United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2010
Rare Earths Supply-Chain Technology and Resources Transformation Act of 2010 or RESTART Act - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to the reestablishment of a rare earth materials supply chain in the United States and its allies. Establishes within the Department of the Interior the Rare Earth Policy Task Force to monitor and assist federal agencies in expediting the review and approval of permits to accelerate the completion of projects that will increase investment in, exploration for, and development of domestic rare earth elements. Directs the Secretaries of Commerce, of Defense, of Energy, of the Interior, and the Secretary of State to establish jointly an interagency working group for the purposes of reestablishing the production of, and a competitive supply chain for, rare earth materials in the United States. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to report jointly to Congress on: (1) the vulnerability of the supply chain for rare earth materials in the United States; (2) rare earth elements critical to clean energy technologies and the domestic and economic security; and (3) the establishment of a rare earth stockpile. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to implement a temporary loan guarantee program for the commercial application of rare earth materials revitalization. Establishes in DOE a program to ensure the long-term, secure, and sustainable supply of rare earth materials in quantities sufficient to satisfy the U.S. national security, economic well-being, and industrial production needs. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the capability to produce rare earth materials is the backbone of both the defense and energy supply chains; (2) the United States lacks sufficient capability to produce rare earth materials; (3) there is an urgent need to reestablish a supply chain in the United States for processing rare earth oxides into metals and rare earth magnets; and (4) that urgency warrants the exercise of the President's authority to support reestablishment of the capability to produce rare earth materials and the supply chain to meet a deficiency in the defense industrial base and renewable energy sectors of the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to study the feasibility and effectiveness of using a cooperative structure involving multiple producers of rare earth materials to reestablish the production of, and a supply chain for, rare earth materials in the United States. Specifies restrictions upon the use of appropriated funds for the rare earth materials program. Makes conforming amendments to the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980. Repeals the National Critical Materials Act of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2010
Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 - Provides for repeal of the current Department of Defense (DOD) policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces, to be effective 60 days after the Secretary of Defense has received DOD's comprehensive review on the implementation of such repeal, and the President, Secretary, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) certify to the congressional defense committees that they have considered the report and proposed plan of action, that DOD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to exercise the discretion provided by such repeal, and that implementation of such policies and regulations is consistent with the standards of military readiness and effectiveness, unit cohesion, and military recruiting and retention. Provides that, until such time as the above conditions are met, the current policy shall remain in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Agreements Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to set forth provisions concerning establishing standards for: (1) a minimum level of energy efficiency or a maximum quantity of water use for clothes washers and dishwashers; (2) the seasonal energy efficiency ratio of central air conditioners and central air conditioning heat pumps manufactured on or after January 1, 2015; (3) the annual fuel utilization efficiency of non-weatherized furnaces manufactured on or after May 1, 2013; (4) energy efficiency of portable light fixtures manufactured on or after January 1, 2012, GU-24 Base Lamps, pole-mounted outdoor luminaires, high light output double-ended quartz halogen lamps, general service fluorescent lamps, general service incandescent lamps, intermediate base incandescent lamps, candelabra base incandescent lamps, and incandescent reflector lamps; (5) energy efficiency of bottle-type water dispensers and compartment bottle-type water dispensers, commercial hot food holding cabinets, and portable electric spas; (6) energy conservation of refrigerators and freezers manufactured on or after January 1, 2014; (7) minimum energy efficiency ratios of room air conditioners manufactured on or after June 1, 2014; (8) minimum energy efficiency of clothes dryers manufactured on or after January 1, 2015; (9) energy conservation of certain incandescent reflector lamps; (10) energy efficiency of warm air furnaces with an input rating of 225,000 Btu per hour or more and manufactured after January 1, 2011; (11) daily energy consumption of service over the counter, self-contained, medium temperature commercial refrigerators; and (12) nominal full load efficiency of specified electric motors. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to publish rules that determine whether the Secretary should: (1) establish standards for through-the-wall central air conditioners, through-the-wall central air conditioning heat pumps, and small duct, high velocity systems; (2) amend standards for weatherized furnaces; and (3) initiate a process for establishing minimum energy efficiency standards for video game console energy use. Amends the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles to: (1) revise exceptions from preemption requirements for certain building code requirements; (2) provide that No-Load Mode energy efficiency standards do not apply to specified external power supplies manufactured before July 1, 2017; and (3) revise labeling rules for "covered products." Prohibits the manufacture of general purpose mercury vapor lamps on or after January 1, 2016. Provides that state energy conservation standards that are adopted by January 1, 2015, pursuant to statutory requirements to adopt efficiency standards for reducing outdoor lighting energy use enacted prior to January 31, 2008, will not be preempted by federal standards. Provides that California and Nevada are not precluded from adopting, effective beginning on or after January 1, 2018, standards for general service lamps. Authorizes the Secretary to incorporate smart grid technologies or capabilities into energy conservation standards. Requires states to give notice to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about a state or local public comment period with respect to local laws prohibiting, limiting, or restricting the use of alternative refrigerants for specific end uses. Requires the Administrator to determine whether to update the Energy Star criteria for residential refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and room air conditioners to incorporate smart grid and demand response features. Requires the Secretary to establish a program concerning increasing awareness of higher efficiency electric motors.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2010
Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act - Amends the federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General (AG) to commence an action for injunctive relief against a domain name used by an Internet site that is "dedicated to infringing activities," even where such a domain name is not located in the United States. Defines an Internet site that "dedicated to infringing activities" as a site that is: (1) subject to civil forfeiture; (2) designed primarily to offer goods or services in violation of federal copyright law; or (3) selling counterfeit goods. Requires the AG to maintain a public listing of domain names that the Department of Justice (DOJ) determines are dedicated to infringing activities but for which the AG has not filed an action. Allows parties to petition the AG to remove such a domain name from the list and obtain judicial review of the final determination in a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Taxpayer Advocacy and Government Accountability Promotion Act of 2010 or the TAX GAP Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend requirements for the reporting of payments to governmental units; (2) require information reporting of rental income from real estate; (3) require additional information on tax returns relating to mortgage interest; (4) expand information reporting requirements for bank accounts, non-interest bearing deposits, and electronic filings by paid tax preparers; (5) impose a continuous levy on federal contractors for tax liabilities and on payments made to Medicaid providers or suppliers; and (6) increase penalties for failure to file correct information returns, failure to file correct payee statements, and for intentional disregard of information reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) revise Schedule C of tax form 1040 (self-employment income) to require reporting of additional gross receipts and expense information by sole proprietors; and (2) report to Congress on efforts to improve voluntary compliance by sole proprietors. Authorizes the Secretary to make an apology payment to a taxpayer for any action or inaction by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that has caused the taxpayer excess expense or undue burden. Excludes the amount of any such apology payment from taxpayer gross income. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress: (1) a study of whether the IRS has sufficient capacity to incorporate expanded information reporting requirements; (2) a report on taxpayer assistance and tax simplification; (3) a study to quantify the effect of tax penalties; (4) comprehensive and detailed reports on a strategy for reducing the tax gap; (5) a study on revenue increases and costs with respect to tax gap legislation; and (6) reports on worker misclassification (e.g., employees classified as independent contractors).
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Community Health Improvement Councils Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program for the creation of State Health Improvement Technical Assistance Centers and Community Health Improvement Councils to improve community health through local innovation. Defines "Community Health Improvement Council" to mean a locally driven, private, nonprofit entity that serves as the neutral convener for engaging providers and insurers and that fully engages patients and citizens in coordinating and improving the health care delivery system through community-wide education programs to promote healthier lifestyles, improve local or regional health status, clinical outcomes, and reductions in the growth in medical spending and health disparities through various approaches. Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to five eligible entities to establish State Health Improvement Technical Assistance Centers, each of which shall: (1) establish up to four Community Health Improvement Councils; (2) provide technical assistance to such Councils; and (3) report on improvements in local and state health status, clinical outcomes, reductions in medical spending growth, and health care disparities. Requires the Secretary, in awarding grants, to give preference to entities that: (1) demonstrate the capacity to attract private sector or local government funding to ensure fiscal sustainability; (2) address significant health disparities; (3) demonstrate coordination or collaboration across governmental and nongovernmental sectors; (4) are committed to promoting full transparency of all deliberations of the Technical Assistance Centers and Community Health Improvement Councils; and (5) are independent from government and the financial self-interest of health care and purchasers stakeholders.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 2010
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Theodore "Ted" Fulton Stevens, former member of the U.S. Senate from Alaska. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on August 12, 2010, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Stevens.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Designates September 9, 2010, as National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. Calls upon the people of the United States to observe a moment of reflection on the ninth hour of September 9, 2010, to remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should not consume alcohol.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Council for International Visitors and its efforts to promote excellence in citizen diplomacy. Commends the achievements of the thousands of citizen diplomats who have worked for generations to share the best of the United States with foreign leaders, specialists, and scholars. Designates February 16, 2011, as Citizen Diplomacy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Medical-Legal Partnership for Health Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a nationwide demonstration project to: (1) award matching grants or enter into contracts with medical-legal partnerships to assist patients and their families in navigating health-related programs and activities; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of such partnerships. