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United States · Official source
5,492 records where Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007
Equity for Our Nation's Self Employed Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow self-employed individuals to deduct health insurance costs in computing the tax on self-employment income.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007
Cooperative Conservation Enhancement Act - Sets forth this Act's findings and purposes. Working Landscape Projects Act of 2007 - Sets forth provisions for the funding and reimbursement of landscape project partners for administrative, governance, and information dissemination activities necessary for the implementation of landscape projects. Conservation Bank Program Act - Sets forth provisions for the establishment, use, and operation of conservation banks. Sets forth provisions regarding the promotion of partnerships between the Department of the Interior and other public and private entities. Sets forth provisions regarding cooperation between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to: (1) the promotion of customer service and efficiency; and (2) involving the use of funds among specified agencies under their jurisdiction. Authorizes: (1) the Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program; and (2) Cooperative Conservation Challenge Cost-Share Agreements. Bureau of Reclamation Water Management Improvement Act - Authorizes grants and cooperative agreements for funding up to 50% of the costs of planning, designing, or constructing improvements for water conservation and use purposes. Establishes within the Department an Office of Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007
States that any offensive military action taken by the United States against Iran must be explicitly approved by Congress before such action may be initiated.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007
Community Health Center Employee Health Coverage Act of 2007 - Expands the definition of "employee" for purposes of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to include an individual who is an employee of a federally qualified heath center, or a grantee providing technical or other assistance to such a center, that has elected to offer FEHB coverage. Requires such an employee to pay both the employee and agency contributions and administrative expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007
Medicare Access to Community Health Centers (MATCH) Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the definition of "federally qualified health center services" to include ambulatory services furnished by a federally qualified health center (FQHC) for which payment may otherwise be made under Medicare if such services were furnished by a non-FQHC health care provider or health care professional employed by or under contract with an FQHC. Permits payment for hospital-based services. Provides for a Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare-covered services provided by FQHCs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007
National Forests, Parks, Public Land, and Reclamation Projects Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, land conveyances, boundary adjustments, studies, memorials, commissions, and museums, national park natural resource protection, national trails and rivers, national heritage areas, and advanced energy technology transfer centers. Makes amendments to various public laws, including the National Trails System Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007
Natural Resource Projects and Programs Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, national monuments, conservation areas, resource protection, historic sites, national trails, national heritage areas, and the clean coal power initiative. Makes amendments to various public laws, including the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act, the National Trails System Act, the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996, the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988, the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994, the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, and the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007
Home Health Care Access Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services and adjustments to it for case mix changes. Prohibits any adjustment in the PPS for payment in 2008. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for any adjustment in a subsequent year, to evaluate changes in case mix using standards developed consistent with specified processes, taking certain criteria into account. Directs the Secretary to convene a Technical Advisory Group to advise on the development of such standards. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action to implement or otherwise carry out provisions in the final rule published on August 29, 2007, that propose to make a case mix adjustment to the standardized payment amounts under the PPS to account for changes in coding that were not related to an underlying change in patient health status. Directs the Secretary to republish any rates specified in such rule to take into account the application of such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007
Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure the provision of specified substance use disorder treatment services at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center and community-based outpatient clinic. Requires the Secretary to ensure that treatment for a substance use disorder and a comorbid mental health disorder is provided concurrently by a team of experienced clinicians. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program of enhanced care and treatment for veterans with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and (2) establish at least six national centers of excellence on PTSD and substance use disorders. Requires a report on residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Pays tribute to Justin Bailey. Requires a: (1) pilot program on peer outreach and support services, readjustment counseling services, and other mental health services for veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) program of research into comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder; and (3) pilot program on the provision of readjustment and transition assistance to veterans and their families in cooperation with Vet Centers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007
NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to mint and issue $50 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of $50 per $50 coin, and of $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $4 million to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties. Requires distribution of: (1) one-half of the next $1 million of the remaining amounts to the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (D.R.E.M.E.) Science Literacy Foundation and the Challenger Center for Space Science Education; and (2) the remainder to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for the preservation, maintenance, and display of space artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum (including the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $50 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007
