United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to increase the maximum amount per individual or corporation of unsecured claims ranked in the fourth (wages, salaries, or commissions) and fifth (employee benefit plan contributions) order of priority. Includes within the scope of a claim in bankruptcy certain equity securities held in a defined contribution plan for the benefit of certain individuals. Ranks in sixth order of priority the diminished value of debtor's equity securities held in a defined contribution plan if the employer or plan sponsor committed fraud regarding the plan. Permits within administrative expenses certain severance pay for termination or layoffs. Prohibits certain senior executive compensation from being disproportionate in light of economic concessions by debtor's nonmanagement workforce. Disallows as an administrative expense specified executive compensation enhancements. Revises requirements governing: (1) rejection of collective bargaining agreements; (2) insurance benefits for retired employees; and (3) the status of certain employee benefits in a sale of business assets. Allows defined benefit plan participants to file claims for certain shortfalls in pension benefits. Permits inclusion within the necessary costs and expenses of preserving property the mandatory recovery of unpaid obligations owed to employees. Directs the court to consider the extent to which alternative reorganization plans maintain: (1) jobs; (2) defined benefit plans; and (3) retiree health benefits. Prohibits assumption of deferred compensation for the benefit of insiders or senior management if an employee defined benefit plan has been terminated. Limits the recovery of executive compensation if the debtor has reduced its contractual obligations under either a collective bargaining agreement or retiree benefits plan. Excepts from an automatic stay: (1) a dispute resolution proceeding established by a collective bargaining agreement prior to commencement of bankruptcy; or (2) an award or settlement under such proceeding. Authorizes the bankruptcy trustee to avoid transfers made for the benefit of an insider or certain consultants in anticipation of bankruptcy. Revises prerequisites to court confirmation of a business reorganization plan which continues retiree benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2007
Expresses condolences to the families of Antoine Ghanem and other victims of the September 19, 2007, attack, as well as to all the people of Lebanon. Condemns such attack and urges that its perpetrators, including any state sponsor or official, be held accountable for their crimes. Underscores Senate support for the special international tribunal and urges the U.N. Security Council to extend its jurisdiction to include the Ghanem assassination. Urges the President to increase coordination with key partners in Europe and the Middle East to support Lebanon's sovereignty and strengthen its governing institutions and security forces. States that the people of Lebanon should be permitted to choose their next president, in a process scheduled to begin in September 2007, free from foreign interference and violence.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2007
Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 with respect to hours-of-service requirements airline flight crews must meet to qualify for leave under such Act. Declares that a flight attendant or flight crewmember will be considered to meet such requirements if he or she has been paid for or has worked 60% of the employer's monthly hour or trip guarantee, or the equivalent annualized over the previous 12-month period.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2007
Acknowledges the cooperation and friendship between the people of the United States and the people of Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991. Expresses the admiration of the American people for the ongoing success of the Ukranian people at removing violence from politics, in particular the 2004 presidential elections and the 2006 parliamentary elections. Encourages the people of Ukraine to maintain the democratic successes of the Orange Revolution of 2004. Pledges continued U.S. assistance to the further development of a free and representative democratic government in Ukraine based on the rule of law and the principle of human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2007
Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Renames the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 as The Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation Act of 2007 (Act). Includes tropical forests and coral reefs and associated coastal marine ecosystems within the scope of such Act. Renames the Tropical Forest Facility as the Conservation Facility. Authorizes U.S. government representation on the administering body that oversees the implementation of grants from a debt-for-nature swap or debt buy-back regardless of whether the United States is a party to any agreement between the eligible purchaser and the government of the beneficiary country. Requires U.S. government and beneficiary country government review of Conservation Fund grants in excess of $250,000. Repeals Enterprise of the Americas Board authority to carry out activities under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2007
Declares that as Senator Tim Johnson returns to the Senate, his fellow Members of the Senate extend their warmest welcome and express their personal happiness at his return, and offer their very best wishes for his continued good health.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Recognizes the extraordinary bravery and courage of the Little Rock Nine (the first African-American students at Little Rock Central High School). Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. Encourages all people of the United States to reflect on the importance of this event and acknowledges that continued efforts and resources should be directed to enable all children to achieve equal opportunity in education in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Prohibits an individual in the custody or control of the U.S. government, regardless of nationality or physical location, from being subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by specified sections of the U.S. Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations. Specifically prohibits the following treatment or techniques: (1) forcing an individual to be naked, perform sexual acts, or pose in a sexual manner; (2) placing a hood or sack over an individual's head, or duct tape over the eyes; (3) beating, electrical shock, burns, or other forms of physical pain; (4) the procedure known as "waterboarding"; (5) threats or attack from a military working dog; (6) inducing hypothermia or heat injury; (7) conducting a mock execution of an individual; and (8) deprivation of necessary food, water, or medical care.