United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2010
Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibition against depictions of animal cruelty to prohibit anyone from knowingly creating an animal crush video, or attempting or conspiring to do so, if: (1) such person intends or has reason to know that such video will be distributed in, or using a means or facility of, interstate or foreign commerce; or (2) such video is distributed in, or using a means or facility of, interstate or foreign commerce. Prohibits the sale, marketing, exchange, or distribution of such videos in interstate or foreign commerce, or any attempt or conspiracy to do so. Defines "animal crush video" as any photograph, motion picture, film, video or digital recording, or electronic image that: (1) depicts actual conduct in which one or more living non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury; and (2) is obscene. Extends the applicability of this Act to a person selling, marketing, advertising, exchanging, distributing, or creating animal crush videos outside the United States if: (1) such person intends or has reason to know that the animal crush video will be transported into the United States or its territories or possessions; or (2) the video is so transported. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to seven years for violations of this Act. Exempts from the application of this Act: (1) any visual depiction of customary and normal veterinary or agricultural husbandry practices, the slaughter of animals for food, or hunting, trapping, or fishing; and (2) good faith distribution of an animal crush video to a law enforcement agency or a third party for the sole purpose of determining if referral to a law enforcement agency is appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010
Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require Members of Congress to include in their annual financial disclosure reports the amount of any delinquent tax liability owed to the United States or any state or local government entity. Requires the appropriate congressional ethics committee to open an inquiry immediately into the tax delinquency of that Member to determine: (1) his or her total delinquent tax liability and reason for such delinquency; (2) whether the Member has a plan to eliminate it; and (3) whether it has reflected poorly on Congress. Requires such Member to arrange with the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives, as appropriate, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to have his or her salary reduced by an amount appropriate to pay the taxes owed to the United States within a reasonable time period.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010
Amends federal civil service law to make an individual who has a seriously delinquent tax debt ineligible to be appointed, or to continue serving, as a federal employee.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery in Richmond County, North Carolina, to the state of North Carolina to be used by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as a component of the fish culture program of the state. Requires the state to allow the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to use such property for the propagation of any critically important aquatic resource held in public trust to address the specific restoration or recovery needs of such resource. Requires the Secretary to reimburse the Commission for any costs incurred for the use of such property.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2010
Tax Hike Prevention Act of 2010 - Repeals the general terminating date (i.e., December 31, 2010) applicable to tax relief provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), thus making such provisions permanent. Repeals the provision of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 terminating the reductions in tax rates for capital gains and dividends, thus making such reductions permanent. Repeals provisions of EGTRRA repealing the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes after 2009, thus restoring such taxes, subject to the amendments made by this Act. Restores the step-up in basis tax treatment of inherited estate assets. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for annual increases in the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amount during the period of 2010 through 2020; (2) expand offsets against the AMT for certain nonrefundable tax credits; (3) retain marriage penalty relief provisions and the increased child tax credit; (4) revise the estate tax by imposing a permanent maximum estate tax rate of 35% and allowing a permanent estate tax exclusion amount of $5 million (adjusted annually for inflation) after 2009; and (5) allow a surviving spouse to increase the estate tax exclusion amount by the unused exclusion amount of his or her deceased spouse. Allows the executor of any estate of a decedent dying in 2010 to elect to apply existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 without regard to specified provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 2010
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Theodore "Ted" Fulton Stevens, former member of the U.S. Senate from Alaska. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on August 12, 2010, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Stevens.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 to revise the National Cord Blood Inventory Program, including to: (1) remove the cap of 150,000 new units of cord blood to be made available for transplantation under the Program; and (2) require an application under the Program to include a plan for, and demonstration of, ongoing measurable progress toward achieving self-sufficiency of cord blood unit collection and banking operations. Extends financial support provided under the Program for an additional five years. (Current law allows financial support for a maximum of ten years.) Sets forth requirements for such an extension, including that a qualified cord blood bank demonstrate a superior ability to satisfy the requirements of such Program and achieve the overall goals for which the contract was awarded. Redefines the term "first-degree relative" to exclude a parent. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 for the collection or maintenance of cord blood. Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the requirements of the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program to: (1) require studies and projects under such Program to include exploring novel approaches or incentives to expand the number of cord blood unit collection sites partnering with federally-supported cord blood banks; and (2) revise privacy provisions to protect the privacy of patients and donors in accordance with federal and state law. Reauthorizes appropriations for such Program for FY2011-FY2015. Directs the Comptroller General to submit a report to the relevant congressional committees and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) that reviews studies, demonstration programs, and outreach efforts to increase cord blood unit donation and collection.