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Official portrait of Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE]

Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE]

United States · Official source

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3,789 records where Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 550 (110th)passed

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding provocative and dangerous statements made by the Government of the Russian Federation that undermine the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2008

Condemns recent decisions by the government of the Russian Federation to establish official ties with the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a process that impedes reconciliation between those regions and the government of the Republic of Georgia and that violates Georgia's sovereignty and Russia's commitments to international peacekeeping. Affirms that restoration of the Republic of Georgia's territorial integrity is in the interest of all who seek regional peace.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 548 (110th)referred

A resolution recognizing the accomplishments of the members and alumni of AmeriCorps and the contributions of AmeriCorps to the lives of the people of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Encourages the people of this country to join in a national effort to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni and raise awareness about the importance of national and community service. Acknowledges the significant accomplishments and contributions of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and community partners. Encourages people of all ages to consider opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 534 (110th)passed

A resolution designating the month of May 2008 as "National Drug Court Month".

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2008

Designates May 2008 as National Drug Court Month. Encourages leaders to increase the use of drug courts by instituting sustainable drug courts and other treatment-based alternatives to prison in all U.S. counties. Expresses support for the goal of robustly funding the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program and other treatment-based alternatives to prison.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 533 (110th)passed

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the political situation in Zimbabwe.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008

Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) supporting the people of Zimbabwe; (2) that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission should immediately release the legitimate results of the presidential election and ratify the previously announced results of the parliamentary elections; (3) that President Robert Mugabe should accept the will of the people of Zimbabwe in order to effect a timely and peaceful transition to democratic rule; (4) that the U.S. government and the international community should impose targeted sanctions against individuals in the government of Zimbabwe and state security services and militias who are responsible for human rights abuses and election interference; and (5) that the U.S. government and the international community should work together to prepare an economic and political recovery package for Zimbabwe.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 525 (110th)referred

A resolution recognizing the progress made by States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention on the occasion of the Second Review Conference.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2008

Reaffirms support for the Chemical Weapons Convention. Calls on all States Parties to: (1) continue their compliance; (2) allow verification of industrial chemical declarations and monitoring of the non-diversion of chemicals for prohibited activities; and (3) adopt necessary laws and enforcement practices to ban chemical weapons activities and afford appropriate legal and regulatory assistance to other countries so as to achieve full implementation of the Convention.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 523 (110th)passed

A resolution expressing the strong support of the Senate for the declaration of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at the Bucharest Summit that Ukraine and Georgia will become members of the alliance.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2008

Supports the declaration of the Bucharest Summit which stated that Ukraine and Georgia will become members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Reiterates support for NATO's further enlargement to include democratic governments that are able and willing to meet membership responsibilities. Urges NATO member states at their December 2008 meeting to consider favorably Ukraine's and Georgia's applications for Membership Action Plans.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 522 (110th)passed

A resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Recognizes the historic significance of the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. Commends the people of Israel for their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society. Reaffirms support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats to its security and existence. Extends congratulations and best wishes to Israel and the Israeli people for a peaceful and successful future.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 516 (110th)passed

A resolution solemnly commemorating the 25th anniversary of the tragic April 1983 bombing of the United States Embassy in Beirut and remembering those who lost their lives and those who where injured.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008

States that the Senate, on the 25th anniversary of the April 18, 1983, bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon: (1) remembers the victims of the bombing and joins family and friends in mourning the American and Lebanese victims; (2) condemns all terrorist acts that deliberately target the innocent; and (3) reiterates its support for the people of Lebanon and their government as they seek to build a future free from the threat of terrorist violence.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 515 (110th)passed

A resolution commemorating the life and work of Dith Pran.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Dith Pran is a modern day hero and an exemplar of what it means to be a citizen of the United States and a citizen of the world; (2) the United States owes a debt of gratitude to Dith Pran for his tireless work to prevent genocide and violations of fundamental human rights; and (3) teachers throughout the United States should spread Dith Pran's message by educating their students about his life, the genocide in Cambodia, and the collective responsibility of all people to prevent modern-day atrocities and human rights abuses.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 513 (110th)passed

A resolution congratulating the Army Reserve on its centennial, which will be formally celebrated on April 23, 2008, and commemorating the historic contributions of its veterans and continuing contributions of its soldiers to the vital national security interests and homeland defense missions of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2008

Congratulates the Army Reserve on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the enactment of its original authorizing law on April 23, 1908. Recognizes and commends the Army Reserve for the service of its past and present citizen-soldiers whose personal courage, contributions, and sacrifices have helped preserve the freedom and advance the national security and homeland defense of the United States. Extends gratitude to the veterans, soldiers, families, and employers who have supported the Army Reserve in accomplishing its vital missions.

