United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010
Extension of Health Care Eligibility for Veterans Who Served at Qarmat Ali Act - Makes eligible for hospital and nursing home care and medical services for any disability, notwithstanding sufficient medical evidence to conclude that such disability is associated with exposure to sodium dichromate (or other toxic substances), a veteran who: (1) served on active duty at or near the water injection plant at Qarmat Ali, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom; (2) is notified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) of possible exposure to sodium dichromate during such service; and (3) enrolls in the VA patient enrollment system within five years after such notification. Authorizes the Secretary to base a notification of possible exposure to sodium dichromate (or other toxic substances) on information received from the Secretary of Defense (DOD).
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Electricity Reliability Protection Act of 2010 - Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Corps of Engineers, or the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) of the Department of the Interior to implement, administer, or enforce any policy or procedure set forth in either the memorandum entitled "Enhanced Surface Coal Mining Pending Permit Coordination Procedures" or the EPA guidance entitled "Improving EPA Review of Appalachian Surface Coal Mining Operations under the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and the Environmental Justice Executive Order," until the EPA, the Corps of Engineers, or OSMRE promulgates regulations to implement it after providing notice and an opportunity for comment in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, to prescribe a special rule for applying Medicare electronic health record (EHR) incentive payments, at the election of a qualified main hospital, to its remote inpatient locations. Prohibits administrative or judicial review of: (1) the methodology and standards for determining a remote inpatient location, a qualified remote inpatient location, a component facility, a qualified component facility, a main provider, and a qualified main provider, and which such locations, facilities, and providers are qualified; and (2) the methodology and standards for the election in connection with such special rule. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to set forth a special rule for applying Medicaid EHR incentive payments, at the election of a qualified main hospital, to its remote locations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2010 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit an individual debtor to exempt from the property of the estate in bankruptcy a single rifle, shotgun, or pistol of any value or any combination of rifle, shotgun, or pistol in aggregate value not to exceed $1,500. Declares the date of enactment as the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Universal Service Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 regarding the review of universal service requirements to require: (1) the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to complete recommendations for changes within 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete consideration of such recommendations within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Includes high-speed broadband services within universal service. Revises universal service principles. Sets forth methodology provisions for assessing contributions to universal service support mechanisms from communications service providers. Provides support contribution limits. Directs the FCC to develop: (1) a new cost model for the provision of high-cost support to eligible communications service providers for universal service in rural, insular, and high cost areas; and (2) a mechanism for reducing or eliminating the high-cost support provided to an incumbent local exchange carrier in the competitive portions of such carrier's service areas. Prohibits the FCC from reducing high-cost support to tribal lands absent a finding that such reductions are in the public interest. Revises the eligibility criteria communications service providers must meet in order to receive universal service support. Authorizes the FCC to waive minimum data rate requirements under specified circumstances. States that a recipient of universal service support in any service area prior to the date of enactment of this Act that relinquishes its eligible telecommunications carrier or eligible communications service provider designation shall continue to offer and receive support for providing life-line and link-up service throughout its service area unless another provider is so designated. Directs the FCC to establish the amount of high-cost support to be distributed to all mobile wireless communications service providers designated as eligible communications service providers through a competitive bidding process. Eliminates specified limitations on universal service support and the individual caps imposed upon carriers. Prohibits the FCC from limiting the distribution and use of high-cost support to a single connection or primary line. Authorizes a state to adopt regulations not inconsistent with FCC rules to preserve and advance universal service. Directs the FCC to: (1) adopt a minimum data rate requirement for high-speed broadband service; (2) establish outcome-oriented performance goals for each universal service support program; (3) establish audit methodology for recipients of universal service support; and (4) submit specified reports to Congress. Grants the FCC authority to reform intercarrier compensation systems for both interstate and intrastate traffic. Requires communications service providers to ensure that all traffic contains or preserves sufficient information to allow traffic identification by other communications service providers that transport or terminate the traffic. Prohibits access charge recovery when an entity that has a business, financial, or contractual relationship with a local exchange carrier relating to switched access revenues from such services offers a free or below cost service. Directs the FCC to require a communications service provider to provide covered services for the provision of health care services to any rural public or not-for-profit health care provider at rates that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in the state's urban areas.