United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Keep Our Educators Working Act of 2010 - Appropriates funds for an Education Jobs Fund. Allocates the bulk of such Fund for grants to states pursuant to a formula that considers each state's share of individuals age 5 through 24 and each state's share of the nation's total population. Authorizes states to reserve a portion of the grant funds for administrative costs and for retaining or creating state education positions. Requires states to use the bulk of the grant to award subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) and public institutions of higher education to restore the reductions in state funding for elementary and secondary education and for public institutions of higher education that remain for FY2010 and FY2011, after including the funds they received for such reductions under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Requires states that receive a grant that is more than what is required to cover such activities to allocate the excess to their LEAs based on the LEAs' relative share of school improvement funds under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Limits the use of subgrant funds to retaining or hiring new employees, or on-the-job training activities for education careers. Designates this Act's appropriation as an emergency requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to the nation during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year. Honors government employees who have given their lives in service to their country. Encourages efforts to promote public service careers.
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 · 13 April 2010
Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act of 2010 - Amends the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 to direct the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide certain presidential transition services and facilities, including office space, equipment, and payment of certain related expenses, to eligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates before a presidential general election. Directs the President, or the President's delegate, to take necessary and appropriate actions to plan and coordinate activities by the executive branch of the federal government to facilitate an efficient transfer of power to a successor President.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include children of Vietnam War and certain Korean War veterans receiving care and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for spina bifida-related medical conditions and children of women Vietnam veterans born with certain birth defects as meeting the definition of minimum essential coverage under requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that health care coverage provided by the TRICARE program and the Nonappropriated Fund Health Benefits Program of the Department of Defense (DOD) shall constitute minimal essential health care coverage as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2010
Recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz and wishes Iranian-Americans, the people of Iran, and all those who observe this holiday a prosperous new year. Expresses appreciation for Iranian-Americans' contributions to U.S. society. Encourages the peaceful observance of Nowruz in Iran and supports the right of all Iranians to exercise freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and freedom of speech.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2010
International Documentary Exchange Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to make grants to U.S. nongovernmental organizations that use independently produced documentary films to promote a better understanding of the United States among individuals in other countries and a better understanding of global perspectives and other countries among individuals in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2010
Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to make permanent the authority of the Broadcasting Board of Governors to make grants to operate Radio Free Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010
Protect Our Recovery Through Oversight of Proprietary Trading Act of 2010 or the PROP Trading Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit a banking entity from: (1) engaging in proprietary trading; or (2) having an ownership interest in or sponsoring a hedge fund or a private equity fund. Subjects any specified nonbank financial company holding such proprietary trading and ownership interests to additional capital requirements and additional quantitative limits. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to adopt rules jointly to implement this Act. Authorizes the Board and the FDIC to exclude from such prohibitions specified transactions or activities, including: (1) the purchase or sale of obligations of the United States or any federal agency; (2) instruments issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac); and (3) obligations of any state or its political subdivision. Prohibits from the class of excluded activities any transactions that would: (1) result in a material conflict of interest between the banking entity or the nonbank financial company and its clients, customers, or counterparties; (2) result in exposure to high risk assets or high risk trading strategies; (3) threaten the safety and soundness of a banking entity or the nonbank financial company; or (4) threaten the financial stability of the United States. Prohibits any banking entity that serves, directly or indirectly, as the investment manager or investment adviser to a hedge fund or private equity fund from entering into a covered transaction with, or provide custody, securities lending, or other prime brokerage services to, such person. Treats a banking entity that serves as investment manager or investment adviser to a hedge fund or private equity fund as if: (1) it were a member bank subject to the Federal Reserve Act; and (2) the hedge fund or private equity fund were an affiliate thereof. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to prohibit an underwriter, placement agent, initial purchaser, or sponsor of an asset-backed security, while the security is outstanding and held by unaffiliated investors, from engaging in any transaction that would: (1) give rise to any material conflict of interest with respect to any investor; or (2) undermine the value, risk, or performance of such security
