The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000711_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
9,405 records where Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012
Recognizes the goals and achievements of Hispanic-serving institutions across this country. Designates the week beginning September 16, 2012, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012
Designates September 29, 2012, as National Estuaries Day. Acknowledges the importance of estuaries to sustaining employment and U.S. economic well-being and prosperity. Expresses the intent of the Senate to continue working to understand, protect, and restore U.S. estuaries.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012
Honors the service of Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari as Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Commends the achievements of Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari in building an international coalition of support for Tibet that recognizes: (1) the imperative to preserve Tibet's culture and religious traditions, and (2) that the Tibetan people are entitled under international law to their own identity and autonomy within China. Acknowledges Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari's role, as a naturalized U.S. citizen, in promoting understanding in the United States of the Tibetan people, their culture and religion, and their struggle for autonomy and human rights. Supports a political solution for Tibet within China that satisfies the aspirations of the Tibetan people.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012
Calls on the government of China to: (1) facilitate access to Gao Zhisheng by his family and lawyers; (2) facilitate the release of Gao Zhisheng, including allowing him to come to the United States to be reunited with his family should he wish to do so; and (3) release all persons in China who have been arbitrarily detained.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2012
Recognizes the dedicated service and deep commitment of the four American public servants, including Ambassador John Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, in assisting the Libyan people as they navigate the complex currents of democratic transition marked in this case by profound instability. Praises Ambassador Stevens, who represented the highest tradition of American public service, for his extraordinary record of dedication to the United States' interests in some of the most difficult and dangerous posts around the globe. Sends deepest condolences to the families of those American public servants killed in Benghazi. Commends the bravery of Foreign Service Officers, U.S. Armed Forces, and public servants serving in harm's way around the globe and recognizes the deep sacrifices made by their families. Condemns the despicable attacks on American diplomats and public servants in Benghazi and calls for the perpetrators of such attacks to be brought to justice.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2012
Innovative Design Protection Act of 2012 - Extends copyright protection to fashion designs. Revises the definition of "useful article" to include an article of apparel (clothing, handbags, purses, wallets, tote bags, belts, and eyeglass frames). Excludes from protection designs embodied in a useful article made public by the designer or owner: (1) more than two years before the date of the application for registration in the case of a vessel hull design, and (2) more than three years before the date upon which protection of the design is asserted in the case of a fashion design. Prohibits considering the presence or absence of a particular color or of a pictorial or graphic work imprinted on fabric when determining the protection of a fashion design. Sets the term of protection at 3 years for a fashion design and 10 years for a design of a vessel hull. Requires the owner of a fashion design to provide written notice of the design protection to any person the design owner has reason to believe has violated or will violate such protections. Prohibits an action for infringement of a fashion design from commencing until 21 days after such written notice is provided to the defendant. Modifies infringement criteria with respect to retailers, sellers, importers, or distributors of an infringing article who did not make the article. Revises provisions concerning acting without knowledge to state that it is not infringement to make, have made, import, sell, offer for sale, or distribute any article embodying a design which was created without knowledge, either actual or reasonably inferred from the totality of the circumstances, that a design was protected and was copied from such protected design. Declares that it shall not be infringement (under specified federal protections of original designs) to be engaged in: (1) the provision of a telecommunications service, or of an Internet access service or Internet information location tool; or (2) the transmission, storage, retrieval, hosting, formatting, or translation of a communication, without selection or alteration of the content of the communication, except that deletion of a particular communication or material made by another person in a manner consistent with the Communications Act of 1934. Prohibits deeming a vessel hull design to have been copied from a protected design if it is original and not substantially similar in appearance to a protected design. Prohibits deeming a fashion design to have been copied from a protected design if it: (1) is not substantially identical in overall visual appearance to and as to the original elements of a protected design, or (2) is the result of independent creation. Rewrites the remedy for infringement to state, in general, that: (1) in the case of a vessel hull, the owner of a design is entitled, after issuance of a certificate of registration of the design, to institute an action for any infringement of the design; and (2) in the case of a fashion design, the owner of a design is entitled to institute an action for any infringement of the design after the design is made public and the 21-day notice period provided in this Act. Increases the penalty for false representation. Excludes protected fashion designs from: (1) importation enforcement regulations issued by the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service, and (2) seizure and forfeiture provisions. Limits the applicability of such regulations and provisions to specified vessel hulls.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2012
Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act of 2012 - Requires the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government sponsored enterprises or GSEs), in carrying out the Home Affordable Refinance Program, to adopt specified criteria pertaining to: (1) borrower eligibility, (2) representations and warranties, (3) prohibition on up-front fees, (4) alternative streamlined methods to determine the value of a property, (5) the purchase or guarantee of any new mortgage resulting from the refinancing of an eligible mortgage, and (6) guarantee fees. Requires the GSEs to notify all borrowers with a mortgage owned or guaranteed by a GSE about the Program and its eligibility criteria, and inform borrowers of the website required below. Directs the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to establish a single website where borrowers may: (1) determine their potential eligibility for participation in the Program, (2) see a complete list of and links to qualified lenders, (3) use a mortgage refinance calculator to calculate potential payment savings based on different interest rates, and (4) obtain tips on refinancing their loan. Directs the Director of FHFA to issue guidance to require the GSEs to make their refinancing guidelines consistent to ease the compliance requirements of qualified lenders, and in particular with respect to loans with less than 80% loan-to-value ratio and closing cost policies of the GSEs, which regulations or guidance shall be put into effect not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012
Panama-Pacific International Exposition and Panama Canal Commemorative Coins Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue, in commemoration of the centennial of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and the Panama Canal: (1) $5 octagonal gold coins, (2) $5 round gold coins, (3) $1 silver coins, and (4) half-dollar clad coins. Requires the design of such coins to be a close likeness of the two gold and one half-dollar coins issued by the San Francisco Mint at the opening of the Pan-Pacific Exposition and the medal awarded to every U.S. citizen who worked for a continuous two-year period on the construction of the Panama Canal. Restricts the issuance of such coins to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2015. Prescribes the sale price of the coins and coin surcharges. Requires such surcharges to be distributed to: (1) the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society for the design and construction of appropriate exhibitions in the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society; and (2) the National Park Foundation to be used for programs, construction, or preservation work at President Theodore Roosevelt's home in Oyster Bay, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012
Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2012 - Requires a rental company that receives a Secretary of Transportation (DOT) ordered notification from the manufacturer of a covered rental vehicle of equipment defect, or noncompliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards, during the vehicle rental period to contact the renter and any authorized driver of the vehicle about the defect or noncompliance. Covers a rental vehicle: (1) rated at 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less, (2) rented without a driver for an initial term of under 4 months, and (3) that is part of a motor vehicle fleet of 5 or more motor vehicles used for rental purposes by a rental company. Authorizes a rental company that receives notification of a defect or the noncompliance of a new vehicle or new replacement vehicle equipment in the company's possession to rent such vehicle or equipment only if the defect or noncompliance is remedied. Prohibits a rental company from knowingly making inoperable any safety devices or elements of design installed on or in a compliant motor vehicle or vehicle equipment unless the company reasonably believes such vehicle or equipment will not be used when the devices or elements are inoperable. Authorizes the Secretary, upon request, to inspect records of a rental company with respect to a safety investigation. Authorizes the Secretary to require a rental company to keep records or make reports for purposes of compliance with federal motor vehicle safety orders or regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to study the effectiveness of the amendments made by this Act and of other activities of rental companies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012
Condemns the unlawful international abduction of all children. Urges countries identified by the Department of State as noncompliant or demonstrating patterns of noncompliance with the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction to fulfill their commitment under international law to implement the Convention. Calls on all countries to: (1) accede to or ratify the Convention, or (2) develop a mechanism for the resolution of current and future cases of international parental child abduction. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should aggressively pursue the return of each child abducted by a parent from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012
Expresses the Senate's deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Sally Ride (the first woman from the United States to travel in space) on her death. Mourns the loss of Dr. Ride, a trailblazing pioneer who inspired millions of individuals, especially women and girls, to reach for the stars. Expresses appreciation for all of Dr. Ride's contributions to science, physics, education, and human spaceflight.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012
Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to democracy, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law. Condemns the ongoing human rights violations committed by the government of Vietnam against the Vietnamese people. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and all other appropriate U.S. government officials to ensure that U.S.-Vietnam relations include robust discussion on Vietnam's troubling human rights record. Encourages the Secretary to place Vietnam on the list of Countries of Particular Concern with regard to religious freedom. Urges the President, the Secretary, and other world leaders to support the human rights of the people of Vietnam and to call on the President of Vietnam to: (1) release all political and religious prisoners; and (2) protect freedom of expression, assembly, association, or religion.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2012
Uninterrupted Scholars Act - Amends provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 that prohibit the Department of Education from funding educational agencies or institutions that release student educational records (or personally identifiable information other than certain directory information) to any individual, agency, or organization without written parental consent. Expands the list of organizations exempt from such prohibitions (thereby permitting the educational agencies or institutions participating in a Department of Education program to release records or identifiable information to such organizations without parental consent) to include: (1) organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, child welfare agencies to improve educational outcomes for students in foster care; and (2) state or local welfare agencies or tribal organizations responsible for a student's placement and care, provided that any disclosure of records for a student's educational needs is consistent with confidentiality laws in the state applicable to personal records. Permits the release of such records and information without additional notice to parents and students when a parent is a party to a child welfare court proceeding and a court order has already been issued in the context of that proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2012
