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![Official portrait of Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001035_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
6,663 records where Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
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 · 25 January 2011
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. Rescinds $39 billion of appropriated but unobligated discretionary funds. Exempts unobligated funds of the Department of Defense (DOD) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine and identify from which appropriation accounts such rescissions shall apply and report to the Secretary of the Treasury and Congress on such rescissions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Medical Device Access and Innovation Protection Act - Repeals the Internal Revenue Code provision, added by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, that imposes an excise tax on medical devices.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific attack that occurred at the "Congress on your Corner" event hosted by Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8, 2011. Offers heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed in that attack. Expresses hope for the rapid and complete recovery of those wounded in the shooting. Honors the memory of Christina-Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Gabriel Matthew Zimmerman. Applauds the bravery and quick thinking exhibited by those who prevented the gunman from taking more lives and helped to save those who had been wounded. Recognizes the service of the first responders who raced to the scene and the health care professionals who tended to the victims once they reached the hospital and whose service and skill saved lives. Reaffirms the bedrock principle of American democracy and representative government, memorialized in the First Amendment and which Representative Giffords herself read in the Hall of the House of Representatives on January 6, 2011, of "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Stands firm in the belief in a democracy in which all can participate and in which intimidation and threats of violence cannot silence the voices of any American. Honors the service and leadership of Representative Giffords, a distinguished Member of the House of Representatives, as she courageously fights to recover. States that when the Senate adjourns on this day, it does so out of respect to the victims of this attack.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Establishes a standing order applicable to a notice of intent to object to a unanimous consent request (covered request) to: (1) proceed to a bill, resolution, joint resolution, concurrent resolution, conference report, or amendment (measure) between the chambers; (2) pass a measure or dispose of an amendment between the chambers; or (3) dispose of a nomination. Requires the majority and minority Leaders of the Senate (or their designees) to recognize a notice of intent to object to a covered request of a Senator who is a member of their caucus if the Senator: (1) submits the notice in writing to the appropriate Leader and grants in it permission for the Leader (or designee) to object in the Senator's name; and (2) within one session day after such submission also submits to the Congressional Record and to the Legislative Clerk for inclusion in the applicable calendar a notice of the Senator's intent to object to the covered request. Prescribes a specific form for the notice of intent to object. Requires the Legislative Clerk to add the information from the notice of intent to object to the applicable calendar section entitled "Notices of Intent to Object to Proceeding." Authorizes a Senator to have a notice of intent to object relating to that Senator removed from a calendar to which it was added by submitting for inclusion in the Congressional Record a notice, in a specified form, stating that the Senator does not object to proceeding to the covered request in question. Requires the Legislative Clerk to list in the applicable "Notice of Intent to Object to Proceeding" calendar section the Senator who made the objection to a covered request if the Senator has notified his or her Leader of the intent to object but fails to submit the required notice to the Legislative Clerk within one session day following the Leader's (or designee's) objection on that Senator's behalf.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Recognizes and honors Senator Barbara Mikulski for becoming the longest-serving female Senator in history.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2010
Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 - Provides for repeal of the current Department of Defense (DOD) policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces, to be effective 60 days after the Secretary of Defense has received DOD's comprehensive review on the implementation of such repeal, and the President, Secretary, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) certify to the congressional defense committees that they have considered the report and proposed plan of action, that DOD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to exercise the discretion provided by such repeal, and that implementation of such policies and regulations is consistent with the standards of military readiness and effectiveness, unit cohesion, and military recruiting and retention. Provides that, until such time as the above conditions are met, the current policy shall remain in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2010
Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 - Provides for repeal of the current Department of Defense (DOD) policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces, to be effective 60 days after the Secretary of Defense has received DOD's comprehensive review on the implementation of such repeal, and the President, Secretary, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) certify to the congressional defense committees that they have considered the report and proposed plan of action, that DOD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to exercise the discretion provided by such repeal, and that implementation of such policies and regulations is consistent with the standards of military readiness and effectiveness, unit cohesion, and military recruiting and retention. Provides that, until such time as the above conditions are met, the current policy shall remain in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2010
U.S. Postal Service Improvements Act of 2010 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to make a determination or redetermination of postal surplus or supplemental liability consistent with the report submitted by the Postal Regulatory Commission to the United States Postal Service (USPS) and Congress on June 29, 2010. Requires OPM to redetermine the postal surplus or supplemental liability as of the close of FY2010 and for each year thereafter through FY2043. Provides that if the result for a fiscal year is a surplus, that amount shall remain in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund until distribution is authorized as follows:(1) if there is a surplus as of the close of FY2010-FY2016, such amount or any part of it may be transferred to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund; (2) if there is a surplus as of the close of FY2017 and each year thereafter, such amount or any part of it may be transferred to such Fund to pay any liability of such Fund; and (3) if all liability to such Fund is paid, amounts may be transferred to the Employees' Compensation Fund or to USPS for repayment of any obligation issued by it. Provides procedures for the transfer of such amounts. Authorizes arbitration boards to consider the financial condition of USPS in rendering decisions. Directs: (1) USPS and the Commission to coordinate actions to identify ways to increase the use of negotiated service agreements for market dominant products by USPS; (2) the Postmaster General to submit a comprehensive strategic plan for guiding area and district field office structure decisions and a plan on the co-location of post offices at retail facilities; and (3) the Commission to submit annual reports on the fiscal stability of the U.S. mailing industry. Establishes in USPS and the Commission an advocate for competition, who shall be responsible for promoting full and open competition, promoting the acquisition of commercial items, and challenging barriers to such acquisition. Directs USPS and the Commission: (1) to issue a policy on contracting officer delegations of authority; (2) to make any delegation of authority outside the functional contracting unit for the procurement of goods or services which exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold available on its website; and (3) within a specified after the award of any noncompetitive contract which exceeds such threshold, to make publicly available the documents containing its justification and approval. Sets forth provisions regarding the review of ethical issues, a ban on certain contracts, and contract voidance and recovery of funds in specified circumstances. Provides for the conversion of retirement eligible postal and federal employees on workers compensation to retirement when they reach retirement age, subject to specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010
Museum and Library Services Act of 2010 - Amends the Museum and Library Services Act to give the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services primary responsibility to develop and implement a policy for ensuring the availability of museum, library, and information services that are adequate in meeting the essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs of the people of the United States. Authorizes the Director to enter into interagency agreements to promote or assist with the museum, library, and information services-related activities of other federal agencies. Requires the Director to collaborate with the heads of relevant federal departments and agencies with respect to certain activities of libraries and museums. Requires the Director to annually conduct policy research, analysis, and data collection in order to extend and improve the nation's museum, library, and information services. Expands the purposes under the Act relating to library services and technology and museum services. Establishes the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. Transfers the functions and personnel of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science to the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2010
Designates December 11, 2010, as Wreaths Across America Day. Honors the Wreaths Across America project, the Patriot Guard Riders, and all of the volunteers and donors involved in this worthy tradition of placing holiday wreaths at national cemeteries and veterans' memorials. Recognizes the sacrifices our veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families have made, and continue to make, for our nation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize and extend funding for a grant program for reducing diesel emissions. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) provide contracts and rebates to eligible entities to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions; and (2) support rebate programs administered by states that are designed to achieve such reductions. Includes among entities eligible to receive funding for reducing diesel emissions: (1) an entity that has the capacity to sell diesel vehicles or equipment to, and arrange financing for, individuals or entities that own or operate diesel fleets or to upgrade diesel vehicles or equipment with verified or EPA-certified engines or technologies; and (2) any private individual or entity that is the owner of record of a diesel vehicle or fleet and that acts pursuant to a contract, license, or lease with a federal, regional, state, local, or tribal agency or port authority with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality and in accordance with requirements for notice and approval as the Administrator of the EPA may establish for the use of vehicles to be purchased or retrofitted using a grant, rebate, or loan under such Act. Includes Puerto Rico within the meaning of "state" under such Act. Revises provisions concerning the distribution and use of, and applications for, funds.