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Health Insurance Rate Authority Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a uniform process for the review of potentially unreasonable increases in rates for health insurance coverage, which shall include premiums. Directs the Secretary to establish a Health Insurance Rate Authority to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary. Sets forth corrective actions for unreasonable increases in rates. Requires a report on state authority to review rates and take corrective action, rating requests received by the state and actions taken, justifications by insurance issuers for rate requests, and a recommended definition of unreasonable rate increase. Requires the Secretary to determine: (1) for which states the state insurance commissioner will review rate increases and take corrective action; and (2) for which states the Secretary will undertake such actions based on the Secretary's determination that such states lack the authority and capability. Directs the Secretary to develop a uniform data collection system for new and increased rate information. Requires the Authority to produce annually a single, aggregate report on insurance market behavior. Directs states, as a condition of receiving a grant under this Act, to provide the Secretary with information about trends in rate increases in health insurance coverage in premium rating areas in the state. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program to award grants to states to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enforce this Act if the state does not substantially enforce the provisions. Establishes civil penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to building a long-term partnership with Iraq that strengthens Iraq's security, stability, economy, and democracy. Urges the Administration to: (1) devote continued support for the people and government of Iraq, especially during the critical months after the elections of March 7, 2010; and (2) work with the international community to provide support for the Iraqi elections. Calls upon all parties in Iraq to ensure that the elections are free, without intimidation, and to not inflame communal tensions. Urges the surrounding countries to: (1) refrain from exercising destabilizing interference in Iraq's internal affairs; and (B) allow the Iraqi people to determine their own future. Calls for the timely formation of an inclusive post-election Iraqi government. Expresses gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Foreign Service, and other federal government agencies for their service and heroism in Iraq. Commends the Iraqi people for their courage, sacrifice, and hard-won gains in fighting terrorism and building a peaceful democracy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 - Repeals current Department of Defense (DOD) policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation against any member of the Armed Forces or any person seeking to become a member. Authorizes the re-accession into the Armed Forces of otherwise qualified individuals previously separated on the basis of sexual orientation. Directs the Secretary to establish in DOD the Pentagon Working Group to report recommendations regarding the implementation of this Act. Requires such report to be submitted to the congressional defense committees. Requires the Secretary to: (1) revise DOD regulations and issue new regulations as necessary to implement this Act; and (2) direct each military department Secretary to do the same. Directs the Secretary to report on the compliance of institutions of higher education with federal law concerning the denial of access by such institutions to Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) military recruiting on campus, as well as a description of actions taken to effect the denial of certain federal funding to institutions that continue to prevent ROTC access.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits through 2019 for investment in an offshore facility using wind to produce electricity. Defines "offshore facility" to mean any facility located in the inland navigable waters of the United States, including the Great Lakes, or in the coastal waters of the United States, including the territorial seas, exclusive economic zone, and the outer Continental Shelf of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Supports the goals of International Women's Day. Recognizes: (1) the link between the economic growth and empowerment of women and the potential of nations to generate economic growth and democracy; and (2) the women in the United States and around the world who have worked to ensure that women are guaranteed equality and basic human rights. Reaffirms the commitment to end gender-based discrimination and to end violence against women and girls.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Engineering Education for Innovation Act or E 2 for Innovation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award planning grants and matching implementation grants to states to integrate engineering education into kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) instruction and curricula. Requires each state that desires an implementation grant to develop quantifiable benchmarks for activities supported by such grants and submit them to the Secretary for approval. Requires states to use implementation grants to: (1) establish assessment tools and challenging academic content and achievement standards for engineering education; (2) develop or obtain effective engineering education curricula; (3) develop or improve engineering teacher training programs; (4) recruit qualified engineering teachers for needy schools; (5) facilitate distance learning and online education in engineering; and (6) invest in after-school engineering education programs. Directs the Institute of Education Sciences to support engineering education research and an evaluation of this Act's grant programs. Requires the Secretary to use the evaluation's findings to provide information to the public and technical assistance to states on best practices and promising innovations in K-12 engineering education.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Directs the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to complete a study of the technical policy decisionmaking and technical personnel at the FCC.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
