Protect Our Kids Act of 2012 - Establishes the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities to: (1) study the use of child protective services and child welfare services under titles IV and XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reduce fatalities from child abuse and neglect; (2) develop recommendations to reduce such fatalities for federal, state, and local agencies, and private sector and nonprofit organizations, including recommendations to implement a comprehensive national strategy for such purpose; and (3) develop guidelines for the type of information that should be tracked to improve interventions to prevent such fatalities. Requires any federal agency affected by a recommendation to report to Congress its response and plans to address it. Amends SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to make an adjustment to the Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs with respect to deposits for FY2013-FY2014, reserving a specified amount for Commission activities.

Bill· SS. 3702 (112th)referred

SERV Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2012

Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act or the SERV Act - Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to delegate to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the authority to administer the veteran's treatment courts program established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states and other entities: (1) to develop, implement, or enhance veteran's treatment courts or to expand operational drug courts to serve veterans; and (2) for programs that involve continuing judicial supervision over nonviolent offenders with substance abuse or mental health problems who have served in the U.S. military. Requires such programs to include mandatory periodic testing for the use of drugs, substance abuse and mental health treatment, opportunities for diversion, probation, or supervised release, and programmatic, offender management, and aftercare services. Directs the National Drug Court Institute to conduct national training programs for state and local communities to improve the professional skills of drug court practitioners and provide comprehensive technical assistance to adult, juvenile, and family dependency drug courts.

Bill· SS. 3697 (112th)referred

Mercury Use Reduction Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2012

Mercury Use Reduction Act of 2012 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to redefine “mercury” as: (1) elemental mercury, (2) a mercury compound, and (3) a mixture that contains elemental mercury or a mercury compound that is mixed with any other material. Prohibits, beginning on January 1, 2014, the: (1) production of mercury from the extraction, beneficiation, and processing of mercury-containing ores and minerals (specifies that such prohibition does not prohibit the production of mercury from mining of other ores if the mercury is produced incidentally from the beneficiation or processing of that ore or related pollution control activities); (2) production of vinyl chloride monomer using a mercury-added feedstock or catalyst; (3) manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of certain mercury-added measuring devices, a mercury-added pesticide, a mercury-added thermostat, or a mercury-added relay or mercury-added switch; and (4) export of certain mercury compounds or such mercury-added products. Prohibits, beginning on January 1, 2015, the: (1) manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of a mercury-added battery, individually or as a component of a product; and (2) exporting of such mercury-added batteries. Sets forth exemptions to such prohibitions. Amends the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act to repeal provisions concerning phasing out the use of batteries that contain mercury. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) report on the use of mercury to produce polyurethane products; (2) publish an inventory of mercury supply, use, and trade by April 1, 2014, and every three years thereafter; and (3) publish a list of such compounds the export of which is prohibited. Establishes reporting requirements for manufactures of mercury or mercury-added products and manufacturers that intentionally use mercury in a manufacturing process. Authorizes elemental mercury to be stored on a long-term basis at a facility for which a permit has been issued for that purpose under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Exempts such long-term storage from prohibitions on hazardous waste disposal under such Act.

Bill· SS. 3691 (112th)referred

STRONG Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2012

Strengthening The Resiliency of Our Nation on the Ground Act or the STRONG Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish and chair an interagency working group with cabinet-level representation from all relevant federal agencies in order to: (1) provide a strategic vision of extreme weather resilience; (2) conduct a gap and overlap analysis of federal agencies' current and planned activities related to achieving short- and long-term resilience to extreme weather and its impacts on the United States, such as flooding and drought; and (3) develop a National Extreme Weather Resilience Plan. Requires the Plan to include the establishment of an online, publicly available information clearinghouse to be used by federal agencies and other stakeholders to inform resilience-enhancing efforts and to build off and complement existing federal efforts. Provides for a coordinating entity to establish and maintain such clearinghouse. Requires such coordinating entity to coordinate the implementation of the Plan and to track its progress. Requires the submission of specified reports.