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide that no permit shall be required for: (1) the use of a pesticide that is registered or otherwise authorized for use under such Act; (2) the use of a biological control organism for the prevention, control, or eradication of a plant pest or noxious weed that is in accordance with the Plant Protection Act; or (3) the conduct of any other plant pest, noxious weed, or pest control activity conducted in accordance with the Plant Protection Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Achievement Through Prevention Act - Amends part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow states, local educational agencies, and schools to use school improvement funds to implement schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports and early intervening services and coordinate them with similar activities carried out under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (Early intervening services are a set of coordinated services for students in kindergarten through grade 12 who are not currently identified as needing special education or related services, but who need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in a general education environment.) Amends part D of title I of the ESEA to require states that receive funds for the education of neglected or delinquent children or youth to use positive behavioral interventions and supports and early intervening services to improve such students' academic performance and reduce their need for discipline.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Excluding Abortion Coverage from Health Reform Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prohibit federal funds from being to used to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion services. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.) Requires any qualified health benefit plan offered through an Exchange that includes coverage for abortions to also offer a qualified health benefit plan through the Exchange that is identical in every respect except that it does not cover abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require personnel who perform or plan the technical component of either medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures for medical purposes to possess, effective January 1, 2013: (1) certification in each medical imaging or radiation therapy modality and service they plan or perform from a certification organization designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); or (2) state licensure or certification where such services and modalities are within the scope of practice as defined by the state for such profession and where the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration meet or exceed the standards established by the Secretary. Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants from the requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum standards for personnel who perform, plan, evaluate, or verify patient dose for medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures; (2) establish a program for designating certification organizations after consideration of specified criteria; (3) provide a process for individuals whose training or experience are determined to be equal to, or in excess of, those of a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty to demonstrate that their experience meets the educational standards for qualified personnel in their imaging modality or radiation therapy procedures; and (4) publish a list of approved accrediting bodies for such certification organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural or health professional shortage areas as appropriate to ensure access to quality medical imaging. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow Medicare payment for medical imaging and radiation therapy services, only if the examination or procedure is planned or performed by an individual who meets this Act's requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the U.S. counterinsurgency and counterterrorism strategies have successfully enabled the Iraqi government to reach major milestones in security, governance, and rule of law and have set the conditions for reducing U.S. combat units in Iraq and changing their mission to advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces; (2) United States Forces-Iraq was instrumental in effecting the recruitment, training, retention, and employment of approximately 700,000 Iraqi Security Forces who have assumed and maintained the lead for security operations within Iraq; and (3) U.S. commanders, their troops, and their civilian partners should be commended for their ingenuity, resourcefulness, courage, commitment, sacrifice, dedication, and service.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Council for International Visitors and its efforts to promote excellence in citizen diplomacy. Commends the achievements of the thousands of citizen diplomats who have worked for generations to share the best of the United States with foreign leaders, specialists, and scholars. Designates February 16, 2011, as Citizen Diplomacy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month 2010; (2) efforts to educate people in the United States about infant mortality and the contributing factors to infant mortality; and (3) efforts to reduce infant deaths, low-birth weight, pre-term births, and disparities in perinatal outcomes. Recognizes the critical importance of including efforts to reduce infant mortality and the contributing factors as part of prevention and wellness strategies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Patients' Freedom to Choose Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 that: (1) restrict payments from health savings accounts, medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending arrangements for medications to prescription drugs and insulin only; and (2) impose a $2,500 limitation on salary reduction contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Designates September 2010 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) increase research funding commensurate with the burden of the disease; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating it.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Designates August 16, 2010, as National Airborne Day (to recognize the airborne forces of the U.S. Armed Forces). Calls on the people of the United States to observe National Airborne Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Designates September 2010 as National Child Awareness Month to: (1) promote awareness of charities benefitting children and youth-serving organizations throughout the United States; and (2) recognize efforts made by such charities and organizations on behalf of children and youth as critical contributions to the future of the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010