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Gestational Diabetes Act of 2010 or the GEDI Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop a multisite gestational diabetes research project within the diabetes program of the CDC to expand and enhance surveillance data and public health research on gestational diabetes. Requires such research project to address: (1) procedures to establish accurate and efficient systems for the collection of gestational diabetes data; (2) the progress of collaborative activities with the National Vital Statistics System, the National Center for Health Statistics, and state health departments to improve surveillance of gestational diabetes; (3) postpartum methods of tracking women with gestational diabetes after delivery and targeted interventions to lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes in such women; (4) variations in the distribution of diagnosed and undiagnosed gestational diabetes; and (5) factors and culturally sensitive interventions that influence risks and reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and related complications during childbirth. Requires the Secretary to expand and intensify public health research on gestational diabetes, including; (1) developing and testing novel approaches for improving postpartum testing or screening and for preventing type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes; and (2) conducting research to further understanding of the factors and health systems that influence the risk of gestational diabetes and the development of type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to: (1) award grants for demonstration projects that implement evidence-based interventions to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes, the recurrence of such disease in subsequent pregnancies, and the development of type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes; and (2) work with state and Indian tribal-based diabetes prevention and control programs assisted by the CDC to encourage postpartum follow-up after gestational diabetes to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and its recurrence, the development of type 2 diabetes in at-risk women, and related complications.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010
E-Rulemaking Act of 2010 - Amends the E-Government Act of 2002 to require agencies to fulfill requirements regarding making information about the agency and agency rulemaking, including electronic dockets, available on a publicly accessible government website and providing for rulemaking submissions electronically (current law requires agencies to meet such requirements to the extent practicable). Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish an Interagency E-Rulemaking Committee, which shall: (1) develop recommendations on e-rulemaking policies and requirements; (2) assist in the identification, development, and coordination of e-rulemaking projects and other innovative initiatives to improve the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS); (3) promote the development and use of common performance measures for agency e-rulemaking resources management; (4) develop recommendations for the online disclosure of rulemaking information to federal agencies and the public; and (5) make recommendations to the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) regarding practices that enhance online accessibility and manageability of rulemaking information, promote public participation, and harness technology to improve rule formation and implementation. Establishes in the executive branch a Public E-Rulemaking Advisory Committee, which shall: (1) regularly advise the Administrators of OIRA, the Office of Electronic Government, and the General Services Administration (GSA) on the e-rulemaking needs and desires of the various e-rulemaking user communities outside the federal government; (2) conduct studies and submit recommendations to the Director and Congress; (3) share effective practices for access to, dissemination of, and retention of regulatory material; and (4) identify barriers to achieving e-rulemaking goals and propose solutions. Requires the Director to establish a Program Management Office, which shall: (1) conduct and oversee the day-to-day operations of the E-Rulemaking Program; and (2) collaborate with the Interagency Committee and the Advisory Committee to achieve significant improvements in the systems architecture for FDMS. Requires the Director to: (1) issue policy regarding standards, data protocols, and related items to be used by agencies when publishing their electronic regulatory dockets; (2) establish a process for agencies to conduct authorized transfer of data to and from FDMS; (3) provide for periodic, multi-method usability assessments by users of the systems architecture; (4) identify clear performance objectives and timelines for agency action to ensure that all rulemaking and docket materials are available electronically; (5) provide to the Advisory Committee any records or data on the management, functionality, and performance of the systems architecture as necessary for forming recommendations; (6) identify innovative projects that are developed under the standards, protocol, and guidelines under this Act; and (7) submit an annual e-rulemaking status report. Requires each independent regulatory commission that has not migrated to FDMS to: (1) establish interoperability with FDMS; and (2) ensure that its rulemaking materials can be located by FDMS users.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2010