Bill· SS. 3689 (112th)referred

Senior Airman Michael Malarsie Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2012

Senior Airman Michael Malarsie Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly establish the Senior Airman Michael Malarsie Program for the awarding of grants to certain nonprofit organizations to assist them in establishing and operating programs to provide assistance dogs to certain members of the Armed Forces and veterans who have certain visual, hearing, or mobility disabilities. Requires such Secretaries to determine whether such assistance for members or veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury would be appropriate, taking into account the findings of a specified study conducted under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Defines the term "assistance dog" to mean a dog specifically trained to perform physical tasks to mitigate the effects of such a disability, except that such term does not include a dog specifically trained for comfort or personal defense.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 624 (112th)passed

A resolution relative to the death of the Honorable Daniel Ken Inouye, Senator from the State of Hawaii.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2012

Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret of the death of the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, Senator from Hawaii. Declares that when the Senate adjourns December 18, 2012, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.

Bill· SS. 3686 (112th)referred

Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2012

Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2013 - Amends provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 related to equal employment opportunities to include in the term "religion" all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief, unless an employer demonstrates that the employer is unable, after initiating and engaging in an affirmative and bona fide effort, to reasonably accommodate to an employee's or prospective employee's religious observance or practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business. (Current law makes no reference to an employer's affirmative and bona fide effort.) Provides that an employer's accommodation of an employee's practice of wearing religious clothing or a religious hairstyle, or of taking time off for a religious reason, imposes an undue hardship on the conduct of an employer's business in accommodating such practice only if the accommodation imposes a significant difficulty or expense on the conduct of the employer's business when considered in light of specified factors set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, including: (1) the nature and cost of the accommodation needed, (2) the financial resources and size of the business, and (3) the type of operation of the business. Requires an employer's accomodation, before it may be considered a reasonable accomodation, to remove the conflict between employment requirements and the employee's religious practice. Prohibits an accomodation from being a reasonable accomodation if it requires an employee to be segregated from customers or the general public.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 621 (112th)passed

A resolution condemning the horrific attacks in Newtown, Connecticut, and expressing support and prayers for all those impacted by that tragedy.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2012

Condemns the senseless attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 14, 2012. Offers condolences to all of the students, teachers, administrators, and faculty of Sandy Hook Elementary School, as well as their families, and recognizes that the healing process will be long and difficult for the entire community. Honors the selfless, dedicated service of: (1) the teachers, school administrators, school support staff, medical professionals, and others in the greater Newtown community; (2) the emergency response teams and law enforcement officials who responded; and (3) the law enforcement officials who continue to investigate the attack. States that the Senate remains committed to working together to help prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.

Bill· SS. 3682 (112th)referred

CAMPUS Safety Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2012

Center to Advance, Monitor, and Preserve University Security Safety Act of 2012 or the CAMPUS Safety Act of 2012 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to establish and operate a National Center for Campus Public Safety. Tasks the Center with strengthening the safety and security of institutions of higher education (IHEs) by: (1) training IHE public safety personnel and their collaborative partners; (2) fostering relevant research; (3) collecting and disseminating information and best practices regarding campus safety; (4) developing protocols and best practices to prevent, protect against, and respond to dangerous and violent situations that threaten the campus community; and (5) promoting cooperation among public safety and emergency management personnel of IHEs and their collaborative partners, including law enforcement, emergency management, and mental health agencies. Authorizes the Director to award grants to IHEs and other nonprofit organizations for activities that will assist the Center in performing its functions.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 618 (112th)passed

A resolution observing the 100th birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks and commemorating her legacy.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2012

Observes the 100th birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Commemorates the legacy of Rosa Parks to inspire all people of the United States to stand up for freedom and the principles of the Constitution.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 612 (112th)passed

A resolution honoring the life and legacy of the Honorable Arlen Specter, distinguished former Senator for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2012

Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses profound sorrow at the death of the Honorable Arlen Specter, a former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania; and (2) conveys its condolences to his family. Declares that when the Senate adjourns December 10, 2012, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Arlen Specter.

Bill· SS. 3665 (112th)referred

Foster Youth Higher Education Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2012

Foster Youth Higher Education Opportunities Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to inform students who indicate on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form that they are or were in the foster care system of their potential eligibility for federal student aid, including the specific federal programs under which they may be eligible for assistance. Requires the Secretary to provide foster youth with that same information on the Department of Education's website.