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Justice for Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act - Amends the federal judicial code to expand the rights of victims of state-sponsored terrorism by: (1) denying foreign states that support terrorism immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts for cases involving personal injury or death related to the terrorist activities of its officials, employees, or agents; (2) allowing certain nationals of the United States, members of the Armed Forces, and federal employees or contractors a private cause of action against a foreign state designated as a state sponsor of terrorism; (3) making foreign states vicariously liable for the actions of their officials, employees, or agents; (4) limiting appeals in cases against foreign states involving terrorist-related injuries; and (5) establishing a pending lien against property of a foreign state sponsor of terrorism upon the initiation of legal action in the United States against such state.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007 - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to redefine the term "plant" to include products of plants and to exclude any common food crop or cultivar that is a species not listed: (1) in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; or (2) as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Redefines the term "take" to include harvesting, cutting, logging, or removing a plant. Makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, possess, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce plants: (1) taken, transported, possessed, or sold in violation of specified foreign or state law; (2) taken, transported, or exported without the payment of royalties, taxes, or stumpage fees required by foreign or state law; or (3) exported or transshipped in violation of any limitation under foreign or state law. Makes it unlawful to import plants unless the importer files, when clearance is requested, a declaration that contains: (1) the scientific name of any plant contained in the importation; and (2) a description of the value of the importation, the quantity of the plant, and the name of the country from which the plant was taken. Sets forth requirements concerning the contents of a declaration. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations to limit the applicability of, or to modify, declaration requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2007
Military Family Job Protection Act - Prohibits a covered family member who is caring for a servicemember who is undergoing medical treatment for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active military duty from being denied retention in employment, promotion, or any employment benefit by an employer on the basis of the family member's absence from such employment for a period of not more than 52 weeks. Includes as a covered family member one who, while caring for the recovering servicemember, is: (1) on invitational orders; (2) a non-medical attendee; or (3) receiving per diem payments from the Department of Defense (DOD).
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2007
Public Health Preparedness Workforce Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Public Health Workforce Scholarship Program to assure an adequate supply of public health professionals to eliminate critical public health preparedness workforce shortages in federal, state, local, and tribal public health agencies by offering four-year scholarships in return for employment at such agencies. Requires the Secretary to establish the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program to provide for the repayment of loans incurred by individuals in the pursuit of the relevant public health preparedness workforce educational degree or certificate in exchange for working at such agencies for at least three years. Requires the Secretary to award grants to public health agencies that receive public health preparedness cooperative agreements from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to operate state, local, and tribal public health workforce loan repayment programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, any eligible entity to award scholarships to eligible individuals to enroll in degree or professional training programs for the purpose of enabling mid-career professionals in the public health workforce to receive additional training in the field of public health preparedness or biodefense. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in cooperation with the Secretary, to ensure that included in the OPM website there is an online catalogue, or a link to an online catalogue, of public health workforce employment opportunities in the federal government.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2007
Amends the Animal Welfare Act to make it unlawful to: (1) knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in, or knowingly attend, a dog fighting venture; and (2) knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive for purposes of transportation any dog or other animal for the purposes of having the dog, animal, or offspring of the dog or other animal participate in a dog fighting venture. Provides for imprisonment for up to five years for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2007
National Security with Justice Act of 2007 - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, a U.S. officer or agent from: (1) engaging in the extraterritorial (outside of the United States) detention of any individual; or (2) rendering (transferring to another legal jurisdiction) or participating in the rendition of any individual. Authorizes a U.S. officer or agent to apply for an order of rendition, and a judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court) to issue such an order, under specified procedures. Provides for: (1) authorizations and orders for emergency detention; (2) uniform standards for the interrogation of individuals detained by the U.S. government; (3) protection of government officials engaged in interrogations; (4) monitoring and reporting regarding the treatment, conditions of confinement, and status of legal proceedings of individuals rendered to foreign governments; and (5) additional judges and other personnel for the Court. Revises the definition of "unlawful enemy combatant" for purposes of military commissions. Extends statutory habeas corpus to persons detained by the United States who have been: (1) determined to have been properly detained as an enemy combatant; or (2) detained for more than 90 days without such a determination.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2007
