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United States · Official source
5,946 records where Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2007
Designates the week of November 11-November 17, 2007, as "National Veterans Awareness Week."
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007
Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish a program of supplemental agricultural disaster assistance and an Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund to make payments to farmers and ranchers for certain losses incurred in disaster areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow tax credits for various conservation-related expenditures, including habitat protection easements and restoration, wetlands reserve conservation, and working grassland protection: (2) make permanent the special rule for tax deductions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes; and (3) allow a tax deduction for expenditures related to certain species recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Provides for the issuance of tax-exempt forest conservation bonds to nonprofit organizations to acquire forest lands for conservation purposes. Allows a tax deduction for up to 60% of gains from certain sales or exchanges of timber. Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of timber real estate investment trusts (REITs). Allows new tax credits for qualified small wind energy property expenditures for residential heating purposes, for the production of cellulosic biomass alcohol used as fuel, and for fossil free alcohol. Extends through 2012 the small ethanol and small agri-biodiesel producer tax credits. Extends tariff duties on ethanol until January 1, 2011. Extends through 2010: (1) the tax credit for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel; (2) the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; and (3) the alternative fuel and alternative fuel mixture excise tax credit and refund provisions. Increases the maximum loan limit on small issue agricultural bonds for first-time farmers. Allows new tax credits for holders of rural renaissance bonds, for agricultural chemical and pesticide security, for safety and effectiveness testing expenses for new animal drugs intended for use in a minor species, and for the purchase of qualified energy efficient motors that meet or exceed certain energy efficiency standards. Places limits on the deductibility of farming losses for taxpayers receiving agriculture program payments or loans from the Commodity Credit Corporation. Limits the deductibility of fines and penalties paid to a governmental entity for violations of law. Increases penalties for failure to file certain informational tax returns. Sets forth rules for the application of the economic substance doctrine to transactions affecting tax liability. Imposes penalties for underpayments of tax attributable to transactions lacking economic substance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2007
Habitat and Land Conservation Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to habitat conservation and restoration to: (1) make permanent the special rule allowing an enhanced tax deduction for contributions of capital gain real property for conservation purposes; (2) allow a tax credit for costs and landowner losses relating to habitat protection and restoration; (3) allow a tax deduction for expenditures related to endangered species recovery plans approved by the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (4) exclude from gross income certain payments under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956; (5) extend through 2010 the taxpayer election to expense (i.e., deduct in full in the current taxable year) certain environmental remediation expenditures; and (6) allow tax-free exchanges of shares in certain mutual ditch, reservoir, or irrigation companies. Amends the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 to change the effective dates applicable to leases of tax-exempt use property to foreign entities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2007
Disapproves a specified rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to Medicare coverage for the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents in cancer and related neoplastic conditions. Declares that such rule shall have no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2007
Research Credit Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the tax credit for increasing research activities by: (1) phasing-in increases in the alternative simplified tax credit rate through 2009; (2) establishing a 20% alternative simplified tax credit rate in 2010 in lieu of the standard research tax credit rate; (3) increasing the amount of basic and contract research expenses eligible for such tax credit; and (4) making such tax credit permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Supports the goals and ideals of "Lights On Afterschool!," a national celebration of after-school programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007
Designates May 2008 as National Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Month.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007
NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to mint and issue $50 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of $50 per $50 coin, and of $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $4 million to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties. Requires distribution of: (1) one-half of the next $1 million of the remaining amounts to the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (D.R.E.M.E.) Science Literacy Foundation and the Challenger Center for Space Science Education; and (2) the remainder to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for the preservation, maintenance, and display of space artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum (including the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $50 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
Montana Cemetery Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the National Forest Service (NFS), to convey to Jefferson County, Montana, the parcel of National Forest System land known as the Elkhorn Cemetery to be used as a county cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 silver coins in commemoration of disabled American veterans and emblematic of the design selected by the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. Expresses the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent possible, the coins should be struck at the U.S. Mint at West Point, New York. Limits the period for coin issuance to calendar year 2010. Imposes a $10 surcharge per coin, to be distributed to the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation for the purpose of establishing an endowment to support the construction of American Veterans' Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007
