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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 · 28 October 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain alginates.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on propylene glycol alginates.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to reduce temporarily the duty on sodium alginate.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2009. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should: (1) continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities; and (2) support programs designed to end domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to extend the authority for a relocation expenses test program for federal employees upon the request of the agency administering the program. Requires each such agency to annually submit a report on the results of the program to the Administrator. Increases to 12 the number of test programs that may be conducted simultaneously. Limits approval for any test program to an initial four-year period, with four-year extensions authorized. Repeals a provision disclaiming any intent to limit agency authority to conduct such test programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to list permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained: (1) from a licensed dealer; (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements; (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year; or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Sets forth additional monetary penalties for related violations. Prohibits federal facilities from purchasing or otherwise acquiring dogs or cats for exhibition purposes (currently, for research, experimentation, or exhibition purposes) except from: (1) the operator of an auction that comports with legal requirements; or (2) a person holding a valid dealer or exhibitor license. Prohibits dealers from selling or otherwise providing any research facility (currently, any individual or entity) with random source dogs or cats unless specified certification requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Federal Agency Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2009 - Requires each federal agency to designate a Chief Conservation Officer. Includes among such Officer's duties: (1) providing assistance to enhance the agency's conservation efforts; (2) collecting data to determine the energy consumption of each building owned or operated by the agency and of major equipment located within each building and providing the results to the Chief Conservation Officers Council; (3) increasing energy efficiency and maintaining or increasing energy security and cost savings; and (4) developing, facilitating, and maintaining the implementation of a sound energy efficiency information technology architecture. Makes such Officer responsible for the management of the agency's energy efficiency. Directs such Officer, in carrying out that responsibility, to: (1) monitor the performance of each energy efficiency program of the agency; (2) evaluate performance on the basis of applicable performance measurements; (3) advise the agency head regarding whether to continue, modify, or terminate any program or project; and (4) prepare an energy usage report, which shall include data regarding the agency's information technology energy usage. Establishes in the executive branch the Chief Conservation Officers Council, which shall function as the principal interagency forum for improving the practices of federal agencies relating to energy efficiency. Defines "environmentally preferable green products and services" for purposes of certain supply schedules. Requires an authorized nonfederal user to act in accordance with the ordering guidance provided by the Administrator of General Services (GSA). Authorizes each executive agency to establish pilot programs for the purchase of power from renewable energy sources located at federal facilities, subject to specified requirements. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the President to ensure that a specified amount of the total energy (currently, electric energy) consumed by the government during a fiscal year is renewable energy. Defines "renewable energy" to mean energy (currently, electric energy) generated from specified sources.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Cliff Hansen, a former Senator of Wyoming. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on October 21, 2009, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Hansen.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Congratulates the National FFA Organization, a premier student leadership organization, for 40 years of membership by women and celebrates the contributions of female members of the National FFA Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should: (1) continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities; and (2) support programs designed to end domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Expresses the Senate's support for the goals and ideals of "Lights On Afterschool!," a national celebration of after-school programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Statistics Act of 2009 - Amends the Hate Crime Statistics Act to include crimes against the homeless in the crime data collected by the Attorney General under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Trisomy 21 Translational Research Parity Act of 2009 or the 21 Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): (1) in coordination with the directors of specified national research institutes, to expand and intensify NIH programs with respect to translational research and related activities concerning Down syndrome; and (2) allocate specified funds among such institutes. Requires the Director to award grants and contracts for, and provide for the establishment of, at least six centers of excellence regarding such translational research to: (1) contribute to a comprehensive research portfolio for Down syndrome, provide an optimal venue and infrastructure for patient-oriented research, and conduct basic, clinical, and translational research on Down syndrome; (2) carry out a program to make individuals aware of opportunities to participate as subjects in research conducted by the centers; and (3) establish or expand training programs for medical and allied health clinicians and scientists in research relevant to Down syndrome. Requires the Director, in coordination of the National Down Syndrome Patient Registry and Biobank (Biobank), to provide for a program under which samples of tissues and genetic materials that are of use in research on Down syndrome are made available. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish the Down Syndrome Coordinating Committee to coordinate federal health programs relating to Down syndrome; (2) award grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on, and for epidemiological activities regarding, Down syndrome; (3) establish the Biobank and an advisory committee; and (4) enter into cooperative agreements to develop, implement, and manage Down Syndrome Centers of Excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Recognizes the benefits of service-learning, which include: (1) enriching and enhancing academic outcomes for youth; (2) engaging youth in positive experiences in the community; and (3) encouraging youth to make more constructive choices with regards to their lives. Encourages schools, school districts, college campuses, community-based organizations, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to provide youth with more service-learning opportunities. Expresses support for the goals of the National Learn and Serve Challenge, an annual event which spotlights the value of service-learning to youth, schools, college campuses, and communities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS): (1) to study and report to Congress on the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief; and (2) in conducting the study, to utilize the expertise of stakeholder entities and organizations, including the amateur radio, emergency response, and disaster communications communities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Designates the week of October 18-October 24, 2009, as National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Enhancing Flight Crewmembers' Training - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prescribe regulations to require each air carrier to develop and implement standards and methods to ensure flight crewmembers have proper qualifications and experience to serve as crewmembers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of Fire Prevention Week; and (2) the work of firefighters in educating and protecting this nation's communities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009
Designates October 2009 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 · 29 September 2009
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide a duty on certain rayon staple fibers.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month. Recognizes that every child should have a permanent and loving family. Encourages the citizens of the United States to consider adoption during the month of November and all throughout the year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Henry Bellmon, a former member of the U.S. Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on September 29, 2009, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Bellmon.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, as designated by the National Cyber Security Alliance, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other organizations working to improve cyber security in the United States. Continues to work with federal agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations in enhancing the state of cyber security in the United States. Congratulates the National Security Alliance, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, DHS, and other organizations working to improve cyber security in the United States on the sixth anniversary of the National Cyber Security Month during October 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2009
Designates September 2009 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) increase funding for prostate cancer research; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
National Oilheat Research Alliance Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 to extend the national oilheat research alliance program until February 6, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2009
Abrupt Climate Change Research Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and carry out a program of extramural awards to conduct scientific research on abrupt climate change (defined as change in climate that occurs so rapidly or unexpectedly that human or natural systems have difficulty adapting).
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2009
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the introduction into commerce of a mid-level ethanol blend (an ethanol-gasoline blend containing greater than 10% ethanol) for use in conventional gasoline-powered onroad or nonroad vehicles and nonroad engines only if: (1) EPA's Science Advisory Board submits to the Administrator, and the Administrator provides for public notice and comment, a report describing the impact of the blend on such vehicles, emissions, and associated materials compatibility and consumer issues, the ability of the gasoline distribution infrastructure to introduce the blend without widespread misfueling by consumers, and the estimated ability of consumers to purchase gasoline other than that blend in in all areas of the United States by five years after the blend is introduced; (2) the permit or authorization is granted through the fuels and fuel additives waiver process under the Clean Air Act and the Administrator formally responds to the Board's recommendations in the waiver announcement; and (3) the blend is introduced for general use in all conventional gasoline-powered onroad and nonroad vehicles and nonroad engines in widespread use as of the date on which the Administrator authorizes that introduction.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2009
Designates room 325 of the Russell Senate Office Building, commonly referred to as the "Caucus Room," as the "Kennedy Caucus Room," in recognition of the service to the Senate and the people of the United States of Senators Edward Moore Kennedy, Robert Francis Kennedy, and John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2009
Designates September 2009 as National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Recognizes the need for additional research into treatment for atrial fibrillation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
Designates September 16, 2009, as The American Legion Day.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2009