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month, including encouraging people to fight diabetes through public awareness about prevention and treatment options, and increasing education about the disease; and (2) decreasing the prevalence of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes in the United States through increased research, treatment, and prevention. Recognizes the importance of early detection, awareness of the symptoms, and the risk factors that often lead to the development of diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 - Amends the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 to require each executive agency to make its strategic plan available on its public website on the first Monday in February of any year following that in which the term of the President commences and to notify the President and Congress. Requires such plan to cover at least a four-year period and to include a description of how the agency is working with other agencies to achieve its goals and objectives, as well as relevant federal government priority goals. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to coordinate with agencies to develop a federal government performance plan, which shall be submitted with the annual federal budget and concurrently made available on an OMB website of agency programs. Requires such plan to: (1) establish government performance goals for the current and next fiscal years; (2) identify activities, entities, and policies contributing to each goal; (3) identify a lead government official responsible for coordinating efforts to achieve the goal; (4) establish common federal government performance indicators with quarterly targets; (5) establish clearly defined quarterly milestones; and (6) identify major management challenges and plans to address such challenges. Directs each agency to make its annual performance plan available on its public website and notify the President and Congress by the first Monday in February. Requires each plan to describe how performance goals contribute to objectives of the agency's strategic plan and goals of the federal government performance plan. Requires each agency to make available on its public website an update on its performance no less than 150 days after the end of each fiscal year, with more frequent updates of performance on indicators that provide data of significant value to the government, Congress, or program partners at a reasonable level of administrative burden. Requires the OMB Director to coordinate with agencies to develop priority goals to improve the performance and management of the government. Requires such goals to be long-term, updated every four years, and made publicly available concurrently with the submission of the annual federal budget in the first full fiscal year following any year in which the term of the President commences. Requires each agency head to identify priority goals among its performance goals every two years. Requires the OMB Director, with the appropriate lead government official, and the head and Chief Operating Officer of each agency, at least quarterly, to review the progress achieved toward each federal government priority goal and each agency priority goal, respectively, and to identify strategies for performance improvement for the goals at greatest risk. Directs OMB to ensure the effective operation of a single website that provides information in a way that presents a coherent picture of all federal programs and of the performance of the federal government and individual agencies. Requires the website to include information about each agency program and each of the federal government priority goals. Requires the deputy head of each agency to be the agency's Chief Operating Officer, who shall be responsible for improving the management and performance of the agency. Requires each agency head to designate a Performance Improvement Officer, who shall report to such Chief Operating Officer. Establishes a Performance Improvement Council, which shall assist the OMB Director to improve the performance of the government and achieve the federal government priority goals. Requires: (1) agencies to make their strategic plans, performance plans, and performance updates available on the OMB government programs website; and (2) the OMB Director to issue guidance to agencies to provide concise and timely performance information for publication on such website. Requires each agency's Chief Operating Officer, annually, to compile and submit to OMB a list of all plans and reports the agency produces for Congress and a list that identifies a specified percentage of those (at least 10% in the first year) as outdated or duplicative. Requires the OMB Director to include the list of outdated or duplicative agency plans and reports in the annual federal budget submitted by the President and authorizes the OMB Director to concurrently submit legislation to eliminate or consolidate such plans and reports. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to identify key skills and competencies needed by federal personnel for developing goals, evaluating programs, and analyzing and using performance information for the purpose of improving government efficiency and effectiveness. Requires the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on implementation of this Act and its effect on agency performance management.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Directs the Secretary of the Army to submit to specified congressional committees: (1) a one-time report on the management and oversight of contracts at Arlington National Cemetery, requiring, among other things, certain information concerning burial operations and errors in burials; and (2) biennial reports on the execution of and compliance with Army Directive 2010-04, Enhancing the Operations and Oversight of the Army National Cemeteries Program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Amends the Public Health Service Act to consider certain drugs designated for a rare disease or condition as covered outpatient drugs for children's hospitals under the 340B drug discount program (a program limiting the cost of covered outpatient drugs to certain federal grantees).