Law· SS. 3662 (112th)enacted

Lieutenant Ryan Patrick Jones Post Office Designation Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2012

Lieutenant Ryan Patrick Jones Post Office Designation Act - Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6 Nichols Street in Westminster, Massachusetts, as the "Lieutenant Ryan Patrick Jones Post Office Building."

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 607 (112th)passed

A resolution relative to the death of the Honorable George McGovern, former United States Senator and Congressman from the State of South Dakota.

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2012

Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret of the passing of the Honorable George McGovern, a former U.S. Senator and Member of the House of Representatives from South Dakota. Extends heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Declares that when the Senate adjourns November 30, 2012, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of George McGovern.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 604 (112th)passed

A resolution relative to the death of the Honorable Warren B. Rudman, former United States Senator for the State of New Hampshire.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2012

Declares that the Senate has received with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the passing of the Honorable Warren B. Rudman, a former Senator from New Hampshire. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on November 29, 2012, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Rudman.

Bill· SS. 3638 (112th)open

TEAM Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 2012

Today's Entrepreneurs are Advancing Mentorship Act of 2012 or TEAM Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) an Office of Entrepreneurial Support, headed by a Director, to develop and provide innovative entrepreneurial information, education, and resources to promote both prospective entrepreneurs and successful small businesses. Requires: (1) the SBA's Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development to establish a program of technical assistance grants for the development and implementation of curricula and mentoring programs designed to promote entrepreneurship, and (2) the Director to report to the congressional small business committees on best practices of U.S. entrepreneurial education and training programs. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish an Emerging Leaders Program of specialized training and executive-level mentoring to certain small businesses, with an emphasis on small businesses in emerging, underserved, rural, and urban markets. Requires: (1) the Administrator to develop performance measures for the Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurial Support Programs, and (2) the Comptroller General to submit to the small business committees a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of such Programs.

Bill· SS. 3627 (112th)referred

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2012

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend, until 2015, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) authority to make loans and issue investment insurance and investment guarantees.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 595 (112th)passed

A resolution expressing support for the goals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging the people of the United States to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2012

Supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month. Recognizes that every child should have a permanent and loving family.

Bill· SS. 3623 (112th)referred

National Heritage Area Authorizations Extension Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2012

National Heritage Area Authorizations Extension Act of 2012 - Extends through FY2016 the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to make grants or provide assistance for the: (1) National Coal Heritage Area (West Virginia), (2) Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area, (3) Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (Georgia), (4) Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area (Pennsylvania), (5) Essex National Heritage Area (Massachusetts), (6) South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, (7) America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership (Iowa), (8) Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor, and (9) Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (New York). Amends the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 2000 to extend through FY2016 the authority of the Secretary to provide grants or other assistance for the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania. Amends the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal Heritage Corridor Act of 1988 to extend through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations for the management action plan respecting the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in Pennsylvania. Extends the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission (Massachusetts and Rhode Island) through FY2016.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 589 (112th)passed

A resolution designating November 24, 2012, as "Small Business Saturday" and supporting efforts to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2012

Designates November 24, 2012, as Small Business Saturday. Supports efforts to: (1) encourage consumers to shop locally, and (2) increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses and their impact on the U.S. economy.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 588 (112th)passed

A resolution commending the 4 American public servants who died in Benghazi, Libya, United States Ambassador to Libya John Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty, for their tireless efforts on behalf of the American people, and condemning the violent attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2012

Recognizes the dedicated service and commitment of Ambassador John Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty in assisting the Libyan people as they navigate the complex currents of democratic transition marked in this case by profound instability. Praises Ambassador Stevens, who represented the highest tradition of American public service, for his extraordinary record of dedication to the interests of he Unites States in some of the most difficult and dangerous posts around the globe. Sends the Senate's condolences to the families of those American public servants killed in Benghazi. Commends the bravery of Foreign Service Officers, U.S. Armed Forces, and public servants serving in harm's way around the globe and recognizes the deep sacrifices made by their families. Condemns the despicable attacks on American diplomats and public servants in Benghazi and calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 584 (112th)passed

A resolution designating October 4, 2012, as "Jumpstart's Read for the Record Day".