Science and Engineering to Comprehensively Understand and Responsibly Enhance Water Act or the SECURE Water Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary), acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to establish a climate change adaptation program to: (1) assess each effect of, and risk resulting from, global climate change regarding the quantity of water resources located in specified areas (service areas); and (2) ensure that strategies are developed to address potential water shortages, conflicts, and other impacts to water users and the environment of each service area. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide grants to, or enter cooperative agreements with, eligible applicants to assist in planning, designing, or constructing improvements; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with any university, nonprofit research institution, or organization with water or power delivery authority to fund research activities designed to conserve, increase efficiency of, or enhance management of, water resources. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Energy to assess each effect of, and risk resulting from, climate change regarding water supplies required for the generation of hydroelectric power at specified projects; and (2) the Secretary to establish and lead a climate change and water intragovernmental panel. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to: (1) review the national streamflow information program, improve methodologies, and increase the number of sites measured; (2) develop a systematic groundwater monitoring program for each major U.S. aquifer system; (3) identify significant U.S. brackish groundwater resources; and (4) establish a water availability and use assessment program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007
Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states or local educational agencies (LEAs) for the establishment or enhancement of school breakfast programs at, and through the provision of subgrants to, schools where at least 65% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches under the school lunch program. Authorizes schools to use the school breakfast subgrants to: (1) increase the quantity of local or fresh food available under their programs; (2) provide nutrition education and first-hand knowledge of food systems to students; (3) extend the period during which breakfast is available, including during the school day; (4) increase participation in their breakfast programs, including through the provision of universal free breakfasts; or (5) collaborate with institutions of higher education or other research entities in compiling data and reports on their breakfast programs. Gives priority to subgrant applicant schools at least 75% of whose students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches and which intend to use the funds to procure local produce, provide universal free breakfasts, or provide breakfast during the school day. Directs state and LEA grantees, at least 180 days before the end of a grant term, to evaluate whether it would be cost-effective for subgrantee schools to provide universal free breakfasts under the school breakfast program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2007
Expresses the sense of the Senate on the need for a comprehensive diplomatic offensive to help broker national reconciliation efforts in Iraq and lay the foundation for the eventual redeployment of U.S. combat forces.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007
Recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2007, through October 15, 2007. Honors the heritage and culture of Hispanic Americans and their immense contributions to the life of the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (Authority) to determine whether state law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the Authority to issue in accordance with the public safety employee rights and responsibilities regulations establishing collective bargaining procedures for public safety employers and employees in states that do not substantially provide for such rights and responsibilities. Directs the Authority , in such cases, to: (1) determine the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation; (2) supervise or conduct elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a voting majority of the employees in an appropriate unit; (3) resolve issues relating to the duty to bargain in good faith; (4) conduct hearings and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices; and (5) resolve exceptions to arbitrator's awards. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of such Authority regulations and orders through appropriate state courts. Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts, sickouts, work slowdowns, or strikes. Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 silver coins in commemoration of disabled American veterans and emblematic of the design selected by the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. Expresses the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent possible, the coins should be struck at the U.S. Mint at West Point, New York. Limits the period for coin issuance to calendar year 2010. Imposes a $10 surcharge per coin, to be distributed to the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation for the purpose of establishing an endowment to support the construction of American Veterans' Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Burma; (2) calling on the government of Burma to refrain from further violence, release arrested demonstrators, cease attacks against ethnic minorities, release Aung Sang Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and begin tripartite political dialogue with Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and the ethnic minorities; (3) calling on the People's Republic of China (PRC) to remove objections to U.N. Security Council efforts to condemn actions taken by the government of Burma against the protesters; (4) calling on the PRC and other nations to suspend military assistance to Burma until civilian democratic rule is restored; (5) recognizing the many constructive statements issued by various nations, and particularly the statement issued by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on September 27, 2007; (6) that the United States and the United Nations should strongly encourage the PRC, India, and Russia to modify their position on Burma and use their influence to convince the government of Burma to engage in dialogue with opposition leaders and ethnic minorities; (7) supporting the U.N. mission to Burma led by Ibrahim Gambari; and (8) that the United States should work with the international community to pressure the government of Burma to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2007