Law· SS. 2829 (110th)enacted

A bill to make technical corrections to section 1244 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which provides special immigrant status for certain Iraqis, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008

Makes technical corrections to provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 which provide special immigrant status for certain Iraqis employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or State to convert approved petitions for such status with respect to which visas are not immediately available to approved petitions for petitions filed before October 1, 2008.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 504 (110th)passed

A resolution condemning the violence in Tibet and calling for restraint by the Government of the People's Republic of China and the people of Tibet.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2008

Condemns the violence in Tibet and calls for restraint by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the people of Tibet. Calls for: (1) a dialogue between the government of China and the Dalai Lama on religious and cultural autonomy for Tibet within China; and (2) release of peaceful protesters. Calls on the PRC to: (1) respect the right of the people of Tibet to speak of the Dalai Lama and possess his photograph; (2) respect basic human rights; (3) allow international journalists free access to China; and (4) provide a full accounting of the March 2008 protests in Tibet. Calls on the Department of State to fully implement the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002. Urges that the agreement permitting the PRC to open further diplomatic missions in the United States should be contingent upon establishment of a U.S. government office in Lhasa, Tibet.

Bill· SS. 2821 (110th)referred

Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008

Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend certain tax incentives for energy production and conservation. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources (e.g., biomass, geothermal energy, landfill gas, and trash combustion). Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource eligible for such credit. Allows sales of electricity produced from renewable resources to regulated public utilities. Extends the energy investment tax credits for solar energy (through 2016) and for fuel cell and microturbine property (through 2017). Repeals the dollar per kilowatt limitation for fuel cell property under the energy investment tax credit. Allows public electric utilities to qualify for such credit. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Repeals the $2,000 limitation on the tax credit for solar electric property. Allows an offset against the alternative minimum tax (AMT) of tax credit amounts. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for investment in clean renewable energy bonds. Increases the national limitation amount for such bonds. Extends through 2009 deferral provisions relating to the recognition of gain by certain electric utilities. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Includes residential biomass fuel stoves (pellet stoves) as eligible energy property for purposes of such credit. Extends through 2010 the tax credit for energy efficient new homes. Extends through 2009 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings and increases the allowable amount of such deduction. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient appliances to include appliances produced in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Revises and updates energy efficiency standards for such appliances in accordance with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 500 (110th)open

A resolution honoring military children during "National Month of the Military Child".

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008

Joins the Secretary of Defense in honoring the children of members of the Armed Forces and recognizes that they share in the burden of protecting the nation. Urges the people of the United States to join the military community in observing April as National Month of the Military Child. Recognizes with great appreciation the contributions of private sector organizations in providing resources and assistance to military families and their communities.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 501 (110th)passed

A resolution honoring the sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008

Honors the service and sacrifice of, and identifies, the 4,009 men and women who lost their lives in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 487 men and women who lost their lives in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, as of April 3, 2008. Honors their families and loved ones.

Bill· SS. 2800 (110th)referred

EARN Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008

Employment Access for Recidivism Reduction Nationwide or the EARN Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) promote the work opportunity tax credit program by reducing backlogs of employer applications for certifications under such program and by increasing awareness of the availability of such credit; and (2) increase the number of fidelity bonds purchased and issued by states through the Federal Bonding Program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the work opportunity tax credit for employers who employ ex-felons hired under certain federal programs.

Bill· SS. 2756 (110th)open

Child Protection Improvements Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008

Child Protection Improvements Act of 2008 - Amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to direct the Attorney General to provide for a program for national criminal history background checks for child-serving organizations. Amends the PROTECT Act to provide for an extension of the Child Safety Pilot Program.

Bill· SS. 2776 (110th)referred

Afghanistan and Pakistan Reconstruction Opportunity Zones Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008

Afghanistan and Pakistan Reconstruction Opportunity Zones Act of 2008 - Declares the purposes of this Act, including to stimulate economic activity and development in Afghanistan and the border region of Pakistan in an effort to combat violent extremism. Authorizes the President to: (1) designate an area within Afghanistan or Pakistan as a Reconstruction Opportunity Zone, provided such country meets certain eligibility requirements; and (2) proclaim duty-free treatment for certain articles (including certain textile and apparel articles as well as non-textile or non-apparel articles) that are imported into the United States from a designated zone within such country, provided certain requirements are met. Specifies rules of origin for such articles. Prohibits duty-free treatment for any such articles unless the country in question adopts certain enforcement measures to prevent their unlawful transshipment and the use of false documents relating to importation into the United States. Authorizes the President to: (1) waive duty-free treatment for such articles if it is inconsistent with the national interests of the United States; and (2) withdraw, suspend, or limit such treatment.

