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Keefe, and Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas for their heroic actions in the capture of Ahmed Hashim Abed, one of the most wanted terrorists in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Recognizes the exemplary service, devotion to country, and selfless sacrifice of Special Warfare Operators 2nd Class Matthew McCabe and Jonathan Keefe and Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Julio Huertas in the capture of Ahmed Hashim Abed, the alleged planner of an ambush in Fallujah, Iraq, that resulted in the killing of four security contractors. Pledges continued support to members of U.S. Armed Forces serving in harm's way.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009
Amends the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 to expand access to Department of Defense (DOD) homeowners assistance for qualified members of the Armed Forces permanently reassigned during a designated mortgage crisis to allow the Secretary of Defense greater flexibility regarding the dates of the availability of such assistance. Directs the Secretary, in exercising such authority, to consult with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Treasury regarding the condition of housing markets in the area of a base or installation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Control America's Purse-strings to Deliver a Better Tomorrow Act or the CAP the DEBT Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives and in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report increasing the statutory limit on the public debt if there is any other matter in such measure. Requires a two-thirds recorded vote of Members in the House and a roll call vote of at least two-thirds of the Members of the Senate before legislation increasing the statutory limit on the public debt may be considered as passed or agreed to in either chamber. Permits a successful appeal from the ruling of the Chair in the Senate on such prohibition, but only by an affirmative roll call vote of two-thirds of its Members. Repeals Rule XXVIII (Statutory Limit on Public Debt) of the Rules of the House, and known as the "Gephardt Rule," providing for mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretaries of the military departments, in conjunction with aircraft training and cargo missions, should maximize opportunities for space-available travel for members of the Armed Forces in a leave or pass status who are traveling between December 18, 2009, and January 3, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Stop the Automatic Pay Raise for Members of Congress in Fiscal Year 2011 Act - Declares that no automatic pay adjustment shall be considered to have taken effect in FY2011 in the rates of basic pay for Members of Congress under the General Schedule (thus eliminating the pay adjustment for Members for such fiscal year).
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Prevent Health Care Fraud Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of the Deputy Secretary for Health Care Fraud Prevention. Requires the Office to: (1) direct the implementation within HHS of health care fraud prevention and detection recommendations made by federal and private sector antifraud and oversight entities; (2) routinely consult with HHS's Office of the Inspector General, the Attorney General, and private sector health care antifraud entities to identify emerging fraud issues requiring immediate action; (3) provide for the design, development, and operation of a predictive model antifraud system to analyze health care claims data in real-time to identify high risk claims activity and develop a comprehensive antifraud database for federal health agency activities; (4) promulgate and enforce regulations relating to the reporting of data claims to such system by federal health agencies; (5) establish thresholds for fraudulent, wasteful, or abusive claims for excluding providers or suppliers from participation in federal health programs and for the referral of claims to law enforcement entities; and (6) share antifraud information and best practices. Sets forth requirements for the fraud prevention system, including that it shall: (1) allow viewing of all provider and patient activities across all federal health program payers; (2) provide for a centralized file for data from all government health insurance claims data sources; (3) provide real-time ability to identify high-risk behavior patterns across markets, geographies, and specialty group providers; (4) involve the implementation of a predictive modeling technology that is designed to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse; (5) systematically present scores, reason codes, and treatment actions for high-risk scored transactions; (6) monitor consumer transactions in real-time and monitor provider behavior at different stages within the transaction flow based upon provider, transaction, and consumer trends; and (7) not be designed to deny health care services or to negatively impact prompt-pay laws because assessments are late. Directs the Deputy Secretary to: (1) prohibit the payment of any health care claim identified as potentially fraudulent, wasteful, or abusive until the claim has been verified as valid; and (2) provide maximum protection of personal privacy consistent with carrying out the Office's responsibilities. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the implementation of fraud and abuse detection methods under all federal health programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Recognizes the importance of Christmas symbols and traditions. Disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas. Supports the use of these symbols and traditions by those who celebrate Christmas.