United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the temporary suspension of duty on Isobutyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and its sodium salt.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the temporary suspension of duty on 1,3,6-Naphthalenetrisulfonic acid, 7-[[2-[(aminocarbonyl)amino]-4-[[4-[4-[2-[[4-[[3-[(aminocarbonyl)amino]-4-[(3,6,8-trisulfo-2-naphthalenyl)azo]phenyl]ami o]-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]ethyl]-1-piperazinyl]- - chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]phenyl]azo]-, lithium potassium sodium salt.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the temporary suspension of duty on 2-Anthracenesulfonic acid, 4-[[3-(acetylamino)phenyl]amino]-1-amino-9,10-dihydro-9,10-d ioxo-, monosodium salt.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on chromate(4-), [7-amino-3-[(3-chloro-2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl]azo]-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonato(3)][6-amino-4-hydroxy-3-[(2-hydroxy-5-nitro-3-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-napthalenesulfonato(4-)]-, tetrasodium (p 96-1335).
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the temporary suspension of duty on 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 5-[[4-chloro-6-[(3-sulfophenyl)amino]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]ami no]-4-hydroxy-3-[[4-[[2-(sulfooxy)ethyl]sulfonyl]phenyl]azo]- , sodium salt.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the temporary duty suspensions on certain cotton shirting fabrics. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the Treasury to the Pima Cotton Trust Fund amounts equal to the duties received in the Treasury from certain imported woven fabrics of cotton since January 1, 2004. Extends the authority of the Secretary to make transfers to the Trust Fund for certain annual distributions (duty refunds) to U.S. manufacturers who certify by affidavit to have used such imported cotton in the manufacture of cotton shirts. Requires annual affidavits from shirting manufacturers and from yarn spinners.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act - Authorizes the World War I Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work rededicating the District of Columbia War Memorial as a National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 - Revises or adds provisions concerning veterans' caregiver support, including: (1) the waiver of charges for humanitarian care provided to family members accompanying severely injured veterans receiving medical care; (2) lodging and subsistence for attendants; and (3) a survey of informal caregivers. Revises or adds provisions concerning women veterans' health care, including: (1) reports, studies, and pilot programs; (2) care for women veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (3) counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service; (4) child care subsidies; and (5) care for newborn children of women veterans receiving maternity care. Revises or adds provisions concerning rural veterans' health care, including: (1) a visual impairment and orientation and mobility professionals education assistance program; (2) the use of teleconsultation and telemedicine; (3) demonstration projects on alternatives for expanding veterans' rural health care; (4) pilot programs and reports; (5) an Office of Rural Health five-year strategic plan; (6) the enhancement of Vet Centers to meet the needs of veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (7) centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; and (8) transportation grants for rural veterans service organizations. Revises or adds provisions concerning veterans' mental health care, including: (1) Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans' eligibility for counseling and services through the Readjustment Counseling Service; and (2) a study on suicides among veterans. Revises or adds provisions concerning other veterans' health care matters, including: (1) disclosures from medical records; (2) health care quality management; (3) pilot programs, studies, and reports; (4) the use of non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities for the rehabilitation of veterans with traumatic brain injury; (5) the inclusion of federally-recognized tribal organizations in certain programs for state veterans homes; and (6) a prohibition on the collection of copayments from catastrophically disabled veterans. Revises or adds provisions concerning VA personnel matters, including: (1) authorities for the retention of medical professionals; (2) limitations on overtime and weekend duty, and alternative work schedules, for nurses; and (3) standards for appointment and practice of physicians in VA medical facilities. Revises or adds provisions concerning homeless veterans, including pilot programs on financial support for entities that: (1) coordinate the provision of supportive services to formerly homeless veterans residing on military property and other permanent housing; and (2) provide outreach to inform certain veterans about pension benefits. Revises or adds provisions concerning general authorities, purposes, powers, and accountability and oversight of nonprofit research and education corporations. Designates certain VA medical facilities. Provides expanded authority of, and a uniform allowance for, VA police officers.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Internet Freedom Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from proposing, promulgating, or issuing any regulations with regard to the Internet or IP-enabled services. Makes such prohibition non-applicable to regulations that are determined necessary to: (1) prevent damage to U.S. national security; (2) ensure public safety; (3) assist or facilitate any actions taken by federal and state law enforcement agencies; or (4) ensure the solvency of the Universal Service Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Cliff Hansen, a former Senator of Wyoming. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on October 21, 2009, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Hansen.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the qualification standard for exterior windows (including skylights) and exterior doors for purposes of the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property to require such standard to meet criteria established by the 2010 Energy Star Program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to exchange approximately 20 acres of land within the boundary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, identified as Blowing Rock Reservoir, for approximately 192 acres of land owned by the town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Permits the equalization of the values of the lands proposed for exchange to be achieved by an adjustment to their acreage if they are found to be not equal in value. Requires the lands acquired by the Secretary through the exchange to be administered as part of the Parkway. Grants the Secretary, if the town wants to dispose of the reservoir property, the right of first refusal to acquire that property for the Parkway.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Pisgah National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 2009 - Modifies the boundaries of the Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina, to provide for the inclusion of certain private land and Forest Service land in the Forest. Requires an owner's consent to acquire the private land.