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2012

Designates October 4, 2012, as Jumpstart's Read for the Record Day. Commends Jumpstart's Read for the Record on its seventh year. (Jumpstart is a national nonprofit early childhood education organization.) Encourages adults to: (1) join children in creating the world's largest shared reading experience, and (2) show their support for literacy and Jumpstart's early education programming for young children in low-income communities.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 580 (112th)passed

A resolution designating the week beginning on October 14, 2012, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week".

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2012

Designates the week beginning on October 14, 2012, as National Wildlife Refuge Week. Encourages the observance of National Wildlife Refuge Week with appropriate events and activities. Reaffirms the support of the Senate for wildlife conservation and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 577 (112th)passed

A resolution honoring the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2012

Recognizes and honors the service of the First Special Service Force (a military unit composed of volunteers from the United States and Canada) during World War II.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 575 (112th)referred

A resolution commending the 4 American public servants who died in Benghazi, Libya, United States Ambassador to Libya John Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty, for their tireless efforts on behalf of the American people, and condemning the violent attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2012

Bill· SS. 3583 (112th)referred

Community Parks Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Community Parks Revitalization Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promulgate regulations establishing a community revitalization program to provide federal grants to eligible local governments for various park and recreation purposes, including grants for rehabilitation and construction, innovation and recreation programming, and recovery action programs. Authorizes the Secretary to designate local governments in standard metropolitan statistical areas not meeting program eligibility requirements to receive such grants, out of up to 15% of funds appropriated for them, under a partial eligibility waiver. Authorizes the Secretary, upon approval of an application by the chief executive of an eligible applicant, to provide 70% matching rehabilitation and construction, and innovation and recreation program grants directly to such applicant. Allows a recipient, at its discretion, to transfer a grant in whole or in part to private nonprofit agencies for recreational areas and facilities they own or operate which offer recreational opportunities to the general population. Requires an applicant, for project approval, to submit to the Secretary evidence of its commitment to ongoing planning, rehabilitation, service, operation, and maintenance programs for its park and recreation systems, expressed in a five-year local park and recreation recovery action program. Prescribes requirements for the five-year park and recreation recovery action program under an at-risk youth recreation grant. Authorizes the Secretary to increase all grants to a state under this Act by up to 15% (but not more than 85%) of total project or program cost. Prohibits the conversion, without HUD approval, of any property improved or developed with assistance under this Act for uses other than for public recreation. Limits to 10% the use of funds appropriated for rehabilitation and construction grants for acquisition of land or interests in land.

