United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Social Security Totalization Agreement Reform Act of 2011 or STAR Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide that any agreement to establish a totalization arrangement which is entered into with another country shall enter into force with respect to the United States if (and only if): (1) the President, at least 90 calendar days before the date on which he enters into the agreement, notifies each House of Congress of his intention to enter into it, and promply thereafter publishes notice of such intention in the Federal Register; (2) he transmits the text of such agreement to each House of the Congress; and (3) a joint resolution regarding such agreement has passed both Houses of Congress and been enacted into federal law. Sets forth procedures for the consideration of such a joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Abortion Non-Discrimination Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to codify provisions that prohibit the federal government and any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance from subjecting any health professional, a hospital, a provider sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, an accountable care organization, a health insurance plan, or any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan to discrimination on the basis that the entity refuses to participate in abortion-related activities. Creates a cause of action for any violation of the abortion discrimination provisions. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to prevent and redress actual or threatened violations of such provisions by issuing any form of legal or equitable relief, including injunctions and orders preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance until the prohibited conduct has ceased. Gives standing to institute an action to affected health care entities and the Attorney General. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and investigate complaints alleging a violation of abortion discrimination provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011- Repeals the provision of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 requiring federal, state, and local governmental entities to withhold 3% of payments due to vendors providing goods and services to such entities. Rescinds permanently $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
Equal Access to Tax Planning Act - Deems any strategy for reducing, avoiding, or deferring tax liability insufficient to differentiate a claimed invention from the prior art when evaluating specified conditions of patentability under federal patent law.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2011 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to transmit, within 45 calendar days after enactment of the funding in question, a message to Congress with specified information requesting any rescission the President proposes under the procedures in this Act. Prescribes requirements for timing and packaging of rescission requests. Authorizes OMB, subject to a specified time limit, to withhold funding from obligation temporarily if the President proposes a rescission. Prohibits the President from invoking such expedited procedures or such authority to withhold funding on more than one occasion for any Act providing funding. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of proposed rescissions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Title X Family Planning Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit federal family planning funds from being awarded to any grantees who perform abortions or whose subgrantees perform abortions, except where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed. (Current law prohibits such funds from being used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning.) Excludes hospitals from such provisions as long as the hospital does not subgrant to a non-hospital entity that performs abortions. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit to Congress a list of grantees who perform abortions, regardless of how such abortions are funded. Makes such a grantee ineligible for family planning funds for subsequent fiscal years unless the grantee certifies that neither the grantee nor any subgrantee performs abortions that are not explicitly permitted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Life at Conception Act - Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, and other moment at which an individual comes into being.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Requires any amounts remaining of Senate Official Personnel and Office Expense Accounts after all payments are made for the year to be deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit reduction or, in fiscal years for which there is no federal budget deficit, to reduce the federal debt.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the taxpayer election to deduct state and local general sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
American Job Protection Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that require large employers to offer their full-time employees the opportunity to enroll in minimum essential coverage. Applies the Internal Revenue Code as if such provisions had never been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 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
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 · 25 January 2011
Recognizes that the implementation of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement will create jobs in the United States, increase export opportunities for U.S. businesses and agricultural producers, and further develop cross-cultural business relationships between the United States and South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. Expresses the sense of the Senate that it is in the security, economic, and diplomatic interests of the United States to enhance relationships with such countries by immediately approving such trade agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Amends Rule XXVI (Committee Procedure) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order in a subcommittee or committee to proceed to any legislative matter (except perfecting amendments) unless the legislative matter and a final budget scoring for it by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) have been publicly available on the Internet, on the official committee and CBO websites, in searchable form 72 hours before proceeding (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays except when the Senate is in session on such a day). Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the subcommittee or committee. Makes it out of order in the Senate to proceed to a legislative matter if it was proceeded to in a subcommittee or committee in violation of this rule. Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Senate. Amends Rule XVII (Reference to Committees; Motions to Discharge; Report; Hearings Available) to apply the same rule in the Senate before it proceeds to any legislative matter (other than perfecting amendments). States that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the Senate's custody. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2010
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to treat as a noninterest-bearing transaction account fully insurable by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) any Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (or functionally equivalent account) established by an attorney or law firm on behalf of a client.