Health Care Bureaucrats Elimination Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Board charged with developing and submitting to the President, for Congress to consider, detailed proposals to reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Freedom for Consumer Choice Act - States U.S. government policy with regard to: (1) the promotion of the widespread availability of communications services; (2) the promotion of the integrity of communications facilities through investment and innovation in advanced communications networks; and (3) the economic regulation of communications markets. Makes it unlawful for providers of electronic communication services to engage or participate in: (1) unfair methods of competition in or affecting electronic communications networks and services; or (2) unfair or deceptive practices in or affecting such networks and services. Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), by rule, to define the acts or practices that shall constitute such unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Bars the FCC from having any authority to issue rules that declare unlawful an act or practice on the grounds that it is an unfair method of competition or unfair or deceptive act or practice, except that the FCC may declare an act or practice unlawful if: (1) marketplace competition is insufficient to adequately protect consumer welfare; and (2) such act or practice causes or is likely to cause substantial injury to consumers, is unavoidable by consumers themselves, and is outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition. Terminates any rule promulgated under this Act five years after its effective date unless the FCC makes an affirmative determination that such rule continues to be necessary. Grants the FCC the authority to hear complaints from any party injured by a violation of the prohibitions under this Act and to award damages to such party if such a violation has occurred. Sets forth specified additional authorities of the FCC.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Designates August 26, 2020, as "Montford Point Marines Day." Honors the 68th anniversary of the first day that African-American recruits began training at Montford Point (North Carolina). Recognizes the work of the Montford Point Marine Association in honoring the legacy and history of the U.S. Marine Corps and in ensuring that the sense of duty shared by the Montford Point Marines is passed along to future generations. Recognizes that: (1) the example set by the Montford Point Marines who served during World War II helped to shape the Marine Corps; and (2) the Marine Corps provides an excellent opportunity for advancement for persons of all races. Expresses gratitude to the Montford Point Marines for fighting for the freedom of the United States and the liberation of people of the Pacific, despite the practices of segregation and discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010
Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a provision (added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) that extends to corporations that are not tax-exempt the requirement to report payments of $600 or more.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Marshals Service, to mint and issue $5 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 225 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of: (1) $35 per $5 coin; and (2) $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $5 million to the Director of the United States Marshals Service National Museum, for the preservation, maintenance, and display of artifacts and documents of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires distribution of: (1) $1 million to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; (2) $1 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in support of the National Law Enforcement Museum and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; (3) $1 million to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; (4) $500,000 to the William "Bill" Degan Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (5) $500,000 to the Robert D. May Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (6) $500,000 to the Community Oriented Policing Service; and (7) $500,000 to the Retired United States Marshals Service Association. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $5 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
Commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia. Acknowledges the historic and enduring scenic, recreational, and economic value of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Robert C. Byrd, late a Senator from West Virginia. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on June 28, 2010, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Next Generation Energy Security Act of 2010 - Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to natural gas and alternative fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy. New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through December 31, 2019, the alternative fuel excise tax credit for fuels and fuel mixtures involving compressed or liquefied natural gas, the alternative motor vehicle income tax credit for vehicles powered by compressed or liquefied natural gas, the tax credit for alternative fuel refueling property for property relating to electricity, and the energy tax credit and the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources; (2) allow an offset against the regular and alternative minimum tax (AMT) for alternative motor vehicle and refueling property tax credit amounts and provide for the transferability of credit amounts; (3) allow through December 31, 2019, the issuance of tax-exempt natural gas vehicle bonds to finance natural gas vehicle projects; (4) increase the alternative motor vehicle tax credit for the purchase of vehicles fueled by compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas; (5) modify the definition of a new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle to include a vehicle that is capable of operating on compressed or liquefied natural gas and gasoline or diesel fuel; (6) allow expensing of the cost of manufacturing facility property used to produce vehicles fueled by compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas; (7) increase and extend through December 31, 2019, the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling properties for vehicles using compressed or liquefied natural gas; (8) allow accelerated depreciation of advanced nuclear power facilities; (9) allow new tax credits for investment in nuclear power facility construction and for costs related to such construction; (10) make nuclear power facilities eligible for the qualifying advanced energy project tax credit; (11) increase and extend through 2030 the tax credit for production of electricity from advanced nuclear power facilities; (12) allow a new tax credit for the creation of jobs in the commercial nuclear power industry; and (13) increase the number of plug-in electric vehicles eligible for a tax credit. Requires federal agencies to purchase dedicated alternative fuel vehicles when complying with mandatory federal fleet alternative fuel vehicle purchase requirements, unless such agencies can show that alternative fuel is unavailable or purchasing such vehicles would be impractical. Directs the Secretary of Energy to make grants to manufacturers of light duty and heavy duty natural gas vehicles for the development of energy-efficient engines. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should streamline the process for certification of natural gas vehicle retrofit kits. Nuclear Energy Expansion Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should adopt an energy policy that encourages the construction of new nuclear power plants beginning in 2010 through at least 2030. Requires the use of grant funds for five-year periods beginning on January 1, 2012, to increase the number and amounts of nuclear science talent expansion and competitiveness grants, support science primary and secondary education, and expand workforce training in the nuclear energy industry. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish and implement an expedited procedure for issuing combined construction and operating licenses for qualified new nuclear reactors. Increases funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the authority of the Secretary of Energy to cover the cost of delays in the full power operation of nuclear power plants. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the suspension of duties on watertube boilers, reactor vessel heads, and pressurizers for use in nuclear reactors. Amends the Atomic Energy Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to: (1) purchase, lease, or access facilities for nuclear fuel management purposes, including for storage, processing, or fuel fabrication involving materials containing plutonium; and (2) enter into agreements with local governments for locating used fuel storage facilities. Declares it the policy of the United States to recycle used nuclear fuel to advance energy independence, maximize the energy potential of nuclear fuel in a poliferation-resistant manner, and reduce the volume and toxicity of high-level radioactive waste. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into partnerships with private industry for nuclear fuel recycling. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate commercial used nuclear fuel treatment and recycling centers; and (2) establish a Next Generation Reactor System demonstration project. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Secretary to: (1) analyze and assess the recharging infrastructure for plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) establish a program to support the deployment and integration of plug-in electric drive vehicles in multiple regions of the United States. Provides for the transfer of unobligated amounts under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to cover revenue losses resulting from the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2010
Designates June 25, 2010, as National Huntington's Disease Awareness Day. Recognizes that all people of the United States should become more informed about and aware of Huntington's Disease.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
American Job Protection Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that require large employers to offer their full-time employees the opportunity to enroll in minimum essential coverage. Applies the Internal Revenue Code as if such provisions had never been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
American Liberty Restoration Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that require individuals to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. Applies the Internal Revenue Code as if such provisions had never been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2010
Recognizes the historical importance of the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950. Honors the noble service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces and the armed forces of allied countries that served in Korea since 1950 to the present. Encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities to pay solemn tribute to, and to never forget, the veterans of the Korean War. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to its alliance with the Republic of Korea for the betterment of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2010
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) that Israel has a right to defend itself against any threat to its citizens' safety; (2) reaffirming that the United States stands with Israel in pursuit of shared security goals, including Israel's security; (3) condemning the violent attack and provocation by extremists aboard the Mavi Marmara; (4) condemning any future such attempts to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza for the purpose of provoking violent confrontation or otherwise undermining Israel's security; (5) condemning Hamas for its failure to recognize Israel's right to exist, its human rights abuses against the residents of Gaza, and its continued rejection of a constructive path to Israeli-Palestinian peace; (6) condemning the government of Iran for supporting Hamas and undermining Israel's security; (7) encouraging the government of Turkey to recognize the importance of continued strong relations with Israel and the necessity of scrutinizing organizations with potential terrorist ties; and (8) expressing profound disappointment with the counterproductive actions of the United Nations (U.N.) regarding the May 2010 flotilla incident.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 - Revises provisions concerning the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to, among other things: (1) revise definitions concerning eligibility, and include certain National Guard service as service qualifying for such assistance; (2) revise assistance amounts (including monthly stipends), and types of approved programs of education; (3) allow the pursuit of educational programs at institutions other than institutions of higher learning, including on-job training and apprenticeships, flight training, and correspondence courses; (4) provide an assistance amount for programs of education pursued while on active duty; (5) repeal the limit on the use of such assistance for the payment of only one licensing or certification test; (6) allow an individual entitled to supplemental educational assistance to transfer such entitlement to the post-9/11 program; (7) provide for the transfer of unused educational benefits to family members in the case of individuals who are no longer members of the Armed Forces; (8) bar the duplication of benefits under other educational assistance programs; (9) include distance learning as an approved program of education; (10) increase the amount of the reporting fee paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to an educational institution for providing information concerning an individual's enrollment in a program of education; and (11) repeal the authority to make certain interval payments. Provides an alternate subsistence allowance amount for veterans entitled to such allowance due to service-connected disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
Addressing Cost Containment Measures To Ensure the Sustainability and Success of ADAP Act or the ACCESS ADAP Act - Transfers funds from discretionary amounts appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that remain unobligated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be used in FY2010 to provide assistance in reducing AIDS Drug Assistance Program waiting lists and to address other cost containment measures that state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs implement after January 1, 2009. Requires amounts transferred under this Act to be used by states in a manner consistent with their state programs. Requires the Secretary, in allocating such funds, to: (1) give special consideration to the total scope and the basis of a state's needs, including the total number of patients on a waiting list, eligibility requirements, and other cost containment measures; and (2) ensure that funds be used only to provide treatments to individuals who were eligible to participate in the state program on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