Uninterrupted Scholars Act - Amends provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 that prohibit the Department of Education from funding educational agencies or institutions that release student educational records (or personally identifiable information other than certain directory information) to any individual, agency, or organization without written parental consent. Expands the list of organizations exempt from such prohibitions (thereby permitting the educational agencies or institutions participating in a Department of Education program to release records or identifiable information to such organizations without parental consent) to include: (1) organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, child welfare agencies to improve educational outcomes for students in foster care; and (2) state or local welfare agencies or tribal organizations responsible for a student's placement and care, provided that any disclosure of records for a student's educational needs is consistent with confidentiality laws in the state applicable to personal records. Permits the release of such records and information without additional notice to parents and students when a parent is a party to a child welfare court proceeding and a court order has already been issued in the context of that proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2012
Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2012 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) implementation of the United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP) is paramount in improving the lives of women around the world and increasing global stability and prosperity; (2) Congress supports the goals and ideals of NAP; and (3) the President should designate a person on the staff of the National Security Council (NSC) to be responsible for promoting NAP. States that: (1) it is U.S. policy to implement NAP; (2) the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) should integrate gender into diplomatic and strategic and planning processes; and (3) federal agencies shall ensure that the tenets of NAP are incorporated into programs for conflict prevention, humanitarian and disaster response, peacekeeping, and democracy promotion. Urges the Secretary, the Administrator, the Secretary of Defense (DOD), and representatives of other federal agencies to: (1) implement NAP and ensure relevant personnel training; and (2) facilitate partner government efforts to improve women's inclusion in peace and security processes, conflict prevention, peace-building and decision-making institutions in conflict-affected environments.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2012
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2012
Medicare Diabetes Prevention Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover items and services furnished under a diabetes prevention program to an eligible individual. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish criteria for a diabetes prevention program in accordance with the standards under the National Diabetes Prevention Program established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Expresses the sense of the Senate that the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program presents an opportunity for states to reduce the incidence of diabetes among individuals enrolled in their Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2012
Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to require the licensing of ammunition dealers. Prohibits any person except a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from: (1) selling ammunition, with an exception for a sale of ammunition to a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer; or (2) engaging in the business of importing or manufacturing ammunition, or in the course of such business, from shipping, transporting, or receiving ammunition. Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from: (1) transferring ammunition to a person without verifying the person's identity by examining a valid identification document containing a photograph of such person; or (2) selling or delivering any ammunition (currently, any armor-piercing ammunition) to any person unless the licensee notes in his records the person's name, age, and place of residence, if the person is an individual, or the person's identity and principal and local places of business, if the person is a business entity. Applies prohibitions applicable to the shipping or transport of firearms, and record-keeping requirements applicable to the importation, production, shipment, receipt, sale, or other disposition of firearms, to ammunition. Requires each licensee to: (1) prepare a report of multiple sales or other dispositions whenever the licensee sells or otherwise disposes of more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition to an unlicensed person at one time or during any five consecutive business days; and (2) forward such report to the specified office and to the department of state police, the state law enforcement agency, or the local law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction in which the sale took place by the close of business on the day the multiple sale occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2012
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to increase the federal minimum wage for employees to: (1) $8.10 an hour on the first day of the third month after the enactment of this Act; (2) $8.95 an hour after one year; (3) $9.80 an hour after two years; and (4) the amount determined by the Secretary of Labor (based on increases in the Consumer Price Index) after three years, and annually thereafter. Increases the federal minimum wage for tipped employees to $3.00 an hour for one year on the first day of the third month after the enactment of this Act. Provides a formula for subsequent annual adjustments of the wage increase to ensure that it remains equal to 70% of the wage in effect under FLSA for other employees. Directs the Secretary of Labor, 60 days before any increase in the minimum wage, to publish it in the Federal Register and on the Department of Labor's website.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2012
Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act of 2012 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from extending credit to a consumer under an open end consumer credit plan (credit card) for which the fee and interest rate exceeds 36%. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Empowers state Attorneys General to enforce this Act. Revises requirements for a periodic statement for each billing cycle with respect to where the total finance charge exceeds 50 cents for a monthly or longer billing cycle, or the pro rata part of 50 cents for a billing cycle shorter than monthly. Requires inclusion of the fee and interest rate, displayed as "FAIR," instead of the total finance charge expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR).