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Amends Rule XXVI (Committee Procedure) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order in a subcommittee or committee to proceed to any legislative matter unless the legislative matter and a final budget scoring for it by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) have been publicly available on the Internet, on the official committee and CBO websites, in searchable form 72 hours before proceeding (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays except when the Senate is in session on such a day). Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the subcommittee or committee. Makes it out of order in the Senate to proceed to a legislative matter if it was proceeded to in a subcommittee or committee in violation of this Rule. Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Senate. Amends Rule XVII (Reference to Committees; Motions to Discharge; Report; Hearings Available) to apply the same rule in the Senate before it proceeds to any legislative matter. States that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the Senate's custody. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Amends Rule XXVI (Committee Procedure) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order in a subcommittee or committee to proceed to any legislative matter (except perfecting amendments) unless the legislative matter and a final budget scoring for it by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) have been publicly available on the Internet, on the official committee and CBO websites, in searchable form 72 hours before proceeding (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays except when the Senate is in session on such a day). Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the subcommittee or committee. Makes it out of order in the Senate to proceed to a legislative matter if it was proceeded to in a subcommittee or committee in violation of this rule. Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Senate. Amends Rule XVII (Reference to Committees; Motions to Discharge; Report; Hearings Available) to apply the same rule in the Senate before it proceeds to any legislative matter (other than perfecting amendments). States that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the Senate's custody. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the building rehabilitation tax credit to: (1) allow an increased 30% credit for projects involving $7.5 million or less in rehabilitation expenditures; (2) allow rehabilitated buildings used for lodging to qualify for such credit; (3) establish a 50-year placed-in-service requirement for non-historic rehabilitated buildings; (4) allow such credit for certain tax-exempt use property; (5) provide for the transferability of such credit; (6) increase the energy efficiency tax credit allowed to rehabilitated buildings; and (7) exempt from taxation refunds attributable to state historic tax credits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month 2009 (September); (2) efforts to educate Americans about infant mortality and its contributing factors; 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 its contributing factors as part of prevention and wellness strategies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month. Recognizes that every child should have a permanent and loving family. Encourages the citizens of the United States to consider adoption during the month of November and all throughout the year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Henry Bellmon, a former member of the U.S. Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on September 29, 2009, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Bellmon.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility leases in FY2010 in specified locations in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Authorizes appropriations for such leases.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2009
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the Montford Point Marines, United States Marine Corps, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. (Camp Montford Point, North Carolina, was the site for the training of the first African-American Marines.) Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the Montford Point Marines. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Protect Taxpayers From ACORN Act - Prohibits any federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other form of agreement from being awarded to, any federal funds in any other form from being provided to, or any federal employee or contractor from promoting, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and any ACORN-related affiliate. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to carry out provisions of this Act relating to contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009
Congratulates the High Point Furniture Market on its 100th anniversary as a leader in home furnishing. Honors the Market's contributions during the last 100 years. Encourages the Market to continue as the worldwide premier event of the home furnishings industry.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2009 - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to exclude from income for SSI eligibility purposes any compensation in the amount of the first $2,000 per year received by an individual for participation in clinical trials involving research and testing of treatments for rare diseases or conditions. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to make a similar exclusion from income of such compensation for the purposes of eligibility under the Medicaid program. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact of this Act on enrollment of individuals who receive SSI benefits in clinical trials for rare diseases or conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
National Oilheat Research Alliance Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 to extend the national oilheat research alliance program until February 6, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2009
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the introduction into commerce of a mid-level ethanol blend (an ethanol-gasoline blend containing greater than 10% ethanol) for use in conventional gasoline-powered onroad or nonroad vehicles and nonroad engines only if: (1) EPA's Science Advisory Board submits to the Administrator, and the Administrator provides for public notice and comment, a report describing the impact of the blend on such vehicles, emissions, and associated materials compatibility and consumer issues, the ability of the gasoline distribution infrastructure to introduce the blend without widespread misfueling by consumers, and the estimated ability of consumers to purchase gasoline other than that blend in in all areas of the United States by five years after the blend is introduced; (2) the permit or authorization is granted through the fuels and fuel additives waiver process under the Clean Air Act and the Administrator formally responds to the Board's recommendations in the waiver announcement; and (3) the blend is introduced for general use in all conventional gasoline-powered onroad and nonroad vehicles and nonroad engines in widespread use as of the date on which the Administrator authorizes that introduction.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2009