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees to support the establishment and sustainability of medical-legal partnerships. Requires amounts received under this Act to be used to achieve one or more of the following goals: (1) enhancing access to health care services; (2) improving health outcomes for low-income individuals; (3) reducing health disparities among health disparities populations; (4) enhancing wellness and prevention of chronic conditions and other health problems; (5) reducing cost of care to the health care system; (6) addressing the social determinants of health; and (7) addressing situational contributing factors. Prohibits funds under this Act from being used: (1) for any medical malpractice action or proceeding; (2) to provide any support to an alien who is not a qualified alien or a nonimmigrant under the Immigration and Nationality Act or an alien who is paroled into the United States under such Act for less than one year; (3) to provide legal assistance with respect to any proceeding or litigation which seeks to procure an abortion or to compel any individual or institution to perform or assist in the performance of an abortion; or (4) to initiate or participate in a class action lawsuit. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the results of such project.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Designates September 2010 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) increase research funding commensurate with the burden of the disease; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating it.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Pledges to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to identify and address the remaining barriers that undermine the nation's goals of equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation for Americans with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010
Carbon Capture and Sequestration Deployment Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a cooperative industry-government research and development program, in addition to and in cooperation with the Office of Fossil Energy's carbon capture and sequestration research and development program, to demonstrate novel and innovative technologies to: (1) capture or prevent carbon dioxide emissions from carbon-based fuels; (2) enable the beneficial use of carbon dioxide; or (3) enable the long-term storage of carbon dioxide. Requires DOE to conduct an annual assessment of existing federal programs supporting technology preventing the emission of, capturing, transporting, permanently storing, or sequestering, or putting to beneficial use carbon dioxide. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize $20 billion for loan guarantees for: (1) the construction of new commercial scale electric generation units, or industrial facility units, that are eligible units utilizing carbon capture and sequestration technology; (2) the retrofit of eligible units providing for carbon capture and sequestration; and (3) the construction of pipelines to transport carbon dioxide to sequestration sites or to sites where such carbon dioxide will be used for hydrocarbon recovery. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) expand the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration to include carbon dioxide that is disposed of in secure geologic storage or converted to a stable form to enable permanent sequestration; (2) allow a 30% increase in the qualifying advanced coal project tax credit for the incremental cost for carbon capture and sequestration systems; (3) allow an increase in the carbon dioxide sequestration tax credit for the use of new or retrofit electric utility or industrial units to provide for carbon capture and sequestration in secure geologic storage; and (4) allow issuers of qualified carbon sequestration bonds income and excise tax credits for payments of interest with respect to such bonds. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for the certification of new or retrofit electric or industrial units utilizing carbon capture and sequestration technology eligible to apply for the carbon dioxide sequestration credit. Carbon Capture and Sequestration Early and Effective Deployment Fund Act of 2010 or the CC SEED FUND ACT - Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) a special funding program to support projects to accelerate the commercial availability of carbon capture and sequestration technologies; and (2) a Carbon Capture and Sequestration Program Partnership Council to advise the Secretary on such program. Requires the Secretary to (1) collect an assessment on electric utilities for all fossil fuel-based electricity sold that reflects the relative carbon dioxide emission rates of different fossil fuel-based electricity; and (2) promulgate regulations to determine the level and type of fossil fuel-based electricity delivered by each electric utility. Sets forth provisions concerning the recovery of costs associated with complying with such requirements. Amends the Clean Air Act to require a covered unit (an electric utility generating unit that derives 50% of its annual heat input from coal, petroleum coke, or any combination of such fuels) the owner or operator of which has received a preconstruction approval or permit under such Act on or after this Act's enactment and before January 1, 2020, to achieve by a specified compliance date an emission limit for carbon dioxide that reflects a 50% reduction from the carbon content of the fuel used by the unit. Requires DOE to act as the lead agency for coordinating federal authorizations and related environmental reviews with respect to a project that is eligible to receive a financial incentive under this Act. Carbon Storage Stewardship Act - Sets forth provisions concerning the responsibility for monitoring and remediating certified post-closure storage facilities that provide long-term geologic storage and sequestration of carbon dioxide. Established the Carbon Storage Stewardship Trust Fund in the Treasury for the National Carbon Storage Stewardship Program that reimburses agencies and makes payments for costs with respect to such facilities. Establishes the Carbon Storage Stewardship Board as an independent agency to advance the widespread deployment of carbon capture and storage technologies by providing for the long-term stewardship of closed storage sites and to administer such Program. Establishes within DOE an Office of Public Claims to adjudicate claims filed with the Board related to carbon dioxide injected at facilities. Requires