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Amends Rule XXVIII (Statutory Limit on Public Debt) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to repeal procedures for considering legislation that increases the statutory debt limit. Makes it out of order to consider such legislation if there is any other matter in it. Prohibits legislation that increases the statutory limit on the public debt from being considered as passed or agreed to unless so determined by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Calls on the President to: (1) not enter into or extend any arms control agreement with the Russian Federation that may jeopardize the ability of the United States to ensure a credible strategic deterrent with regard to the People's Republic of China (PRC) or other countries that are deemed capable of deploying a strategic nuclear arsenal; (2) report to Congress on any plans or steps taken to enter into any bilateral arms control agreement with the Russian Federation; (3) report to Congress on the PRC's capabilities and intentions regarding the future deployment of a major strategic nuclear arsenal; and (4) refuse to enter into any strategic nuclear arms agreement with the Russian Federation or any other country that would require the United States to limit or suspend its efforts to create missile defense systems for itself and its allies. Urges the President to refrain from negotiating any follow-on agreement to START I until the Nuclear Posture Review is completed and the President, Congress, and all relevant U.S. government departments and agencies have had an opportunity to evaluate the Nuclear Posture Review.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 to eliminate the pilot program status of the Chesapeake Bay environmental restoration and protection program. Permits the nonfederal share of project costs of a local cooperation agreement to include in-kind services. Treats funds provided for a project by a federal agency other than the Corps of Engineers as nonfederal funds for purposes of cost sharing requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out projects under the program in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with the goal of carrying out projects in Delaware, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia (currently the Secretary is required to establish at least one project in each of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania). Directs the Secretary to establish a program, to be administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to provide small watershed grants for technical and financial assistance to local governments and nonprofit organizations in the Chesapeake Bay region. Permits the use of grant funds only for implementation of cooperative tributary basin and other Chesapeake Bay-wide strategies that address storm water management or the establishment, restoration, protection, or enhancement of natural habitat associated with the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the Cheasapeake Bay program. Directs the Secretary to develop at federal expense and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan to prioritize projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2009
Thanks the members of the National Guard for their service in response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, and their continuing role in homeland security and military operations. Supports providing the National Guard with the necessary resources to ensure its readiness. Expresses condolences and gratitude to the families of those members of the National Guard who have lost their lives through their dedication and commitment to the freedom and security of the United States while serving in the National Guard. Honors and supports the compassionate, courageous, and dedicated members of the National Guard who serve a critical role in protecting the United States and its citizens' freedoms and treasured liberties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Amends Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the rehabilitation tax credit, to allow such credit for expenditures to rehabilitate public school property that is leased to a tax-exempt entity.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Requires trial by military commission when an unprivileged enemy belligerent is being tried for alleged conduct for which a term of incarceration or the death penalty may be sought or obtained.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) aviators who were shot down over or otherwise forced to land in hostile territory yet evaded enemy capture, or were captured but subsequently escaped to return to their units and resume their service to the United States, should be recognized for their extraordinary service; and (2) the Secretaries of the military departments should consider these aviators for appropriate recognition within their branch of the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Directs the Secretary of Defense to transmit to the House of Representatives copies of any document, record, memo, correspondence, or other communication of the Department of Defense (DOD), or any portion of such communication, that refers or relates to the trial or detention of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarek Bin 'Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Ali Abdul Aziz Ali, or Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to the members of the Army National Guard of the state of Illinois and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Commends the members of the 33rd Brigade Combat Team of the Illinois Army National Guard on the completion of their deployment to Afghanistan. Recognizes that Team's achievements and all other formerly and presently deployed Illinois Army National Guard members for their exemplary service.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Jumpstarting Our Business Sector Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income in 2009 and 2010 long-term capital gains and dividend income; (2) reduce for a two year period the employment and self-employment tax rates; (3) reduce corporate income tax rates in 2009 and 2010; and (4) reduce the income tax rate for taxpayers in the lowest income tax bracket in 2009 and 2010. Rescinds all unobligated balances of the discretionary appropriations made available by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (stimulus funds).