Fair Pay Restoration Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to declare that an unlawful employment practice occurs when a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice is adopted, when an individual becomes subject to the decision or practice, or when an individual is affected by application of the decision or practice, including each time compensation is paid. Accrues liability, and allows an aggrieved person to obtain relief including recovery of back pay for up to two years preceding the filing of the charge, where the unlawful employment practice that has occurred during the charge filing period is similar or related to a practice that occurred outside the charge filing period. Applies certain amendments made by this Act to claims of compensation discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to declare that an unlawful practice occurs when a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice is adopted, when a person becomes subject to the decision or other practice, or when a person is affected by the decision or practice, including each time compensation is paid.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act - Declares that the United States should develop policies and programs that will reduce: (1) mercury use and emissions; (2) mercury releases from the reservoir of mercury currently in use or circulation; and (3) exposures to mercury, particularly exposures of women of childbearing age and young children. Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture of chlorine or caustic soda using mercury cells, effective January 1, 2012. Requires the owner or operator of each chlor-alkali facility to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator and the state in which the facility is located an annual report for 2008-2012 concerning mercury waste, emissions, and content in products. Requires EPA to conduct a comprehensive mercury inventory covering the life and closure of chlor-alkali facilities that cease operations on or after July 1, 2008. Establishes the Mercury Storage Advisory Committee, which shall report to Congress on: (1) requirements necessary to prevent the release of, or worker exposure to, elemental mercury; and (2) annual costs of, federal facilities needed for, barriers to, and an optimal plan for, mercury storage. Requires: (1) EPA to establish regulations to facilitate the transfer and storage of mercury located at closed facilities; and (2) beginning on July 1, 2008, the transfer of elemental mercury located at a closed facility that has ceased operations to a storage facility established by EPA in accordance with such regulations. Requires EPA, in coordination with the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Administrator, by July 1, 2009, to conduct a health assessment of employees at chlor-alkali facilities that continue to operate as of July 1, 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
Directs the Secretary of State to report to the appropriate congressional committees every 180 days respecting unresolved claims by U.S. nationals against the government of Libya for personal injury or death caused by acts of torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, hostage taking, or aiding such acts by Libyan agents. Requires: (1) such reports to include information on the status of negotiations between the government of Libya and U.S. claimants and a description of U.S. government actions to encourage Libya's resolution of such claims; and (2) such reports' filing until December 31, 2009, or until the Secretary certifies that all claims have been resolved.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
Amends the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 to extend until July 27, 2008, the deadline for an Indian tribe to elect to participate as a jurisdiction in the sex offender registration program under such Act or delegate its functions to another jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
Prohibits the Secretary of a military department from discharging due to a personality disorder a member of the Armed Forces who has served on active duty in a combat zone until the later of the date of: (1) completion by the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) of a review of Department of Defense (DOD) policies and procedures for diagnosing such a disorder; (2) issuance by the Secretary of policies and procedures to ensure the appropriate use of such a discharge; (3) establishment by the Secretary of an independent review board for personality disorder discharges; (4) submittal by the Secretary of a report to Congress on progress in implementing the requirements under (1) through (3), above; or (5) the date that is 45 days after the date of the submission of the report referred to in (4), which period shall permit Congress to consider the report. Provides an exception to such requirement in the case of a member who, during recruitment for or enlistment in the Armed Forces, provided false or misleading information, or omitted providing information about past criminal behavior, that is material to a discharge for personality disorder.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
Urges the President of the United States to: (1) work with members of the U.N. Security Council and the African Union (AU) to ensure deployment of the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force to protect civilians in Darfur, Sudan; (2) work bilaterally and with member states of the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO), the United Nations, the European Union (EU), the AU, and other partners to assist such force; and (3) work with Congress to ensure funding for such force. Urges: (1) the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Chairperson of the AU to expedite such force's deployment; and (2) President al-Bashir and the government of Sudan to facilitate such deployment without condition; and (3) the President's Special Envoy to Sudan to continue his legislative outreach to bring peace to Darfur through an inclusive political process. Urges President Bush, the Security Council, the AU, the EU, the League of Arab States, regional nations, and individual nations with economic or political influence over Sudan to: (1) hold President al-Bashir and the government of Sudan accountable for any failure to facilitate such force's deployment; and (2) be prepared to implement meaningful measures, including sanctions, an arms embargo, and a no fly zone for Sudanese military flights over Darfur if the government of Sudan obstructs the peacekeeping mission's deployment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2007
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that a commemorative postage stamp be issued in honor of former U.S. Representative Barbara Jordan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2007 - Requires the Attorney General to appoint a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction within the Office of Deputy Attorney General to coordinate Department of Justice policies and strategies for the prevention and investigation of child exploitation cases. Establishes within the Office of Justice Programs an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC Task Force), consisting of state and local task forces (one task force for each state) to address online enticement of children, child exploitation, and child obscenity and pornography cases. Requires the Attorney General to establish a National Internet Crimes Against Children Data Network Center to assist the ICAC Task Force program and federal, state, local, and tribal agencies investigating and prosecuting child exploitation. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to state and local ICAC task forces to combat Internet crimes against children. Requires the Attorney General to establish additional computer forensic capacity to address backlogs, including for child exploitation investigations. Amends the federal criminal code to authorize wiretapping in state child exploitation investigations. Authorizes funding for additional agents and personnel for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007