the Secretary to competitively select 10 carbon capture and geological sequestration projects as first mover projects that shall be indemnified from liabilities arising from the injection of carbon dioxide into storage facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Marshals Service, to mint and issue $5 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 225 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of: (1) $35 per $5 coin; and (2) $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $5 million to the Director of the United States Marshals Service National Museum, for the preservation, maintenance, and display of artifacts and documents of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires distribution of: (1) $1 million to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; (2) $1 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in support of the National Law Enforcement Museum and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; (3) $1 million to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; (4) $500,000 to the William "Bill" Degan Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (5) $500,000 to the Robert D. May Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (6) $500,000 to the Community Oriented Policing Service; and (7) $500,000 to the Retired United States Marshals Service Association. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $5 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
Rebuilding Local Business Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to designate as a HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone), for purposes of assistance under such Act: (1) an initial period rebuilding county; and (2) an extension period rebuilding county. Defines an initial period rebuilding county as a county, parish, or similar political subdivision: (1) for which the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) determines that the one-year unemployment rate is at least 120% of the one-year average unadjusted unemployment rate for the United States; (2) that is not a HUBZone or will cease to qualify as a HUBZone two years after such unemployment determination; and (3) during the three-year period beginning on the date of such unemployment determination. Defines an extension rebuilding county as a county, parish, or political subdivision: (1) in which the Administrator has made the above unemployment determination; (2) for which the above three-year period has ended; (3) for which the Administrator determines that the unemployment rate as of a specified date is at least 140% of the average unadjusted unemployment rate; and (4) for which such designation extends for an additional specified period after the three-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010
Amends the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 to state that, in the case of a gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card produced before April 1, 2010, the effective date of the certain disclosure requirements under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act pertaining to fees shall be delayed until January 31, 2011. Requires the issuer of such a certificate or card, as a condition of such delayed effective date, to: (1) comply with a specified prohibition against and certain requirements for the imposition of any dormancy, inactivity, or service fees; (2) consider any such certificate or card for which funds expire to have no expiration date with respect to the underlying funds; (3) replace, at consumer request, any such certificate or card that has funds remaining at no cost to the consumer; and (4) comply with certain consumer rights disclosure requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Robert C. Byrd, late a Senator from West Virginia. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on June 28, 2010, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
Recognizes June 20, 2010, as Father's Day. Honors the men in the United States and around the world who are active in the lives of their children, which in turn has a significant impact on their children, their families, and their communities. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to supporting and encouraging global fatherhood initiatives that significantly benefit international development efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through FY2012 the current authorization of appropriations for the national public awareness campaign for gynecologic cancers (Johanna's law). Authorizes appropriations in subsequent fiscal years at levels necessary to carry out such campaign. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) collaborate with nonprofit gynecologic cancer organizations to determine the best practices for providing gynecologic cancer information and outreach services to varied populations; and (2) make grants to nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects to test outreach and education strategies to increase the awareness and knowledge of women and health care providers regarding gynecologic cancers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2010 - Prohibits a condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association from adopting or enforcing any policy, or entering into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent an association member from displaying a Service Flag on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use. (A Service Flag, also known as a "blue star banner," is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense [DOD] for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities the United States may be engaged in for the duration of such hostilities.) Prohibits anything in this Act from being considered to permit any display or use inconsistent with: (1) any DOD regulations regarding rules or customs pertaining to the proper display or use of the Service Flag; or (2) any reasonable restriction pertaining to the time, place, or manner of displaying the flag necessary to protect a substantial interest of the condominium, cooperative, or residential real estate management association.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2010
Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2010 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to transmit, within 45 calendar days after enactment of the funding in question, a message to Congress with specified information requesting any rescission the President proposes under the procedures in this Act. Prescribes requirements for timing and packaging of rescission requests. Authorizes OMB, subject to a specified time limit, to withhold funding from obligation temporarily if the President proposes a rescission. Prohibits the President from invoking such expedited procedures or such authority to withhold funding on more than one occasion for any Act providing funding. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of proposed rescissions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 - Revises provisions concerning the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to, among other things: (1) revise definitions concerning eligibility, and include certain National Guard service as service qualifying for such assistance; (2) revise assistance amounts (including monthly stipends), and types of approved programs of education; (3) allow the pursuit of educational programs at institutions other than institutions of higher learning, including on-job training and apprenticeships, flight training, and correspondence courses; (4) provide an assistance amount for programs of education pursued while on active duty; (5) repeal the limit on the use of such assistance for the payment of only one licensing or certification test; (6) allow an individual entitled to supplemental educational assistance to transfer such entitlement to the post-9/11 program; (7) provide for the transfer of unused educational benefits to family members in the case of individuals who are no longer members of the Armed Forces; (8) bar the duplication of benefits under other educational assistance programs; (9) include distance learning as an approved program of education; (10) increase the amount of the reporting fee paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to an educational institution for providing information concerning an individual's enrollment in a program of education; and (11) repeal the authority to make certain interval payments. Provides an alternate subsistence allowance amount for veterans entitled to such allowance due to service-connected disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Designates June 20, 2010, as American Eagle Day. Applauds the issuance of bald eagle commemorative coins by the Secretary of the Treasury as a means by which to generate critical funds for the protection of bald eagles Encourages educational entities, organizations, businesses, conservation groups, and government agencies with a shared interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate and develop educational tools for use in the public schools of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Honors the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses during National Small Business Week beginning May 23, 2010. Applauds the efforts and achievements of small business owners and their employees. Recognizes the work of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its resource partners in providing assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Recognizes the importance of ensuring that: (1) applicable procurement goals for small businesses are reached by all federal agencies; (2) guaranteed loans and microloans are made available to all qualified small businesses; (3) necessary federal resources are provided to management assistance programs delivered by SBA resource partners; (4) SBA small business disaster assistance is provided in a timely and efficient manner; (5) federal tax policy spurs small business growth, creates jobs, and increases competitiveness; (6) the federal government reduces the regulatory compliance burden on small businesses; (7) advanced technology policy facilitates access to affordable broadband Internet service to foster rural small business growth; and (8) systems of intellectual property protection continue to foster small business innovation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
Supply Star Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish within the Department of Energy (DOE) a Supply Star program to identify and promote practices, companies, and products that use highly efficient supply chains in a manner that conserves energy, water, and other resources. Directs the Secretary of Energy to coordinate efforts with the Energy Star program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) promote practices, companies, and products that comply with the Supply Star program as the preferred practices, companies, and products in the marketplace for maximizing supply chain efficiency; (2) work to enhance industry and public awareness of the program; (3) collect and disseminate data on supply chain energy resource consumption; (4) develop and disseminate metrics, processes, and analytical tools (including software) for evaluating supply chain energy resource use; (5) develop guidance at the sector level for improving supply chain efficiency; (6) work with domestic and international organizations to harmonize approaches to analyzing supply chain efficiency; and (7) work with industry, including small businesses, to improve supply chain efficiency through activities that include developing and sharing best practices and providing opportunities to benchmark supply chain efficiency. Directs the Secretary to consider energy and resource use throughout the entire lifecycle of a product. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or other incentives on a competitive basis to eligible entities for purposes of: (1) studying supply chain energy resource efficiency; and (2) demonstrating and achieving reductions in the energy resource consumption of commercial products through changes and improvements to the production supply and distribution chain of the products. Directs the Secretary to use funds to support professional training programs to develop and communicate methods, practices, and tools for improving supply chain efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
Veteran Employment Transition Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of "qualified veteran" for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit to mean recently discharged veterans and disadvantaged veterans. Defines "recently discharged veteran" to mean: (1) any individual who has served on active duty (other than active duty for training) in the Armed Forces for more than 180 total days (whether consecutive or not); (2) any individual who has been discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability; and (3) any member of the National Guard who has served for more than 180 total days (whether consecutive or not) in active duty, full-time National Guard duty, or duty in state status. Defines "disadvantaged veteran" as any veteran who is certified as being a member of a family receiving assistance under a supplemental nutrition assistance program and is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability. Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Guard to inform military personnel who are discharged or released from active duty of the work opportunity tax credit and provide them with documentation relating to eligibility for and use of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2010