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 · 27 September 2010
Extended TRICARE Coverage for Military Families Now Act - Prohibits terminating the eligibility of an individual who qualifies for treatment as a dependent under TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed care program) solely by reason of exceeding the age limit of 21 years, or 23 years if enrolled in a full-time course of study at an approved institution of higher learning and is, or was at the time of the member's or former member's death, in fact dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of the child's support. Requires the continuation of such coverage for the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the earlier of September 30, 2011, or the effective date of the extension of dependent coverage under TRICARE to individuals up to the age of 26. Provides for the reenrollment of individuals whose eligibility ceased during the period beginning on June 1, 2010, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act by reason of exceeding such age limit.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2010
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 people of the United States to consider adoption during the month of November and all throughout the year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2010
Designates the week of October 24-October 30, 2010, as National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2010
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of Fire Prevention Week, which begins on October 3, 2010; and (2) the work of firefighters in educating and protecting U.S. communities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2010
Congratulates the National Institute of Nursing Research on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Commends the Institute for its ongoing support of nursing research.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2010
Renewable Electricity Promotion Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to establish a standard that requires electric utilities to obtain an increasing percentage of their base quantity of electricity that they sell to consumers from renewable energy or energy efficiency (3% in 2012-2013, 6% in 2014-2016, 9% in 2017-2018, 12% in 2019-2020, and 15% in 2021-2039). Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a renewable energy credit trading program and an energy efficiency credit trading program, under which utilities will submit credits to comply with such standard. Provides for the issuance, duration, transfer, trading, tracking, and reporting of credits. Sets forth civil penalties for utilities that fail to meet such requirements. Allows the Secretary to delegate to: (1) a market-making entity the administration of a national renewable energy credit market and a national energy efficiency credit market to create a transparent national market for the sale or trade of such credits, and (2) regional entities the tracking of dispatch of renewable energy generation;. Authorizes: (1) a state public utility commission or electric utility to request a variance from such renewable energy and energy efficiency requirements, and (2) a utility to meet such requirements by submitting alternative compliance payments. Allows: (1) a governor to expend amounts in a state renewable energy escrow account solely for increasing the quantity of electric energy produced from a renewable energy source in the state, promoting deployment and use of electric drive vehicles in the state, and offsetting the costs of carrying out this Act paid by consumers in the state through direct grants to electric consumers or energy efficiency investments; and (2) states to adopt or enforce laws concerning renewable energy or energy efficiency or the regulation of electric utilities. Exempts from renewable energy and energy efficiency requirements an electric utility that sold less than 4 million megawatt hours of electric energy to electric consumers during the preceding year or that is located in Hawaii. Requires the Secretary, when petitioned by the governor of a state or the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the case of TVA's power service area, to allow up to 26.67% of the renewable energy and energy efficiency requirements associated with the sales of electricity of a utility to be met by submitting federal energy efficiency credits. Requires: (1) the Secretary to promulgate regulations regarding the measurement and verification of electricity savings; and (2) the increment of electricity output of a new combined heat and power system that is attributable to the higher efficiency of the combined system to be considered electricity savings. Requires the Secretary to make loans available to electric utilities to: (1) construct a renewable energy generation facility; and (2) install an energy efficiency or electricity demand reduction technology. Terminates the authority provided by this Act on December 31, 2039.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2010