National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 to: (1) direct the Secretary of the Interior to appoint at least eight full-time equivalent staff; and (2) revise funding provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007
Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the amount of a controlled substance or mixture containing a cocaine base (i.e., crack cocaine) required for the imposition of mandatory minimum prison terms for crack cocaine trafficking to eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine. Eliminates the five-year mandatory minimum prison term for first-time possession of crack cocaine. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend, if appropriate, its sentencing guidelines for trafficking in a controlled substance to reflect the use of a dangerous weapon or violence in such crime and the culpability and the role of the defendant in such crime, taking into account certain aggravating and mitigating factors. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to improve drug treatment to offenders in prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to establish demonstration programs to reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs by substance abusers while incarcerated and until the completion of parole or court supervision. Increases monetary penalties for drug trafficking and for the importation and exportation of controlled substances. Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of Justice, the Treasury, and Homeland Security for FY2008-FY2009 for the prosecution of, and for supporting the prosecution of, high-level drug offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007
Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide, by a gradual increase in the percentage of expenses considered incurred expenses, for a gradual reduction (from 50% to the standard 20%) of copayment rates for outpatient psychiatric services under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007
Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2007 - Prohibits assistance under this Act to an eligible developing country that does not: (1) permit World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) personnel to investigate infectious disease outbreaks within its borders; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. and international agencies and organizations. Prohibits any participating foreign national from having unsupervised access to agents that may be used in a biological weapon. Establishes a public health education and training fellowship program for eligible nationals to pursue: (1) a master of public health degree with a concentration in epidemiology; or (2) advanced public health training in epidemiology. Directs the Secretary to support short training courses in-country (not in the United States) for laboratory technicians and other public health personnel in: (1) laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks; and (2) syndrome surveillance reporting and rapid analysis of syndrome information using Geographic Information System (GIS). Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to eligible developing countries to purchase and maintain: (1) public health laboratory equipment necessary to collect, analyze, and identify pathogens which may cause disease outbreaks or may be used as a biological weapon; and (2) related communications equipment and information technology. Authorizes a federal agency head, upon the request of a U.S. chief of diplomatic mission or an international health organization, and with the Secretary's concurrence, to assign to the respective U.S. mission or organization any public health officer or employee of the agency for the purpose of enhancing disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Directs CDC and the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to their respective laboratories located in eligible developing countries that conduct infectious disease research; and (2) expand the operations of those laboratories, especially in the implementation of on-site training of foreign nationals and regional outreach efforts. Authorizes: (1) the President to provide assistance to enhance the surveillance and reporting capabilities for WHO and existing regional and international health networks, and develop new health networks; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new country or regional foreign epidemiology training programs in eligible developing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007
Expresses the the sense of the Senate that: (1) U.S. diplomats serving overseas and in the United States are in many cases the front line of our national security policy; (2) the people of the United States deserve a better understanding of the efforts of these brave men and women; (3) talented young people and their families should be encouraged to consider foreign affairs careers as an important contribution to their country; (4) the establishment of a Museum of the History of American Diplomacy that highlights the work of these men and women throughout U.S. history is a worthy endeavor; and (5) the Foreign Affairs Museum Council's plan to fund the museum through private donations deserves Department of State support.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2007
Return of Talent Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the Return of Talent Program to permit an eligible immigrant alien (as defined by this Act) and certain family members to return for up to 24 months (with an extension available) to the alien's country of citizenship in order to make a material contribution to that country if the country is engaged in post-conflict or natural disaster reconstruction activities. States that during such absence the alien and family members shall be considered to be physically and continuously present and residing in the United States for naturalization purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2007
Honors the firefighters who responded to the fire in Charleston, South Carolina on June 18, 2007, including those who lost their lives: William "Billy" Hutchinson, Mike Benke, Louis Mulkey, Mark Kelsey, Bradford "Brad" Baity, Michael French, James "Earl" Drayton, Brandon Thompson, and Melven Champaign. Honors other public servants who contributed to battling the fire. Pledges to continue to support and to work on behalf of the firefighters.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007