Recognizes National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system. Encourages Congress to implement policy to improve the lives of children in the foster care system. Supports the designation of a National Foster Care Month.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Requires the officials authorized to receive a restricted reporting by a member of the Armed Forces (member) of an allegation of sexual assault without resulting in the initiation of an official investigative process to include judge advocates. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to modify the Military Rules of Evidence to provide a member the privilege to refuse to disclose in a military proceeding a confidential communication between a member and a Victim Advocate, if such communication was made to facilitate victim advocacy. Requires each Sexual Assault Response Coordinator to be a member on active duty or a full-time civilian DOD employee. Prohibits any contractor personnel from acting as Coordinators. Requires each military battalion to have at least one Victim Advocate who is either a member on active duty or a full-time civilian DOD employee. Directs the Secretary to carry out a training and certification program for such Coordinators. Requires the DOD position of Director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office to be a position in the Senior Executive Service. Directs the Secretary to standardize and update programs and activities relating to sexual assault prevention and response across the Armed Forces and the military departments. Requires the Secretary to ensure that training on sexual assault prevention and response is provided to members at each level of professional military education and is uniform across the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Congratulates the students, parents, teachers, and administrators of charter schools across the country for their ongoing contributions to education and our public school system. Supports the ideas and goals of the eleventh annual National Charter Schools Week (May 2-May 8, 2010).
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2010
Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act or the DISCLOSE Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to prohibit: (1) independent expenditures and payments for electioneering communications by government contractors if the value of the contract is at least $50,000; and (2) recipients of assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) from making any contribution to any political party, committee, or candidate for public office, or to any person for any political purpose or use, or from making any independent expenditure or disbursing any funds for an electioneering communication. Applies the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to foreign-controlled domestic corporations. Treats as contributions: (1) any payments by any person (except a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or a political committee of a political party) for coordinated communications; and (2) political party communications made on behalf of candidates if made under the control or direction of a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee. Revises the definition of independent expenditure to mean, in part, an expenditure that, when taken as a whole, expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy. Requires any person making independent expenditures exceeding $10,000 to file a report within 24 hours. Increases the period before a general election during which a communication shall be considered an electioneering communication. Requires corporations, labor organizations, and other covered organizations to include specified additional information in reports on independent expenditures of at least $10,000. Sets forth special rules for the use of general treasury funds by covered organizations for campaign-related activity. Authorizes covered organizations to make optional use of a separate Campaign-Related Activity Account for making disbursements for campaign-related activity. Prescribes additional information to be included in certain radio or television communications by persons (including significant funders of campaign-related communications of a covered organization) other than a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or a political committee of a political party. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require registered lobbyists to report information on independent expenditures or electioneering communications of at least $1,000 to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Amends FECA to require Senate candidates to file all designations, statements, and reports with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), instead of the Secretary of the Senate, as under current law. Requires certain covered organizations to disclose to shareholders, members, or donors information on disbursements for campaign-related activity. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) extend the equal opportunities requirement and censorship prohibition applicable to candidates for public office to national committees of political parties; (2) grant political parties reasonable access to purchase broadcasting time at the lowest unit charged; (3) limit to the lowest unit charge the charges for the use during certain periods before an election of any broadcasting station by any person who is a legally qualified candidate for any federal office; and (4) require covered organizations to notify the FEC and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) when aggregate disbursements first equal or exceed $50,000. Directs the FCC to conduct random audits of designated market areas to ensure that broadcasting stations are allocating broadcasting time for legally qualified candidates for federal office in accordance with this Act. Authorizes judicial review of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2010
Designates April 2010 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Encourages all people in the United States to consider the danger to others on the road and avoid distracted driving.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Designates the third week of April 2010 as National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week. Commends organizations that are: (1) working to increase awareness of the danger of shaking young children; (2) educating caregivers on protecting children from injuries caused by abusive shaking; and (3) helping families cope with the challenges of child rearing and other stresses. Encourages people to remember the victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome and to participate in educational programs to help prevent it.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2010
Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act - Authorizes the President to award a Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Congressional Medal to: (1) the personal representative or next of kin of each individual who died as a direct result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; (2) the Flight 93 National Memorial Project in Pennsylvania; (3) the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York; and (4) the Pentagon Memorial Project. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike three designs of such medal to honor, respectively: (1) those who lost their lives in the the attack at the World Trade Center; (2) the passengers and crew aboard United Airlines Flight 93 that was brought down in rural Pennsylvania; and (3) those who lost their lives at the Pentagon. Directs the Secretary to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for presentation to each precinct house, firehouse, emergency response station, or other duty station or place of employment to which each early responder who perished as a direct result of such attacks was assigned on September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by the 29 coal miners lost at the Upper Big Branch Mine-South in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Extends the deepest condolences of the Senate to the families of the fallen coal miners. Honors the survivors of the tragedy. Recognizes all coal miners for enduring the immeasurable loss of co-workers and maintaining courage in the aftermath of the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine-South. Commends the valiant efforts of the emergency response workers searching for the missing coal miners. Honors the many volunteers who provided support and comfort for the missing coal miners' families during the rescue and recovery operations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
TRICARE Dependent Coverage Extension Act - Deems the following individuals as dependents, for purposes of dependent coverage under TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program): (1) a child who has not yet attained age 26 and is not eligible to enroll in any employer-sponsored plan; or (2) a person who is in the legal custody of the covered member, has not attained age 26, is not eligible to enroll in any employer-sponsored plan, resides with the member, is not otherwise a dependent under TRICARE, and is not the child of another covered beneficiary. Requires a premium payment for such coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Expresses sympathy to the people of Poland and the families of those who perished for their profound loss resulting from the April 10, 2010, airplane crash that killed the country's President, First Lady, and 94 other high ranking government, military, and civic leaders. Expresses: (1) solidarity with the people of Poland and Polish-American communities in the United States; and (2) support for the Polish government as it addresses the loss of many key officials.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2010
Child Protection Compact Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of State, through the Ambassador-at-Large of the Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, to provide assistance (grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts) for an eligible country with a significant prevalence of trafficking in children that enters into a Child Protection Compact with the United States to support policies and programs to eradicate the trafficking of children.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include children of Vietnam War and certain Korean War veterans receiving care and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for spina bifida-related medical conditions and children of women Vietnam veterans born with certain birth defects as meeting the definition of minimum essential coverage under requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that health care coverage provided by the TRICARE program and the Nonappropriated Fund Health Benefits Program of the Department of Defense (DOD) shall constitute minimal essential health care coverage as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2010
Congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 189th anniversary of the independence of Greece. Supports the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed. Notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider European region and in the community of nations since gaining its independence.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) make public and report biannually to Congress on international monetary policy and currency exchange rates; and (2) appear, if requested, before certain congressional committees to testify regarding such reports. Prescribes report contents, including: (1) an analysis of currency market developments and the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of major economies and trading partners of the United States; (2) a review of the economic and monetary policies of major economies and trading partners of the United States and an evaluation of how such policies impact currency exchange rates; and (3) a list of currencies designated as fundamentally misaligned currencies. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) analyze semiannually the prevailing real effective exchange rates of foreign currencies; (2) determine whether any such currency is in fundamental misalignment; and (3) designate it for priority action if the issuing country engages in specified behavior, including excessive and prolonged official or quasi-official accumulation of foreign assets for balance of payments purposes. Prescribes procedures for: (1) negotiations and consultations; and (2) actions in response to failure, including persistent failure, to adopt appropriate policies, or take identifiable action to eliminate the fundamental misalignment. Requires the Secretary, before the United States approves a proposed change in the governance arrangement of any international financial institution, to determine whether any member of the international financial institution that would benefit from the proposed change, in the form of increased voting shares or representation, has a currency designated for priority action. Requires U.S. opposition to the proposed change if the Secretary renders an affirmative determination. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930, for purposes of an antidumping investigation or review, to require an adjustment in the price used to establish export (and constructed export) prices, in the case of a fundamentally misaligned currency designated for priority action, by reducing such price by the percentage by which the domestic currency of the producer or exporter is undervalued in relation to the U.S. dollar. Requires the administering authority, upon the filing of a petition by an interested party, to initiate a countervailing duty investigation or review to determine whether currency undervaluation by the government of, or any public entity within, a foreign country is providing, directly or indirectly, a countervailable subsidy to its exporters or products. Requires the same kind of countervailing duty investigation upon the designation of a foreign currency as a fundamentally misaligned currency for priority action. Adds as a factor the administering authority must take into account in determining whether a foreign country is a nonmarket economy country the question of whether its currency is designated, or has been designated at any time over the five years before review of any nonmarket economy status, for priority action under this Act. Establishes the Advisory Committee on International Exchange Rate Policy. Repeals the Exchange Rates and International Economic Policy Coordination Act of 1988. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes, and charitable deductions for corporate contributions to charitable organizations of: (1) food inventory; (2) book inventories to public schools; and (3) computer technology and equipment for educational purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Building Star Energy Efficiency Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Department of Energy (DOE) the Building Star Energy Efficiency Rebate Program of 2010. Directs the Secretary of Energy to issue rebates to building owners to offset a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing qualifying equipment or materials or undertaking qualifying services to enhance the energy efficiency of existing commercial buildings and multifamily residential buildings. Prescribes rebates for the purchase and installation of qualifying: (1) insulation, windows, and qualified high-efficiency window films and screens; (2) new energy efficient equipment, such as boilers, furnaces, and water heaters; (3) unitary air conditioners and unitary heat pumps; (4) variable speed drives for motors; and (5) interior lighting. Prescribes calculations for reductions in: (1) installed lighting power resulting from installation of qualified interior lighting; and (2) annual energy usage resulting from installation of qualified exterior lighting. Prescribes calculations also for rebates for qualified: (1) replacement chillers; (2) qualifying services to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings; (3) energy-efficient building operation and maintenance training; (4) service on space heating equipment and cooling systems, (5) energy monitoring and management systems with analog controls; and (6) HVAC testing, balancing, and duct sealing. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a Building Star Energy Efficiency Loan Program to make grants to states to support financial assistance provided by qualified program delivery entities for making energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to existing buildings that qualify under the Building Star energy retrofit program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary to make guarantees for energy efficiency projects, including projects to retrofit residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities, and equipment; and (2) authorize the Secretary, in the case of programs that finance such retrofitting, to offer loan guarantees for portfolios of debt obligations, and to purchase or make commitments to purchase portfolios of debt obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Reaffirms the U.S. people'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 living with multiple sclerosis and continue to work to find cures and improve treatments.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
National Energy Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to set forth provisions concerning establishing standards for: (1) a minimum level of energy efficiency or a maximum quantity of water use for clothes washers and dishwashers; (2) the seasonal energy efficiency ratio of central air conditioners and central air conditioning heat pumps manufactured on or after January 1, 2015; (3) the annual fuel utilization efficiency of non-weatherized furnaces manufactured on or after May 1, 2013; (4) the energy conservation of heat pump pool heaters; and (5) the energy efficiency of pole-mounted outdoor luminaires and high light output double-ended quartz halogen lamps. Revises provisions concerning prescribing new or amended standards. Sets forth provisions concerning establishing regional energy efficiency standards for such: (1) central air conditioners and their heat pumps; and (2) non-weatherized furnaces. Requires the Secretary of Energy to publish rules that determine whether the Secretary should: (1) establish standards for through-the-wall central air conditioners, through-the-wall central air conditioning heat pumps, and small duct, high velocity systems; and (2) amend standards for weatherized furnaces. Amends the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles to: (1) revise exceptions from preemption requirements for certain building code requirements; (2) provide that No-Load Mode energy efficiency standards do not apply to specified external power supplies manufactured before July 1, 2017; and (3) revise labeling rules for "covered products." Prohibits the manufacture of general purpose mercury vapor lamps on or after January 1, 2016. Provides that state energy conservation standards that are adopted by January 1, 2015, pursuant to statutory requirements to adopt efficiency standards for reducing outdoor lighting energy use enacted prior to January 31, 2008, will not be preempted by federal standards. Authorizes the Secretary to incorporate smart grid technologies or capabilities into energy conservation standards. Requires sates to give notice to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about a state or local public comment period with respect to local laws prohibiting, limiting, or restricting the use of alternative refrigerants for specific end uses.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2011 the tax deduction for state and local sales or excise taxes imposed on the purchase of a motor home; and (2) revise the definition of "motor home" for purposes of this tax deduction to include a recreation vehicle trailer and a slide-in camper.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bayh, Evan [D-IN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001233_200.jpg)