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Mine Safety Accountability and Improved Protection Act - Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to establish an independent National Mine Safety Board, which shall conduct an independent investigation of any coal or other mine accident involving three or more deaths. Allows the closest relative of a miner who is entrapped or otherwise prevented by an accident to designate a representative for the miner to participate in a mine inspection. Requires mine inspections to be conducted during various shifts and days of the week when miners are normally present. Prohibits an attorney from representing both a mine operator and miner during an inspection, investigation, or litigation, unless such miner willfully waives all possible conflicts of interest. Requires the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations establishing certain criteria for determining whether to place a mine on pattern (of violation) status. Requires a numerical Safe Performance Index to be determined for each mine. Prescribes remediation requirements for mine operators having a pattern of recurring accidents, citations, and withdrawal orders. Establishes in the Treasury the Mines in Pattern Status Inspection Fund for deposit of fees collected from mines in pattern status for the costs of additional inspections. Requires the Secretary to: (1) revoke the approval of mine operator plans or programs based on certain criteria; and (2) provide the operator with a detailed explanation of the reasons approval was revoked. Prescribes a process for the Secretary's approval of proposed operator programs, plans, or plan revisions. Revises civil and criminal penalties and related administrative procedures. Grants an operator who has been issued a citation or order during an inspection the right to a review with a designated Conference Litigation Representative of the Secretary prior to the assessment of any penalty. Establishes a process for requesting a conference review. Revises certain miner protections against discrimination. Prohibits discriminating against a miner or other employee of a mine operator for refusing to perform duties out of a good-faith and reasonable belief that performing such duties would pose a safety or health hazard. Entitles a miner to full compensation by a mine operator at the regular rate of pay for the remainder of the current shift and the next eight hour shift for which the miner is idled because of a Secretary's withdrawal order. (Under current law, miners are entitled to full compensation only for the balance of their shift, and up to four hours of the next working shift if an order is not terminated beforehand.) Requires each underground coal mine operator to implement a communication program to ensure that each miner entering a mine is made aware, at the start of a shift, of current mine conditions. Prescribes additional requirements for the monitoring of coal dust in underground mines. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), acting through the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, to issue recommendations to the Secretary regarding the use of atmospheric monitoring systems in the underground coal mining industry. Revises mine operator health and safety training program requirements. Increases from 8 to 9 the minimum number of hours of refresher training all miners must receive at least once every 12 months, including 1 hour of training on miners statutory rights and responsibilities. Requires the Secretary to order a mine operator to provide additional training to miners if a serious or fatal accident has occurred at a mine or it has experienced above-average accident and injury rates, citations, or withdrawal orders. Requires the Secretary to issue mandatory standards to establish certification requirements and procedures for persons authorized by a coal mine operator to perform duties or provide training under such Act. Establishes in the Treasury a Mine Safety and Health Certification Fund for deposit of operator fees to fund the certification program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to states to assist them in developing and implementing miner certification programs. Revises eligibility requirements for scholarships to eligible individuals enrolled at community colleges or other universities to increase the skilled workforce for both private sector coal mine operators and mine safety inspectors and other regulatory personnel for the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Repeals requirements for a minimum length of full-time employment in mining or mining-related activities. Directs the Secretary to require each mine inspector to receive a full week of training in addition to the training required before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010
School Enhancement of Talented Students Act or School EATS Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to states, local educational agencies, or school food authorities to reduce the amount of processed food served each day under the school lunch and breakfast programs. Gives grant priority to applicants: (1) in which at least 50% of the students enrolled in schools under their jurisdictions are eligible for free or reduced price meals; and (2) located in states where the adult obesity rate is not less that 30% and the child obesity rate is more than 30%, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Requires grant funds to be used to: (1) procure unprocessed foods; (2) train food service staff to prepare such foods; and (3) purchase the equipment needed to prepare such foods. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees on the procurement of healthy, unprocessed foods. Makes food weight and quantity requirements under the school lunch and breakfast programs inapplicable to food served under this Act's grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Honors Dr. Robert Campbell for his lifelong devotion to children's health care. Congratulates Dr. Campbell and his colleagues on their extraordinary achievement in pediatric and orthopedic innovation. Recognizes the Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib device which has saved the lives of many infants and children. Calls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue to support and incentivize other medical advances to save children's lives threatened by rare disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (Program) from September 30, 2008, through May 31, 2011. Extends through May 31, 2011, the increased total amount of notes and obligations which the Director of FEMA may, with the approval of the President, issue to finance the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2010