Proven Programs for the Future of Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide that in all competitive grants awarded by the Department of Education to states or local educational agencies (LEAs) or by states to LEAs under the Act, 10% of the competitive preference points may be awarded to states and LEAs that propose to use research-proven programs, if appropriate. Requires reading instruction under the Reading First program to be research-proven or, at a minimum, meet the current requirement that it be scientifically-based. Defines "research-proven reading programs" as those that are deemed to be such programs by a Department of Education review panel and are evaluated in at least two studies, both of which meet specified minimum criteria that require the use of control groups.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2007
Education Research & Development To Improve Achievement Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award grants to research and development entities to develop, evaluate, and encourage the replication of innovations in core activities under title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Act, including: (1) instruction in mathematics, reading or language arts, and science; (2) school improvement and restructuring; (3) supplemental educational services; and (4) the Reading First program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007
Medicare Independent Living Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the in-the-home restriction for Medicare coverage of mobility devices for individuals with expected long-term needs. Deems such devices to be durable medical equipment (DME) if they are used in customary settings for the purpose of normal domestic, vocational, or community activities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007
Medicare Savings Program Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) programs (Medicare Savings Program) to increase the income eligibility levels for: (1) QMBs to 135% of the federal poverty level (FPL); and (2) SLMBs to 150% of the FPL. Eliminates the application of estate recovery for Medicare Savings Program beneficiaries. Modifies the asset tests for QMBs and SLMBs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for expedited enrollment under the Medicare Savings Program through Social Security offices. Provides for treatment of QMBs, SLMBs, and other dual eligibles as Medicare beneficiaries. Amends SSA title XIX with respect to Medicaid treatment of certain Medicare providers. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to examine and report on whether providers have attempted to make QMBs liable for deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments in violation of applicable law. Requires the Secretary to report an enforcement plan of action to Congress regarding any QMBs that have been held so liable in violation of law. Requires states to provide medical assistance to dual eligibles in MedicareAdvantage (MA) plans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become eligible for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before a condition reaches disability levels.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
National Security Letter Reform Act of 2007 or the NSL Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code, the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act to establish new criteria for the use of National Security Letters issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to wire or electronic communications service providers, financial institutions, and consumer credit reporting agencies for the production of specified records and information about customers or subscribers. Allows the issuance of a National Security Letter only where: (1) the records sought relate to an ongoing, authorized and specifically identified national security investigation (other than a threat assessment); and (2) there are specific and articulable facts for believing that such records pertain to a suspected agent of a foreign power and such agent's activities. Requires the Attorney General to establish minimization and destruction procedures for the disclosure and disposal of information and records received by the FBI in response to a National Security Letter. Revises criteria for judicial review of nondisclosure orders applicable to recipients of National Security Letters. Amends the USA Patriot Act to require expanded public disclosure of the number and types of National Security Letter requests for information. Terminates as of December 31, 2009, certain authorities for issuing National Security Letters. Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to revise procedures for, and judicial review of, access to business records in national security investigations. Directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a secure electronic system for the submission of documents and other information to courts established under FISA. Expands protections for communications service providers, financial institutions, and consumer reporting agencies that disclose subscriber or customer identifying information to a government authority when such entity reasonably believes that an emergency involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any person requires disclosure without delay. Requires the Attorney General to issue guidelines for using the least intrusive means of collecting sensitive information in national security investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2007
Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to: (1) require all regulated sellers and persons dealing in certain listed chemicals used to make methamphetamine to file self-certifications with the Attorney General in compliance with such Act; (2) require the Attorney General to publish a list of all self-certified persons on the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (3) restrict distributors of listed chemicals from selling to individuals other than self-certified regulated sellers or persons; and (4) impose penalties for negligent failure to self-certify.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2007
Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to: (1) a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine; and (2) Israel's security. Denounces the use of violence and terror. Calls on: (1) President Bush to engage Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to begin negotiations; (2) Hamas to recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce and end all terror and incitement, and accept past agreements and obligations with Israel; (3) moderate Arab states to intensify their diplomatic efforts toward a two-state solution; and (4) Israeli and Palestinian leaders to embrace efforts to achieve peace and refrain from taking any actions that would prejudice final status negotiations. Welcomes the Arab League Peace Initiative. Urges President Bush to consider appointing as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace an individual who has held cabinet rank or someone equally qualified with an extensive knowledge of foreign affairs and the Middle East region in particular.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) revise requirements for the housing assistance block grant program under such Act; (2) expand the authority of Indian tribes to conduct affordable housing activities; (3) revise compliance, auditing, and reporting requirements; (4) authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to guarantee loans to finance housing assistance programs on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas for the benefit of low-income families; and (5) extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for block grants, loan guarantees, and training and technical assistance under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2007