Bill· SS. 3562 (112th)referred

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2012 - Revises the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) individuals, HIV-positive individuals, individuals with Alzheimer's disease, veterans, and Holocaust survivors, among others, within the status of greatest social need caused by noneconomic factors. Changes the status of greatest economic need from at or below the poverty line to 200% of the poverty line. Requires the Director of the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs to recommend to the Assistant Secretary for Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) resources (including hardware and software) needed by state Long-Term Care Ombudsmen (LTCOs) to collect and report program data through the National Ombudsman Reporting System. Expands the duties of the Assistant Secretary to include: (1) assisting the states with the development of Home Care Consumer Bills of Rights and Plans for Enforcement; and (2) establishing a National Adult Protective Services Resource Center. Authorizes designation within the Administration on Aging of a person responsible for addressing issues affecting LGBT older individuals. Requires the designated state agency to distribute quality assurance information about home- and community-based long-term care (LTC) programs, service providers, and resources. Modifies the duties and functions of the Administration on Aging to include: (1) technical assistance to certain state and community entities to ensure they develop programming, services, and outreach for older individuals with greatest economic need and greatest social need; and (2) studies and data collection to determine services needed by LGBT older individuals. Directs the Assistant Secretary to ensure, where appropriate, that all programs funded under the Act include appropriate training in the prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and provision of services that address elder justice and exploitation. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish and operate: (1) the National Resource Center for Women and Retirement; and (2) the National Resource Center on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Aging. Reauthorizes OAA through FY2017. Establishes an Advisory Committee to Assess, Coordinate, and Improve Legal Assistance Activities. Directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), to revise and improve the Experimental Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) published by the BLS to make it a reliable measure in determining future cost-of-living adjustments affecting Americans age 62 or older. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to designate within the Administration a person who has specialized training, background, or experience with Holocaust survivor issues to have responsibility for implementing services for older individuals who are Holocaust survivors. Requires the designated state agency to promote the development and implementation of a state system to address the care coordination needs of older individuals with multiple chronic illnesses. Revises area and state plan requirements with respect to specified services, including state LTCO programs and the provision of programming and services in a culturally and linguistically competent manner to older individuals with greatest social need. Revises requirements with respect to: (1) consumer contributions (cost-sharing); (2) a specified study of nutrition projects; (3) supportive services and the senior centers program; (4) nutrition services; (5) disease prevention and health promotion services; (6) the National Family Caregiver Support Program, including grants to assess the needs of family caregivers for certain targeted support services; (7) specified grant programs; and (8) protection from violence projects. Directs the Assistant Secretary to award grants to carry out or establish: (1) projects to support and promote modern multipurpose senior center models which yield multiservice, multigenerational centers for older individuals, their families, and others to gain needed skills, resources, and connections for continuum of care and quality of life; (2) a demonstration program on care coordination and service delivery redesign for older individuals with chronic illness or at risk of institutional placement; and (3) a grant program to assist communities in preparing for the aging of the population, and a related National Resource Center on Livable Communities for All Ages. Directs the Assistant Secretary to award grants or contracts to eligible entities to increase and improve transportation services, including non-emergency transportation to medical appointments and shopping for food, to enable older individuals to remain in the community, with a preference for Holocaust survivors. Directs the HHS Secretary to award competitive grants to or contract with eligible entities to fund the employment costs of professionals who will: (1) coordinate with the provision of medically recommended dental care to eligible individuals by volunteer dentists; and (2) verify the medical, dental, and financial needs of individuals who may be eligible for free medically recommended dental care. Directs the Secretary to award a grant to or enter into a cooperative agreement with a public or private nonprofit entity to establish a National Resource Center on Family Caregiving. Requires each grantee under the Older American Community Service Employment Program to place at least 50% of its project participants in positions with organizations that assist older adults or with duties that positively impact their lives. Directs the Assistant Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to study the feasibility of transferring the program from the Department of Labor to the Administration on Aging. Requires the Assistant Secretary to ensure that education and public awareness activities under OAA title XI (Allotments for Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities) are fully integrated with all service programs under OAA title III (Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging), the work of the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and the long-term care ombudsman programs. Directs the Assistant Secretary to award competitive grants to states for State Home Care Ombudsman Programs. Requires a state to have a Home Care Consumer Bill of Rights and a Plan for Enforcement. Requires the state Home Care Consumer Bill of Rights to address a home care consumer's right to: (1) basic safety; (2) information access; (3) choice, participation, and self-determination; (4) care and services provided in a way that promotes each consumer's dignity and individuality; and (5) redress of grievances. Requires the Bill of Rights also to address the role and responsibilities that fiduciaries may have in securing these rights of home care consumers. Revises requirements for: (1) state LTCO programs; (2) prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and (3) state legal assistance development. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to enable states to establish and operate state Senior Medicare Patrol programs. Amends the Public Health Service Act to include geriatrics and gerontology as primary health services.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 566 (112th)passed

A resolution designating September 29, 2012, as "National Estuaries Day".

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Designates September 29, 2012, as National Estuaries Day. Acknowledges the importance of estuaries to sustaining employment and U.S. economic well-being and prosperity. Expresses the intent of the Senate to continue working to understand, protect, and restore U.S. estuaries.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 563 (112th)passed

A resolution designating December 3, 2012, as "National Phenylketonuria Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2012

Designates December 3, 2012, as National Phenylketonuria Awareness Day.