National Alzheimer's Project Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of the National Alzheimer's Project to: (1) accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's; (2) create and maintain an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer's; (3) help to coordinate the health care and treatment of citizens with Alzheimer's; (4) ensure the inclusion of ethnic and racial populations that are at higher risk for Alzheimer's or that are least likely to receive care in clinical, research, and service efforts with the purpose of decreasing health disparities; (5) coordinate with international bodies to integrate and inform the fight against Alzheimer's globally; and (6) provide information and coordination of Alzheimer's research and services across all federal agencies. Sets forth the duties of the Director of the Office, including to use discretionary authority to evaluate all federal programs concerning Alzheimer's. Establishes in the Office an Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research and Treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and make available for sale not more than 2 million silver national medals, containing one ounce of silver each, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. Declares that all sales of medals under this Act shall include a surcharge of $10 per medal, which shall be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
State Witness Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties on any person who kills, or attempts to kill, a witness in a state or local judicial proceeding, who uses physical force or the threat of force against such a witness, or who offers such witness anything of value with the intent to: (1) influence, delay, or prevent the testimony or attendance of such witness at a state or local judicial proceeding; (2) prevent the production of a record or document in a state or local judicial proceeding, (3) cause or induce any person to withhold testimony or evidence, destroy evidence, evade legal process, or be absent from a state or local judicial proceeding; (4) hinder, delay, or prevent any person from providing information to a state or local law enforcement officer or judge; or (5) retaliate against any person for attending a state or local judicial proceeding or providing information to a law enforcement officer. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend guidelines to increase the sentencing range for obstruction of justice if such crime involved threatening, harming, or bribing a witness or the destruction of evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Iran Human Rights Sanctions Act - Directs the President to impose visa entry and financial sanctions on a person determined to be complicit in human rights abuses committed against Iranian citizens or their family members on or after June 12, 2009, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Iran. Requires that: (1) the list of such persons required by this Act be made available to the public and posted on the Department of the Treasury and the Department of State websites; and (2) the President consider data obtained by other countries and nongovernmental organizations that monitor Iran's human rights abuses in preparing such list. Authorizes the President to: (1) not apply such sanctions in order to permit U.S. compliance with the Agreement between the United Nations and the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations and other international agreements; and (2) waive such sanctions if in the U.S. national interest. Terminates sanctions upon presidential certification to Congress that the government of Iran has: (1) released all political prisoners; (2) ceased its practices of violence and abuse of Iranian citizens engaging in peaceful political activity; and (3) conducted a transparent investigation into the killings and abuse of peaceful political activists in Iran and prosecuted those responsible.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week. Declares that the Senate continues to work with the engineering community to ensure that the creativity and contributions made by engineers can be expressed through research, development, standardization, and innovation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2010
Pays tribute to the democracy and human rights advocates in the Islamic Republic of Iran who are engaged in peaceful efforts to encourage democratic reform. Notes that it is the right of the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran to peacefully assemble and to express their opinions without intimidation and violence. Supports freedom of speech and judicial due process in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Expresses concern over the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran's suppression of its citizens through censorship, imprisonment, and violence and denounces the atmosphere of impunity in Iran for those who employ intimidation or violence to suppress freedoms of speech, expression, assembly, and the press. Calls upon the Islamic Republic of Iran to observe the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and abide by U.N. General Assembly resolutions. Communicates deep concern that, despite the Islamic Republic of Iran's standing invitation to all thematic special procedures mandate holders, it has not fulfilled any requests from those special mechanisms to visit the country in four years and has not answered numerous communications from those special mechanisms. Encourages the U.N. Human Rights Council to fully examine these issues during its Universal Periodic Review of the Islamic Republic of Iran on February 15, 2010.