Emergency Contraception Education Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop and disseminate to the public information on emergency contraception, including, at a minimum, a description of emergency contraception and an explanation of the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of such contraception. Requires that the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop and disseminate to health care providers, including pharmacists, information on emergency contraception that includes, at a minimum: (1) information describing the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of emergency contraception; (2) a recommendation regarding its use in appropriate cases; and (3) information explaining how to obtain copies of information from the CDC.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007
United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act - Approves the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (the Agreement) entered into with the government of Peru. Provides for the Agreement's entry into force upon certain conditions being met on or after January 1, 2008. Authorizes the President to proclaim actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.S. government to issue regulations, necessary to ensure appropriate implementation of any provision of this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force. Provides for: (1) administration of dispute settlement proceedings; (2) arbitration of certain claims against the United States; and (3) specified tariff modifications. Prescribes requirements for: (1) enforcement of textile and apparel rules of origin; (2) actions for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; (3) certain textile and apparel safeguard measures; and (4) enforcement of export laws governing trade of timber products from Peru. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to make eligible for U.S. government procurement products or services of a foreign country or instrumentality that is a party to the Agreement. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through December 13, 2014. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase the amount of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion in July, August, or September of 2012 to 115.75% of such amount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
Native American Omnibus Technical Corrections Act of 2007 - Amends various enactments relating to Native Americans, including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the Indian Tribal Justice Act, and the Indian Land Consolidation Act, to make technical corrections. Extends through FY2012 the grant programs for tribal justice training and technical assistance and for tribal justice systems. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include territories and Indian tribes as eligible grant recipients (or reaffirms such eligibility) under certain programs for combating methampethamine use. Revises legal definitions relating to interests in land and intestate descent under the Indian Land Consolidation Act. Amends the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 to: (1) authorize any federal law enforcement officer to conduct an investigation of offenses involving the sale of goods or products misrepresented as Indian-produced on lands under federal jurisdiction; (2) authorize the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (Board) to refer an alleged offense under such Act to any federal law enforcement officer for investigation (currently, referral is limited to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)); and (3) permit any federal law enforcement officer to investigate an alleged offense without a referral from the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2007
Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to: (1) require all regulated sellers and persons dealing in certain listed chemicals used to make methamphetamine to file self-certifications with the Attorney General in compliance with such Act; (2) require the Attorney General to publish a list of all self-certified persons on the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (3) restrict distributors of listed chemicals from selling to individuals other than self-certified regulated sellers or persons; and (4) impose penalties for negligent failure to self-certify.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2007
Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to: (1) a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine; and (2) Israel's security. Denounces the use of violence and terror. Calls on: (1) President Bush to engage Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to begin negotiations; (2) Hamas to recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce and end all terror and incitement, and accept past agreements and obligations with Israel; (3) moderate Arab states to intensify their diplomatic efforts toward a two-state solution; and (4) Israeli and Palestinian leaders to embrace efforts to achieve peace and refrain from taking any actions that would prejudice final status negotiations. Welcomes the Arab League Peace Initiative. Urges President Bush to consider appointing as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace an individual who has held cabinet rank or someone equally qualified with an extensive knowledge of foreign affairs and the Middle East region in particular.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2007
Rural Education Achievement Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends part B (Rural Education Initiative) of title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the Small, Rural School Achievement program, which gives rural local educational agencies (LEAs) federal formula grants and greater flexibility in the use of state educational funds. Limits eligibility to LEAs whose schools are all designated with a school locale code of Fringe Rural, Distant Rural, or Remote Rural, unless located in an area the state defines as rural. Raises federal grant limits when funds available to implement the program equal or exceed $100 million. Alters LEAs' eligibility for federal funds under the Rural and Low-Income School program by requiring that: (1) at least 40% of the children ages 5 through 17 that LEAs serve be eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act; and (2) all of their schools be designated with a school locale code of Distant Town, Remote Town, Fringe Rural, Distant Rural, or Remote Rural.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2007
Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - Prohibits a federal entity from compelling a covered person (journalists and their employers, etc.) to testify or produce any document relating to protected information unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence, including that all reasonable alternative sources have been exhausted and that nondisclosure would be contrary to the public interest, taking into account both the public interest in compelling disclosure and the public interest in gathering news and maintaining the free flow of information. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Creates exceptions relating to criminal or tortious conduct, prevention of death, kidnapping, or substantial bodily injury, prevention of terrorist activity, or prevention of national security harm. Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to testimony or any record, information, or other communication that relates to a business transaction between such providers and covered persons. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation. Declares that this Act does not supersede, dilute, or preclude any law or court decision compelling or not compelling disclosure by a covered person or communications service provider of information identifying a source who provided information without a confidentiality promise made as part of engaging in journalism or records, communication data, documents, or information obtained without a confidentiality promise.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2007
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from closing or relocating any Farm Service Agency (FSA) county or field office until at least one year after enactment of an omnibus law to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs for fiscal years after 2007 unless such office, for 180 consecutive days during the two-year period ending on such date of enactment, had zero employees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2007
Declares that as Senator Tim Johnson returns to the Senate, his fellow Members of the Senate extend their warmest welcome and express their personal happiness at his return, and offer their very best wishes for his continued good health.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to establish a program under the environmental quality incentives program to provide eligible producers with cost-share and incentive payments to promote conservation practices for production systems converting to organic production.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Tribal Foster Care and Adoption Access Act of 2007 - Amends part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium (tribe) operating a foster care program to receive federal foster care maintenance payments for children placed in its custody if the tribe: (1) operates a foster care program under part E; (2) has a cooperative agreement with the state for such purpose; or (3) submits a description of the arrangements made for the payment of funds and the provision of the required child welfare services and protections. Specifies provisions for the modification of plans and certain other requirements regarding the operation of foster care programs. Authorizes, with respect to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program: (1) a tribe with an approved part E plan to receive a prescribed allotment to administer, supervise, or oversee plan programs; and (2) each tribe in a state that does not receive such an allotment to enter into a cooperative agreement with the state to administer, supervise, or oversee the programs to be carried out under the state's plan with respect to Indian children and to receive a portion of the state's allotment for the cost of such administration, supervision, and oversight.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Pension Protection Technical Corrections Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, to make changes regarding defined benefit pension plans, including to: (1) revise rules concerning amendments of a plan while a waiver of minimum funding standards is in effect; (2) amend provisions that allow the Secretary of Treasury to provide a transition rule for estimating an at-risk plan's funding target attainment percentage; (3) exclude from the definition of prohibited payment for purposes of limitations on accelerated benefit distributions a payment that may be immediately distributed without the consent of the participant; (4) extend exemption from fiduciary liability during a blackout period to otherwise qualified blackout periods of less than three days; and (5) revise deduction rules for employer contributions to one or more defined contribution plans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Pharmacy Access Improvement (PhAIm) Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to participating pharmacies and standards for access to them. Requires that such standards ensure that enrollees residing in long-term care facilities have access to a long-term care network pharmacy. Requires prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines prompt payment as payment occurring within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 24-hour toll-free telephone number dedicated to providing Medicare prescription drug benefit information to pharmacists and pharmacy staff. Requires PDP sponsors to establish toll-free pharmacy and physician and provider hotlines. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a PDP sponsor from displaying the name, brand, logo, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Provides for submission of claims by pharmacies located in or contracting with long-term care facilities. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to analyze and report to the Secretary on the cost of dispensing covered part D drugs under a PDP or an MA-PD plan. Provides that, if the PDP sponsor uses a standard for reimbursement of pharmacies based on the cost of a drug, each contract entered into with such sponsor with respect to the plan shall require the sponsor to update the standard at least once every seven days.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Justice for Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act - Amends the federal judicial code to expand the rights of victims of state-sponsored terrorism by: (1) denying foreign states that support terrorism immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts for cases involving personal injury or death related to the terrorist activities of its officials, employees, or agents; (2) allowing certain nationals of the United States, members of the Armed Forces, and federal employees or contractors a private cause of action against a foreign state designated as a state sponsor of terrorism; (3) making foreign states vicariously liable for the actions of their officials, employees, or agents; (4) limiting appeals in cases against foreign states involving terrorist-related injuries; and (5) establishing a pending lien against property of a foreign state sponsor of terrorism upon the initiation of legal action in the United States against such state.