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 · 18 November 2010
Recognizes the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. Acknowledges the many and varied contributions of disabled children and their parents, teachers, related services personnel, and administrators. Reaffirms the support of Congress for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2010
Collectible Firearms Protection Act - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to allow the importation of certain firearms listed as curios or relics into the United States by a licensed importer without the requirement of an authorization from or payment to the Department of State or the Department of Defense upon certification to the Attorney General that such firearms are lawfully possessed under the laws of the exporting country.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Cabin Fee Act of 2010 - Defines: (1) "cabin user fee" as the annual fee paid to the United States by a cabin owner pursuant to an authorization for the use and occupancy of a cabin on National Forest System land derived from the public domain; (2) "cabin owner" as a person authorized to use and occupy a cabin on National Forest System land derived from the public domain or a trust, or an heir or assignee of such a person; and (3) "cabin" as a privately built and owned recreation residence and related improvements on National Forest System land derived from the public domain that is authorized for private use and occupancy and may be sold or transferred between private parties. Requires the payment of an annual "cabin user fee" by a "cabin owner." Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to set such fee. Requires a reduction in the cabin use fee to $100 per year if access to a cabin is significantly impaired, whether by catastrophic events, natural causes or governmental actions, such that the cabin is rendered unsafe or unable to be occupied. Requires payment of a "cabin transfer fee" to the United States upon the transfer of a cabin between private parties for money or other consideration.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Declares that the inclusion of the gray wolf on any list of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 shall have no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an abortion provider who knowingly performs an abortion of a pain-capable unborn child (defined as an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of 20 weeks or more after fertilization), to first: (1) inform the woman of the probable age of the child; (2) provide to the woman an Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure (unless she waives receipt); (3) provide information that pain medicine administered to the mother may not prevent pain in the child, but in some cases anesthesia or pain-reducing drugs can be administered directly to the child; (4) give the woman the provider's best medical judgment of the risks and costs of such anesthesia or analgesic; and (5) obtain the woman's signature on the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Decision Form and her explicit request for or refusal of the administration of drugs to the child. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure that includes a statement that there is substantial evidence that the process of being killed in an abortion will cause the unborn child pain and that the mother has the option of having pain-reducing drugs administered directly to the child. Creates an exception to save the life of the mother. Establishes civil penalties for willfully failing to comply with this Act. Authorizes: (1) the U.S. Attorney General to bring a civil action under this Act; and (2) private rights of action for violations of this Act.
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
Supports the the goals and ideals of National Save for Retirement Week, including raising public awareness of: (1) tax-preferred retirement vehicles for personal savings and retirement financial security; (2) the availability of a variety of ways to save for retirement favored under the Internal Revenue Code; and (3) saving for retirement and the availability of tax-preferred employer-sponsored retirement savings vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Reauthorizes the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) through FY2015, and revises requirements for: (1) the child abuse prevention and treatment advisory board; (2) the national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse; (3) research and assistance activities; and (4) specified grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and public or private agencies and organizations, including community-based grants. Reauthorizes the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act through FY2015, and revises grant requirements. Directs the Secretary to award formula grants to states and Indian tribes to assist in supporting programs and projects, including through subgrants. Directs the Secretary to award grants for: (1) the establishment of two national resource centers and at least seven special issue resource centers; (2) a National Resource Center on Domestic Violence; and (3) specialized services for abused parents and their children. Revises requirements for grants for State Domestic Violence Coalitions and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative five-year agreements with State Domestic Violence Coalitions for local community projects to prevent family, domestic, and dating violence, using a coordinated community response model and through prevention and education programs. Reauthorizes through FY2015 the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 and the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2010 - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 90 session days or legislative days after such resolution is introduced, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth procedures of the House of Representatives and the Senate for joint resolutions: (1) approving major rules; and (2) disapproving nonmajor rules.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Small Business Development Center network. Expresses appreciation for: (1) the steadfast partnership between the network and the Small Business Administration (SBA); and (2) the work of the network in ensuring quality assistance to small business and access for all to the American Dream.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) relating to status as a Grandfathered Health Plan under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2010