Veteran Employment Transition Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of "qualified veteran" for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit to mean recently discharged veterans and disadvantaged veterans. Defines "recently discharged veteran" to mean: (1) any individual who has served on active duty (other than active duty for training) in the Armed Forces for more than 180 total days (whether consecutive or not); (2) any individual who has been discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability; and (3) any member of the National Guard who has served for more than 180 total days (whether consecutive or not) in active duty, full-time National Guard duty, or duty in state status. Defines "disadvantaged veteran" as any veteran who is certified as being a member of a family receiving assistance under a supplemental nutrition assistance program and is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability. Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Guard to inform military personnel who are discharged or released from active duty of the work opportunity tax credit and provide them with documentation relating to eligibility for and use of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2010
Revises the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) multifamily transitional housing loan program (program) to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to issue at least five loans for the construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of land for multifamily transitional housing projects. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate loan approval authority to a state or local government entity. Terminates, as of the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary's authority under the program to guarantee loans for such purposes. Establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving Fund to fund such loans. Prohibits any federal or state law from prohibiting a program project offering preferential treatment to veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
Veterans' Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act - Requires that, whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Earmark Transparency Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Clerk of the House of Representatives, in coordination with the Secretary of the Senate, to insure the existence of a single free public searchable website that specifies certain identifying information relating to each request by Members of Congress for congressionally directed spending items (congressional earmarks). Requires a request for a congressional earmark from a Member of Congress to be made available on the website within five days of its receipt by a congressional committee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of the excise tax on beer produced within or imported into the United States for brewers who produce not more than 6 million barrels of beer a year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2010
Children of Fallen Warriors AMT Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat annuity payments to a surviving child of an eligible participant under the military's Survivor Benefit Plan as the earned income of such child, for purposes of exempting such payments from the alternative minimum tax (AMT).
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2010
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution, laws, and traditions; (2) the Convention would undermine presumptions of freedom and independence for U.S. families; (3) the Convention would interfere with the principles of U.S. sovereignty, independence, and self-government that preclude the propriety of adopting international law to govern domestic matters; and (4) the President should not transmit the Convention to the Senate for its advice and consent.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Congratulates the students, parents, teachers, and administrators of charter schools across the country for their ongoing contributions to education and our public school system. Supports the ideas and goals of the eleventh annual National Charter Schools Week (May 2-May 8, 2010).
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2010
Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to delay the implementation of the final rules entitled "Lead; Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program; Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet; Notice of Availability; Final Rule" (published on April 22, 2008) and "Lead; Amendment to the Opt-out and Recordkeeping Provisions in the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program" (signed by the Administrator on April 22, 2010) in each state until accredited certified renovator classes to train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with such rules have been held in such state for at least a year. Requires the Administrator to: (1) monitor each state to determine when such classes are offered; and (2) notify each Member of Congress about the location and time of each such class held in their state and the date on which the classes have been held for one year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2010
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act - Reauthorizes the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004 for FY2011-FY2015. Directs the Secretary of State to act through the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs in awarding grants or entering agreements with Special Olympics for activities outside the United States. Includes community-based prevention among the activities for which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) may award grants or enter into agreements with Special Olympics. Requires grant or agreement applications to include a description of specific measurable annual benchmarks, as well as long-term goals and objectives, to be achieved through specified activities, which must include: (1) activities to increase the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities in inclusive school and community activities with nondisabled people; (2) education programs that dispel negative stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities; and (3) activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics outside of the United States. Requires annual reports by Special Olympics to describe demographic data about Special Olympics participants. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements to promote the expansion of Best Buddies, including activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in social relationships and other aspects of community life, including education and employment, within the United States. Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to establish Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institutes for Sport and Social Impact. Requires recipients to use grant funds to advance the quality of life and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through research and evaluation, technical assistance, training, data collection, evaluation, collaboration, and dissemination of evidence-based best practices.
![Official portrait of Sen. Burr, Richard [R-NC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001135_200.jpg)