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Requests the Attorney General to appoint a special counsel to investigate the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and its affiliates and report to Congress on the results of such investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue the Cold War Service Medal to members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions after having: (1) served on active duty for at least 24 consecutive months during the Cold War (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991); (2) deployed outside the continental United States for at least 30 days during such period; or (3) performed other Cold War service as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite the design of the Medal as well its issuance to eligible members.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2009 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to treat as a disability for OASDI and SSI disability payment purposes any service-connected total disability, as rated and certified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Applies the same treatment to related child's insurance and widow's and widower's insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War. Encourages the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring such sacrifices and contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Helping Small Businesses Grow and Prosper Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of business-related meal and entertainment expenses allowed as a tax deduction for businesses that employ an average of less than 50 employees in a taxable year to 80% (currently, 50%) of such expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Commends the soldiers, their families, and the civilian personnel at Fort Gordon for their service and dedication to the United States. Recognizes: (1) the contributions of Fort Gordon to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; and (2) Fort Gordon as a pivotal communications training installation for the United States Army Signal Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act - Amends the Troops-to-Teachers program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (which provides veterans with teacher certification stipends in exchange for three years of service in a high-need local educational agency [LEA] or public charter school). Expands program eligibility to cover certain individuals: (1) who, on or after September 11, 2001, serve at least 90 continuous days on active duty in the Armed Forces before being honorably released from such service; or (2) who, on or after January 8, 2002, are separated or released from active duty after at least four (currently, six) years of continuous active duty immediately preceding such separation or release, and agree to serve in the Armed Forces Reserves for at least three years. Makes any LEA that is receiving school improvement funds eligible to host Troops-to-Teachers program participants. Directs the Secretary of Education to establish an Advisory Board, composed of federal, state, and veteran service organization representatives, to collect, study, and disseminate feedback from the program and report to Congress on how the program is operating and might be improved. Reserves specified funding to carry out the Troops-to-Teachers program through FY2014.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Veterans Health Care Stamp Act - Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide for the issuance and sale of a veterans health care stamp to help fund the medical care and treatment of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Real Stimulus Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from proposing, promulgating, or issuing any regulations with regard to the Internet or IP-enabled services. Makes such prohibition non-applicable to regulations that are determined necessary to: (1) prevent damage to U.S. national security; (2) ensure public safety; or (3) assist or facilitate any actions taken by federal and state law enforcement agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the Montford Point Marines, United States Marine Corps, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. (Camp Montford Point, North Carolina, was the site for the training of the first African-American Marines.) Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the Montford Point Marines. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives to the people who marched on Washington, D.C., on September 12, 2009, to show their love of liberty and their grievance with recent government actions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Accountability for Business Choices in Iran Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Iran's illicit nuclear activities as well as development of unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles and support for international terrorism represent a serious threat to the security of the United States and its allies; (2) the United States should continue supporting diplomatic efforts in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to end Iran's illicit nuclear activities; (3) the UNSC should take further measures beyond specified existing UNSC resolutions to tighten sanctions on Iran, including preventing new investment in Iran's energy sector as long as it fails to comply with international demands to halt its nuclear enrichment; and (4) the United States should discourage foreign banks and entities from investing in Iran's energy sector as well as seek to prohibit entities doing business with the United States from doing business with Iran. Requires the head of each federal agency to ensure that each contract with a company for the procurement of goods and services contains a requirement for the company to certify that it is not conducting business operations in Iran. Defines "business operations" as operations that: (1) provide Iran with refined petroleum resources or technology that could enhance its ability to import or expand its domestic production of such resources; (2) invest $20 million or more in aIran's ability to develop petroleum resources; and (3) provide sensitive technology to Iran. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt measures to prohibit them from entering into or renewing a contract for the procurement of goods or services with persons included on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs. Terminates this Act 30 days after: (1) the President certifies to Congress that Iran has ceased support for acts of international terrorism and is no longer considered a state-sponsor of terrorism; and (2) Iran has permanently ceased the pursuit, acquisition, and development of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and missiles.