United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
Addressing Cost Containment Measures To Ensure the Sustainability and Success of ADAP Act or the ACCESS ADAP Act - Transfers funds from discretionary amounts appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that remain unobligated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be used in FY2010 to provide assistance in reducing AIDS Drug Assistance Program waiting lists and to address other cost containment measures that state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs implement after January 1, 2009. Requires amounts transferred under this Act to be used by states in a manner consistent with their state programs. Requires the Secretary, in allocating such funds, to: (1) give special consideration to the total scope and the basis of a state's needs, including the total number of patients on a waiting list, eligibility requirements, and other cost containment measures; and (2) ensure that funds be used only to provide treatments to individuals who were eligible to participate in the state program on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2010
American Energy and Western Jobs Act - Rescinds Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Instruction Memoranda numbered 2010-117 (Oil and Gas Leasing Reform – Land Use Planning and Lease Parcel Reviews) and 2010-118 (Energy Policy Act Section 390 Categorical Exclusion Policy Revision), issued on May 17, 2010, and declares that they shall have no force or effect. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, before modifying and implementing any onshore oil or natural gas preleasing or leasing and development policy, to complete an economic impact assessment and determine that the proposed modification will not: (1) result in a detrimental impact on employment opportunities relating to oil- and natural gas-related development; (2) contribute to an increase in the domestic use of imported petroleum resources; or (3) contribute to an aggregate loss of oil and natural gas receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Earmark Transparency Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Clerk of the House of Representatives, in coordination with the Secretary of the Senate, to insure the existence of a single free public searchable website that specifies certain identifying information relating to each request by Members of Congress for congressionally directed spending items (congressional earmarks). Requires a request for a congressional earmark from a Member of Congress to be made available on the website within five days of its receipt by a congressional committee.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2010
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution, laws, and traditions; (2) the Convention would undermine presumptions of freedom and independence for U.S. families; (3) the Convention would interfere with the principles of U.S. sovereignty, independence, and self-government that preclude the propriety of adopting international law to govern domestic matters; and (4) the President should not transmit the Convention to the Senate for its advice and consent.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2010
Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to delay the implementation of the final rules entitled "Lead; Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program; Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet; Notice of Availability; Final Rule" (published on April 22, 2008) and "Lead; Amendment to the Opt-out and Recordkeeping Provisions in the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program" (signed by the Administrator on April 22, 2010) in each state until accredited certified renovator classes to train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with such rules have been held in such state for at least a year. Requires the Administrator to: (1) monitor each state to determine when such classes are offered; and (2) notify each Member of Congress about the location and time of each such class held in their state and the date on which the classes have been held for one year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Voluntary Protection Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into cooperative agreements with employers to: (1) encourage establishment of comprehensive safety and health management systems to protect employees from occupational hazards; and (2) establish a voluntary protection program to encourage excellence and recognize its achievement in both the technical and managerial protection of employees from occupational hazards. Requires the Secretary to take necessary steps for the orderly transition from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cooperative agreements and voluntary protection programs existing before enactment of this Act to agreements and programs authorized under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase small business participation in the voluntary protection program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Surplus Uranium Disposition Act of 2010 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities at fair market value. Requires eligible entities to: (1) obtain a combined operating license for a reactor approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); and (2) possess a license from the NRC in order to obtain uranium under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to offer to barter, transfer, or sell to eligible entities, on a first-come, first-served basis and at fair market value, 20 million pounds of uranium for initial cores for projects to build new reactors. Authorizes the Secretary to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities on a first-come, first-served basis, at fair market value following a prescribed schedule for 2010-2013 and subsequent years. Requires a recipient to sell such uranium at fair market value. Prohibits the use of funds or other value obtained from the barter, transfer, or sale of uranium, without a specific appropriation by Congress, to implement other programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain a sufficient inventory of uranium to meet current and foreseeable needs of the missions and programs of DOE and designated agencies; and (2) maintain a reserve inventory of uranium that contains at least 20 million pounds of uranium. Permits the Secretary to release uranium from the reserve inventory only if a national energy emergency is declared by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
NEPA Certainty Act - Declares that the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) should not be used to document, predict, or mitigate the climate effects of specific federal actions. Provides that compliance with NEPA does not include consideration of: (1) the greenhouse gas emissions, or any climate change effects of those emissions, of a proposed action and alternative actions; or (2) the relationship of climate change effects to a proposed action or alternatives, including the relationship to proposal design, environmental impacts, mitigation, and adaptation measures. Declares that this Act does not preempt or interfere with: (1) any authority to consider the climate change effects of proposed legislation or regulations specifically addressing greenhouse gas emissions; or (2) requirements to consider the potential effects of climate change on proposals for agency action during planning or design processes under provisions of law other than NEPA.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Designates April 2010 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by the 29 coal miners lost at the Upper Big Branch Mine-South in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Extends the deepest condolences of the Senate to the families of the fallen coal miners. Honors the survivors of the tragedy. Recognizes all coal miners for enduring the immeasurable loss of co-workers and maintaining courage in the aftermath of the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine-South. Commends the valiant efforts of the emergency response workers searching for the missing coal miners. Honors the many volunteers who provided support and comfort for the missing coal miners' families during the rescue and recovery operations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Expresses sympathy to the people of Poland and the families of those who perished for their profound loss resulting from the April 10, 2010, airplane crash that killed the country's President, First Lady, and 94 other high ranking government, military, and civic leaders. Expresses: (1) solidarity with the people of Poland and Polish-American communities in the United States; and (2) support for the Polish government as it addresses the loss of many key officials.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Open EAJA Act of 2010 - Directs the Attorney General to issue an annual online report to Congress and the public on the amount of attorney fees and other expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year pursuant to the law commonly known as the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). Directs the Comptroller General to commence an audit of the Equal Access to Justice Act for 1995 through the end of the calendar year in which this Act is enacted, and report to Congress on the audit results.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2010
Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act - Prohibits the President from: (1) regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents or any transactions incident to such travel; and (2) restricting direct transfers from a Cuban financial institution to a U.S. financial institution executed in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. States that: (1) any regulation restricting or prohibiting such Cuban travel shall have no effect; and (2) such prohibition shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. citizens or legal residents. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to define "payment of cash in advance" as the payment by the purchaser of an agricultural commodity or product and the receipt of such payment by the seller prior to: (1) the transfer of title of such commodity or product to the purchaser; and (2) the release of control of such commodity or product to the purchaser.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2010
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should insist on increased access to Japanese markets by U.S. exporters of beef and beef products.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2010
American Job Creation and Investment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a corporation to elect in 2010 and 2011 to increase its alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits by a specified credit adjustment amount for purposes of increasing its U.S. workforce and making investments in business equipment. Terminates such additional credit allowance after December 31, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2010
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John P. Murtha, late a Representative from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Declares that when the Senate adjourns or recesses on February 9, 2010, it stand adjourned or recessed as a further mark of respect to the memory of Representative Murtha.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Requires a two-thirds rollcall vote in each chamber before final adoption of any bill to increase the internal revenue. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Prohibits the government of the District of Columbia from issuing a marriage license to any couple of the same sex until the people of the District have the opportunity to hold a referendum or initiative on the question of whether the District should issue same-sex marriage licenses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Charles McC. Mathias, Jr., former Member of the United States Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on January 26, 2010, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Mathias, Jr.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 15, 2009, relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010
Erasing our National Debt Through Accountability and Responsibility Plan Act of 2010 - Terminates the authorities granted the Secretary of the Treasury under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to purchase troubled assets from financial institutions. Lowers the public debt limit by the amount of all TARP assistance repaid by recipients on or after the enactment of this Act, along with dividends, profits, or other funds paid to the government based on such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010
Haiti Assistance Income Tax Incentive Act - Treats cash contributions made after January 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, for the relief of earthquake victims in Haiti as having been made on December 31, 2009, for purposes of the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Deems a contribution as meeting the recordkeeping requirements of the Internal Revenue Code if the taxpayer produces a telephone bill showing the name of the donee organization and the date and amount of the contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2009
Common Sense Budgeting Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order to consider in either chamber any legislation that would exceed specified discretionary spending limits. Sets discretionary spending limits for FY2010-FY2014. Permits waiver or suspension of such prohibition, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair in the Senate only: (1) by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (67) of the Senate; or (2) in the case of the defense budget authority, a declaration of war by Congress. Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider any direct spending or revenue legislation that would increase the on-budget deficit or cause an on-budget deficit for: (1) the current fiscal year; (2) the budget year; or (3) 5 to 10 ensuing fiscal years after the current fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2009
Child Care Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to require states that receive funds under such Act to: (1) require and conduct criminal background checks for staff members of child care providers; (2) prohibit the employment of a child care staff member who refuses to consent to a criminal background check, makes a false statement in connection with such background check, is registered as a sex offender, or is a convicted felon involving certain crimes; and (3) provide criminal background checks to child care providers upon request. Imposes a financial penalty on states that fail to comply substantially with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish in the legislative branch the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action to address, and report to the President, the Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of both chambers on, the nation's long-term fiscal imbalances, including federal expenditures and revenues and the current and long-term actuarial financial condition of the federal government. Provides for expedited legislative consideration of Task Force recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2009
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Paula F. Hawkins, former member of the U.S. Senate from Florida. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on December 4, 2009, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Hawkins.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2009
Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act - Exempts provisions expanding the adoption tax credit and adoption assistance programs enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 from the general terminating (sunset) provisions of that Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax credit for adoption expenses in the taxable year in which such expenses are paid or incurred.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the tax deduction for charitable contributions of qualified wild game meat by the processing fees paid with respect to such contributions; and (2) exclude from the gross income of meat processors processing fees paid by a charitable organization for the processing of donated wild game meat. Defines "qualified wild game meat" as the meat of any animal typically used for human consumption if: (1) such animal is killed in the wild by the individual making the charitable contribution; and (2) the meat is apparently wholesome and processed in accordance with applicable laws.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend by one year, from July 2010 to July 2011, the Secretary of Education's authority to purchase or enter into forward commitments to purchase: (1) Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) from lenders, upon the determination that there is an inadequate availability of loan capital to meet the demand for such loans; and (2) rehabilitated loans that eligible lenders purchased under the FFEL default reduction program. Extends by one year, from June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2011, the authority of institutions of higher education (IHEs), with the Secretary's approval, to participate in the FFEL lender-of-last-resort program for borrowers otherwise unable to obtain such loans (thereby requiring guaranty agencies serving as lenders-of-last-resort to make FFELs to student and parent borrowers of such IHEs, until such date, regardless of their ability to otherwise obtain such loans).