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Continuing the Advancement of Quality Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to require any utilization and quality control peer review organization (also known as a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)) entering into a contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to perform only the function of providing technical assistance for quality improvement and performance measurement to providers, practitioners, and Medicare Advantage organizations offering Medicare Advantage plans under part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a transition plan for the transfer to Medicare provider review organizations (MPROs) of all other current functions of QIOs. Specifies requirements for an MPRO with responsibility for addressing beneficiary complaints. Requires the Secretary to establish priorities for selection of technical assistance providers. Authorizes a QIO and an MPRO to share individual-specific data obtained from another provider or practitioner with a provider or practitioner who is treating the individual, for quality improvement and patient safety purposes. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of the data-sharing systems, processes, and regulations of the Department of Health and Human Services in order to identify best practices and procedures, including abstraction of medical chart data. Revises qualifications for QIOs. Declares that funding for contracts for peer review of utilization and quality of health care services shall be used solely for providing technical assistance for quality improvement and performance measurement. Revises requirements for annual reports to specified congressional committees on QIOs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Hire a Hero Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should support private sector employment initiatives for military personnel to help ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces have access to gainful employment. Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Chief) to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist the following individuals in securing employment in the private sector: (1) a member of the National Guard or reserve; (2) a member of the Armed Forces who is nearing separation, discharge, or release; and (3) a former member of the Armed Forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Chief, in awarding such grants, should consider organizations that partner with private entities and associations involved in construction, energy, transportation, aerospace, domestic security, and other areas in which the employment of individuals having past military service would be of particular utility. Requires the Chief to establish fiscal control, accountability, and program performance measures for grantees.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Fair Medicaid Drug Payment Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate the federal upper reimbursement limit as no less than 300% of the weighted average (based on utilization) of the most recent average manufacturer prices (AMPs) for pharmaceutically and therapeutically equivalent multiple source drug products available for purchase by retail community pharmacies on a nationwide basis. Directs the Secretary to implement a smoothing process for AMPs to ensure that federal upper reimbursement limits do not vary significantly from month to month as a result of rebates, discounts, and other pricing practices. Requires a state plan to subject to prior authorization all covered outpatient drug products that are innovator multiple source drugs, if such drug products are more expensive than other biologically and therapeutically equivalent drug products available for purchase in that state by retail community pharmacies. Revises requirements for monthly reports to the Secretary of price information by manufacturers subject to rebate agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Small Community Drinking Water Funding Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Small Public Water System Assistance Program, including a program for Indian tribes, to assist small water systems in complying with national primary drinking water regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Trade Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise certain trade provisions to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify and report to Congress on: (1) U.S. trade enforcement priorities; (2) U.S. trade enforcement actions taken during the previous year and their impact in addressing foreign trade barriers; and (3) priority foreign country trade practices the USTR will focus U.S. trade enforcement efforts. Requires the USTR to seek satisfactory resolution of any identified priority foreign country trade practice (including elimination or compensatory trade benefits) with the country concerned under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO), pursuant to a bilateral or regional trade agreement to which the United States is a party, or by any other means. Establishes the WTO Dispute Settlement Review Commission. Requires a recommendation from the International Trade Commission (ITC) before the President can impose any duty or other import restriction on an imported Chinese product that causes or threatens market disruption to a like U.S. product. Requires an ITC recommendation to take effect upon enactment of a joint resolution by Congress disapproving presidential action where the President takes action that differs from such recommendation or declines to take action because it would have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to apply countervailing duty provisions to nonmarket economy countries. Establishes: (1) the position of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer in the Office of the USTR; (2) an interagency Trade Enforcement Working Group. Grants the ITC authority to appoint hearing officers (other than administrative law judges) to preside over intellectual property rights infringement cases before the ITC. Defines the role of the interagency trade organization with respect to the performance of the functions of the USTR.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include the states of Idaho and Montana among affected areas for purposes of payments to individuals with certain medical conditions who were exposed to fallout emitted during the U.S. government's atmospheric nuclear tests
