United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2012
Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2012 - Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who knowingly or knowingly attempts to: (1) perform an abortion knowing that the abortion is sought based on the sex or gender of the child, (2) use force or the threat of force to intentionally injure or intimidate any person for the purpose of coercing a sex-selection abortion, (3) solicit or accept funds for the performance of such an abortion, or (4) transport a woman into the United States or across a state line for the purpose of obtaining such an abortion. Defines "sex-selection abortion" as an abortion undertaken to eliminate an unborn child based on the sex or gender of the child. Excludes from the definition of "abortion" actions taken to terminate a pregnancy if the intent is to save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child, remove a dead unborn child caused by spontaneous abortion, or remove an ectopic pregnancy. Authorizes civil actions, for verifiable money damages for injuries and punitive damages, by: (1) fathers, or maternal grandparents if the mother is an unemancipated minor, of unborn children who are the subject of an abortion performed or attempted through any of the above violations; and (2) women upon whom an abortion has been performed with a knowing or attempted use of force or threat of force to intentionally injure or intimidate any person for the purpose of coercing a sex-selection abortion. Authorizes, to prevent an abortion provider from performing or attempting further abortions in violation of this Act, injunctive relief to be obtained by the women upon whom such an abortion is performed or attempted, spouses or parents of a woman upon whom such an abortion is performed, or the Attorney General (DOJ). Deems a violation of this Act to be prohibited discrimination under title VI (Federally Assisted Programs) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Violators of title VI lose federal funding.) Requires a medical or mental health professional to report known or suspected violations to law enforcement authorities. Imposes criminal penalties for a failure to so report. Prohibits a woman having such an abortion from being prosecuted or held civilly liable. Prohibits this Act from being construed to require that a healthcare provider has an affirmative duty to inquire as to the motivation for the abortion, absent the healthcare provider having knowledge or information that the abortion is sought based on the sex or gender of the child.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2012
Amends the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to renew, for three years, the President's authority to ban the import of Burmese products. Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Act. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution which shall take effect upon its enactment or July 26, 2012, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2012
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Attorney General (AG) should: (1) delegate to an outside special counsel (counsel) all AG authority relating to investigations by the Department of Justice (DOJ) of any and all unauthorized disclosures of classified and highly sensitive information related to various military and intelligence plans, programs, and operations as reported in recent publications; and (2) direct the counsel to exercise such authority independently of the supervision or control of any DOJ officer. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the counsel should investigate any and all such disclosures and, where appropriate, prosecute those responsible; and (2) the President should assess whether any such disclosures damaged the national security and how such damage can be mitigated.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2012
Companionship Exemption Protection Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, with respect to the exemption from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements of domestic service employment to provide companionship services for individuals who because of age or infirmity are unable to care for themselves, to provide detailed definitions of "companionship services" and "domestic service employment." Excludes from companionship services those relating to the care and protection of the aged or infirm which require and are performed by trained medical personnel. Extends the exemption to third-party employment of an employee to provide companionship services to such individuals, including non-medical in-home care or household work related to their care. Defines "third-party employment" to mean employees who provide companionship services while employed by an employer or agency other than the family or household using their services, whether or not such an employee is assigned to more than one household or family in the same workweek when providing such services.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2012
Prohibits any direct U.S. assistance to the government of Pakistan unless the President certifies to Congress that: (1) Dr. Shakil Afridi has been released from prison in Pakistan and any criminal charges brought against Dr. Afridi, including treason, have been dropped; and (2) if necessary to ensure his freedom, Dr. Afridi has been allowed to leave Pakistan.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the establishment of United States Strategic Command and its vital contributions to national security. Honors the dedicated men and women who serve at the Command executing the mission to deter and detect strategic attack against the United States and its allies and to defend the nation as directed.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the stand down of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and its contributions and role in national security and nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. Commemorates the dedication of the Strategic Air Command Memorial in Nebraska. Honors the personnel who served at the SAC and those who have carried on the tradition of excellence through service at the United States Strategic Command.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2012