Expresses support for the work of the United States Paralympics. Congratulates all of the U.S. Paralympic Team medal winners from the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, honors all of the athletes for their contributions to the Games, and recognizes the contributions of the athletes' families, schools, and communities to the Games and the U.S. Team.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions prohibiting knowingly creating, selling, or possessing a depiction of animal cruelty to prohibit knowingly and for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain selling or distributing an animal crush video in interstate or foreign commerce. States that such prohibition does not prohibit the sale or distribution of any visual depiction of hunting, trapping, fishing, or customary and normal veterinary or agricultural husbandry practices. Defines "animal crush video" as any obscene photograph, motion-picture film, video recording, or electronic image that depicts actual conduct in which one or more living animals is intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, or impaled in a manner that would violate a criminal prohibition on cruelty to animals in the federal or state jurisdiction in which the depiction is created, sold, distributed, or offered for sale or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
Small Business Assistance and Relief Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) assistance should be made available to creditworthy small businesses that cannot obtain lending in the current environment; and (2) reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be a top priority for Congress. Provides, with respect to small businesses: (1) an extension of specified tax provisions concerning deductions, credits, and income exclusion; and (2) a limit on the paperwork required to be submitted from a small business to federal agencies. Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide for the establishment of a small lender outreach program, a rural lending outreach program, a national lender training program, a capital backstop program, and an independent appellate process within the Small Business Administration (SBA), with an SBA ombudsman. Revises or adds provisions affecting a certified development company (CDC), including concerning: (1) operational requirements; (2) an accredited lenders program; (3) a premier certified lenders program; (4) SBA guarantee of debentures issued by a CDC; (5) economic development through debentures; (6) CDC project funding requirements; (7) private debenture sales and the pooling of debentures; and (8) CDC authority to foreclose and liquidate SBA-guaranteed loans. Expands eligibility for, and increases loan limits under, the SBA's Microloan program. Revises or adds provisions affecting the small business investment company (SBIC) program, including concerning: (1) expedited SBIC licensing for experienced applicants; (2) revised loan leverage limitations for successful SBICs; (3) SBIC authority to invest in veteran-owned small businesses; and (4) increased SBIC program levels. Revises or adds provisions concerning investment in small businesses engaged primarily in manufacturing and in renewable-energy small businesses. Authorizes the SBA to guarantee loans to certain medical professionals for the acquisition of health information technology used in the professionals' practice. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish and carry out a program to provide equity investment financing to support early-stage small businesses in specified targeted industries. Revises requirements and increases loan limits under the SBA's disaster loan program. Requires certain SBA studies.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010
Gulf Coast Jobs Preservation Act - Terminates the moratorium on deepwater drilling set forth in the Minerals Management Service Notice to Lessees No. 2010-N04, dated May 30, 2010, and declares without force or effect any suspension of deepwater drilling operations issued in connection with such moratorium. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) act expeditiously to ensure that deepwater drilling operations are conducted in compliance with federal law; and (2) identify additional measures to ensure the safety of deepwater drilling, based on the most accurate information available about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to exempt advances to the Coast Guard in connection with the explosion on, and sinking of, the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon from the requirement that amounts in the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund shall be available only as provided in annual appropriations. Limits such advances to a maximum of $100 million each, with the total amount for all advances not to exceed $1 billion for any single incident and $500 million for natural resource damage assessments and claims for any single incident, provided that, except in the case of payments of removal costs, an advance may be made only if the amount in the Fund after such advance will not be less than $30 million. Requires the Coast Guard to notify Congress of the amount advanced and the facts and circumstances necessitating the advance within seven days of the advance. Requires the budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, to be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act submitted by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2010
Green Railcar Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, through 2011, a new business-related tax credit for 25% of the cost of acquiring or rebuilding freight railcars which achieve an increase in capacity or fuel efficiency of at least 8%.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives for the contributions that U.S. air traffic controllers make to keep the traveling public safe and U.S. airspace running efficiently. Commends them for the calm and professional manner in which they handle air traffic all year long. Acknowledges their heroic actions, dedication, and quick and skilled decisionmaking to help avert many accidents and tragedies. Encourages greater investment in the modernization of the air traffic control system so that they have the resources and technology to better carry out their mission.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Commends the millions of fathers who serve as wonderful, caring parents for their children. Calls on fathers across the United States to use Father's Day to: (1) reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children's lives; (2) spend Father's Day with their children; and (3) express their love and support for their children. Urges men to understand the level of responsibility fathering a child requires, especially in the encouragement of children's moral, mental, social, academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual development. Encourages active involvement of fathers in the rearing and development of their children, including the devotion of time, energy, and resources.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