Declares that Congress remembers, honors, and commends the achievements of the U.S. Air Force in serving and defending the United States on the 60th anniversary of its creation as an independent military service.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2007
Medicare Anesthesiology Teaching Funding Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to set forth a special payment rule of 100% of the fee schedule amount for teaching anesthesiologists involved in the training of physician residents, if certain presence and availability requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2007
SMA Treatment Acceleration Act - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to upgrade and unify existing spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) clinical trial sites to establish a national clinical trials network for SMA. Requires the Director of NIH to ensure that such network: (1) conducts coordinated, multisite, clinical trials of pharmacological approaches to the treatment of SMA; and (2) rapidly and effectively disseminates scientific findings to the field. Requires the Director of NIH to: (1) establish an SMA data coordinating center; and (2) expand and intensify NIH programs with respect to preclinical translation research and medicinal chemistry related to SMA. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance and provide ongoing support to the existing SMA patient registry to provide for expanded research on the epidemiology of SMA. Directs the Secretary to ensure the collection and analysis of longitudinal data related to individuals of all ages with SMA. Requires the Secretary to establish the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Coordinating Committee to: (1) coordinate activities across NIH and with other federal health programs and activities relating to SMA; and (2) conduct a study to identify barriers to the development of drugs for treating SMA and similar genetic disorders. Requires the Director of NIH to establish a trans-National Institutes of Health cooperative research initiative on SMA to ensure the success of the SMA projects led by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Requires the Secretary to submit recommendations to Congress to improve and expand on incentives provided under the Orphan Drug Act and related statutes to promote SMA drug development.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp honoring Rosa Louise McCauley Parks should be issued; (2) the provision requiring that an honoree must have died at least five years before this honor should be waived; and (3) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend that such a stamp be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2007
Disapproves a specified rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services within the Department of Health and Human Services relating to a cost limit for providers operated by units of government and other provisions under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Declares that such rule shall have no force or effect.
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 · 4 September 2007
Energy Efficient Lighting for a Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish new efficiency standards for incandescent lighting. Redefines the term "general service incandescent lamp." Requires general service incandescent lamps, intermediate base incandescent lamps, and candelabra base incandescent lamps to meet specified lamp efficacy, maximum wattage, and Color Rendering Index (CRI) standards. Requires a specified maximum wattage and CRI for certain frosted, clear, and soft white lamps and modified spectrum lamps. Authorizes any person to petition to the Secretary of Energy to: (1) exempt types of general service lamps from efficiency requirements; and (2) establish standards for lamp types that are excluded from the definition of general service lamps. Requires the Secretary, by specified dates, to initiate rulemakings concerning energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps, rough service lamps, vibration service lamps, three-way incandescent lamps, 150-watt general service incandescent lamps, and shatter-resistant lamps. Sets forth specific efficiency standards that become effective if the Secretary fails to complete such rulemakings on specified dates. Requires the Secretary to initiate rulemakings concerning lamp labeling. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an annual assessment of the market for general service lamps and compact fluorescent lamps; and (2) carry out an awareness, information, and education program to help consumers understand lamp labels and make energy-efficient lighting choices. Provides for a state preemption rule for energy conservation standards for general service incandescent lamps, intermediate base incandescent lamps, and candelabra base lamps. Makes it unlawful for any manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or private labeler to distribute adapters that: (1) allow incandescent lamps that do not have medium screw bases to be installed into fixtures or lampholders with such base sockets; and (2) have a voltage range that includes 110 and 130 volts. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a lighting technology research and development program. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report describing recommendations relating to the means by which the federal government may reduce or prevent the release of mercury during the manufacture, transportation, storage, or disposal of light bulbs. Sets forth requirements concerning metal halide lamp fixtures and ballasts. Provides for a preemption rule for regulations concerning such fixtures adopted by the California Energy Commission on or before January 1, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Amends title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to rename part D (Achievement through Technology and Innovation) and reauthorize it through FY2013. Alters the current program to require states to use a portion of their allotted funds to develop challenging academic content and achievement standards to ensure that students are technologically literate before the end of grade eight. Specifies that such standards are only for tracking technological literacy and not for assessing adequate yearly progress (AYP) under title I. Permits technological literacy testing to be embedded in other state tests or performance-based assessments