Bill· SS. 2760 (110th)referred

National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008

National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act of 2008 - Adds the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Chief) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Requires the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state military capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense for military assistance to civil authorities to address such gaps. Requires annual defense budget documents to specify separate amounts for training and equipment for the National Guard for military assistance to civil authorities and other domestic operations. Redesignates the: (1) Director and Deputy Director of the Army National Guard as the Vice Chief and Deputy Vice Chief of the Army National Guard; and (2) Director and Deputy Director of the Air National Guard as the Vice Chief and Deputy Vice Chief of the Air National Guard. Treats Vice Chief service as an adjutant general as joint duty experience for assignment or promotion purposes. States that the United States Northern Command and the United States Pacific Command shall be the combatant commands principally responsible for the military support of civil authorities in the United States. Requires the Commander of each Command and the Chief to enter into a memorandum of understanding setting forth the operational relationships, and individual roles and responsibilities, during responses to domestic emergencies among such Commands and the National Guard Bureau. Directs the Secretary to assure that tactical control of the Armed Forces on duty within a state or possession is vested in the governor thereof when such forces are engaged in emergency response activities. Requires the officer serving as: (1) Commander of Army North Command to be an officer in the Army National Guard; and (2) Commander of Air Force North Command to be an officer in the Air National Guard. Expresses the sense of Congress that, in assigning officers to such positions, the President should afford a preference to officers who have served as a state adjutant general. Requires at least one of each of three specified commander and deputy commander joint task force positions to be an officer in the Army or Air National Guard.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 485 (110th)passed

A resolution relative to the death of Howard Metzenbaum, former United States Senator for the State of Ohio.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008

Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Howard Metzenbaum, a former member of the U.S. Senate. Declares that when the Senate recesses on March 13, 2008, it stand in recess as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Metzenbaum.

Bill· SS. 2731 (110th)open

Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008

Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to revise the provisions of the President's comprehensive five-year global strategy to combat HIV/AIDS. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for the establishment of an interagency working group on HIV/AIDS headed by the Global AIDS Coordinator and comprised of representatives from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Extends funding for: (1) the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria; (2) the Vaccine Fund; (3) the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative; and (4) programs to fight malaria. Authorizes appropriations for tuberculosis vaccine research. Directs USAID to facilitate the availability of safe microbicides that prevent HIV transmission. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to assistance programs to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Authorizes the President to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership. Establishes within USAID a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat Malaria Globally. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate infection with the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome as a public health grounds for alien nonadmission. Directs the President to address mother-to-child and youth HIV infection concerns as part of the comprehensive global HIV/AIDS prevention strategy. Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to extend funding for activities under such Act.

Bill· SS. 2707 (110th)open

Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008

Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act - Amends the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 to make permanent the authorization of appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network.

Bill· SS. 2705 (110th)referred

Troops to Nurse Teachers Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008

Troops to Nurse Teachers Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs under which commissioned officers of the nurse corps: (1) serve as full-time faculty of accredited schools of nursing in exchange for additional service or in exchange for scholarships provided by the school to those accepting commissions in the nurse corps; (2) receive scholarships leading to a graduate degree in nursing in exchange for service as nursing school faculty and to undertake activities to encourage nurses to serve in the Armed Forces nurse corps; (3) receive nursing faculty career placement and continuing education assistance if they are retirement-eligible and have graduate degrees qualifying them as nurse instructors; or (4) receive, while serving after retirement as faculty at a nursing school, retired pay without reduction and a pay differential to ensure that compensation for faculty member service will not be less than the basic pay received before retirement. Requires: (1) any program established under this Act to last at least two years; and (2) the Secretary to assess each program to determine if it should be continued.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 470 (110th)passed

A resolution calling on the relevant governments, multilateral bodies, and non-state actors in Chad, the Central African Republic, and Sudan to devote ample political commitment and material resources towards the achievement and implementation of a negotiated resolution to the national and regional conflicts in Chad, the Central African Republic, and Darfur, Sudan.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008

Expresses the concern and compassion of the citizens of the United States for the citizens of Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic who have been gravely affected by interrelated violence and instability in these countries. Calls upon all parties to these conflicts to cease hostilities and uphold basic human rights. Encourages the U.S. government and the international community to support the multilateral peacekeeping missions in Darfur, eastern Chad, and the northern Central African Republic, along with assistance to meet the continuing humanitarian and security needs in these areas.