Commends the National Rifle Association for developing the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program to teach firearm safety to children and supports the goals and objectives of such program. Encourages: (1) educators to incorporate gun education programs in elementary school curricula; and (2) civic and community organizations to support funding for the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
European Bailout Protection Act - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to: (1) prohibit U.S. loans to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for assistance to any European Union (EU) member state until the ratio of the total outstanding public debt of each member state to its gross domestic product (as of the end of the most recent fiscal year of the member state ending in the preceding calendar year) is not more than 60%; and (2) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to oppose any IMF loans to member states until all member states are in compliance with such debt ratio.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Appalachian Veterans Outreach Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission to carry out a program of outreach to veterans who reside in the Appalachian region in order to increase their awareness, access, and use of federal, state, and local programs providing compensation and other benefits available as a result of service in the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Recognizes that trust in God is embedded into the fabric of this country's society and history. Rejects the notion that the laws and Constitution of this country require the exclusion of God from matters of government and public life. Reaffirms "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States. Supports and encourages its display in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 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 · 22 April 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Democratic Members of the House should join its Republican Members in a total ban on earmarks for one year; (2) discretionary spending should be reduced in the concurrent budget resolution for FY2011 by the total amount that was spent on requests for earmarks in FY2010; (3) if spending in that resolution is not reduced by such amount, an amendment to that resolution to effectuate this change should be made in order; and (4) a complete review and overhaul of the congressional budgetary, spending, and earmark processes should be commenced by creating a bipartisan, bicameral committee to study the issue and report to the House and Senate with its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2010
Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or maximum prison term of five years for anyone who knowingly sells or offers to sell an animal crush video in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain. States that this prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the selling or offering to sell videos that depict hunting. Defines "animal crush video" as any visual depiction of animals being intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, or impaled that: (1) depicts actual conduct in which a living animal is tortured, maimed, or mutilated that violates any criminal prohibition on intentional cruelty under federal law or the law of the state in which the depiction is sold; and (2) taken as a whole, does not have religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
FHA Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to increase the maximum annual premium payments for mortgage insurance, and make the charging of them discretionary instead of mandatory. Authorizes the Secretary to require specified mortgagees to indemnify HUD for payment of a mortgage insurance claim if the mortgage was not originated or underwritten in accordance with HUD requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to require a mortgagee to indemnify HUD for loss regardless of when an insurance claim is paid if fraud or misrepresentation was involved in connection with the mortgage origination or underwriting. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate approval of a mortgagee to originate or underwrite single family mortgages if the mortgagee's rate of early defaults and claims is excessive. Establishes within the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs responsible for all matters relating to managing and mitigating risk to HUD mortgage insurance funds and for ensuring the performance of HUD-insured mortgages. Authorizes the Secretary to use outside sources to conduct credit risk analysis. Requires the Secretary to identify mortgagees with a significant or rapid increase in early defaults and claims with respect to all mortgages they have originated on housing located in any particular geographic area or areas. Authorizes the Secretary to require a mortgagee to: (1) use the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry; and (2) obtain unique identifiers for all the mortgagee's officers or owners. Directs the Secretary to: (1) pursue joint protocols for information sharing with state regulatory agencies; and (2) require mortgagees to notify HUD if they terminate or discontinue mortgage purchases from another mortgagee based on any determination, evidence, or report of fraud or material misrepresentation in connection with the origination of such mortgages. Prescribes conditions compelling the Secretary to review and reduce certain cash investment (down payment) requirements binding upon mortgages or mortgagors. Revises requirements for early mortgage default and foreclosure information collected by the Secretary for mortgage lender analysis. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on: (1) single family mortgage insurance programs of HUD and the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund; and (2) specified aspects of the Government National Mortgage Association (GINNIE MAE).