Supports the goals and ideals of National Clean Beaches Week. Recognizes the value of beaches to the American way of life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United States. Encourages Americans to keep beaches safe and clean for the continued enjoyment of the public and to engage in activities during National Clean Beaches Week to foster stewardship, healthy living, and volunteerism along our coastlines.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007
Travel Promotion Act of 2007 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, counter and correct misperceptions regarding U.S. travel policy, and promote U.S. travel. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Requires the transfer of Treasury funds to the Corporation, requiring nonfederal matching funds. Authorizes the U.S. government, if a fully automated electronic system is implemented to determine, in advance of travel, the eligibility of an alien to travel to the United States, to charge an applicant a system use fee. Authorizes the Corporation to impose an annual assessment on U.S. members of the travel and tourism industry represented on the Board, provided industry members approve by majority vote in a referendum. Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Office of Travel Promotion, to be headed by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel Promotion. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to require that the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries expand its research and development activities to promote international travel to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007
Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act - Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish processing facilities in Iraq and in countries in the region for eligible Iraqis to apply and interview for U.S. admission as refugees or as special immigrants. Includes among refugees of special humanitarian concern: (1) Iraqis who were employed by, or worked for or directly with the U.S. government in Iraq; (2) Iraqis who were employed in Iraq by a U.S.-based media or nongovernmental organization or an organization that has received a grant from, or entered into a cooperative agreement or contract with the U.S. government; (3) spouses, children, sons, daughters, siblings, and parents of Iraqis who worked for the U.S. government or who are special immigrants; and (4) Iraqis who are members of a religious or minority community and have close family members in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to identify other priority groups in Iraq. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide special immigrant status to an otherwise admissible Iraqi national (and spouse and children) who was employed by, or worked for or directly with the U.S. government in Iraq for at least one year in or after 2003. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish in the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, a Minister Counselor for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons; and (2) designate in the U.S. embassies in Cairo, Egypt; Amman, Jordan; Damascus, Syria; and Beirut, Lebanon a Minister Counselor to oversee U.S. resettlement of persons considered refugees of special humanitarian concern. Directs the Secretary, with respect to each country with a significant population of displaced Iraqis, including Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon, to: (1) consult with other countries regarding resettlement of the most vulnerable members of such refugee populations; and (2) develop mechanisms in and provide assistance to countries with a significant population of displaced Iraqis to ensure their well-being and safety in their host environments. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit a qualifying Iraqi applicant for asylum or withholding of removal whose claim was denied on the basis of changed country conditions to file for reopening of his or her claim.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007
Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs (Secretaries) to jointly develop a comprehensive policy on the care and management of members of the Armed Forces (members) who are undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a serious injury or illness. Provides enhanced availability of medical care and related benefits for members and former members recovering from serious injuries or illnesses. Requires the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to submit plans for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities to prevent, diagnose, and treat traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder in members. Directs the Secretary to establish a Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of:: (1) Traumatic Brain Injury; and (2) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Requires the Secretaries to develop and implement a joint electronic health record for use by DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Directs the Secretary to establish a Physical Disability Board of Review to review findings of physical evaluation boards of members separated from the Armed Forces with disability ratings of 20% or less and found to be not eligible for retirement. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out pilot programs for a revised disability evaluation system for members. Requires reports on the implementation of corrective measures in response to deficiencies: (1) in the Army physical disability evaluation system; and (2) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish standards for military medical treatment facilities, specialty care medical facilities, and military quarters housing patients; and (2) develop and maintain a handbook for members concerning compensation and benefits for serious injuries and illnesses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007
Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) 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 exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies; and (2) identify foreign currency that is in fundamental misalignment and designate it for priority action if the issuing country engages in specified behavior, including excessive reserve accumulation. Prescribes procedures for: (1) negotiations and consultations; (2) failure to adopt appropriate policies; (3) international financial institution governance arrangements; (4) adjustment for fundamentally misaligned currency designated for priority action; and (5) nonmarket economy status. 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 relating to the special rule excluding from foreign personal holding company income any income of an eligible controlled foreign corporation which is derived in the active conduct of banking, financing, and insurance. Repeals the limitation of this exclusion to taxable years of a foreign corporation beginning after December 31, 1998, and before January 1, 2009 (thus making such limited application permanent). Repeals likewise the limited application to the same time period of the exclusion of certain exempt insurance income from the taxable insurance income of a controlled foreign corporation (thus making such exclusion permanent).