Bill· SS. 2643 (110th)open

Mercury Emissions Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008

Mercury Emissions Control Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to propose regulations to: (1) control the emission of hazardous air pollutants, including mercury pollutants, from electric utility steam generating units; and (2) require a reduction of not less than 90% in such mercury emissions.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 456 (110th)referred

A resolution directing the United States to undertake bilateral discussions with Canada to negotiate an agreement to conserve populations of large whales at risk of extinction that migrate along the Atlantic seaboard of North America.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008

Declares that the United States should: (1) undertake bilateral discussions with Canada to negotiate an agreement for the conservation and protection of migratory or transboundary populations of large whales at risk of extinction in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, including mechanisms for reducing incidents of endangered large whales becoming entangled in fishing gear, being struck by ships, or otherwise adversely impacted by human activity; and (2) until that agreement becomes operational, continue to reduce such human activity impacts while taking steps to minimize the economic impact of such efforts on affected industries.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 455 (110th)passed

A resolution calling for peace in Darfur.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008

Calls upon the government of Sudan and other signatories and non-signatories to the 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement to declare an immediate cessation of hostilities in Darfur, Sudan.

Bill· SS. 2631 (110th)referred

A bill to award a congressional gold medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008

Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma.

Law· SS. 2606 (110th)enacted

United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008

United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) for FY2009-FY2012. Authorizes including within fire personnel training: (1) response, tactics, and strategies for dealing with all hazards, including terrorist acts; (2) applying new technology and developing strategies and tactics for fighting wildfires; (3) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting large-scale or multiple fires in areas crossing jurisdictional boundaries, fires at the wildland-urban interface, and fires involving hazardous materials; and (4) advanced emergency medical services training. Requires the Administrator of USFA to include in triennial reports information about changes to the National Fire Academy curriculum. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) contract with nationally recognized organizations to facilitate the delivery of education and training programs directly to fire personnel; and (2) assist the nation's fire services to sponsor and encourage research, including into land-use policies, to improve fire prevention and control in rural and remote areas and in the wildland-urban interface. Directs the Administrator to: (1) use specified funds during FY2009-FY2011 to update the National Fire Incident Reporting system to an Internet-based, real-time incident reporting database: (2) make available to the public information about fire-related research through a regularly updated Internet-based database; (3) promote adoption of voluntary national consensus standards for firefighter health and safety; and (4) provide liaison to assure coordination of fire service-based emergency medical services programs. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) establish a fire service position at the National Operations Center to represent the interests of state and local fire services; and (2) designate, on a rotating basis, a state or local fire service official for such position.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 445 (110th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, and the political crisis in Pakistan.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008

Conveys the condolences of the people of the United States to the people of Pakistan on the tragic loss of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Condemns the December 2007 murder of Benazir Bhutto and the slaughter of at least 165 other Pakistani citizens in this attack and the prior attempt on Benazir Bhutto's life. Calls upon the government of Pakistan to: (1) bring the perpetrators to justice and to support an independent inquiry into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto; (2) ensure that free elections are held on February 18, 2008, as scheduled; (3) end the harassment of judges, opposition party activists, and lawyers; and (4) end restrictions on the media and freedom of speech. Calls upon the President to: (1) review U.S. aid to Pakistan to ensure that all assistance furthers the common goals shared by the people of Pakistan and the United States, with specific reference to combating violent radicalism and promoting a free and democratic Pakistan; and (2) suspend weapons transfers to Pakistan if such conditions are not met.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 444 (110th)passed

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the strong alliance that has been forged between the United States and the Republic of Korea and congratulating Myung-Bak Lee on his election to the presidency of the Republic of Korea.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008

Congratulates Lee Myung-Bak on his election to the presidency of the Republic of Korea and wishes him and the Korean people well on his inauguration on February 25, 2008.

Bill· SS. 2579 (110th)open

United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2008

United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half dollar clad coins as numismatic items emblematic of the traditions, history, and heritage of the U.S. Army, and its role in American society from the Colonial period to today. Requires the design for such coins to contain motifs that honor specifically the American soldier of both today and yesterday, in wartime and in peace, consistent with the traditions and heritage of the U.S. Army, the mission and goals of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, and the missions and goals of the Army Historical Foundation. Restricts coin issuance to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2011. Requires all surcharges from coin sales to be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Foundation to help finance the National Museum of the U.S. Army.