Weapons of Mass Destruction Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2009 or the WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary), in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS Secretary), to designate as "Tier I agents" those agents and toxins which have significant potential to be used effectively in a biological attack and for which the DHS Secretary has issued a Material Threat Determination, with exceptions. Amends the Homeland Security Act (HSA) to direct the DHS Secretary to establish enhanced biosecurity measures for registered entities to use in handling such agents. Directs the DHS Secretary to: (1) evaluate and ensure the implementation of, and compliance with, personnel reliability programs at laboratories that handle Tier I agents; (2) ensure that such laboratories submit risk assessments and site security plans that comply with the standards promulgated under this Act; (3) inspect such laboratories for compliance with regulations promulgated under this Act; and (4) award grants to academic and nonprofit organizations to implement security improvements at such laboratories. Amends the PHSA to direct the HHS Secretary to develop, coordinate, and maintain a National Medical Countermeasure Dispensing Strategy. Directs the HHS Secretary to expand existing pilot programs to utilize the United States Postal Service to deliver medical countermeasures in a public health emergency. Amends the HSA to: (1) direct the DHS Secretary to establish a program to distribute medkits to emergency responders and their immediate family members; (2) require the HHS Secretary to conduct a pilot program to study the feasibility of providing personal medkits to the public; (3) establish in DHS a National Bioforensics Analysis Center; (4) direct the DHS Secretary to develop, coordinate, and maintain a national bioforensics strategy; and (5) direct the DHS Secretary to incorporate into each operational plan developed under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 a communications plan for informing the public regarding preventing, preparing for, protecting against, and responding to imminent natural disasters, terrorist acts, and other man-made disasters. Requires: (1) the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to complete a global review of international biological security threats to the United States and to update the review at least biennially; and (2) the Secretary of State to provide specified technical and financial assistance to countries or regions identified by the mandated Threat Assessment and to produce and implement a plan for promoting international adherence to, and implementation of, international agreements regarding weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2009 - Authorizes providing assistance to eligible developing countries that: (1) permit personnel from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate outbreaks of infectious diseases within their borders; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to the appropriate U.S. agencies and to international health organizations. Directs the Secretary of State to provide assistance for short training courses for public health personnel in laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks. Sets forth provisions regarding the assignment of public health personnel to U.S. missions and international organizations. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to establish new country or regional international Field Epidemiology Training Programs. Requires the DNI to develop, implement, and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for improving: (1) U.S. capabilities for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence related to WMD; and (2) the recruiting, training, and retention of employees of the elements of the intelligence community who possess critical language capabilities and cultural backgrounds. Amends the HSA to direct the DHS Secretary: (1) in coordination with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to ensure that information concerning terrorist threats is available to the general public within the United States; and (2) to develop and disseminate guidelines for police, emergency medical services, emergency management, and public health personnel for responding to an explosion or release of nuclear, biological, radiological, or chemical material. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist state, local, and tribal governments in improving and promoting individual and community preparedness for disasters and terrorist acts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2009
IDEA Full Funding Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reauthorize and make appropriations for the grant program to assist states and outlying areas in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. Decreases the amount authorized and makes appropriations for FY2010-FY2011, authorizes and makes specified appropriations for FY2012-FY2015, and authorizes and makes appropriations pursuant to a formula for FY2016 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2009
Declares that the Senate has received with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the passing of the Honorable Edward Moore Kennedy, the great Senator from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on September 8, 2009, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2009
Congratulates the women and women-led organizations of Afghanistan on the launch of the Five Million Afghan Women Campaign. Urges the government of Afghanistan to ensure that sufficient staffing is in place in women's polling stations, including security staff and equipment and appropriate polling place personnel, and include women in committees charged with election security and related processes. Urges the government of Afghanistan, the religious, community, and cultural leaders to encourage women to participate in the August 2009 elections. Urges the government of Afghanistan and the Independent Electoral Commission to continue to consult with the Afghan Ministry of Women's Affairs, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, and women-led nongovernmental organizations regarding women's participation in the elections. Encourages the Secretary of State to continue to mobilize U.S. resources for programs throughout Afghanistan to raise the awareness of women in Afghanistan regarding governance and their rights as citizens. Urges the new government of Afghanistan to meaningfully engage women in such new government.