Tax Hike Prevention Act of 2010 - Repeals the general terminating date (i.e., December 31, 2010) applicable to tax relief provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), thus making such provisions permanent. Repeals the provision of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 terminating the reductions in tax rates for capital gains and dividends, thus making such reductions permanent. Repeals provisions of EGTRRA repealing the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes after 2009, thus restoring such taxes, subject to the amendments made by this Act. Restores the step-up in basis tax treatment of inherited estate assets. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for annual increases in the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amount during the period of 2010 through 2020; (2) expand offsets against the AMT for certain nonrefundable tax credits; (3) retain marriage penalty relief provisions and the increased child tax credit; (4) revise the estate tax by imposing a permanent maximum estate tax rate of 35% and allowing a permanent estate tax exclusion amount of $5 million (adjusted annually for inflation) after 2009; and (5) allow a surviving spouse to increase the estate tax exclusion amount by the unused exclusion amount of his or her deceased spouse. Allows the executor of any estate of a decedent dying in 2010 to elect to apply existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 without regard to specified provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 2010
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Theodore "Ted" Fulton Stevens, former member of the U.S. Senate from Alaska. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on August 12, 2010, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Stevens.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide that no permit shall be required for: (1) the use of a pesticide that is registered or otherwise authorized for use under such Act; (2) the use of a biological control organism for the prevention, control, or eradication of a plant pest or noxious weed that is in accordance with the Plant Protection Act; or (3) the conduct of any other plant pest, noxious weed, or pest control activity conducted in accordance with the Plant Protection Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Excluding Abortion Coverage from Health Reform Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prohibit federal funds from being to used to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion services. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.) Requires any qualified health benefit plan offered through an Exchange that includes coverage for abortions to also offer a qualified health benefit plan through the Exchange that is identical in every respect except that it does not cover abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Reduce and Cap the Federal Workforce Act of 2010 - Requires the head of each executive agency: (1) to determine the number of full-time agency employees on February 16, 2009 (2009 number) and the number of full-time agency employees on the date occurring 90 days after enactment of this Act (current number); (2) if the 2009 number is lower, to ensure that no new employee is appointed until the 2009 number is attained through attrition; and (3) if the current number is lower or once the 2009 number is attained, to maintain that number by offsetting each new appointment by a reduction. Excludes the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Executive Office of the President, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Secret Service. Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) determine the current number of full-time employees of DOD and DHS; and (2) maintain that number by offsetting each new appointment by a reduction. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) publicly disclose the total number of federal employees, the number of federal employees in each agency, and the annual rate of pay by title of each federal employee at each agency; and (2) update such information at least once a year. Authorizes the Director of National Intelligence to exclude any employee from such information for purposes of national security.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require personnel who perform or plan the technical component of either medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures for medical purposes to possess, effective January 1, 2013: (1) certification in each medical imaging or radiation therapy modality and service they plan or perform from a certification organization designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); or (2) state licensure or certification where such services and modalities are within the scope of practice as defined by the state for such profession and where the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration meet or exceed the standards established by the Secretary. Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants from the requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum standards for personnel who perform, plan, evaluate, or verify patient dose for medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures; (2) establish a program for designating certification organizations after consideration of specified criteria; (3) provide a process for individuals whose training or experience are determined to be equal to, or in excess of, those of a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty to demonstrate that their experience meets the educational standards for qualified personnel in their imaging modality or radiation therapy procedures; and (4) publish a list of approved accrediting bodies for such certification organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural or health professional shortage areas as appropriate to ensure access to quality medical imaging. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow Medicare payment for medical imaging and radiation therapy services, only if the examination or procedure is planned or performed by an individual who meets this Act's requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Patients' Freedom to Choose Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 that: (1) restrict payments from health savings accounts, medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending arrangements for medications to prescription drugs and insulin only; and (2) impose a $2,500 limitation on salary reduction contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 - Amends the Antiquities Act of 1906 to require land reserved as part of a national monument to be confined to the smallest area necessary to ensure the proper care and management of the objects to be protected by the monument. Sets forth requirements for the designation of national monuments under the Act. Bars the President from issuing a proclamation to designate a national monument under this Act before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the proposed proclamation is provided by the President to Congress, the governor of each state, and specified local and tribal government officials having jurisdiction over any parcel of land within the boundary of the proposed monument. Requires at least one public hearing and a notice and comment period after the issuance of a proclamation to designate a national monument. Requires the President to report to Congress on any hearings held, any written comments received, and the impact of such designation on communities within the boundary of the monument, the nation's energy security, and interests, rights, and uses associated with the land within the monument. Makes a proclamation ineffective two years after its issuance, unless it is approved by an Act of Congress. Bars the issuance of a proclamation by the President that is substantially similar to a previously issued proclamation that Congress did not approve within the two-year period.