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2012
Success Ultimately Comes from Capital, Contracting, Education, Strategic Partnerships, and Smart Regulations Act of 2012 or SUCCESS Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to temporarily extend: (1) the 100% exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock, (2) the increased tax deduction for business start-up expenses, (3) a reduction from 10 to 5 years in the recognition period for built-in gains of S corporations, (4) the five-year carryback of tax credit amounts of eligible small businesses, and (5) the increased expensing of depreciable business assets. EXCEL Act of 2012- Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee the payment of up to $4 billion per fiscal year for debentures or participating securities issued by small business investment companies (SBICs) to encourage the formation and growth of small businesses, (2) increase the maximum amount of outstanding leverage for two or more commonly-controlled SBICs, (3) authorize annual inflationary adjustments of such limits, (4) direct the Administrator to make publicly available specified fiscal and related information with respect to each SBIC, and (5) allow SBIC licensing fees to be used for SBIC program needs other than the costs of licensing examinations. Expresses the sense of Congress supporting SBIC partnerships with community banks and other lenders. Amends the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to extend through March 27, 2014 (under current law, through September 27, 2012) the authority for SBA refinancing of small business debt not involving business expansion under the SBA's local development business loan program. Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator to make publicly available a user-friendly database of information related to lenders making loans under such Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Small Business Export Growth Act of 2012 - Requires certain reports to Congress: (1) on improving access to export information on the Export.gov website, and (2) for developing a single website for complying with and disseminating information about U.S. export control laws and regulations. Requires: (1) at least one outreach event each fiscal year in each state with respect to sales opportunities for the export of small business goods and services, (2) the establishment of a Small Business Inter-Agency Task Force on Export Financing, (3) a program to cross-train export finance specialists with respect to the promotion of exports by rural small businesses, (4) a program to register export management companies, and (5) development of a small business trade strategy. Adds the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to the list of U.S. territories and possessions eligible for SBA grants to carry out export programs that assist certain small businesses. Directs the Administrator to develop and submit to Congress a plan for using SBA entrepreneurial development programs to create jobs during FY2013-FY2014. Women's Small Business Ownership Act of 2012 - Directs the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership to address issues concerning the management, operations, manufacturing, technology, finance, retail and product sales, international trade, government contracting, and other disciplines required for starting, operating, and increasing the business of a small business. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to qualifying entities to conduct projects designed to provide training and counseling meeting the needs of women business owners, especially socially and economically disadvantaged women business owners. Directs the Comptroller General (CG) to study and report to Congress on: (1) the unique economic issues facing women's business centers located in predominately rural, urban, or insular areas; and (2) SBA oversight of women's business centers. Requires that, after December 31, 2013, the Administrator make certain minority entrepreneurship and innovation grants only to institutions of higher education that are accredited (and not merely in preaccreditation status) by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Increases SBDC funding levels. Allows the Administrator to authorize a SBDC to provide assistance to small businesses outside the state of that SBDC, without regard to geographical proximity, if the small business is in an area for which the President has declared a major disaster. Terminates SBDC authority to assist small businesses in responding to the impact of planned closures or force reductions at nearby military facilities. Repeals: (1) the Paul D. Coverdell drug-free workplace demonstration program, and (2) the National Veterans Business Development Corporation. Allows the Administrator to guarantee a surety against any loss resulting from the breach of a bond by a principal on any work order or contract amount up to $5 million (under current law, up to $2 million). Requires the Administrator to reimburse such a surety unless the total contract exceeds such increased amount. Small Business Contracting Fraud Prevention Act of 2012 - Includes under penalties for misrepresentation a business that misrepresents itself as a small business owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. Includes under such penalties misrepresentation for purposes of the award of a grant or cooperative agreement through the SBA. Expands authorized remedies to include civil remedies available under the False Claims Act, as well as the amount actually received from the federal government under a contract, grant or cooperative agreement, or losses sustained. Provides additional events or instances under which an entity shall be considered to have misrepresented its status. Requires an entity seeking status as a small business owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans to submit an annual certification of such status, and to register with specified databases that track veteran small businesses. Amends the 8(a) (SBA general small business loan) program to direct the CG, every three years, to evaluate the program and report evaluation results. Requires related program oversight by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to: (1) ensure the accuracy and appropriate revision of HUBZone (heavily underutilized business zone) maps, (2) ensure that only small businesses determined to be qualified to participate in HUBZone programs are participating, (3) report on HUBZone small business applications or recertifications, and (4) develop measures and implement plans to assess the effectiveness of the HUBZone program. Requires an annual report from the Administrator on suspensions, debarments, and prosecutions related to unauthorized participation in, or misrepresentation under, SBA programs. Fairness in Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 - Revises provisions concerning the procurement program for women-owned small businesses (providing a federal procurement contracting preference to such businesses) to: (1) remove the requirement that the woman or women owning such business be economically disadvantaged, (2) remove contract award price limits, and (3) allow a contracting officer to award a sole source contract to such a business under the same conditions as such a contract may be awarded to a qualified HUBZone small business. Directs the Administrator to periodically conduct a study to identify any U.S. industry in which women are underrepresented. Small Business Champion Act of 2012 - Requires the Director of the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (established in each federal agency having procurement functions) to be compensated at least at the GS-15 rate, and allows such position to be compensated at up to a Senior Executive Service level. Provides additional Director duties. Amends the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to require the Small Business Procurement Advisory Council to: (1) conduct reviews of each Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to determine compliance with SBA requirements, and (2) identify best practices for maximizing small business utilization in federal contracting. Expresses the sense of Congress in support of reduced paperwork burdens on small businesses and in maximizing their use of common applications in interaction with federal agencies. Establishes the Executive Committee on a Small Business Common Application. Requires a CG report evaluating the status of programs authorized and amendments made under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2012
Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to transfer to the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) 14 C-27J aircraft that are excess to DOD needs and that acceptable for use by the Forest Service for wildfire suppression purposes. Grants the USDA Secretary priorty over other federal agencies regarding such transfers. Allows the DOD Secretary during FY2013-FY2017 to sell aircraft and aircraft parts that are excess to DOD needs to persons or entities contracting with the federal government for wildfire suppression purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2012
National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission to evaluate and make recommendations regarding better coordination and leveraging of federal programs that relate in any way to supporting appropriate clinical care for people with pre-diabetes and diabetes. Sets forth the duties of the Commission, which shall include: (1) evaluating HHS programs, (2) identifying current activities and critical gaps in federal efforts to support clinicians in providing care to people with pre-diabetes and diabetes, (3) recommending how an outcomes-based registry may be developed and then used to evaluate various care models and methods, (4) evaluating and expanding education and awareness to health care professionals regarding clinical practices for the prevention of diabetes and the precursor conditions of diabetes, and (5) reviewing and recommending appropriate methods for outreach and dissemination of educational resources related to diabetes prevention and treatments. Requires the Commission to submit to the Secretary and Congress an operating plan for carrying out the activities of the Commission that may include specific activities the Commission plans to conduct, a plan for completing the activities, a budget for such activities, and a plan for evaluating the value and potential impact of the Commission's work and recommendations, including the possible continuation of the Commission for purposes of overseeing their implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2012
Condemns the atrocities that occurred in Aurora, Colorado, on July 20, 2012. Offers condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were killed. Expresses hope for the rapid and complete recovery of the wounded. Applauds the hard work and dedication exhibited by the hundreds of officials and others who offered support and assistance. Honors the resilience of the community of Aurora and Colorado.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2012
Recognizes the heroic efforts of firefighters and military personnel to contain wildfires and protect lives, homes, natural resources, and rural economies throughout the United States. Encourages: (1) people and the federal government to express appreciation to the men and women in the firefighting services, (2) people and communities to act diligently in preventing and preparing for a wildfire, and (3) people to keep in their thoughts the individuals who have suffered as a result of wildfire.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2012
Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act - Establishes the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area, to comprise approximately 319,300 acres of federal land within Napa, Lake, Mendocino, and Yolo Counties in California. States that the purpose of the Conservation Area is the conservation, protection, and enhancement of the ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources of the lands included in the Area for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Continues to provide private landowners with adequate access to inholdings in the Conservation Area. Allows only those uses of the Conservation Area that would further the purposes for which it is established. Requires a comprehensive plan for the protection and management of the federal lands included within the Conservation Area. Requires such plan to: (1) assess the impacts of climate change, (2) include a comprehensive weed management strategy, and (3) include a plan to address the public safety and environmental clean-up issues associated with illegal marijuana production. Permits grazing in the Conservation Area: (1) where established before this Act's enactment, or (2) through issuing annual permits for non-commercial grazing to control noxious weeds. Establishes the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Advisory Council to advise with respect to the preparation and implementation of the management plan. Requires the appointment of one Council member to represent Native American Tribes.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2012