portfolios, or made through other valid and reliable means. Requires states to use the bulk of their part D allotment for two new subgrant programs for local educational agencies (LEAs), devoting: (1) 60% for formula subgrants to improve teaching and learning through technology; and (2) 40% for competitive subgrants for systemic school redesign through technology integration. Requires LEAs to: (1) include a new or updated local long-range strategic educational technology plan in their applications; (2) use a specified percentage of each subgrant for teacher training; and (3) use each subgrant to acquire and apply technology to identify individual student learning needs and support individualized learning. Allows LEAs that receive funds for both programs to use all the funds for systemic school redesign through technology integration program activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) conduct an annual national study and report on the extent to which student technology literacy is attained by grade eight; (2) annually publish the results of state technology literacy assessments; and (3) implement, and update every five years, a National Education Technology Plan. Requires the Secretary to award a competitive grant to an education technology research entity, or a partnership comprising such an entity and one or more educational, nonprofit, or research entities, to establish a National Center for Achievement Through Technology that will identify and disseminate promising practices and exemplary programs that effectively use educational technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Tribal Foster Care and Adoption Access Act of 2007 - Amends part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium (tribe) operating a foster care program to receive federal foster care maintenance payments for children placed in its custody if the tribe: (1) operates a foster care program under part E; (2) has a cooperative agreement with the state for such purpose; or (3) submits a description of the arrangements made for the payment of funds and the provision of the required child welfare services and protections. Specifies provisions for the modification of plans and certain other requirements regarding the operation of foster care programs. Authorizes, with respect to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program: (1) a tribe with an approved part E plan to receive a prescribed allotment to administer, supervise, or oversee plan programs; and (2) each tribe in a state that does not receive such an allotment to enter into a cooperative agreement with the state to administer, supervise, or oversee the programs to be carried out under the state's plan with respect to Indian children and to receive a portion of the state's allotment for the cost of such administration, supervision, and oversight.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Pharmacy Access Improvement (PhAIm) Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to participating pharmacies and standards for access to them. Requires that such standards ensure that enrollees residing in long-term care facilities have access to a long-term care network pharmacy. Requires prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines prompt payment as payment occurring within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 24-hour toll-free telephone number dedicated to providing Medicare prescription drug benefit information to pharmacists and pharmacy staff. Requires PDP sponsors to establish toll-free pharmacy and physician and provider hotlines. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a PDP sponsor from displaying the name, brand, logo, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Provides for submission of claims by pharmacies located in or contracting with long-term care facilities. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to analyze and report to the Secretary on the cost of dispensing covered part D drugs under a PDP or an MA-PD plan. Provides that, if the PDP sponsor uses a standard for reimbursement of pharmacies based on the cost of a drug, each contract entered into with such sponsor with respect to the plan shall require the sponsor to update the standard at least once every seven days.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Santa Fe National Forest Title Claim Resolution Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service Regional Forester, Southwestern Region, to convey to Ramona and Boyd Lawson (the claimants) specified National Forest System land in the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico (the federal land) in exchange for: (1) the granting by the claimants to the United States of a scenic easement to the federal land that protects the purposes for which such land was designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and is determined to be acceptable by the Secretary; and (2) a releasing of the United States by the claimants of their claim and any additional related claims of theirs. Declares that such conveyance of federal land constitutes a full satisfaction of the claim.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Rio Puerco Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act - Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to: (1) include representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Rio Puerco Management Committee; and (2) authorize appropriations for the Rio Puerco Watershed Management Program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Fair Medicaid Drug Payment Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate the federal upper reimbursement limit as no less than 300% of the weighted average (based on utilization) of the most recent average manufacturer prices (AMPs) for pharmaceutically and therapeutically equivalent multiple source drug products available for purchase by retail community pharmacies on a nationwide basis. Directs the Secretary to implement a smoothing process for AMPs to ensure that federal upper reimbursement limits do not vary significantly from month to month as a result of rebates, discounts, and other pricing practices. Requires a state plan to subject to prior authorization all covered outpatient drug products that are innovator multiple source drugs, if such drug products are more expensive than other biologically and therapeutically equivalent drug products available for purchase in that state by retail community pharmacies. Revises requirements for monthly reports to the Secretary of price information by manufacturers subject to rebate agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends federal law to provide that, in the case of an employee in fire protection activities: (1) heart disease, lung disease, specified cancers and infectious diseases shall be presumed to be proximately caused by the employee's employment; (2) the disability or death of an employee in fire protection activities due to such a disease shall be presumed to result from personal injury sustained while in the performance of such employee's duty; and (3) such presumptions may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.