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009 - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether a state substantially provides for specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management, supervisory, and confidential employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the FLRA to issue, in accordance with the public safety employee rights and responsibilities, regulations establishing collective bargaining procedures for public safety employers and employees in states that do not substantially provide for such rights and responsibilities. Directs the FLRA, in such cases, to: (1) determine the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation; (2) supervise or conduct elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a voting majority of the employees in an appropriate unit; (3) resolve issues relating to the duty to bargain in good faith; (4) conduct hearings and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices; and (5) resolve exceptions to arbitrators' awards. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of FLRA regulations and orders through appropriate state courts. Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts, sickouts, work slowdowns, or strikes. Waives federal preemption of state law governing strikes by public safety officers. Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Designates September 26, 2009, as National Estuaries Day. Expresses the intent of the Senate to continue working to protect and restore U.S. estuaries.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Designates August 2009 as Agent Orange Awareness Month. Recognizes the sacrifices made by our veterans and service-members, especially those who were exposed to Agent Orange. Calls attention to the adverse effects that such exposure has had on their health.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2009
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity by covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees). Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims. Prohibits related retaliation. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; and (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the Armed Forces. Declares that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran. Provides for the construction of this Act regarding: (1) enforcement by employers of rules and policies; (2) sexual harassment; (3) certain shared facilities such as showers or dressing facilities; (4) construction of new or additional facilities; (5) dress and grooming standards; and (6) provision of employee benefits to married vs. unmarried couples. Declares that, in this Act, "married" refers to a legal union between one man and one woman. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or compelling the collection by covered entities of such statistics. Provides for enforcement, including giving the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress, the Attorney General, and U.S. courts the same enforcement powers as they have under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and other specified laws. Allows actions and proceedings, subject to exception, against the United States and the states.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2009
Commemorates the 45th anniversary of the Wilderness Act under which the National Wilderness Preservation System was established for the protection of wilderness in the United States. Recognizes and commends the work of the individuals and organizations involved in the building of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2009
Forest Carbon Incentives Program Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a carbon incentives program to achieve supplemental greenhouse gas emission reductions on private forest land of the United States. Directs the Secretary (subject to specified requirements) to provide to owners of eligible land financial incentive payments for: (1) eligible practices that measurably increase carbon sequestration and storage over a designated period, as specified through a climate mitigation contract; and (2) permanent avoided deforestation agreements (i.e., permanent conservation easements that cover eligible land that will not be converted for development). Directs the Secretary to: (1) specify requirements to address intentional or unintentional reversal of carbon sequestration during the contract period; (2) issue regulations that specify eligible practices and related compensation rates, standards, and guidelines; (3) establish and implement protocols that provide monitoring and verification of compliance with such contracts; (4) report on progress toward reaching specified levels of carbon sequestration and storage through such contracts; and (5) adjust (at least every two years) eligible practices and compensation rates for future contracts based on the results.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Office of the National Alzheimer's Project Act - Establishes in the Office of the President 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 citizen's 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; and (5) coordinate with international bodies to integrate and inform the fight against Alzheimer's globally. Sets forth the duties of the Director of the Office, including to use discretionary authority to evaluate all federal programs around Alzheimer's. Establishes in the Office an Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research and Treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act of 2009 or the SOAR Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award five-year grants on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations to carry out activities to provide expanded school choice opportunities to students who are DC residents and who come from households: (1) receiving assistance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008; and (2) with incomes not exceeding 185% of the poverty line, except in certain grandfathered circumstances. Prescribes requirements for schools participating in such grant programs, including administering nationally norm-referenced standardized tests in reading and mathematics to participating students. Repeals the DC School Choice Incentive Act of 2003 (title III of division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004). Deems this Act as the reauthorization of the opportunity scholarship program under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Milk Import Tariff Equity Act - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to impose tariff-rate quotas (quantitative import limits) and provide various duty rates on certain casein, caseinates, milk protein concentrate, and other casein derivatives and glues imported into the United States (except imports from Mexico). Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into a trade agreement with a foreign country to grant new concessions as compensation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions; and (2) proclaim any necessary modification or continuance of any existing duty, or continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or any quantitative limitation. Sets forth certain limits on the reduction of duties on such products.