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Honors the service and achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female veterans. Expresses support for groups that raise awareness about the service and achievements of such women.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to: (1) take all necessary steps to begin installation of cameras in room H-313 of the Capitol during the next recess lasting 10 calendar days or longer; (2) during the next such recess, begin and complete installation of such cameras; and (3) coordinate with the Chair of the Committee on Rules to provide for live broadcasting of the proceedings of such Committee on the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Military Family Month. Recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of military families and their contributions to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Recognizes the commissioning of the USS New York LPD 21. Congratulates the captain and commissioning crew of the USS New York LPD 21 on the occasion of their vessel entering into the service of the U.S. Navy. Honors those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001. Recommits the House of Representatives to the counter-terrorism mission of the USS New York LPD 21 and all the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Health Insurance Access for Young Workers and College Students Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan that treats an individual who is a dependent child of a plan participant or beneficiary as a plan beneficiary to continue to treat the individual as a dependent child through at least the end of the plan year in which the individual turns age 25.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Recognizes the energy savings and innovations achieved by the United States Air Force. Honors the leadership of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base for their energy savings. Congratulates Tom Denslow, Danny Dobbs, Ron Miller, and Daniel Thatcher of the Department of the Air Force at that base and Steve Dumont of the Department's Air Combat Command for their efforts to reduce energy use and to make that base a model of efficient energy use.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any meetings held to determine the final content of sweeping health care legislation be held in public view and not behind closed doors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Expanded Health Insurance Options Act of 2009 - Authorizes states to enter into arrangements to form interstate compacts under which health insurance issuers would offer coverage meeting the requirements of this Act under a unified regulatory structure governing the issuance, renewal, rating, mandated benefits, and similar items of coverage. Requires each compact to ensure that individuals who are insured in a participating state are able to access an independent external appeals process to review decisions made by health insurance issuers relating to coverage. Makes a participating state in which an insurance issuer is licensed responsible for the enforcement of applicable laws, regulations, agreements, and orders governing health insurance issuers and coverage. Authorizes a participating state in which a covered individual resides to require a health insurance issuer to pay premiums and taxes, submit to an examination of financial condition, and comply with state laws regarding fraud and abuse and unfair claims practices.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Permits an employer that does not offer health benefits coverage to its employees as of this Act's enactment to provide tax-free defined contributions and administrative assistance to such employees who choose to purchase health insurance coverage in the individual market. Bars any state from prohibiting: (1) an employer from taking any such actions; or (2) the sale of health insurance coverage to employees where an employer's involvement is limited to withholding premiums from employee paychecks and sending the premium payments to the health insurance issuer on the employees' behalf. Makes federal rules relating to list billing (the sale of individual health plans to an employer's employees) inapplicable to actions described in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009
Veterans Training Act - Deems a program of education as an approved program for purposes of the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program if the program is offered by an institution offering: (1) postsecondary instruction that leads to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved institution of higher learning; or (2) instruction that does not lead to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009
Recognizes Louisiana HonorAir for its 20 chartered flights of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the National World War II Memorial. Honors the invaluable service and dedication of the World War II veterans to our nation. Supports the designation of a Louisiana HonorAir Day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Electronic Duck Stamp Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2005 to extend the electronic duck stamp pilot program for two years.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Recognizes Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury (PABI) as the leading cause of death and disability in the United States for children and young adults from birth until 25 years of age. Endorses the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan and encourages its implementation by federal, state, and local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2009 - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 90 session days or legislative days after such resolution is introduced, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth procedures of the House of Representatives and the Senate for joint resolutions: (1) approving major rules; and (2) disapproving nonmajor rules.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax deduction for the expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers to: (1) increase the maximum dollar amount of such deduction to $500; (2) allow the deduction of professional development expenses; and (3) make such deduction permanent.
![Official portrait of Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000804_200.jpg)