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions providing for the use of funds from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund for presidential nominating conventions. Requires that any amount which is returned by the national committee of a major or minor party to the Treasury from an account established under the Fund to make payments for conventions to be used solely for deficit reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Return to Employment at Home Act or HIRE at HOME Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), as a condition of a grant or contract to a state for certain veterans' employment and training programs, to require the state to demonstrate the consideration of any military training received by a veteran when approving or denying a license or certification as a nursing assistant, certified nursing assistant, commercial driver, emergency medical technician EMT-B or EMT-1, or emergency medical technician-paramedic.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Reaffirms that the U.S. government and the governments of other responsible countries have a vital interest in working together to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. Warns that time is limited to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. Urges economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran until it implements: (1) suspension of uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities and is in compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions, (2) cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning Iran's nuclear activities, and (3) a permanent agreement that verifiably assures that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful. Supports: (1) the P5+1 process, (2) the universal rights and democratic aspirations of the people of Iran, and (3) U.S. policy to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. Joins the President in ruling out any policy that would rely on containment as an option in response to the Iranian nuclear threat. States that nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an authorization for the use of force or a declaration of war.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Expresses profound sorrow and deep regret regarding the death of the Honorable James Abdnor, former member of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for South Dakota, on May 16, 2012. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 24, 2012, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the former Member of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2012
Sequestration Transparency Act of 2012 - Requires the President on July 9, 2012, to submit to Congress a detailed report on the implementation of certain discretionary reductions (in security and nonsecurity categories) and nonexempt direct spending reductions in the sequestration ordered by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) for FY2013 on January 2, 2013. (The Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act was amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011 to revise the discretionary spending limits and reduce the discretionary appropriations and direct spending specified in the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act unless a joint committee bill achieving an amount greater than $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction would be enacted by January 15, 2012.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2012
Rewarding Achievement and Incentivizing Successful Employees Act or RAISE Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to declare that neither its prohibition against interference by an employer with employees' right to bargain collectively, nor the terms of a collective bargaining agreement entered into between employees and an employer after enactment of this Act, shall prohibit an employer from paying an employee higher wages, pay, or other compensation than the agreement provides for.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2012
Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act with respect to mandatory fee disclosures on automated teller machines (ATMs) operated by a person other than a financial institution holding a consumer's account. Repeals the requirement that such a fee disclosure appear in a prominent and conspicuous location on or at the ATM. Limits such requirement to appearance of a fee disclosure on the ATM screen.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2012
World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to install at the World War II memorial in the District of Columbia a suitable plaque or an inscription with the words that President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed with the United States on June 6, 1944, the morning of D-Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2012
Nationwide Network of Support for Veterans and Military Families Act of 2012 - Establishes the National Veterans Support Network to, among other things: (1) carry out national activities to raise awareness of the challenges facing military families and veterans, with related media campaigns; (2) provide support to communities that include veterans or members of the Armed Forces; and (3) encourage and promote participation by private organizations in activities that serve and support veterans. Requires the Network to establish a community support grant program to award grants to create or expand community-based veterans readjustment and support programs. Prohibits the Network from accepting any federal funds. Requires annual Network audits and reports to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2012
Responsible Child Tax Credit Eligibility Verification Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a taxpayer who is an alien and who is claiming the refundable portion of the child tax credit to attach to his or her tax return a photocopy of: (1) each page of the taxpayer's passport; (2) the taxpayer's nonimmigrant visa; (3) the taxpayer's employment authorization; (4) the taxpayer's arrival-departure documentation; and (5) the passport, visa, and arrival-departure documentation for each qualifying alien child of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2012