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
Clean Air Act Amendments of 2010 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to require the Administrator of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a sulfur dioxide allowance trading program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions for fossil fuel-fired combustion devices in the contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator to issue allowances authorizing specified annual tonnage amounts of emissions of sulfur dioxide from such devices for 2012-2014, 2015-2017, 2018-2020, and 2021 and thereafter. Provides for the distribution of such allowances. Requires the Administrator to establish two nitrogen oxide allowance trading programs (for specified Zone One and Zone Two states) to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions for fossil fuel-fired electric generating facilities that served as generators with nameplate capacities greater than 25 megawatts on or after January 1, 1985, and that produce electricity for sale in the contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator to issue allowances authorizing specified annual tonnage amounts of nitrogen oxide emissions from such facilities in Zone One and Zone Two states for 2012-2014, 2015-2019, and 2020 and thereafter. Provides for the distribution of such allowances. Requires the Clean Air Interstate Rule and related federal implementation plans promulgated and modified by the Administrator to remain in force and effect with respect to all provisions relating to nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emitted through 2011. Sets forth exceptions to the rule. Requires the Administrator to: (1) regulate coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units under the CAA's regulations for sources of hazardous air pollutants; and (2) ensure that emission standards for the coal-fired electric utility steam generating units achieve at least a 90% reduction in mercury emissions when applied to the listed category as a whole. Requires electric utility steam generating units to meet maximum achievable control technology emission limitations by January 1, 2015, if the Administrator fails to promulgate nationally applicable emission limitations for such units by January 1, 2012. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring certification of continuous emission monitoring systems to measure the quantity of mercury emitted by electric coal utility steam generating units.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
International Violence Against Women Act of 2010 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of State to designate an Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues; and (2) the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to designate a Women's Development Advisor. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent violence against women and girls; (2) prepare a public report on best practices for preventing and addressing violence against women and girls internationally; and (3) determine emergency response measures to identified critical or widespread incidents of violence against women and girls in situations of armed conflict. Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator to provide assistance to nongovernmental organizations, multilateral institutions, and foreign countries to implement such strategy and related activities. Requires that special efforts be made to award amounts appropriated under this Act to community-based and women's nongovernmental organizations in recipient countries. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to: (1) incorporate training on prevention and response into the basic training curricula of foreign military forces and judicial officials; and (2) ensure that U.S. assistance to units involved in regional or multilateral peacekeeping operations includes such training. Authorizes the Ambassador to provide guidance to the Administrator and the Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration. Authorizes the Secretary to provide guidance on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls to the Secretary of Defense when U.S. military personnel, military contractors, and military observers are to be deployed in humanitarian relief, conflict, and post-conflict settings. Directs the Secretary to make U.S. financial, material, human, and other resources available to assist U.N. efforts to: (1) implement training programs in prevention and response to violence against women and girls for peacekeeping and humanitarian personnel; (2) enhance the deployment of military and civilian women in peacekeeping missions; and (3) improve protection mechanisms at U.N. managed refugee and internally displaced persons camps.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (CEJA) of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to grant jurisdiction over and impose penalties on federal contractors and employees who commit certain crimes outside of the United States while employed by or accompanying any agency of the United States other than the Armed Forces. Sets forth the crimes under federal law that are covered by this Act. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) assign personnel and resources through Investigative Units for Contractor and Employee Oversight to investigate allegations of criminal offenses by federal contractors and employees; and (2) report to Congress annually on the number of criminal cases received, investigated, and referred for prosecution. Grants the Attorney General principal authority for the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Reaffirms the centrality of the freedoms of expression and the press as cornerstones of U.S. foreign policy and U.S. efforts to promote individual rights. Expresses concern over official efforts in many countries to restrict speech and expression, including attempts to restrict Internet access. Welcomes the diplomatic initiative announced by Secretary of State Clinton to encourage Internet freedom globally. Condemns the cyber attacks allegedly launched from China against Google and other companies and calls on the government of China to review such cyber intrusions. Urges companies to refuse to aid in the curtailment of free expression. Calls on the President and the Secretary to develop means by which the U.S. government can rapidly respond to threats against the freedoms of press and expression.
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
Expresses sympathy to: (1) the people of Haiti who face catastrophic conditions in the aftermath of the January 12, 2010, earthquake; (2) the members of the international community in Haiti, including the U.S. Embassy staff in Port-au-Prince; and (3) the families and colleagues of U.N. officials who lost their lives. Applauds the rapid mobilization by President Obama to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Haiti and the leadership of Secretary of State Clinton, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Shah, and General Fraser of the U.S. Southern Command. Urges that all appropriate efforts be made to: (1) secure the safety of Haitian orphans; and (2) sustain long-term assistance to Haiti. Expresses appreciation for the international community's ongoing and renewed commitment to Haiti's recovery. Urges all nations to commit to assisting the people of Haiti with their long-term needs. Expresses support for the U.S. Embassy team in Port-au-Prince, members of the Armed Forces and Coast Guard, and other U.S. government agencies who are rescuing thousands of U.S. citizens and Haitians.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2009
Supports the right of the people of Iran to peacefully express their voices despite repression. Condemns: (1) the human rights abuses and suppression of freedom committed by the government of Iran against Iranian citizens; and (2) the government of Iran for violating the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Welcomes the the Department of State decision to support the free flow of information to Iranian citizens by recommending that the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issue a general license that would authorize downloads of free mass market software to Iran. Urges implementation of the Victims of Iranian Censorship Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Banking Integrity Act of 2009 - Amends the Banking Act of 1933 (Glass-Steagall Act) to prohibit a member bank from being affiliated with specified organizations engaged principally in the issue, flotation, underwriting, public sale, or distribution of stocks, bonds, debenture, notes, or other securities. Prohibits the staff and personnel of corporations and partnerships (as well as any individual) primarily engaged in the issue, flotation, underwriting, public sale, or distribution, of stocks, bonds, or other similar securities, from serving simultaneously as an officer, director, or employee of any member bank of the Federal Reserve System. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to grant limited exceptions. Prohibits a depository institution from engaging in the business of insurance or any insurance-related activity.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2009
FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to permit each commissioner to appoint an electrical engineer or computer scientist to provide technical consultation and to interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology and other Federal Communications Commission (FCC) bureaus and technical staff. Requires such engineer or scientist to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in his or her respective field of expertise.