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007
Naval Vessels Transfer Act of 2007 - Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Turkey, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates GEORGE PHILIP and SIDES; and (2) Lithuania, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships CORMORANT and KINGFISHER. Authorizes the President to transfer on a sale basis to: (1) Taiwan, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships ORIOLE and FALCON; and (2) Turkey, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ship SHRIKE. States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007
Fluorescent Lightbulb Implementation Program to Save Americans Value and Energy - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program of grants to states for distribution of medium base compact fluorescent lamps to households. Requires a recipient state to give distribution priority to low-income households.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007
Designates August 2007 as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. Urges communities to carry out appropriate programs and activities to educate parents and youth of the potential dangers associated with medicine abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) support a political settlement among Iraq's major factions based upon the provisions of the Constitution of Iraq that create a federal system of government and allow for the creation of federal regions; and (2) urge the government of Iraq to implement a law providing for the equitable distribution of oil revenues, which is a critical component of a comprehensive political settlement based upon federalism.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007
Tax Equity for Domestic Partner and Health Plan Beneficiaries Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the exclusion from gross income for employer-provided health care coverage to certain eligible beneficiaries and their dependent children; (2) revise the definition of "dependent" for purposes of the tax deductions for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals and for contributions to health savings accounts; and (3) extend voluntary employees' beneficiary association sick and accident benefits to eligible beneficiaries and their dependents. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue guidance on reimbursements of medical expenses from flexible spending and health reimbursement arrangements.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007
HIV Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to eliminate the HIV/AIDS abstinence-until marriage funding set-aside.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007
Declares that the Senate: (1) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Craig Thomas, a former Senator from Wyoming; (2) mourns the loss of one of its most esteemed members; and (3) expresses its condolences to the people of Wyoming and to his wife, Susan, and his four children. Declares that when the Senate adjourns June 5, 2007, it shall stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Thomas.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2007
United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 - Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243). Authorizes the President to continue participation by U.S. Armed Forces in Multi-National Force--Iraq, or as part of a successor force, for the purposes of: (1) protecting U.S. and coalition personnel and infrastructure; (2) training, equipping, and providing logistical support to Iraqi security forces; (3) conducting targeted counter-terrorism operations; and (4) assisting the government of Iraq maintain border security. States that such authorization shall expire 12 months after the date of enactment of this joint resolution unless extended by Congress. Directs the President to: (1) promptly transition the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq to such purposes; and (2) begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this joint resolution, with the goal of redeploying by March 31, 2008, all U.S. combat forces from Iraq except for those essential for such purposes. Prohibits anything in this joint resolution from being construed to: (1) limit measures to provide for the security of the MultiNational Force-Iraq, including U.S. Armed Forces; and (2) authorize offensive combat activities by U.S. Armed Forces in Iran, Syria, or any other state in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007
National Domestic Violence Volunteer Attorney Network Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to the American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence to work in collaboration with the American Bar Association Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service and other organizations to create, recruit lawyers for, and provide training, mentoring, and technical assistance for a National Domestic Violence Volunteer Attorney Network. Requires the Office on Violence Against Women of the Department of Justice to designate five states in which to implement the pilot program of a National Domestic Violence Volunteer Attorney Referral Project and distribute funds under this Act. Requires the Attorney General to award grants to national domestic violence legal technical assistance providers to expand their services to provide training and ongoing technical assistance to volunteer attorneys in the National Domestic Violence Volunteer Network, statewide legal coordinators, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Internet-based legal referral organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) award grants to the National Domestic Violence Hotline to provide information about statewide legal coordinators and legal services; and (2) award grants to Internet-based non-profit organizations with a demonstrated expertise on domestic violence to provide state-specific information about statewide legal coordinators and legal services through the Internet. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study and report to Congress on the scope and quality of legal representation and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, including the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Directs the Attorney General to establish the Domestic Violence Legal Advisory Task Force.
![Official portrait of Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000444_200.jpg)