Designates room 325 of the Russell Senate Office Building, commonly referred to as the "Caucus Room," as the "Kennedy Caucus Room," in recognition of the service to the Senate and the people of the United States of Senators Edward Moore Kennedy, Robert Francis Kennedy, and John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2009
Declares that the Senate has received with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the passing of the Honorable Edward Moore Kennedy, the great Senator from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on September 8, 2009, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Designates September 26, 2009, as National Estuaries Day. Expresses the intent of the Senate to continue working to protect and restore U.S. estuaries.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2009
New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the new markets tax credit through 2014; (2) provide for an inflation adjustment to the limitation amount for such credit after 2009; and (3) allow an offset against the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2009
Preserving Public Access to Cape Hatteras Beaches Act of 2009 - Requires the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina to be managed in accordance with the Interim Protected Species Management Strategy/Environmental Assessment issued by the National Park Service (NPS) on June 13, 2007, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which the Secretary, through the Director of the NPS, issues a special regulation and long term off-road vehicle management plan for the use of the Seashore. Invalidates the consent decree filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina regarding off-road vehicle use at the Seashore.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2009
Designates August 16, 2009, 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 · 30 July 2009
Access to America's Orthopaedic Services Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish criteria for accounting and reporting the effort expended by researchers on musculoskeletal research funded with certain grants. Sets forth reporting requirements related to musculoskeletal health, including on: (1) research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (2) federal programs and activities relating to musculoskeletal trauma care; (3) a standard unit for the measurement of bone mass under the Medicare program; (4) access to orthopaedic services by certain federal health program beneficiaries; and (5) childhood musculoskeletal diseases, conditions, and injuries in the United States. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to establish the Transplantation Transmission Sentinel Network to track disease transmission from organ, tissue, or eye transplants. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations relating to the accreditation of: (1) establishments engaged in the manufacture of human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products; and (2) personnel who participate in related activities. Requires the Secretary to conduct studies related to: (1) a national registry of artificial joint replacements in Medicare beneficiaries; (2) severe trauma to extremities resulting from motor vehicle crashes; (3) workplace-related musculoskeletal injuries and conditions; (4) funding available for graduate medical education in orthopaedics; (5) methods for measuring bone mass in Medicare beneficiaries; and (6) aging in the United States. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a national public awareness program on musculoskeletal health; and (2) award grants for certain health and aging activities for seniors. Provides for priority treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and conditions within the Office of Minority Health.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Designates Richard A. Baker as Historian Emeritus of the United States Senate, as a token of the appreciation of the Senate for his long and faithful service. Makes such designation effective September 1, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to design national strategies for providing services in supportive housing that will assist in ending chronic homelessness and to implement programs that address chronic homelessness. Requires the Secretary to make matching grants to eligible entities to provide services that promote recovery and self-sufficiency and that address barriers to housing stability to chronically homeless individuals and families in, or who are scheduled to become residents of, permanent supportive housing and to other individuals and families who have voluntarily chosen to seek other housing opportunities after a period of tenancy in supportive housing. Directs the Secretary to require grantees to report data regarding the performance outcomes of projects carried out under this Act, which shall include measuring and reporting specific performance outcomes related to the long-term goals of: (1) increasing stability within the community for individuals and families who have been chronically homeless; and (2) decreasing recurrence of periods of homelessness.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2009
Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2009 - Provides hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to veterans and family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, while the water there was contaminated by volatile organic compounds, including known human carcinogens and probable human carcinogens, for any illness.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2009
Designates September 2009 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 United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2009 or SAVE Act of 2009 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) accountable financing under the Secure Border Initiative; (7) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (8) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Requires that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel check against terrorist watchlists alien smugglers and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with DHS; and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Authorizes border relief grants for local law enforcement agencies within 25 miles of the southern U.S. border. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional immigration court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009
Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for conducting and supporting research on Alzheimer's disease in FY2010-FY2014. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to: (1) give priority to conducting and supporting Alzheimer's disease research; (2) increase the emphasis on the need to conduct Alzheimer's disease prevention trials within the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (3) ensure that Alzheimer's disease is maintained as a high priority for NIH's neuroscience initiative; and (4) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's disease. Requires the Director to conduct research related to: (1) the early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and its potential precursors; (2) early onset Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (3) the relationship of vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease; and (4) interventions designed to help caregivers and improve patient outcomes. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaborative research among the Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Expands the research of Alzheimer's Disease Centers to include outcome measures and disease management. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a National Summit on Alzheimer's Disease. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct activities related to risk factors and early recognition of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administration on Aging, to award a cooperative grant for the establishment and operation of an Alzheimer's Call Center. Extends and expands demonstration projects relating to Alzheimer's disease.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009
Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit and to set penalties for: (1) creating or attempting to create a human-animal hybrid (a being with human and non-human tissue as specified in this Act); (2) transferring or attempting to transfer a human embryo into a non-human womb, or a non-human embryo into a human womb; or (3) transporting or receiving for any purpose a human-animal hybrid.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009
Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 with respect to the hours-of-service requirement airline flight crews must meet to be eligible for leave under such Act. Declares that a flight attendant or flight crewmember will be considered to meet such requirement if he or she has worked or been paid for: (1) at least 60% of the applicable total monthly guarantee, or the equivalent for the previous 12-month period for or by the employer with respect to whom such leave is requested; and (2) a minimum of 504 hours (not counting time spent on vacation leave or medical or sick leave) during such period. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide, by regulation, a method for calculating such leave for airline flight crews.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to require states to establish procedures for: (1) absentee uniform services voters and overseas voters to request and, states to send, federal election voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications by mail, electronically, and by facsimile; (2) transmittal of blank absentee ballots by mail, online, and by facsimile to absentee uniformed services voters and overseas voters; and (3) ensuring absentee uniformed services voters and overseas voters have time to vote. Directs the presidential designee to establish procedures for: (1) collecting marked absentee ballots of absentee overseas uniformed services voters in regularly scheduled federal general elections; and (2) delivering them to the appropriate state election officials. Authorizes the use of federal write-in absentee ballots in general, special, and runoff elections for federal office, and promotion and expansion of use of such ballots as a back-up measure. Prohibits refusal to accept otherwise valid voter registration and absentee ballot applications, marked absentee ballots, and federal write-ins absentee ballots for failure to meet technical requirements. Directs the presidential designee to develop standards for training, supporting, and emphasizing Voting Assistance Officers under the Federal Voting Assistance Program of the Department of Defense (DOD): (1) for all members of the uniformed services; and (2) on all installations and facilities of the uniformed services in the United States and overseas. Requires each state and the Secretary of Defense jointly to develop and implement procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at DOD pay, personnel, and identification offices. Requires the presidential designee to develop standards for states to report data on the number of absentee ballots transmitted and received and for storage of the data. Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require: (1) a state to use a requirements payment made using certain funds only to meet specified UOCAVA requirements; and (2) the state plan to describe how the state will use such requirements payment to meet UOCAVA requirements. Directs the presidential designee to establish one or more pilot programs to test the feasibility of new election technology for the benefit of absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters claiming UOCAVA rights.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Arnold Palmer (golf professional) in recognition of his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009
Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the classification, for depreciation purposes, of any motorsports entertainment complex as seven-year property.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Fixed Indexed Annuities and Insurance Products Classification Act of 2009 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to include within the class of securities exempt from its coverage any insurance or endowment policy or annuity contract or optional annuity contract: (1) whose value does not vary according to the performance of a separate account; and (2) which satisfies standard nonforfeiture laws or similar requirements of the applicable state, Territory, or District of Columbia at time of issue or, in the absence of applicable standard nonforfeiture laws or requirements, satisfies the Model Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Life Insurance or Model Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities, or any successor model law, as published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Declares without force or effect Rule 151A promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 16, 2009, and entitled "Indexed Annuities and Certain Other Insurance Contracts."
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Hunting Heritage Protection Act - Requires that federal public land be open to access and use for hunting except as limited by: (1) the federal agency with jurisdiction over the land for national security or public safety reasons or for other reasons authorized by applicable federal law for limiting access; and (2) any law of the state in which the land is located that is applicable to hunting. Directs the head of each federal agency with authority to manage a natural resource or federal public land to exercise that authority in a manner so as to support, promote, and enhance access to hunting. Instructs the head of each federal agency to ensure that federal land management decisions and actions result in no net loss of land area accessible for hunting on federal public land. Requires the heads of federal agencies with authority to manage federal public land on which hunting occurs to report annually on areas administered in which access for hunting was limited and the reasons for the limitations and on areas that were opened to hunting to compensate for areas in which there were such limitations. Prohibits a withdrawal, change of classification, or change of management status that effectively closes or limits access to 5,000 or more acres of federal public land for hunting from occurring unless the head of the federal agency that has jurisdiction over the land has submitted written notice of the action to specified congressional committees. Grants states the right to file civil actions in district courts in cases where federal agencies fail to comply with state authority to manage or regulate fish and wildlife.