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 · 30 July 2007
Prescribe A Book Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a Pediatric Early Literacy program under which the Secretary of Education awards matching grants to nonprofit organizations for the implementation of three-part models through which: (1) health care providers encourage parents to read aloud to their children and offer them recommendations and strategies for doing so; (2) health care providers give each visiting child between the ages of six months and five-years a new, developmentally appropriate children's book to take home and keep; and (3) volunteers reading to children in health care facility waiting areas show parents the techniques and pleasures of reading aloud to children. Requires that the books provided to children under the program be obtained at a discount.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2007
Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act - Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Labor to make unemployment compensation modernization incentive payments in FY2008-FY2012 by certain transfers from the federal unemployment account to the accounts of the states in the Unemployment Trust Fund. Prescribes a formula for determining the maximum allowable incentive payments. Specifies requirements state law must meet for the state to qualify for such a payment. Limits the use of transferred amounts to the payment of cash unemployment benefits to individuals. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to reserve specified funds out of the federal unemployment account for such incentive payments. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2013 the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) excise tax imposed on every employer.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2007
Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm, its subdivision, or a public agency. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by a public agency to a foreign country, of production of articles or in provision of services, like or directly competitive with articles which are produced, or services which are provided by the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency; and (2) instances where the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country. Provides for industry-wide certification of adversely affected workers for TAA. Increases the amount of payments for training of adversely affected workers under the Act. TAA Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for the health insurance costs of certain TAA workers and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients. Sets forth requirements to prevent a lapse of health care coverage for TAA workers and their families. Replaces alternative trade adjustment assistance for older workers provisions with eligibility requirements for wage insurance benefits to older workers who have received an industry-wide certification to apply for TAA. Increases the maximum allowance to cover costs of an adversely affected worker for job search expenses and relocation expenses. Establishes an Office of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Ombudsman. Extends the TAA program for workers through December 31, 2012. Revises the TAA program for communities negatively impacted by trade. Establishes a TAA for communities program to coordinate the federal response. Allows the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for TAA by a service sector firm. Extends the TAA program for firms through FY2012. Makes fishermen and aquaculture producers eligible for TAA without regard to whether such fishermen seek TAA based on an increase in imports of wild stock or an increase of imports of farm-raised stock. Revises TAA group eligibility requirements for certain agricultural commodity producers. Extends the TAA program for farmers through FY2012.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2007
AMT Penalty Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt taxpayers who did no owe alternative minimum tax in a preceding taxable year from penalties for failure to pay estimated tax on alternative minimum tax liabilities for the current taxable year.
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
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 · 17 July 2007
Judicial Powers Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition against U.S. courts recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by a designated Cuban national of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations as necessary to repeal such provisions, including removing or revoking any applicable prohibition on transactions or payments.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2007
Border Health Security Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the U.S. members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, to award grants to improve border residents' health. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states, local or tribal governments, trauma centers, regional trauma center coordinating entities, or public health entities for all hazards preparedness in the border area, including bioterrorism and infectious disease. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act. Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security in establishing a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the border area; and (2) is alerted to signs of health threats, disasters of mass scale, or bioterrorism along the border area. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine for the study of binational health infrastructure (including trauma and emergency care) and health insurance efforts. Amends the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act to authorize any member or staff of the Commission to provide advice or recommendations to Congress concerning issues that are considered by the Commission.