Military Service Integrity Act of 2012 - Revises provisions prohibiting the unauthorized purchase, sale, or use of military medals or decorations. Repeals a prohibition against knowingly wearing such a medal when not authorized to do so. Adds the requirement that a person act with the intent of securing a tangible benefit or personal gain to the prohibition against knowingly, falsely, and materially representing oneself as having served in the U.S. Armed Forces or having been awarded any decoration, medal, ribbon, or other device authorized by Congress or pursuant to federal law for the Armed Forces. Defines "tangible benefit or personal gain" to include: (1) a benefit relating to military service provided by the federal government or a state or local government, (2) employment or professional advancement, (3) financial remuneration, (4) an effect on the outcome of a criminal or civil court proceeding, and (5) an impact on one's personal credibility in a political campaign. Repeals provisions providing for enhanced penalties for offenses involving a Congressional Medal of Honor, a distinguished-service cross, a Navy cross, an Air Force cross, a silver star, or a Purple Heart.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2012
Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2012 or DISCLOSE Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to redefine the term "independent expenditure" as an expenditure by a person that, when taken as a whole, expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy because it can be interpreted by a reasonable person only as advocating the election or defeat of a candidate, taking into account whether the communication involved mentions a candidacy, a political party, or a challenger to a candidate, or takes a position on a candidate's character, qualifications, or fitness for office. Expands the period during which certain communications are treated as electioneering communications. Prescribes disclosure requirements for corporations, labor organizations, and certain other entities, including a political committee with an account established for the purpose of accepting donations or contributions that do not comply with the contribution limits or source prohibitions under FECA (but only with respect to such accounts). Repeals the prohibition against political contributions by individuals age 17 or younger.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2012
Recognizes and commends the Catholic Sisters of the United States, whose inspiring legacy of service enriches the nation. Honors the contributions of Catholic Sisters to the nation. Stands in solidarity with Catholic Sisters in their work toward a more just society for all of God's people.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2012
Prostate Cancer Detection Research and Education Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to establish an advisory council on prostate cancer to draft a plan for the development and validation of an accurate test or tests to detect and diagnose prostate cancer. Terminates the advisory council on December 31, 2016. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to coordinate and intensify research in accordance with the plan developed under this Act, with particular attention provided to leveraging existing research to develop and validate a test or tests, such as biomarkers or imaging, to detect and accurately diagnose prostate cancer. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of prostate cancer, and (2) award grants to nonprofit private entities to test alternative outreach and education strategies to increase the awareness and knowledge of Americans with respect to prostate cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2012
Declares that the Senate should observe a minute of silence to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack and remember those who lost their lives. Urges the International Olympic Committee to: (1) take the opportunity afforded by that anniversary to remind the world that the Olympics were established to send a message of hope and peace through sport and athletic competition, and (2) recognize those who lost their lives at the 1972 Munich Olympics with a minute of silence at the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony in an effort to reject and repudiate terrorism as antithetical to the Olympic goal of peaceful competition.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2012
GI Bill Protection Act of 2012 - Prohibits any person, except with written permission from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), from using the phrases "GI Bill" and "Post-9/11 GI Bill" in connection with any promotion, goods, services, or commercial activity in a manner reasonably tending to suggest that such use is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the VA or any component thereof. Provides that any violation determination shall be made without regard to any inclusion of a disclaimer of affiliation. Provides for violation enforcement through the Attorney General.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2012
Equal Employment Opportunity Restoration Act of 2012 - Amends the federal judicial code to permit one or more members of a group seeking relief for discriminatory employment practices under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, equal rights laws under the Revised Statutes, or the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 to sue on behalf of all members of the group if the representative party shows, by a reasonable inference, that: (1) members of the group are so numerous that their joinder is impracticable; (2) claims of the representative party are typical of the claims of the group the representative party seeks to represent and the representative party and the representative party's counsel will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the group; and (3) members of the group are, or have been, subject to an employment practice that has adversely affected or is adversely affecting a significant portion of the group's members. (Thus establishing a new standard for employees bringing group actions for certain employment discrimination, notwithstanding the Supreme Court decision in Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes , which required "convincing proof of a companywide discriminatory pay and promotion policy" as a prerequisite to class certification.) Permits a representative party to challenge a subjective employment practice covered by any of the above-referenced employment statutes in a group action filed under this Act to the same extent as the party may challenge any other employment practice covered by such a statute in such an action. Defines a "subjective employment practice" as: (1) an employer's policy of leaving personnel decisions to the unguided discretion of supervisors, managers, and other employees with authority to make such personnel decisions; or (2) an employment practice combining such a subjective employment practice with other types of personnel decisions. Prohibits the fact that individual supervisors, managers, or other employees with authority to make personnel decisions may exercise discretion in different ways in applying a subjective employment practice under such a statute from precluding a representative party from filing a corresponding group action. Allows a representative party to elect to proceed in a group action under this Act or in a class action under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2012