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 · 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
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 · 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 · 22 June 2010
Rare Earths Supply Technology and Resources Transformation Act of 2010 or RESTART Act - Establishes within the Department of the Interior the Rare Earth Policy Task Force to monitor and assist federal agencies in expediting the review and approval of permits to accelerate the completion of projects that will increase investment in, exploration for, and development of domestic rare earths. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Energy to assess and report to Congress on: (1) the domestic rare earth supply chain; (2) rare earth elements critical to clean energy technologies and the national security; and (3) whether critical rare earth materials should be stockpiled. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report to industry describing available mechanisms for obtaining government loan guarantees to reestablish a domestic rare earth supply chain; and (2) issue guidance for the rare earth industry on obtaining federal loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on past, current, and future projects to support the domestic rare earth supply chain. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States faces a shortage of key rare earth materials that form the backbone of both the defense and energy supply chains; (2) the urgent need to reestablish a domestic rare earth supply chain warrants a statutory prioritization of projects to support such reestablishment; (3) there is a pressing need to support innovation, training, and workforce development in the domestic rare earth supply chain; and (4) the Departments of Energy, of the Interior, of Commerce, and of Defense should each provide funds to academic institutions, federal laboratories, and private entities for innovation, training, and workforce development in the domestic rare earth supply chain.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
American Job Protection Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that require large employers to offer their full-time employees the opportunity to enroll in minimum essential coverage. Applies the Internal Revenue Code as if such provisions had never been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
American Liberty Restoration Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that require individuals to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. Applies the Internal Revenue Code as if such provisions had never been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Rural Mobility and Access for America Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program for the allocation of federal funds for surface transportation program projects in rural states. Defines "rural state" as any of the 50 states that: (1) has a population density of 45 or fewer individuals per square mile of land area; or (2) does not include an urbanized area with a population of more than 500,000 individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2010
Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2010 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to transmit, within 45 calendar days after enactment of the funding in question, a message to Congress with specified information requesting any rescission the President proposes under the procedures in this Act. Prescribes requirements for timing and packaging of rescission requests. Authorizes OMB, subject to a specified time limit, to withhold funding from obligation temporarily if the President proposes a rescission. Prohibits the President from invoking such expedited procedures or such authority to withhold funding on more than one occasion for any Act providing funding. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of proposed rescissions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Honors the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses during National Small Business Week beginning May 23, 2010. Applauds the efforts and achievements of small business owners and their employees. Recognizes the work of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its resource partners in providing assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Recognizes the importance of ensuring that: (1) applicable procurement goals for small businesses are reached by all federal agencies; (2) guaranteed loans and microloans are made available to all qualified small businesses; (3) necessary federal resources are provided to management assistance programs delivered by SBA resource partners; (4) SBA small business disaster assistance is provided in a timely and efficient manner; (5) federal tax policy spurs small business growth, creates jobs, and increases competitiveness; (6) the federal government reduces the regulatory compliance burden on small businesses; (7) advanced technology policy facilitates access to affordable broadband Internet service to foster rural small business growth; and (8) systems of intellectual property protection continue to foster small business innovation.