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Designates the week beginning September 14, 2009, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Recognizes the dedication and vital role of direct support professionals in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Designates Richard A. Baker as Historian Emeritus of the United States Senate, as a token of the appreciation of the Senate for his long and faithful service. Makes such designation effective September 1, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Foreign Assistance Revitalization and Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID): (1) an Assistant Administrator for Policy and Strategic Planning to assist in matters related to policy planning, strategic planning, program design, research, evaluation, and budget allocation and management; and (2) a Bureau for Policy and Strategic Planning whose primary duties shall include policy and long-term strategy development, evaluation of program effectiveness, and establishment of resource and workforce allocation criteria. Establishes: (1) in the Bureau for Policy and Strategic Planning an Office for Learning, Evaluation, and Analysis in Development; and (2) the Council on Research and Evaluation of Foreign Assistance and the Council on Research and Evaluation of Foreign Assistance Advisory Board. Directs the Administrator of USAID to: (1) develop a comprehensive workforce and human resources strategy and a related task force to support the objective of promoting development and reducing global poverty; and (2) establish career guidelines for Foreign Service officers and civil service officers that incorporate interagency, intergovernmental, or international organization rotational assignments. Directs the President to require all federal departments and agencies to make publicly available on their Web sites comprehensive and accessible information about U.S. foreign assistance on a program-by-program and country-by-country basis. Sets forth USAID program fund guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2009- Amends the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 to require the head of each federal agency to review agency programs and activities every three fiscal years and identify those that may be susceptible to significant improper payments. Defines "significant" to mean improper payments in program or activity payments in the preceding fiscal year that may have exceeded: (1) $10 million and 2.5% of program outlays (1.5% prior to FY2013); or (2) $100 million. Sets forth risk factors for conducting improper payment reviews, including: (1) whether the program or activity is new to the agency; (2) the volume of payments made; (3) whether payment decisions are made outside of the agency; (4) recent major changes in program funding, authorities, practices, or procedures; (5) the level and quality of personnel training; and (6) significant deficiencies in auditing practices. Requires agency heads to: (1) produce a statistically valid estimate of the improper payments in their agencies; and (2) include such estimates in their annual financial statements. Expands agency reporting requirements with respect to improper payments to require reports on actions to reduce and recover improper payments. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) report to specified congressional committees and the Comptroller General in each fiscal year on actions agencies have taken to report on and recover improper payments; and (2) provide guidance to agencies for implementing actions to reduce improper payments and strategies for addressing risks and establishing internal controls. Requires agency heads to conduct recovery audits for agency programs that expend $1 million or more annually if such audits would be cost-effective. Requires each agency's Inspector General to report each fiscal year on agency compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Director of OMB to establish one or more pilot programs to test accountability mechanisms to ensure compliance with this Act and eliminate improper payments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Recognizes Commander Chris Cassidy, space shuttle mission specialist of the STS-127 space shuttle mission and the Expedition 19 International Space Station (ISS) mission, for becoming the 500th person in history to fly into space. Commends Commander Cassidy and the STS-127 space shuttle mission crew for risking their lives to advance science and human understanding.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009
Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for conducting and supporting research on Alzheimer's disease in FY2010-FY2014. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to: (1) give priority to conducting and supporting Alzheimer's disease research; (2) increase the emphasis on the need to conduct Alzheimer's disease prevention trials within the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (3) ensure that Alzheimer's disease is maintained as a high priority for NIH's neuroscience initiative; and (4) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's disease. Requires the Director to conduct research related to: (1) the early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and its potential precursors; (2) early onset Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (3) the relationship of vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease; and (4) interventions designed to help caregivers and improve patient outcomes. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaborative research among the Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Expands the research of Alzheimer's Disease Centers to include outcome measures and disease management. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a National Summit on Alzheimer's Disease. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct activities related to risk factors and early recognition of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administration on Aging, to award a cooperative grant for the establishment and operation of an Alzheimer's Call Center. Extends and expands demonstration projects relating to Alzheimer's disease.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009
Expresses support for the designation of September as National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Recognizes the need for additional research into treatment for atrial fibrillation.