Celebrates the accomplishments of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, in increasing opportunities for women and girls in all facets of education. Reaffirms the Act's commitment to and continued importance in: (1) ending discrimination against women and girls in elementary, secondary, and higher education; and (2) providing them with equal opportunities in athletics.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2012
Designates June 19 as an annual day of patriotic and national observance for Juneteenth Independence Day. (On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved African Americans were free.) Requests that the President issue a proclamation each year calling on state and local governments and the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2012
Designates June 20, 2012, as American Eagle Day. Applauds the issuance of bald eagle commemorative coins by the Secretary of the Treasury as a means by which to generate critical funds for the protection of bald eagles. Encourages educational entities, organizations, businesses, conservation groups, and government agencies with a shared interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate and develop educational tools for use in the public schools of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2012
Congratulates the Los Angeles Kings on winning the 2012 Stanley Cup Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2012
Recognizes the historical significance to the nation, and supports the continued celebration, of Juneteenth Independence Day (June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved African Americans were free). Declares the sense of the Senate that: (1) history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the future, and (2) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2012
Federal Buildings Designation Act of 2012 - Redesignates: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters located at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, DC, known as the Ariel Rios Building, as the "William Jefferson Clinton Federal Building"; and (2) the federal building and U.S.courthouse located at 200 East Wall Street in Midland, Texas, known as the George Mahon Federal Building, as the "George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush United States Courthouse and George Mahon Federal Building." Designates: (1) the federal building housing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) headquarters located at 99 New York Avenue N.E., Washington, DC, as the "Eliot Ness ATF Building"; and (2) the reflecting pool located on the grounds of such building as the "Ariel Rios Reflecting Pool."
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2012
Condemns Russia for: (1) supporting the Assad regime in Syria, and (2) opposing U.N. Security Council resolutions regarding Syria. Concludes that Russia's actions: (1) have enabled the Assad regime to maintain power and perpetrate mass atrocities, and (2) undermine U.S. national security interests as well as the stability of the Middle East. Urges Russia to: (1) end all weapons transfers to the Assad regime; (2) support international sanctions against Syria; and (3) support a peaceful transition of leadership in Syria, starting with the early departure of Bashar al-Assad.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2012
Designates the week of September 16, 2012, as Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week. Reaffirms the importance of an enhanced and coordinated research effort aimed at improving the understanding of primary mitochondrial diseases and the development of treatments and cures. Commends the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for its efforts to organize a symposium to improve the understanding of mitochondrial diseases and to enhance collaboration and chart a course for future mitochondrial disease research. Encourages NIH to place a greater priority on research into primary mitochondrial diseases, to continue to explore the connections between mitochondrial dysfunction and other systemic diseases, to promote collaboration and coordination among the Institutes of NIH and with other organizations, and to consider the recommendations and address research directions identified in the white paper developed from the symposium.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012
Safe Skies Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, to modify a specified Department of Transportation (DOT) final rule relating to flightcrew member duty and rest requirements so that the requirements under that rule apply to all-cargo flightcrew members to the same extent they apply to air passenger flightcrew members.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012 - Amends the Egg Products Inspection Act to revise housing and treatment of egg-laying hens and related enforcement provisions. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to delegate to the California Department of Food and Agriculture certain enforcement authority with respect to eggs produced, shipped, handled, transported or received in California prior to the date that is 18 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act of 2012 - Establishes the Commission to Accelerate the End of Breast Cancer to help end breast cancer by January 1, 2020. Directs the Commission to: (1) identify opportunities and ideas within the public and private sectors, basic and applied sciences, and epidemiology that can be turned into real world strategies to prevent breast cancer and breast cancer metastasis; (2) recommend projects to leverage such opportunities and ideas in the areas of the primary prevention of breast cancer and the causes and prevention of breast cancer metastasis; (3) promote ideas that are intellectually compelling and innovative; (4) accelerate potentially transformational scientific advances that are not being prioritized within the federal government and that are unlikely to be achieved by the private sector; (5) identify promising but underdeveloped areas of research that would benefit from a cluster of support from government, industry, and academia to rapidly advance knowledge into practices; (6) create opportunities for transdisciplinary, cross-cutting collaborations; (7) submit its strategic vision within six months after its initial members are appointed; and (8) ensure that its activities are coordinated with, and do not duplicate the efforts of, programs and laboratories of other government agencies. Directs the President