Prohibits applying any criminal penalty for refusing or willfully neglecting to answer questions (except with respect to the respondent's name and contact information, the date of the response, and the number of people living or staying at the address) in connection with the American Community Survey conducted by the Secretary of Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2012
Congratulates the men and women of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the occasion of USDA's 150th anniversary. Celebrates U.S. agriculture's growth and success. Honors U.S. farmers and ranchers whose ingenuity, adaptability, and skill have created the safest and most abundant food supply in history.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2012
EPA Regional Oversight Act of 2012 - Requires each Regional Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Permits individuals serving as Regional Administrators on the date of this Act's enactment to continue to serve until January 1, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2012
Rewarding Achievement and Incentivizing Successful Employees Act or RAISE Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to declare that neither its prohibition against interference by an employer with employees' right to bargain collectively, nor the terms of a collective bargaining agreement entered into between employees and an employer after enactment of this Act, shall prohibit an employer from paying an employee higher wages, pay, or other compensation than the agreement provides for.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2012
Calls on the President to: (1) oppose any effort to transfer control of the Internet to the United Nations (U.N.) or any other intergovernmental organization, (2) pursue a dialogue with the international community on the future of Internet governance, and (3) advance the values of a free Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2012
21st Century Language Act of 2012 - Removes references to the word "lunatic" from rules of construction of the U.S. Code and banking law provisions concerning: (1) trust powers of banks, and (2) bank consolidations and mergers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2012
Midnight Rule Relief Act of 2012 - Prohibits a federal agency (excluding the Federal Election Commission [FEC], the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [FDIC], and the U.S. Postal Service [USPS]) from proposing or finalizing any midnight rule that would likely result in: (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete internationally. Defines "midnight rule" as an agency statement of general applicability and future effect that is issued during the moratorium period, that is intended to have the force and effect of law, and that is designed to: (1) implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy; or (2) describe the procedure or practice requirements of an agency. Defines the "moratorium period" as the day after the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in every fourth year succeeding a presidential election through January 20 of the following year in which a President is not serving a consecutive term. Exempts any midnight rule that the President determines is necessary: (1) because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, (2) to enforce criminal laws, (3) to protect U.S. national security, or (4) to implement an international trade agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2012
Interest Rate Reduction Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make the 3.4% interest rate on Direct Stafford loans first disbursed to undergraduate students between July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2012, applicable to Direct Stafford loans first disbursed to undergraduate students between July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2013. Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to repeal provisions establishing and appropriating funds to the Prevention and Public Health Fund (a Fund to provide for expanded and sustained national investment in prevention and public health programs to improve health and help restrain the rate of growth in private and public sector health care costs). Rescinds any unobligated balances appropriated to such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2012
National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2012 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to repeal the contingent conditions under which the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (NARAB) shall not be established. Reestablishes the NARAB without contingent conditions as a nonprofit corporation to prescribe, on a multi-state basis, licensing and insurance producer qualification requirements and conditions. Retains states' regulatory authority over: (1) licensing, continuing education, and other qualification requirements of non-NARAB producers; (2) resident or nonresident producer appointment requirements; (3) supervision and disciplining of such producers; and (4) setting of licensing fees for insurance producers. Authorizes NARAB to: (1) establish membership criteria, including a mandatory criminal background check of the producer's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identification record for state-licensed insurance producers, and (2) deny membership to a state-licensed insurance producer on the basis of the criminal history information obtained, or where the producer has been subject to certain disciplinary action. Prohibits NARAB from establishing criteria that unfairly limit the ability of a small insurance producer to become a member of NARAB. Authorizes the NARAB to establish separate classes of membership and membership criteria, and requires it to do so for business entities. Authorizes the NARAB to deny membership to any state-licensed insurance producer for failure to meet membership criteria. States that NARAB membership authorizes an insurance producer to engage in the business of insurance in any state for any lines of insurance specified in the producer's home state license, including claims adjustments and settlement, risk management, and specified insurance-related consulting activities. Retains state regulatory jurisdiction regarding: (1) consumer protection and market conduct, and (2) state disciplinary authority. Requires NARAB to: (1) receive and investigate consumer complaints, maintaining a toll-free telephone number; and (2) refer any such complaint to the state insurance regulator. Authorizes the NARAB to coordinate with state insurance regulators to establish: (1) a central clearinghouse, and (2) a national database for the collection of regulatory information concerning the activities of insurance producers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2012