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007 - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to redefine the term "plant" to include products of plants and to exclude any common food crop or cultivar that is a species not listed: (1) in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; or (2) as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Redefines the term "take" to include harvesting, cutting, logging, or removing a plant. Makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, possess, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce plants: (1) taken, transported, possessed, or sold in violation of specified foreign or state law; (2) taken, transported, or exported without the payment of royalties, taxes, or stumpage fees required by foreign or state law; or (3) exported or transshipped in violation of any limitation under foreign or state law. Makes it unlawful to import plants unless the importer files, when clearance is requested, a declaration that contains: (1) the scientific name of any plant contained in the importation; and (2) a description of the value of the importation, the quantity of the plant, and the name of the country from which the plant was taken. Sets forth requirements concerning the contents of a declaration. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations to limit the applicability of, or to modify, declaration requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2007
Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act - Requires the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to make grants to enable public and private nonprofit entities to determine whether educating youth about meth mouth (oral decay that is commonly associated with methamphetamine use) is an effective strategy for preventing or reducing methamphetamine use. Reserves a portion of appropriated funds for Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand and intensify the clinical research, health services research, and public health research on associations between substance use disorders, oral health, and the provision of dental care. Requires the Secretary to study the effect methamphetamine use has on the demand for, and provision of, dental care. Directs the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support training and offer technical assistance to ensure that dentists and allied dental personnel are prepared to: (1) recognize signs of alcohol or drug addiction; (2) discuss the nature of substance abuse as it relates to their area of expertise; (3) understand how certain dental therapies can affect the relapse potential of substance dependent patients; and (4) help those affected by a substance use disorder find appropriate treatment for their conditions. Authorizes the Administrator to collaborate with professional accrediting bodies to develop and support substance abuse training courses for oral health professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2007
Meth Mouth Correctional Costs and Reentry Support Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics to: (1) include in criminal justice system statistics data about the oral health of federal inmates and dental care provided in federal correctional facilities; and (2) conduct a study on how methampehtamine use affects the demand for (and provision of) oral health care in such facilities. Provides for Department of Justice (DOJ) grants to states and local, territorial, and tribal governments for: (1) oral health dental programs for federal inmates; (2) evaluating the extent to which poor oral health undermines or impedes an inmate's successful reentry into the community; and (3) establishing adult and juvenile offender reentry demonstration projects for inmate oral health programs during incarceration and after release.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2007
Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reauthorize the SCHIP program through FY2012. Provides for the determination of allotments for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Revises funding requirements for the territories under SCHIP and Medicaid (SSA title XIX). Establishes in the Treasury the CHIP Incentive Bonuses Pool, from which incentive bonuses may be paid to states. Provides for phase-out of SCHIP coverage for nonpregnant childless adults. Prescribes terms and conditions for coverage of parents of targeted low-income children. Gives states the option to cover low-income pregnant women under SCHIP through a state plan amendment. Establishes in the Treasury the CHIP Contingency Fund. Revises requirements for the availability of allotments. Places a limitation on the matching rate for states that propose to cover children with effective family income that exceeds 300% of the poverty line. Provides qualifying states the option to receive the enhanced portion of the SCHIP matching rate for Medicaid coverage of certain children. Provides for grants for outreach and enrollment. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration program under which states shall be authorized to rely on findings by an Express Lane agency to determine whether a child has met Medicaid or SCHIP eligibility requirements. Gives states the option to verify a declaration of U.S. citizenship or nationality for purposes of Medicaid eligibility through verification of name and Social Security number. Provides for reducing administrative barriers to enrollment under SCHIP and to providing premium assistance. Provides for coordinating premium assistance with private coverage. Requires development of child health care quality measures. Revises requirements regarding: (1) payment error rate measurement (PERM); (2) improvement of data collection; (3) mental health parity in CHIP plans; and (4) application of the prospective payment system (PPS) to services provided by federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics. Requires the Secretary to make dental health grants to states. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise rate on tobacco products. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 with respect to the time for payment of corporate estimated taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2007
Military Family Job Protection Act - Prohibits a covered family member who is caring for a servicemember who is undergoing medical treatment for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active military duty from being denied retention in employment, promotion, or any employment benefit by an employer on the basis of the family member's absence from such employment for a period of not more than 52 weeks. Includes as a covered family member one who, while caring for the recovering servicemember, is: (1) on invitational orders; (2) a non-medical attendee; or (3) receiving per diem payments from the Department of Defense (DOD).