Bill· SS. 2568 (110th)referred

A bill to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit preleasing, leasing, and related activities in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea Planning Areas unless certain conditions are met.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008

Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from offering for leasing, preleasing, and specified related activity within the Chukchi or Beaufort Sea Planning Area until the following prerequisites have been met: (1) the Secretary enters into an agreement with the National Research Council to report to Congress upon specified missing information regarding the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea marine and coastal ecosystems, and the adequacy of environmental, public health and cultural studies; (2) the polar bear is listed as an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and critical habitat is designated for it, or the Secretary publishes a determination that such a listing is not warranted; (3) the Secretary determines that specified deployable mechanical oil spill response technologies exist; and (4) the Secretary determines that oil and gas exploration and development can be conducted in the Planning Areas without risk of substantial adverse impact to wildlife or wildlife habitat and subsistence, and that risk avoidance measures are identified and their efficacy established.

Law· SS. 2565 (110th)enacted

Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008

Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2007 [ sic ]- Authorizes the Attorney General to award a Congressional Badge of Bravery to a federal law enforcement officer who performs an act of bravery while in the line of duty. Sets forth requirements for agencies in nominating a law enforcement officer for a Badge. Establishes within the Department of Justice: (1) a Congressional Badge of Bravery Board to made recommendations for awarding a Badge; and (2) a Congressional Badge of Bravery Office to assist the Board. Authorizes Members of Congress or the Attorney General to make the presentations of Badges to law enforcement officers.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 432 (110th)passed

A resolution urging the international community to provide the United Nations-African Union Mission in Sudan with essential tactical and utility helicopters.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2008

Urges the members of the international community, including the United States, that possess the capability to expeditiously provide the tactical and utility helicopters needed for the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur to do so as soon as possible.

Bill· SS. 2555 (110th)open

Reducing Global Warming Pollution from Vehicles Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2008

Reducing Global Warming Pollution from Vehicles Act of 2008 - Amends the Clean Air Act to approve the application of the state of California for a waiver of federal preemption of its motor vehicle emission standards.

Bill· SS. 2533 (110th)open

State Secrets Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2008

State Secrets Protection Act - Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) require a federal court to determine which filings, motions, and affidavits (or portions) submitted under this Act shall be submitted exparte; (2) allow a federal court to order a party to provide a redacted, unclassified, or summary substitute of a filing, motion, or affidavit to other parties; and (3) require a federal court to make decisions under this Act, taking into consideration the interests of justice and national security. Requires any hearing under this Act to be conducted in camera. Prohibits an in camera hearing, however, based on the assertion of the state secrets privilege, if the court determines that the hearing relates only to a question of law and does not present a risk of revealing state secrets. Allows a federal court to conduct hearings (or portions) ex parte if the court determines, following in camera review of the evidence, that the interests of justice and national security cannot adequately be protected through attorney security clearances, protective orders, sealed opinions or orders, and special masters. Authorizes the United States to intervene in any civil action in order to protect information that may be subject to the state secrets privilege. Declares, however, that the state secrets privilege shall not constitute grounds for dismissal of a case or claim. Prescribes procedures for: (1) determining whether evidence is protected from disclosure by the state secrets privilege; and (2) when evidence protected by the state secrets privilege is necessary for adjudication of a claim or counterclaim. Grants courts of appeal jurisdiction of an appeal by any party from any interlocutory decision or order of a U.S. district court. Requires the Attorney General within 30 days to report in writing to Congress on any case in which the United States invokes the state secrets privilege. Applies this Act to civil cases pending on or after the enactment of this Act.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 420 (110th)passed

A resolution commending Martin P. Paone

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2008

Expresses the appreciation of the Senate to Marty Paone, and commends him for his lengthy, faithful and outstanding service to the Senate.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 418 (110th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding provocative and dangerous statements made by officials of the Government of the Russian Federation concerning the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Condemns statements by officials of the government of the Russian Federation that the Russian Federation should recognize the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent of the Republic of Georgia. Affirms that the restoration of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia is in the interest of all who seek peace and stability in the region. Urges all parties to the conflicts in the Republic of Georgia and governments around the world to eschew rhetoric that escalates tensions and undermines efforts to negotiate a settlement to the conflicts.