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) to add or expand definitions under such Act, including to define: (1) "culturally specific services" to mean community-based services that offer culturally relevant and linguistically specific services and resources to racial and ethnic minority groups, (2) "child" to mean a person who is under 11 years of age and "youth" to mean a person who is 11 to 20 years old, (3) "personally identifying information or personal information" to mean individually identifying information for or about an individual likely to disclose the location of a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault crimes, and (4) "underserved populations" to mean populations that face barriers in accessing and using victim services due to geographic location or special needs. Modifies or expands grant conditions under such Act, including requirements relating to nondisclosure of personally identifying information or other client information, information sharing between grantees and subgrantees, civil rights and nondiscrimination, audits, and nonprofit organizations. Requires an annual audit of not fewer than 10% of all VAWA grantees beginning in FY2013 to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds. Prohibits: (1) the awarding of grants to nonprofit organizations that hold money in offshore accounts for tax avoidance purposes, (2) the use of amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to host or support conferences without prior written approval by appropriate DOJ or HHS officials, and (3) the use of grant funds to lobby any governmental employee regarding the award of grant funding. Title I: Enhancing Judicial and Law Enforcement Tools to Combat Violence Against Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand services for sexual assault victims, including male victims, under the grant programs for combatting violent crimes against women (STOP grants) and for encouraging arrest policies and enforcing protection orders for sexual assault victims. Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 to expand the availability of competent pro bono legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Revises the grant programs for supporting families with a history of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to improve the response of the civil and criminal justice system to such families and to train court personnel in assisting such families. Extends through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the training of probation and parole officers to manage sex offenders, and (2) the Court-Appointed Special Advocate program. Amends the federal criminal code with respect to the crime of stalking to prohibit the use of any interactive computer or electronic communication service to stalk victims. Revises and reauthorizes through FY2016 the grant program for outreach and services to underserved populations. Eliminates the requirement that recipients of grants to combat violent sex crimes against women include linguistically specific services in administering such grants. Amends the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations through FY2016 for the training of judicial personnel and attorneys in juvenile and family courts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the chief justice of the highest court of any state that wishes to collect past-due, legally enforceable, state judicial debts to designate a single state entity to communicate judicial debt information to the Secretary of the Treasury. Defines "state judicial debt" to include court costs, fees, fines, assessments, restitution to victims of crime, and other monies resulting from a judgment or sentence rendered by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction handling criminal or traffic cases in the state. Title II: Improving Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking - Amends VAWA to extend through FY2016 grant programs to: (1) assist states, Indian tribes, and territories to establish, maintain, and expand rape crisis centers and other programs to assist victims of sexual assault; and (2) assist victims of domestic violence and other sexual assault crimes in rural areas. Amends the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 to extend through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations for grants to end violence against women with disabilities and women in later life. Title III: Services, Protection, and Justice for Young Victims of Violence - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations for grants for rape prevention and education programs conducted by rape crisis centers. Amends VAWA to replace certain grant programs for the protection of young victims of violent crimes with a program requiring the Attorney General to award grants to enhance the safety of youth and children who are victims of, or exposed to, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and to prevent future violence. Amends the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 to expand the requirements for the grant program to combat violent crimes on campuses. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the requirements for disclosure of campus security policies and crime statistics by institutions of higher education to require disclosure of disciplinary proceedings and procedures to protect the confidentiality of crime victims. Title IV: Violence Reduction Practices - Authorizes appropriations through FY2016 for grants through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support research to examine prevention and intervention programs to further the understanding of sexual and domestic violence by and against adults, youth, and children. Amends VAWA to authorize the Attorney General to award grants to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by taking a comprehensive approach that focuses on youth, children exposed to violence, and men as leaders and influencers of social norms (SMART Prevention grants). Title V: Strengthening the Healthcare System's Response to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize, revise, and consolidate grant programs that address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by developing or enhancing and implementing: (1) interdisciplinary training for health professionals, public health staff, and allied health professionals; (2) education programs for health profession students to prevent and respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and (3) comprehensive statewide strategies to improve the response of clinics, public health facilities, hospitals, and other health settings to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Title VI: Safe Homes for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking - Amends VAWA with respect to housing rights of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Prohibits denial or termination of housing assistance on the basis of being such a victim under specified federal housing programs (covered programs), including the low-income housing tax credit program, if the applicant or tenant otherwise qualifies for such admission, assistance, participation, or occupancy. Prohibits denial of assistance, tenancy, or occupancy rights to assisted housing based solely on certain criminal activity directly related to domestic violence engaged in by a member of the individual's household or by any guest or other person under the individual's control, if the tenant or an affiliated individual is the victim or threatened victim. Defines "affiliated individual" as: (1) a spouse, parent, brother, sister, or child of that individual, or someone to whom such individual stands in loco parentis; or (2) any other individual, tenant, or lawful occupant living in the individual's household. Allows a public housing agency (PHA) or an owner or manager of assisted housing to bifurcate a housing lease in order to evict, remove, or terminate assistance to any tenant or lawful occupant who engages in criminal activity directly relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against an affiliated individual or other individual, without evicting or otherwise penalizing a victim of such criminal activity who is also a tenant or lawful occupant. Requires each appropriate agency to adopt a model emergency transfer plan, meeting specified criteria, for PHAs and owners or managers of assisted housing to use in allowing tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to transfer to another available and safe dwelling unit of assisted housing. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish policies and procedures under which a victim requesting such a transfer may receive section 8 (voucher program) assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Makes conforming amendments to the United States Housing Act of 1937. Revises eligibility requirements for transitional housing assistance grants for child victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to specify that any victims are eligible. Decreases the authorization of appropriations for such grants for FY2012-FY2016. Decreases the authorization of appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 also for: (1) collaborative grants to increase the long-term stability of victims, and (2) grants to combat violence against women in public and assisted housing. Title VII: Economic Security for Victims of Violence - Amends VAWA to extend through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations for grants to eligible nonprofit nongovernmental entities or tribal organizations for a national resource center on workplace responses to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence. Title VIII: Immigration Provisions - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding cancellation of removal and adjustment to permanent resident status of a battered spouse or child to: (1) give adjudicatory authority to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), (2) direct United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to review an application for completeness and clear indicators of fraud or misrepresentation and to conduct an in-person interview of the applicant, and (3) give priority to applications in cases where there is an ongoing immigration or law enforcement investigation or prosecution concerning the petitioning alien. Requires that a certification for a nonimmgrant U-visa (victims of certain crimes) confirm that: (1) the petitioner reported the criminal activity to a law enforcement agency within 120 days of its occurrence, (2) the statute of limitations for prosecuting the criminal activity has not lapsed, (3) the criminal activity is under active investigation or prosecution, and (4) the petitioner has provided information that will assist in identifying the perpetrator or the perpetrator's identity is known. Expands the scope of criminal-related information that must be disclosed by a U.S. citizen petitioning for a nonimmigrant K-visa (alien fiancee or fiance). Amends the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 to prohibit an international marriage broker from providing any individual or entity with information or photographs about an individual under the age of 18. Requires a broker to obtain, and keep for five years, a valid copy of each foreign national client's birth certificate or other official proof of age documented by the appropriate government entity. Subjects to criminal penalties a person who, knowingly and with intent to defraud another person outside the United States in order to recruit or solicit that other person into entering a dating or matrimonial relationship, makes certain false or fraudulent disclosure representations. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress regarding U-visa petition and application adjudications and the VAWA self-petitioning processes. Title IX: Safety for Indian Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct a portion of certain grants to combat violent crime against American Indian women toward: (1) sex trafficking, (2) services for youthful victims, and (3) legislation and policies effective in combating such crime. Alters federal assault provisions to: (1) increase the maximum federal penalties for assault; (2) cover domestic violence, dating violence, and attempts to commit sexual abuse; and (3) apply them to individuals in Indian country. Amends the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 to require the National Institute of Justice to include sex trafficking in its study of violence against Indian women. Permits Indian tribes to petition a federal district court in whose district they are located for an appropriately tailored protection order excluding an individual from areas within their land. Title X: Violent Crime Against Women - Amends the federal criminal code to provide that the prohibition against sexual abuse of a ward in official detention or under official supervision or control shall apply: (1) during arrest or pretrial release; (2) while in official detention or custody; or (3) while on probation, supervised release, or parole. Increases penalties for criminal civil rights violations involving sexual abuse. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to allow a prisoner in federal custody to bring suit against the United States for a mental or emotional injury if such injury resulted from the commission of a sexual act (currently, requires a prior showing of a physical injury). Amends the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 to direct the DHS Secretary to publish a final rule adopting national standards for the detection, prevention, reduction, and punishment of rapes and sexual assaults in detention facilities against aliens detained for a violation of U.S. immigration laws. Requires the HHS Secretary to publish a similar final rule for the protection of unaccompanied alien children in custodial facilities. Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to increase funding in FY2012-FY2014 for DNA analyses from crime scenes, including samples from rape kits. Requires GAO to: (1) prepare a study on the availability of services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and (2) audit the expenditure of funds by the Office for Victims of Crime from the Crime Victims Fund. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) impose a mandatory minimum prison term for aggravated sexual abuse involving force or threats (10 years) and for aggravated sexual abuse involving other means, including by the use of drugs or intoxicants (5 years); (2) increase criminal penalties for interstate domestic violence; (3) authorize the issuance of an administrative subpoena in the investigation of an unregistered sex offender by the U.S. Marshals Service; and (4) impose minimum mandatory criminal penalties for the possession of child pornography. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the definition of "aggravated felony," for purposes of removing an alien from the United States, a third drunk driving conviction. Title XI: The Safer Act - Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry Act of 2012 or the SAFER Act of 2012 - Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to: (1) allow states or local governments to use grant funds under such Act to conduct audits of samples of sexual assault evidence that are awaiting testing, and (2) provide funding in FY2012-FY2016 for such purpose. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants for such audits only if the grant recipient (i.e., a state or local government) submits a plan for performing the audit of samples of sexual assault evidence and includes a good-faith estimate of the number of such samples. Requires the Attorney General to establish a Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry to include information about samples of sexual assault evidence awaiting testing and to track the testing and processing of such samples. Sets forth requirements relating to information required to be included in such Registry, the protection of personally identifiable information in the Registry, and the updating of information in the Registry.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2012
Domestic Fuels Act of 2012 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide that no person shall be liable under any federal, state, or local law, and no provider of financial assurance may deny payment for a claim, because an underground storage tank, underground storage tank system, or associated dispensing equipment at a stationary facility is not compatible with any fuel or fuel additive for use in a motor vehicle, nonroad vehicle, or engine if such tank or equipment has been determined to be compatible pursuant to the guidelines and regulations issued under this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue regulations setting standards for determining whether underground storage tanks and systems and associated dispensing equipment are compatible with any fuel or fuel additive that is authorized and registered by the Administrator or by statute for use in a motor vehicle or engine or nonroad vehicle, engine, or equipment. Deems tanks, systems, and equipment that have been listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as compatible with such a fuel or fuel additive as of the date of enactment of this Act to be compatible under such regulations. Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit a person selling such fuel who complies with such regulations from being liable under any federal, state, or local law if: (1) a self-service purchaser introduces any such fuel into a vehicle, engine, or equipment for which the fuel has not been approved under such Act; or (2) the introduction of any such fuel voids the warranty of the manufacturer of such vehicles, engines, or equipment. Excludes from such protection: (1) a person who sells a transportation fuel and does not comply with the misfueling regulations adopted by the Administrator, and (2) a person who intentionally misfuels. Prohibits filing or maintaining in any U.S. or state court any civil action or proceeding against an entity engaged in the design, manufacture, sale, or distribution of any qualified product, component thereof, or blend stock or of any motor vehicle, engine, or nonroad equipment for damages, abatement, restitution, fines, penalties, or other relief resulting from the introduction of any such product into a motor vehicle, engine, or nonroad equipment. Requires pending actions to be dismissed with prejudice. Defines a "qualified product" as any transportation fuel or fuel additive that is registered under federal law or any transportation fuel or fuel additive that contains renewable fuel and that is designated for introduction into interstate commerce under federal law. Prohibits a qualified product, any component of such product, or any blend stock from being considered a defective product if it does not violate a control or prohibition with respect to any of its characteristics or components imposed by the Administrator under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2012