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 · 3 December 2009
International Climate Change Investment Act of 2009 - Requires the President to establish the Strategic Interagency Board on International Climate Investment to assess, monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress and contributions of departments and agencies in supporting funding for international climate change activities and the goals and objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Bali Action Plan. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish a program to provide assistance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from deforestation in developing countries. Establishes program objectives, including achieving emissions reductions of at least 720 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020, a cumulative amount of at least 6 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by December 31, 2025, and additional emissions reductions in subsequent years. Requires the Administrator to establish a publicly accessible registry of the emissions reductions achieved with such assistance. Requires the Administrator to develop and implement a program that addresses noncompletion or reversal with respect to any GHG emissions that were not, or are no longer, sequestered in the international deforestation reduction program. Requires: (1) the Secretary of State to establish the International Clean Energy Deployment Program to provide assistance to qualifying entities to implement clean technology activities that will contribute to reductions, sequestration, or avoidance of GHG emissions in eligible countries; and (2) the President to establish an interagency group to administer such program. Establishes an expert panel to provide guidance on technology deployment and programs to such group. Requires the Secretary to establish an International Climate Change Adaptation and Global Security Program to provide assistance to the most vulnerable developing countries for adapting and promoting resilience to climate change and its impacts. Requires the Secretary, working with the Board, to report biannually on climate change and energy policy for the five highest GHG emitting countries that are not members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009
Roosevelt Scholars Act of 2009 - Establishes the Theodore Roosevelt Scholarship Foundation as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Directs the Foundation to award scholarships in an annual nationwide competition to individuals (to be known as "Roosevelt Scholars") who are: (1) enrolled in or seeking admission to accredited full-time undergraduate or graduate studies that prepare them for occupations critical to the missions of federal agencies; and (2) nominated by persons that have direct knowledge of their academic or work experience. Sets the maximum scholarship amount at $60,000 for each of up to five academic years, covering tuition, room and board, books, materials, and fees. Requires Roosevelt Scholars to: (1) agree to serve in the federal government for a period of years equal to the number of academic years during which they received their scholarship; (2) complete a federal internship related to their studies while earning their degree; (3) participate in certain extracurricular activities designed to assist their pursuit of federal careers and development of leadership qualities; and (4) serve as sources of information regarding federal scholarship and employment opportunities. Establishes the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund consisting of appropriations and gifts for such scholarships. Sets forth additional duties of the Foundation, including the creation of an online directory of all federal scholarship opportunities available to individuals pursuing federal employment and an online directory of current occupations critical to the missions of federal agencies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude Roosevelt Scholarships from gross income.