Supporting Employee Competency and Updating Readiness Enhancements for Facilities Act of 2010 or the SECURE Facilities Act of 2010 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to set forth provisions governing the Federal Protective Service (FPS), the Interagency Security Committee (ISC), and the security of federal facilities. Requires the Director of FPS to: (1) secure federal facilities protected by FPS and safeguard all occupants; (2) provide adequate numbers of trained personnel to ensure that federal security standards are met; (3) ensure that areas in and around such facilities are regularly patrolled by FPS officers; and (4) ensure that FPS maintains not fewer than 1,200 full-time equivalent employees at any time and not fewer than 1,350 in FY2011, 1,500 in FY2012, 1,600 in 2013, and 1,700 in FY2014. Requires the Director to: (1) establish minimum training requirements for all armed guards procured by FPS; (2) establish a program to periodically assess the training of guards and the security of federal facilities; (3) update the Security Guard Information Manual and post orders within 180 days and every 2 years thereafter; (4) establish a database to monitor all contracts for guard services; and (5) increase the number of infrastructure security canine teams by up to 10 canine teams in each of FY2011-FY2014. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Director, to designate three federal facilities protected by FPS for the deployment of advanced imaging technology and, one year after implementation, to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the readiness or use of automatic detection technology for building security; and (2) the Under Secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate to develop performance-based standards for checkpoint detection technologies for explosives and other threats at federal facilities. Authorizes the Director to assess and collect: (1) fees and security charges from agencies for the costs of providing protective services to agency facilities; and (2) additional charges for the costs of necessary security countermeasures for facilities determined to be in noncompliance with ISC standards. Directs the ISC to: (1) prescribe regulations for determining federal facility security levels and to establish risk-based performance standards for facility security; (2) establish protocols for testing facility compliance with such standards; (3) prescribe regulations to determine minimum levels of training and certification of contract guards and to establish a list of prohibited items for entry into federal facilities; (4) establish minimum requirements and a process for providing basic security training for members of Facility Security Committees (FSCs); and (5) take necessary actions to enhance the quality and effectiveness of federal facility protection. Requires the ISC to establish: (1) an appeals board to consider appeals from any FSC of a facility security level determination, of FPS or designated security organization recommendations for countermeasures, or of a determination of noncompliance with security standards; and (2) a process under which the Secretary may authorize an agency to provide protective services for a facility instead of FPS. Requires agencies that are tenants at a federal facility and that are not authorized to provide protective services at that facility to maintain an FSC. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations regarding the carrying of firearms by FPS law enforcement officers while off-duty. Includes such FPS officers as federal employees for purposes of civil service retirement and federal employee retirement system provisions. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) FPS personnel needs; (2) how retention rates within the FPS contract guard workforce affect FPS operations and federal facility security; and (3) converting the FPS contract workforce into full-time federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Formerly Owned Resources for Veterans to Express Thanks for Service Act of 2010 or FOR VETS Act of 2010 - Includes organizations whose membership comprises substantially veterans among the nonprofit educational or public health institutions or organizations to which federal surplus property shall be transferred through state agencies for purposes of education or public health.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Designates September 16, 2010, as The American Legion Day.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Designates October 2010 as National Work and Family Month. Recognizes the importance of work schedules that allow employees to spend time with their families to job productivity and to healthy families. Urges public officials, employers, employees, and the general public to work together to achieve more balance between work and family.
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
Recommits to honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust as well as the victims of all past genocides and mass atrocities. Affirms that it is in the national interest and aligned with the values of the United States to work with international partners to prevent and mitigate future genocides and mass atrocities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Supports the observance of Spirit of '45 Day (commemorating the anniversary of the end of World War II on August 14, 1945).