Expresses support for: (1) the designation of April as Parkinson's Awareness Month; (2) the goals and ideals of that Month; and (3) research to find better treatments and, eventually, a cure for Parkinson's disease. Recognizes those living with Parkinson's who participate in clinical trials. Commends the dedication of local and regional organizations, volunteers, and millions of Americans working to improve the quality of life of persons with Parkinson's and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2012
Preserve the Waters of the United States Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from: (1) finalizing the proposed guidance described in the notice of availability and request for comments entitled "EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Guidance Regarding Identification of Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act"; or (2) using such guidance, or any substantially similar guidance, as the basis for any decision regarding the scope of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) or any rulemaking. Provides that the use of such guidance as the basis for any rule shall be grounds for vacation of such rule.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2012
Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, and (2) make permanent the maximum 35% gift tax rate and a $5 million lifetime gift tax exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2012
Veteran Skills to Jobs Act of 2012 - Requires the head of each federal agency to deem an applicant for a license issued by that agency who has received relevant training while serving as a member of the Armed Forces to have satisfied any training or certification requirements for the license, unless the head of the agency determines that the training received is substantially different from the training or certification required for such license.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2012
Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from awarding grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other financial assistance under the national research and development program for the prevention and control of air pollution for any program, project, or activity carried out outside the United States, including its territories and possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2012
Preserving America's Family Farms Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Labor from finalizing or enforcing proposed rule "Child Labor Regulations, Orders and Statements of Interpretation; Child Labor Violations-Civil Money Penalties" (relating to child labor in agricultural and nonagricultural occupations) issued pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act and published on September 2, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2012
Condemns Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) for committing crimes against humanity and mass atrocities. Supports ongoing efforts by the United States, the African Union (AU), and countries in central Africa to remove Joseph Kony and LRA commanders from the battlefield and protect civilians.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2012
Respecting States' Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to authorize a person who is not prohibited from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm under federal law, who is entitled and not prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm in his or her state of residence or who is carrying a valid state license or permit to carry a concealed weapon, and who is carrying a government-issued photographic identification document, to carry a concealed handgun (which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, other than a machinegun or destructive device) in any state in accordance with the restrictions of that state. Provides that in a state that allows the issuing authority for licenses or permits to carry concealed firearms to impose restrictions on the carrying of firearms by individual license or permit holders, an individual carrying a concealed handgun under this Act shall be permitted to carry it according to the same terms authorized by an unrestricted license or permit issued by such state.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2012
Second Amendment Sovereignty Act of 2012 - Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. sovereignty and the constitutionally protected freedoms of American gun owners must be upheld and not be undermined by a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended to use U.S. influence, in connection with negotiations for a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, to restrict the rights of U.S. citizens under the second amendment to the Constitution, or to otherwise regulate domestic manufacture, assembly, possession, use, transfer, or purchase of firearms, ammunition, or related items.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2012
United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 - States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) reaffirm the commitment to Israel's security as a Jewish state, (2) provide Israel with the military capabilities to defend itself and help preserve its qualitative military edge, (3) expand military and civilian cooperation, (4) assist in a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states living side by side in peace and security, and (5) encourage Israel's neighbors to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should take specified actions to assist in Israel's defense. Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 to extend authority to transfer certain obsolete or surplus Department of Defense (DOD) items to Israel. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend authority to make additions to foreign-based defense stockpiles. Amends the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 to extend specified loan guarantee authority to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2012
Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act - Amends the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act of 1978 to require a federal financial institutions regulatory agency to make a final examination report to a financial institution within 60 days of the later of: (1) the exit interview for an examination of the institution, or (2) the provision of additional information by the institution relating to the examination. Sets a deadline for the exit interview if a financial institution is not subject to a resident examiner program. Sets forth examination standards for financial institutions. Prohibits federal financial institutions regulatory agencies from requiring a well capitalized financial institution to raise additional capital in lieu of an action prohibited by the examination standards. Establishes in the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council an Office of Examination Ombudsman. Grants a financial institution the right to appeal a material supervisory determination contained in a final report of examination. Requires the Ombudsman to determine the merits of the appeal on the record, after an opportunity for a hearing before an independent administrative law judge. Declares the decision by the Ombudsman on an appeal to: (1) be the final agency action, and (2) bind the agency whose supervisory determination was the subject of the appeal and the financial institution making the appeal. Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to require: (1) the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to establish an independent intra-agency appellate process in connection with the regulatory appeals process; and (2) appropriate safeguards to protect an insured depository institution or insured credit union from retaliation by the CFPB, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board, or any other federal banking agency for exercising its rights.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2012
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to provide that the value of certain prepaid funeral and burial arrangements involving an irrevocable trust whose named beneficiary is the funeral provider are not to be considered, under the SSI program, as resources available to the individual. Includes among such arrangements a life insurance policy irrevocably assigning benefits covering funeral goods and services to: (1) a funeral provider, or (2) an irrevocable trust fully funding such goods and services and naming the funeral provider as the trust beneficiary.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2012
Condemns Iran for its systemic violations of the human rights of the Iranian people, including the state-sponsored persecution of religious minorities in Iran, and its continued failure to uphold its international obligations, including with respect to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Calls on Iran to exonerate and release Youcef Nadarkhani and all other individuals held or charged on account of their religious or political beliefs. Calls on the Administration to designate Iranian officials for human rights abuses. Reaffirms that freedom of religious practice is a universal human right and a fundamental individual freedom that every government must protect.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2012
Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to democracy, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law, and supports the Iranian people in their calls for a democratic government that respects such rights and freedoms. Condemns Iran's human rights violations. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and world leaders to express support for the universal rights and freedoms of the Iranian people and to condemn elections that are not free and do not meet international standards.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2012
Health Care Bureaucrats Elimination Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Board charged with developing and submitting to the President, for Congress to consider, detailed proposals to reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limitation on recapture of excess advance payments of the tax credit for health insurance premiums.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2012
Disapproves and nullifies the rule submitted by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units and standards of performance for fossil-fuel-fired electric utility, industrial-commercial-institutional, and small industrial-commercial-institutional steam generating units.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2012
Disapproves and nullifies the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and published December 22, 2011, relating to representation election procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2012
Affirms that it is a vital national interest of the United States to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability and warns that time is limited to prevent that from happening. Urges increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran to secure an agreement that includes: (1) suspension of all uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, (2) complete cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran's nuclear activities, and (3) a permanent agreement that verifiably assures that Iran's nuclear program is entirely peaceful. Supports: (1) the universal rights and democratic aspirations of the Iranian people, and (2) U.S. policy to prevent the Iranian government from acquiring nuclear weapons capability. Rejects any U.S. policy that would rely on efforts to contain a nuclear weapons-capable Iran. Urges the President to reaffirm the unacceptability of an Iran with nuclear-weapons capability and oppose any policy that would rely on containment as an option in response to the Iranian nuclear threat.
![Official portrait of Sen. Johanns, Mike [R-NE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000291_200.jpg)