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2007
Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm, its subdivision, or a public agency. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by a public agency to a foreign country, of production of articles or in provision of services, like or directly competitive with articles which are produced, or services which are provided by the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency; and (2) instances where the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country. Provides for industry-wide certification of adversely affected workers for TAA. Increases the amount of payments for training of adversely affected workers under the Act. TAA Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for the health insurance costs of certain TAA workers and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients. Sets forth requirements to prevent a lapse of health care coverage for TAA workers and their families. Replaces alternative trade adjustment assistance for older workers provisions with eligibility requirements for wage insurance benefits to older workers who have received an industry-wide certification to apply for TAA. Increases the maximum allowance to cover costs of an adversely affected worker for job search expenses and relocation expenses. Establishes an Office of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Ombudsman. Extends the TAA program for workers through December 31, 2012. Revises the TAA program for communities negatively impacted by trade. Establishes a TAA for communities program to coordinate the federal response. Allows the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for TAA by a service sector firm. Extends the TAA program for firms through FY2012. Makes fishermen and aquaculture producers eligible for TAA without regard to whether such fishermen seek TAA based on an increase in imports of wild stock or an increase of imports of farm-raised stock. Revises TAA group eligibility requirements for certain agricultural commodity producers. Extends the TAA program for farmers through FY2012.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2007
Native American Heritage Day Act of 2007 - Designates the Friday immediately succeeding Thanksgiving Day of each year as "Native American Heritage Day."
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2007
Tribal Government Tax-Exempt Bond Parity Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the issuance of tax-exempt bonds by an Indian tribal government or subdivision if: (1) at least 95 percent of the net proceeds are used to finance facilities on the Indian reservation of such Indian tribal government; or (2) the obligation is part of an issue substantially all of whose proceeds are to be used in the exercise of an essential government function. Excludes an obligation used to finance any part of a building in which class II or III gaming is conducted or housed or any other property actually used in the conduct of such gaming. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt obligations issued by an Indian tribal government or subdivision from registration requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2007
Honors the former First Lady, Claudia Taylor (Lady Bird) Johnson and her service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2007
Tribal Health Promotion and Tribal Colleges and Universities Advancement Act of 2007 - Through Higher Education: Promoting the Advancement of Tribal Health Act or THE PATH Act - Designates the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health within the Office of Public Health and Science of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to serve as the coordinating officer with respect to programs of tribal colleges and universities relating to health promotion and disease prevention. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a memorandum of agreement with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium to establish programs to: (1) ensure that Native American communities, through tribal colleges and universities, participate equitably in employment programs, services, and resources of HHS; and (2) provide necessary technical assistance. Establishes programs for: (1) community-based health and wellness fairs; (2) health promotion and disease prevention targeted programs and construction and renovation of community wellness centers; and (3) development and expansion of public health professional degree programs. Establishes: (1) the Tribal College and University Rural Health Equity Endowment Fund; (2) offices of sponsored programs at tribal colleges and universities; and (3) health promotion and disease prevention research programs. Advancing Tribes Through Tribal Colleges and Universities Act or the AT TCUs Act - Establishes within the Administration on Native Americans, the Office on Tribal College and University Programs to: (1) administer the programs authorized by this Act; and (2) coordinate intra- and inter-departmental activities relating to tribal colleges and universities. Establishes the: (1) Native Prosperity and Native American Language Vitalization and Training Programs; and (2) tribal colleges and universities native communities research program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2007
Stable Fire Funding Act of 2006 [ sic ]- Establishes in the Treasury separate funds to be used to pay 80% of the cost for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service emergency wildland fire suppression activities that exceed amounts annually appropriated for wildland fire suppression activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2007 - Requires the Attorney General to appoint a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction within the Office of Deputy Attorney General to coordinate Department of Justice policies and strategies for the prevention and investigation of child exploitation cases. Establishes within the Office of Justice Programs an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC Task Force), consisting of state and local task forces (one task force for each state) to address online enticement of children, child exploitation, and child obscenity and pornography cases. Requires the Attorney General to establish a National Internet Crimes Against Children Data Network Center to assist the ICAC Task Force program and federal, state, local, and tribal agencies investigating and prosecuting child exploitation. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to state and local ICAC task forces to combat Internet crimes against children. Requires the Attorney General to establish additional computer forensic capacity to address backlogs, including for child exploitation investigations. Amends the federal criminal code to authorize wiretapping in state child exploitation investigations. Authorizes funding for additional agents and personnel for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007
Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 to eliminate the requirement that forage producers must participate in the insurance pilot program or the noninsured crop disaster assistance program in order to receive crop disaster and livestock assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007
Veterans Education Tuition Support Act or VETS Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require an institution of higher education, in the case of a servicemember who because of military service discontinues a program of education at an institution that administers a federal financial aid program, to: (1) refund to the servicemember tuition and other fees paid for the portion of the program of education for which the servicemember did not receive academic credit because of such military service; and (2) provide the servicemember an opportunity to reenroll at the institution with the same educational and academic status that the servicemember had when the program was discontinued because of the military service. Requires a provider of a student loan with respect to such a servicemember: (1) if the servicemember reenrolls in the program of education (or a comparable program) within 13 months following the period of military service, to disregard the entire period that the education was discontinued in determining the date on which student loan repayment is to begin; or (2) if the servicemember does not reenroll, to not require loan repayment to begin before the later of the last day of such 13-month period or the date the repayment was otherwise required to begin. Prohibits a court from granting a creditor relief from the 6% limit on interest charged against student loan indebtedness.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007
Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to extend transitional medical assistance (TMA) and the abstinence education program through FY2007. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to limited continuous open enrollment of original fee-for-service enrollees in Medicare Advantage non-prescription drug plans. Accelerates from the end of 2008 to July 31, 2007, the sunset of the period during which a Medicare Advantage-eligible but unenrolled fee-for-service individual may elect to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that is not an MA-Prescription Drug plan. Revises the initial funding available to the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization for expenditures during 2012 and 2013. Reduces the total for both years currently set at $3.5 billion to: (1) $1.6 billion during 2012; and (2) $1.79 billion during 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2007
Recognizes the progress made by the government of Indonesia in its efforts to promote democracy, and encourages the government and the people of Indonesia to continue working to promote human rights, civil liberties, a free press, and a strong civil society. Encourages the President, the Secretary of State, and other U.S. officials to continue assisting the government of Indonesia's efforts to promote democracy and ensure the liberty and welfare of the people of Indonesia.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007
Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2007 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to U.S. agricultural producers, cooperative organizations, or state agencies to promote U.S. agricultural exports products to Cuba. Expresses the sense of Congress that temporary entry visas should be issued to Cuban nationals to facilitate purchase of U.S. agricultural products. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition on enforcement of rights to certain U.S. intellectual properties and such properties' transfer. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, and any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect, relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions, (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions. States that such provision shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers. Amends the Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports to Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the airport ticket tax for transportation between the United States and Cuba by $1; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Agricultural Export Promotion Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to revise the process for congressional consideration of international social security agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007
Celebrates: (1) the accomplishments of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, in increasing opportunities for women and girls in all facets of education; and (2) the magnificent accomplishments of women and girls in sports.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007
Travel Promotion Act of 2007 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, counter and correct misperceptions regarding U.S. travel policy, and promote U.S. travel. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Requires the transfer of Treasury funds to the Corporation, requiring nonfederal matching funds. Authorizes the U.S. government, if a fully automated electronic system is implemented to determine, in advance of travel, the eligibility of an alien to travel to the United States, to charge an applicant a system use fee. Authorizes the Corporation to impose an annual assessment on U.S. members of the travel and tourism industry represented on the Board, provided industry members approve by majority vote in a referendum. Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Office of Travel Promotion, to be headed by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel Promotion. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to require that the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries expand its research and development activities to promote international travel to the United States.