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
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Supreme Court should permit live television coverage of all open sessions of the Court unless the Court decides, by a vote of the majority of justices, that allowing such coverage in a particular case would constitute a violation of the due process rights of one or more of the parties before the Court.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
START I Treaty Inspections and Monitoring Protocol Continuation Act of 2009 - Authorizes the President, under conditions set forth by this Act, to accord to eligible officials of the Russian Federation the privileges and immunities provided for in Article II, paragraph 7 of the (July 1991) Protocol on Inspections and Continuous Monitoring Activities Relating to the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms in order to facilitate continued application of the arrangements provided for in the period following the Protocol's termination on December 5, 2009. Terminates such authority on the earlier of June 5, 2010, or on the date of the entry into force of a U.S.-Russian agreement that supersedes the Protocol.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Health Care Fraud Enforcement Act of 2009 - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend guidelines and policy statements relating to health care fraud to increase the sentences for such crimes based upon the dollar amount of fraud involved. Expands the definition of "health care fraud" to include anti-fraud provisions of the Social Security Act relating to kickbacks, bribes, or rebates, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Makes a health care fraud violation under such statutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the False Claims Act. Amends the federal criminal code to allow a conviction for health care fraud without actual knowledge of a fraud prohibition or a specific intent to commit a health care fraud violation. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to expand the power of the Attorney General to issue subpoenas for records under such Act. Authorizes additional appropriations to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for FY2011-FY2016 for investigations and prosecutions relating to fraud and abuse in connection with any health care benefit program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2009. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should: (1) continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities; and (2) support programs designed to end domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Child Support Protection Act of 2009 - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to repeal the exclusion from federal matching payments of any amounts expended by a state from child support incentive payments it has received from the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Thus reinstates federal matching of state spending of child support incentive payments.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Cliff Hansen, a former Senator of Wyoming. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on October 21, 2009, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Hansen.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should: (1) continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities; and (2) support programs designed to end domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Chesapeake Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to: (1) revise and expand definitions under the Chesapeake Bay Program; (2) expand the implementation and monitoring grant programs; and (3) require that at least 10% of funds for implementation grants be made available to the states of Delaware, New York, and West Virginia and that at least 20% of such funds be made available to states to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and foresters. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) make public by March 31 of each year a Chesapeake Bay action plan to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay; (2) establish a Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Grants Program; (3) establish minimum criteria for watershed implementation plans; (4) establish by December 31, 2010, a Chesapeake Bay-wide TMDL (total maximum daily load for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment loading to the waters in the Chesapeake Bay); (5) establish by May 12, 2012, an interstate nitrogen and phosphorus trading program for the Chesapeake Bay; (6) designate the Asian oyster (species Crassostrea ariakensis) as a biological pollutant in the Chesapeake Bay; and (7) conduct a study on the impacts of the commercial harvesting of Menhaden (species Brevoortia tyrannus) on Chesapeake Bay water quality. Requires each Chesapeake Bay State (i.e., Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia) to: (1) submit to the Administrator by May 12, 2011, a watershed implementation plan to be fully implemented by May 12, 2025; and (2) institute a ban on phosphorus cleaning agents within three years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide funds to the states of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia to carry out a program to eradicate or control nutria (species Myocaster coypus) and restore marshland destroyed by nutria.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
First State National Historical Park Act - Establishes the First State National Historical Park in Delaware as a unit of the National Park System. Specifies that the purpose of the Park is the preservation, protection, and interpretation of the historic and cultural resources associated with Dutch, Swedish, and English settlement in Delaware and the resources associated with the role of the state of Delaware as the first state to ratify the Constitution. Requires the preparation of a general management plan for the Park. Requires completion of a study regarding the preservation and interpretation of additional properties in Delaware that relate to the Park's purposes, including an assessment of: (1) the potential for designating them as National Historic Landmarks; and (2) options for maintaining their historic integrity.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Fair Sentencing Act of 2009 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to: (1) increase the amount of a controlled substance or mixture containing a cocaine base (i.e., crack cocaine) required for the imposition of mandatory minimum prison terms for crack cocaine trafficking to eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine; (2) increase monetary penalties for drug trafficking and for the importation and exportation of controlled substances. Eliminates the five-year mandatory minimum prison term for first-time possession of crack cocaine. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend, if appropriate, its sentencing guidelines for trafficking in a controlled substance to reflect the use of a dangerous weapon or violence in such crime and the culpability and the role of the defendant in such crime, taking into account certain aggravating and mitigating factors. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the effectiveness of drug court programs funded by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to declare that a plaintiff establishes an unlawful employment practice if the plaintiff demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) an impermissible factor or authority was a motivating factor for the practice complained of, even if other factors also motivated that practice; or (2) the practice complained of would not have occurred in the absence of an impermissible factor. Specifies the types of: (1) evidence that a plaintiff may utilize; and (2) relief and damages available to a successful plaintiff.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2009
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States Postal Service should issue a postage stamp commemorating the War of 1812; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kaufman, Edward E. [D-DE]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000373_200.jpg)