Bill· SS. 3547 (112th)referred

Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit any person from importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, purchasing, breeding, possessing, or owning any prohibited wildlife species (current law prohibits importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, or purchasing such a species in interstate or foreign commerce). Includes among exemptions to such prohibition the: (1) breeding of such species by authorized persons; and (2) transportation, possession, or ownership of such species by authorized persons. Defines "breeding" as facilitating the reproduction of prohibited wildlife species (any live species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species) for commercial use. Removes from the list of persons authorized to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, breed, possess, own, or purchase such species a person that is licensed or registered, and inspected, by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) or any other federal agency with respect to such species. Includes in such list: (1) a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; (2) a wildlife sanctuary that cares for such species, is a tax exempt corporation, does not commercially trade in or propagate such species, does not allow direct contact between the public and animals, and does not allow the transport and display of such species off-site; and (3) a person that is in possession of animals of such species that were born before the date of this Act's enactment and that are registered with APHIS within six months after such regulations are promulgated. Establishes civil and criminal penalties and forfeiture requirements for violations of this Act.

Bill· SS. 3539 (112th)referred

MITECH Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Medicaid Information Technology to Enhance Community Health Act of 2012 or MITECH Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend payments to encourage the adoption and use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology to qualified safety net clinics (QSNCs). Defines a QSNC as a clinic or network of clinics operated by a private non-profit or public entity at least 30% percent of whose patient volume is attributable to needy individuals. Defines a "QSNC-based" individual as one who furnishes substantially all of his or her professional services in a QSNC and through use of the clinic's facilities and equipment, including qualified EHRs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a procedure through which a QSNC may demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology in order to receive incentive payments.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 557 (112th)passed

A resolution honoring the contributions of Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari as Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and in promoting the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Tibetan people.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Honors the service of Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari as Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Commends the achievements of Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari in building an international coalition of support for Tibet that recognizes: (1) the imperative to preserve Tibet's culture and religious traditions, and (2) that the Tibetan people are entitled under international law to their own identity and autonomy within China. Acknowledges Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari's role, as a naturalized U.S. citizen, in promoting understanding in the United States of the Tibetan people, their culture and religion, and their struggle for autonomy and human rights. Supports a political solution for Tibet within China that satisfies the aspirations of the Tibetan people.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 551 (112th)passed

A resolution commending the 4 American public servants who died in Benghazi, Libya, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, for their tireless efforts on behalf of the American people and condemning the violent attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2012

Recognizes the dedicated service and deep commitment of the four American public servants, including Ambassador John Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, in assisting the Libyan people as they navigate the complex currents of democratic transition marked in this case by profound instability. Praises Ambassador Stevens, who represented the highest tradition of American public service, for his extraordinary record of dedication to the United States' interests in some of the most difficult and dangerous posts around the globe. Sends deepest condolences to the families of those American public servants killed in Benghazi. Commends the bravery of Foreign Service Officers, U.S. Armed Forces, and public servants serving in harm's way around the globe and recognizes the deep sacrifices made by their families. Condemns the despicable attacks on American diplomats and public servants in Benghazi and calls for the perpetrators of such attacks to be brought to justice.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 543 (112th)passed

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate on international parental child abduction.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Condemns the unlawful international abduction of all children. Urges countries identified by the Department of State as noncompliant or demonstrating patterns of noncompliance with the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction to fulfill their commitment under international law to implement the Convention. Calls on all countries to: (1) accede to or ratify the Convention, or (2) develop a mechanism for the resolution of current and future cases of international parental child abduction. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should aggressively pursue the return of each child abducted by a parent from the United States.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 58 (112th)passed

A concurrent resolution directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 4240.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 4240 (Ambassador James R. Lilley and Congressman Stephen J. Solarz North Korea Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2012).

Law· SS. 3472 (112th)enacted

Uninterrupted Scholars Act (USA)

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2012

Uninterrupted Scholars Act - Amends provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 that prohibit the Department of Education from funding educational agencies or institutions that release student educational records (or personally identifiable information other than certain directory information) to any individual, agency, or organization without written parental consent. Expands the list of organizations exempt from such prohibitions (thereby permitting the educational agencies or institutions participating in a Department of Education program to release records or identifiable information to such organizations without parental consent) to include: (1) organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, child welfare agencies to improve educational outcomes for students in foster care; and (2) state or local welfare agencies or tribal organizations responsible for a student's placement and care, provided that any disclosure of records for a student's educational needs is consistent with confidentiality laws in the state applicable to personal records. Permits the release of such records and information without additional notice to parents and students when a parent is a party to a child welfare court proceeding and a court order has already been issued in the context of that proceeding.