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2010
Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2010 - Allows a state to authorize a vehicle with a maximum gross weight (including enforcement tolerances) exceeding certain federal weight limitations to operate on Interstate Highway System (IHS) routes in the state if: (1) the vehicle is equipped with at least six axles; (2) the weight of any single axle does not exceed 20,000 pounds; (3) the weight of any tandem axle does not exceed 34,000 pounds; (4) the weight of any group of 3 or more axles does not exceed 51,000 pounds; and (5) the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed 97,000 pounds. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a safe and efficient vehicle bridge infrastructure improvement program. Requires the Secretary to apportion amounts from the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund to states for eligible bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an overweight vehicle tax on any vehicles that exceed federal weight limitations operating on the IHS; and (2) establish the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2010
Positive Aging Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and private nonprofit entities to: (1) demonstrate ways of integrating mental health services for older adults into primary care settings; and (2) support the establishment and maintenance of interdisciplinary geriatric mental health outreach teams in community settings where older adults reside or receive social services. Requires the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services to designate a Deputy Director for Older Adult Mental Health Services to develop and implement initiatives to address the mental health needs of older adults. Includes representatives of older adults or their families and geriatric mental health professionals on the Advisory Council for the Center. Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to providing treatment for older adults with substance abuse disorders when developing program priorities for addressing priority substance abuse treatment needs of regional and national significance. Requires state plans for community mental health services grants to describe: (1) the state's outreach to, and services for, older individuals, individuals who are homeless, and individuals living in rural areas; and (2) how community-based services will be provided to these individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2010
Great Ape Protection Act of 2010 - Prohibits: (1) conducting invasive research on great apes; (2) knowingly breeding, possessing, renting, loaning, donating, purchasing, selling, housing, maintaining, leasing, borrowing, transporting, moving, delivering, or receiving a great ape for the purpose of conducting such research; or (3) using federal funds to conduct such research. Defines "invasive research" as research that may cause death, bodily injury, pain, distress, fear, injury, or trauma to great apes, including drug testing or exposure to a substance that may be detrimental to the ape's health or psychological well-being. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other appropriate federal authorities to provide for the permanent retirement of all great apes that are owned or under the control of the federal government and that are being maintained in any facility for the purpose of breeding for, holding for, or conducting invasive research. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
Designates September 25, 2010, as National Estuaries Day. Acknowledges the importance of estuaries to U.S. economic well-being and productivity. Expresses the intent of the Senate to continue working to understand, protect, and restore U.S. estuaries.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010
Establishes a standing order applicable to a notice of intent to object to a unanimous consent request (covered request) to: (1) proceed to a bill, resolution, joint resolution, concurrent resolution, conference report, or amendment (measure) between the chambers; (2) pass a measure or dispose of an amendment between the chambers; or (3) dispose of a nomination. Requires the majority and minority leaders of the Senate (or their designees) to recognize a notice of intent to object to a covered request of a Senator who is a member of their caucus if the Senator: (1) submits the notice in writing to the appropriate leader and grants in it permission for the leader (or designee) to object in the Senator's name; and (2) within one session day after such submission also submits to the Congressional Record and to the Legislative Clerk for inclusion in the applicable calendar a notice of the Senator's intent to object to the covered request. Prescribes a specific form for the notice of intent to object. Requires the Legislative Clerk to add the information from the notice of intent to object to the applicable calendar section entitled "Notices of Intent to Object to Proceeding." Authorizes a Senator to have a notice of intent to object relating to that Senator removed from a calendar to which it was added by submitting for inclusion in the Congressional Record a notice, in a specified form, stating that the Senator does not object to proceeding to the covered request in question. Requires the Legislative Clerk to list in the applicable "Notice of Intent to Object to Proceeding" calendar section the Senator who made the objection to a covered request if the Senator has notified his or her leader of the intent to object but fails to submit the required notice to the Legislative Clerk within one session day following the leader's (or designee's) objection on that Senator's behalf.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010
SAFE Port Reauthorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for port security grants. Amends the SAFE Port Act to authorize appropriations for: (1) the automated targeting system for identifying and inspecting high-risk oceanborne container cargo; (2) the Container Security Initiative; and (3) the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Permits: (1) unannounced inspections of a C-TPAT participant's security measures; and (2) provision of voluntary supply chain security training. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a program to promote sharing of private sector security-related information. Requires the Secretary, prior to entering into an agreement between the United States and a foreign government providing for mutual recognition of supply chain security programs, to: (1) notify Congress of such agreement's terms; and (2) determine that the foreign government's program provides a C-TPAT level of security. Sets forth exemptions to the requirement that a container loaded on a vessel in a foreign port not be allowed into the United States unless it was scanned by nonintrusive imaging and radiation detection equipment prior to loading. Directs the Secretary to establish the America's Waterway Watch Program to promote voluntary public and industry recognition and reporting of suspected terrorist activity or suspicious behavior against a vessel, facility, port, or waterway. Directs the Secretary to provide for maritime and cargo security research and development, as well as a maritime and cargo security demonstration project. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to provide a foreign government with port security and safety assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010