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness (CARE) Act of 2010 - Amends the Webb-Kenyon Act to: (1) state that it is the policy of Congress that each state or territory shall continue to have the primary authority to regulate alcoholic beverages; (2) prohibit unjustified discrimination against out-of-state producers of alcoholic beverages in favor of in-state producers; and (3) establish higher evidentiary standards for legal actions challenging the authority of states or territories to regulate alcoholic beverages. Amends the Wilson Act to eliminate the requirement that a state or territory regulate the importation of all fermented, distilled, or other intoxicating liquors or liquids to the same extent and in the same manner as such liquors or liquids produced in such state or territory.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Young Savers' Tax Credit Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a $500 annual tax credit for contributions to retirement plans by individuals who are age 30 or younger. Requires such contributions to equal at least 1% of such individuals' compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2010
Rural Housing Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 and the Doug Bereuter Section 502 Single Family Housing Loan Guarantee Act to increase from up to 1% to at least 3% but not more than 4% the guarantee fee on loans for housing and buildings on adequate farms, as determined sufficient by the Secretary of Agriculture to cover the costs of such guaranteed loans. Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2001 to repeal the maximum limit on the loan guarantee fee of 2%. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary to guarantee such loans in aggregate amounts of up to $8 billion for FY2010, in addition to such guaranteed loans authorized in other Acts for FY2010.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2010
Recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by the 29 coal miners lost at the Upper Big Branch Mine-South, Raleigh County, West Virginia. Extends the deepest condolences of the nation to the families of these men. Recognizes all coal miners for enduring the loss of their coworkers and maintaining courage throughout this ordeal. Commends the rescue crews for their valiant efforts to find these miners. Honors the many volunteers who provided support and comfort for the miners' families during the rescue and recovery operations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2010
Recognizes the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel as a place of refuge and national homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms bipartisan support for the alliance and friendship between the governments and peoples of the United States and Israel, for Israel's security and right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state, and for its right to defend itself. Commends the people of Israel for their achievements in the face of adversity. Extends congratulations and best wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 62nd anniversary of Israel's independence.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2010
Healthy Media for Youth Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to nonprofit organizations to provide for the establishment, operation, coordination, and evaluation of programs to: (1) increase the media literacy of girls and boys, and (2) support the empowerment of girls or boys in a variety of ways. Permits giving priority to grant applicants providing non-federal matching funds. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in coordination with the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, to review, synthesize, and conduct or support research on the role and impact of depictions of girls and women in the media on the psychological, sexual, physical, and interpersonal development of youth. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to convene a task force, to be known as the National Task Force on Girls and Women in the Media, to develop voluntary steps and goals for promoting healthy and positive depictions of girls and women in the media for the benefit of all youth.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Commends Lance Mackey on his record-breaking fourth consecutive Iditarod victory during the 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Applauds each musher who was courageous enough to compete in the 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Expresses appreciation to all volunteers and staff who help make this Alaskan race possible every year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order that provides for disposition of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590 (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA]) unless it provides for: (1) at least one hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader; and (2) a requirement that the Speaker put the question on disposition of the Senate amendments and that the yeas and nays be considered as ordered thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010
FHA Safety and Soundness and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish within the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Risk Management to: (1) manage and mitigate risk to the mortgage insurance funds of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and (2) ensure the performance of HUD-insured mortgages. Abolishes, upon confirmation of such Deputy Assistant Secretary, the position of chief risk officer within HUD filled by appointment by the Federal Housing Commissioner. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of HUD to use credit risk analysis sources outside of HUD to: (1) analyze credit risk models and practices regarding HUD-insured single-family housing mortgages; (2) evaluate underwriting standards for such mortgages; and (3) analyze lender compliance and HUD enforcement of underwriting standards. Authorizes the Secretary to increase annual insurance premiums if necessary to protect the safety and soundness of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund ( MMIF). Directs the Secretary to implement a limited pilot program to provide a flexible risk-based premium structure for mortgage insurance premiums for certain insured mortgages secured by one- to four-family residences and executed by first-time homebuyers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review annually the rate of early defaults and claims for each mortgage originator or underwriter of mortgages on HUD-insured single family housing; (2) conduct an ongoing review of mortgages on HUD-insured single family housing originated during the preceding 24 months under which the mortgagor has become 60 or more days delinquent in making mortgage payments; and (3) investigate a mortgagee of HUD- insured single family housing who evinces high early default rates. Authorizes the Secretary, if certain grounds exist, to: (1) suspend temporarily a mortgagee with high early default rates; and (2) require a direct endorsement mortgagee, in certain circumstances, to indemnify the Secretary for losses generated by an insurance claim paid by HUD. Directs the Secretary to require each mortgagee to use a unique SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act identifier in all dealings and communications with HUD. Directs the Secretary to require each mortgagee that purchases insured by HUD and originated by other mortgagees to notify the Secretary if the mortgagee terminates or discontinues such purchases or related servicing rights from another mortgagee based on a concern of fraud or misrepresentation in connection with mortgage origination, or based upon the level of mortgage defaults. Requires each quarterly report on the MMIF to include: (1) an assessment of the MMIF financial status; (2) changes to the current or projected safety and soundness of the MMIF since the most recent report; and (3) recommendations to ensure the MMIF remains financially sound. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on: (1) single family mortgage insurance programs of HUD and the MMIF; and (2) the Government National Mortgage Association (GINNIE MAE).