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009
Rosa's Law - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Public Health Service Act, the Health Professions Education Partnership Act of 1968, the National Sickle Cell Anemia Act, Cooley's Anemia, Tay-Sachs, and Genetic Diseases Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, and other federal enactments and regulations to change references to mental retardation to references to an intellectual disability.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009
TARP Sunset Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to terminate, on December 31, 2009 (as under current law), the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to implement the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Repeals the Secretary's authority to extend the TARP program through October 3, 2010, upon submission of a written certification to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Offers deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the innocent victims killed or wounded in the senseless attack that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009. Offers support and hope for a full recovery for those wounded there. Honors the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of law enforcement personnel, first responders, soldiers present at the scene, medical personnel, and countless others who aided the victims. Shares in the pain and grief felt by the people of the United States in the aftermath of this tragic event.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009
Carbon Dioxide Capture Technology Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary of Energy to establish and award competitive technology financial awards for the development and implementation of technology to capture carbon dioxide from dilute sources; and (2) establish the Carbon Dioxide Capture Technology Advisory Board to advise the Secretary in carrying out duties under this Act. Terminates the Board and all authorities under this Act on December 31, 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2009
Heart Mountain Relocation Center Study Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Park County, Wyoming. Requires the Secretary, in conducting such study, to: (1) evaluate the national significance of the Relocation Center and surrounding area; (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Relocation Center as a unit of the National Park System; (3) consider other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation of the site; (4) identify cost estimates for any federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with such alternatives; (5) identify potential impacts on landowners of designation of the site as a System unit; and (6) consult with interested public and private entities and private property owners that may be affected by any such designation or other interested individuals.
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 · 8 October 2009
Amends Rule XXVI (Committee Procedure) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order in a subcommittee or committee to proceed to any legislative matter unless the legislative matter and a final budget scoring for it by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) have been publicly available on the Internet, on the official committee and CBO websites, in searchable form 72 hours before proceeding (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays except when the Senate is in session on such a day). Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the subcommittee or committee. Makes it out of order in the Senate to proceed to a legislative matter if it was proceeded to in a subcommittee or committee in violation of this Rule. Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Senate. Amends Rule XVII (Reference to Committees; Motions to Discharge; Report; Hearings Available) to apply the same rule in the Senate before it proceeds to any legislative matter. States that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the Senate's custody. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Amends Rule XXVI (Committee Procedure) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order in a subcommittee or committee to proceed to any legislative matter (except perfecting amendments) unless the legislative matter and a final budget scoring for it by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) have been publicly available on the Internet, on the official committee and CBO websites, in searchable form 72 hours before proceeding (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays except when the Senate is in session on such a day). Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the subcommittee or committee. Makes it out of order in the Senate to proceed to a legislative matter if it was proceeded to in a subcommittee or committee in violation of this rule. Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Senate. Amends Rule XVII (Reference to Committees; Motions to Discharge; Report; Hearings Available) to apply the same rule in the Senate before it proceeds to any legislative matter (other than perfecting amendments). States that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the Senate's custody. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain acrylic fiber tow containing a minimum of 92 percent acrylonitrile.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Veterinary Services Investment Act - Amends The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture carry out a grant program to develop, implement, and sustain veterinary services and relieve veterinary shortage situations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2009
Designates September 22, 2009, as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Commends the Falls Free Coalition Advocacy Work Group and the 22 state falls coalitions for their efforts to work together to increase education and awareness about the prevention of falls among older adults. Encourages: (1) businesses, individuals, governments, the public health community, and health care providers to work together to promote the awareness of and reduce the incidence of falls among older people in the United States; (2) state health departments to use their leadership to reduce injuries and injury-related health care costs by collaborating with colleagues, organizations, and individuals to reduce falls among older adults; and (3) experts in the field of fall prevention to share best practices. Urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to continue developing and evaluating interventions to prevent falls among older adults that can be used in effective community-based fall prevention programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Fairness in Representation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in conducting the 2010 decennial census and every decennial census thereafter, to include in any questionnaire used for the purpose of determining the total population by states, a checkbox or similar option for respondents to indicate citizenship status or lawful presence in the United States. Requires the Secretary to adjust census figures as necessary so that those who are not U.S. citizens or are not lawfully present in the United States are not counted in tabulating population for purposes of apportioning Representatives in Congress among the states.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Protect Taxpayers From ACORN Act - Prohibits any federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other form of agreement from being awarded to, any federal funds in any other form from being provided to, or any federal employee or contractor from promoting, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and any ACORN-related affiliate. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to carry out provisions of this Act relating to contracts.