to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine for an evaluation of the Commission's progress. Establishes the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Fund to carry out this Act. Terminates the Commission on June 1, 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Reaffirms that the U.S. government and the governments of other responsible countries have a vital interest in working together to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. Warns that time is limited to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. Urges economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran until it implements: (1) suspension of uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities and is in compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions, (2) cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning Iran's nuclear activities, and (3) a permanent agreement that verifiably assures that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful. Supports: (1) the P5+1 process, (2) the universal rights and democratic aspirations of the people of Iran, and (3) U.S. policy to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. Joins the President in ruling out any policy that would rely on containment as an option in response to the Iranian nuclear threat. States that nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an authorization for the use of force or a declaration of war.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Commends Rotary International and others for their efforts in vaccinating children around the world against polio and for the tremendous strides made toward eradicating the disease. Encourages the United States and the international community to remain committed to the elimination of polio.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Expresses profound sorrow and deep regret regarding the death of the Honorable James Abdnor, former member of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for South Dakota, on May 16, 2012. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 24, 2012, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the former Member of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2012
Families for Foster Youth Stamp Act of 2012 - Requires the United States Postal Service, for a period of at least four years, to provide for the issuance and sale of a semipostal in order to increase funding for effective programs targeted at improving permanency outcomes for youth in foster care. Divides the amount received from such sales equally between: (1) programs and activities under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 that specifically target improvement in permanency outcomes for youth in foster care through adoption, guardianship, or kinship care; and (2) the program for state courts to assess and improve handling of proceedings relating to foster care and adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2012
Commends the exemplary and courageous service and sacrifice of each of the patriotic women of the United States who served in American Red Cross Clubmobiles during the Second World War, providing coffee, doughnuts, and a connection to home to U.S. soldiers. Honors Clubmobile women who lost their lives during such War. Calls upon War historians to recognize and describe the service of the Clubmobiles and to not let this important piece of U.S. history be lost. Urges the American Red Cross to publicly commemorate the stories of the Clubmobiles and the women who served in them.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2012
Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends the portion of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) known as the Equal Pay Act to revise remedies for, enforcement of, and exceptions to prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages. Revises the exception to the prohibition for a wage rate differential based on any other factor other than sex. Limits such factors to bona fide factors, such as education, training, or experience. States that the bona fide factor defense shall apply only if the employer demonstrates that such factor: (1) is not based upon or derived from a sex-based differential in compensation, (2) is job-related with respect to the position in question, and (3) is consistent with business necessity. Makes such defense inapplicable where the employee demonstrates that: (1) an alternative employment practice exists that would serve the same business purpose without producing such differential, and (2) the employer has refused to adopt such alternative practice. Revises the prohibition against employer retaliation for employee complaints. Prohibits retaliation for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing the wages of the employee or another employee in response to a complaint or charge, or in furtherance of a sex discrimination investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, or an investigation conducted by the employer. Makes employers who violate sex discrimination prohibitions liable in a civil action for either compensatory or (except for the federal government) punitive damages. States that any action brought to enforce the prohibition against sex discrimination may be maintained as a class action in which individuals may be joined as party plaintiffs without their written consent. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages in a sex discrimination action. Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities for negotiation skills training programs for girls and women. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Education to issue regulations or policy guidance to integrate such training into certain programs under their Departments. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and provide information to employers, labor organizations, and the general public regarding the means available to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. Establishes the Secretary of Labor's National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect from employers pay information data regarding the sex, race, and national origin of employees for use in the enforcement of federal laws prohibiting pay discrimination. Directs: (1) the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to continue to collect data on women workers in the Current Employment Statistics survey, (2) the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to use specified types of methods in investigating compensation discrimination and in enforcing pay equity, and (3) the Secretary to make accurate information on compensation discrimination readily available to the public. Directs the Secretary and the Commissioner [ sic ] of the EEOC jointly to develop technical assistance material to assist small businesses to comply with the requirements of this Act.