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Honors the heroic efforts of the West Virginia National Guard and local first responders in rescuing 17 individuals from a downed military helicopter on a rugged, snow-covered mountain in West Virginia. Recognizes the countless volunteers, families, and neighbors who assisted in such rescue. Recognizes the courage, ability, determination, and willingness of West Virginians to lend a hand.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Repeals: (1) provisions in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 terminating tax reductions made by such Act after December 31, 2010; and (2) the provision in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 terminating after 2008 reductions in tax rates on dividends and net capital gain. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the tax deductions for state and local sales taxes and for tuition and related expenses; and (2) the increased expensing allowance (i.e., $125,000) for depreciable business assets.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 15, 2009, relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
National Alzheimer's Project Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of the National Alzheimer's Project to: (1) accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's; (2) create and maintain an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer's; (3) help to coordinate the health care and treatment of citizens with Alzheimer's; (4) ensure the inclusion of ethnic and racial populations that are at higher risk for Alzheimer's or that are least likely to receive care in clinical, research, and service efforts with the purpose of decreasing health disparities; (5) coordinate with international bodies to integrate and inform the fight against Alzheimer's globally; and (6) provide information and coordination of Alzheimer's research and services across all federal agencies. Sets forth the duties of the Director of the Office, including to use discretionary authority to evaluate all federal programs concerning Alzheimer's. Establishes in the Office an Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research and Treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 15, 2009, relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Commends the members of the 45th Agri-Business Development Team of the Oklahoma National Guard for their efforts to modernize agriculture and sustainable farming practices in Afghanistan and their dedication and service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Iran Human Rights Sanctions Act - Directs the President to impose visa entry and financial sanctions on a person determined to be complicit in human rights abuses committed against Iranian citizens or their family members on or after June 12, 2009, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Iran. Requires that: (1) the list of such persons required by this Act be made available to the public and posted on the Department of the Treasury and the Department of State websites; and (2) the President consider data obtained by other countries and nongovernmental organizations that monitor Iran's human rights abuses in preparing such list. Terminates sanctions upon presidential certification to Congress that: (1) the sanctioned persons have ceased complicity in human rights abuses; and (2) the government of Iran has released all political prisoners, ceased its killing and abuse of Iranian citizens engaging in peaceful political activity and prosecuted those responsible, committed itself to free elections and respect for human rights, and ceased broadcast interference.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
National Discovery Trails Act of 2010 - Amends the National Trails System Act to establish national discovery trails which shall be extended, continuous interstate trails located so as to provide for outdoor recreation and travel and to connect representative examples of America's trails and communities. Authorizes the designation of such trails on federal lands and, with the consent of the owner, on non-federal lands. Designates as a national discovery trail the 6,000-mile American Discovery Trail which shall extend from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware to Point Reyes National Seashore in California, traveling northern and southern routes from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Denver, Colorado. Sets forth requirements for designation as a national discovery trail. Requires the appropriate Secretary for each national discovery trail to: (1) administer the trail in cooperation with a competent trailwide volunteer-based organization; and (2) submit a comprehensive plan for the protection, management, development, and use of such trail.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Accurate Accounting of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Act - Requires the receipts and disbursements of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of: (1) the federal budget submitted by the President; (2) the congressional budget; or (3) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the costs of purchases of mortgages, and mortgage-backed securities issued, by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to be calculated by adjusting a specified discount rate for market risks under the Credit Reform Act of 1990. Subjects to the statutory public debt limit the face amount of obligations issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and outstanding at one time.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Accountability and Transparency for Taxpayers Act of 2010 - Directs the Inspector General (IG) of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to submit quarterly reports to Congress on the IG's activities with respect to the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and their activities and condition while they are in conservatorship status.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Prohibits any funds appropriated or made available to the Department of Justice (DOJ) from being used to commence or continue a prosecution in an Article III court of any individual suspected of involvement in the attacks on the United States and its citizens on September 11, 2001, who is not a citizen of the United States and is subject to the jurisdiction of a military commission.
![Official portrait of Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001047_200.jpg)