Jessica Ann Ellis Gold Star Fathers Act of 2010 - Includes as a preference eligible for federal employment purposes the parent (currently, the mother) of: (1) an individual who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving in the Armed Forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or during the period beginning April 28, 1952, and ending July 1, 1955; or (2) a service-connected permanently and totally disabled veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Pledges to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to identify and address the remaining barriers that undermine the nation's goals of equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation for Americans with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Storage Technology for Renewable and Green Energy Act of 2010 or the STORAGE 2010 Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow, through 2019, a 20% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property that is directly connected to the electrical grid (i.e., a system of generators, transmission lines, and distribution facilities) and that is designed to receive. store, and convert energy to electricity, deliver it for sale, or use such energy to provide improved reliability or economic benefits to the grid; (2) make such property eligible for new clean renewable energy bond financing; (3) allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property used at the site of energy storage; and (4) allow a 30% nonbusiness energy property tax credit for the installation of energy storage equipment in a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2010
Reaffirms that respect for human rights is a fundamental U.S. value and that providing unconditional support for governments that do not respect human rights undermines U.S. credibility and creates tensions, including in the Muslim world, that can be exploited. Recognizes that while the government of Egypt faces legitimate security threats political reform in that country will help to counter extremism and solidify prospects for stability and prosperity. Encourages the government of Egypt to repeal the state of emergency. Calls on the government of Egypt to lift legislative restrictions on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression in advance of the 2010 elections. Urges the President and the Secretary of State to: (1) make respect for human rights and democratic freedoms a priority in the U.S.-Egyptian relationship; and (2) broaden engagement with the people of Egypt and support human rights and democratic reform efforts in Egypt.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
Appropriates funds for the business loans program of the Small Business Administration (SBA), to be used for small business loan fee reductions and eliminations and small business loan guarantees authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Amends ARRA to extend through 2010 the above fee reduction and loan guarantee programs. Appropriates funds to cover such extensions. Rescinds specified funds under ARRA to offset increases resulting from appropriations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay to a state veterans home the cost of nursing home care provided to a covered veteran that is in excess of the amount paid for such care under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Defines a covered veteran as one: (1) in need of nursing home care for a service-connected disability; or (2) with a service-connected disability rated at 70% or more and in need of such care. Replaces provisions providing for payment of nursing home care at the lesser of the prevailing rate or the cost of daily care with provisions providing for payment at the applicable or prevailing rate in the area in which the state home is located. Directs the Secretary to reimburse a state home for any Medicare copayment required of a covered veteran. Permits a state home, in lieu of receiving payment under the above provisions, to elect to receive payment to furnish nursing home care to a veteran through a specified agreement entered into by the Secretary and the state home.
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 · 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
Coastal Jobs Creation Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to implement a Coastal Jobs Creation Grant Program which shall include research and programs regarding: (1) recreational and commercial fisheries management: (2) essential fish habitats; (3) fishery and marine mammal stock assessments; (4) training and deployment of observers under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; (5) conservation of ocean and coastal resources; (6) waterfront and port redevelopment; (7) coral reef ecosystem conservation; (8) improvement of coastal and ocean observation technologies; (9) bycatch reduction; and (10) preventing the occurrence and adverse impacts of marine debris on the marine environment and navigation safety.
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
Global Conservation Act of 2010 - Directs the President to: (1) designate a Special Coordinator for Global Conservation; (2) through the Special Coordinator establish the International Conservation Strategy to help combat global natural resource and biodiversity degradation in developing countries; and (3) establish the President's Advisory Committee for Global Conservation. Directs the Coordinator to establish the Interagency Working Group on Global Conservation. Urges the President to work with the world's major foreign assistance donor countries to: (1) develop an international conservation assistance strategy; (2) identify multilateral coordinating mechanisms; and (3) promote existing multilateral initiatives designed to identify meaningful levels of interim funding for forest conservation in developing countries. Requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to submit to Congress a national intelligence estimate on the anticipated geopolitical and regional security effects of the global degradation of renewable natural resources and the implications of such effects for U.S. national and economic security.