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United States · Official source
6,479 records where Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a gasoline excise tax refund for certain mobile machinery vehicles which use more than 50% of their fuel in non-propulsive operations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the alternative minimum tax (AMT) refundable credit amount for individuals who have long-term unused minimum tax credits from prior taxable years; and (2) abate any underpayment of tax attributable to the application of special AMT rules for the treatment of incentive stock options.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007
Condemns: (1) the kidnappings of Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Marc Gonsalves by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and calls for their immediate release; (2) FARC for the murder of Tom Janis and for its use of kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and drug trafficking, and for supporting and spreading terror within Colombia. Expresses sympathy to the hostages' relatives. Reiterates that the U.S. government supports efforts to secure the hostages' safe return to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from employment and unemployment taxes payments made on behalf of Puerto Rican residents participating in tax-exempt employee benefit cafeteria plans established under Puerto Rican law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month. Recognizes that every child should have a permanent and loving family. Encourages the citizens of the United States to consider adoption during the month of November and all throughout the year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007
Climate Change Adaptation Act - Amends the National Climate Program Act to: (1) eliminate the National Climate Program Office and the Climate Program Policy Board; (2) revise the elements of the National Climate Program to require a strategic plan to address the impacts of climate change in the United States and establish a National Climate Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); (3) require the President to provide to Congress a five-year national strategic plan to address the impacts of climate change in the United States; (4) require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct regional assessments of coastal and ocean vulnerability to climate change and submit to Congress a national coastal and ocean adaptation plan; (5) require the Secretary to provide technical planning assistance and products to assist coastal states and local governments in developing and implementing coastal and ocean adaptation or mitigation strategies and plans; and (6) require the Secretary to provide grants to coastal states for developing and implementing coastal and ocean adaptation plans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007
Remembers and commemorates the lives and work of Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kazel and lay missionary Jean Donovan, and extends sympathy and support for the families, friends, and religious communities of the four U.S. churchwomen. Calls upon the people of the United States and religious congregations to participate in local, national, and international events commemorating the 27th anniversary of their martyrdom. Calls upon the President, the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the heads of other U.S. agencies to support the government of El Salvador and private sector, nongovernmental, and religious organizations to reduce poverty and to promote educational opportunity, health care, and social equity for the people of El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007
Congratulates Hostelling International USA on its 75 years of service. Commends Hostelling International USA for its contributions to intercultural exchange and leadership in the field of youth travel.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Prevention Through Affordable Access Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the best price component of the formula for determination of the Medicaid rebate for a covered single source outpatient drug or a covered innovator multiple source outpatient drug. (Under current law, best prices shall not take into account prices that are merely nominal in amount.) Revises the list of entities to which sales by a manufacturer of covered outpatient drugs at nominal prices shall be considered to be sales at a nominal price, or merely nominal in amount (and thus excluded from computation of the best price for such drugs). Adds to such list any entity that is: (1) operated by a health center of an institution of higher education, primarily for its students (university-based clinic); or (2) a public or private nonprofit entity that provides family planning services under the Public Health Service Act (safety-net clinic).
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Declares that the Secretary of Commerce should reconsider a decision to deny the requests of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the states of Maine and Rhode Island for a groundfish fishery failure declaration, look favorably on the request of the state of New Hampshire for such a declaration, and immediately propose regulations implementing related fisheries disaster relief provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007
Media Ownership Act of 2007 - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in changing any of its regulations related to broadcast ownership, to publish notice in the Federal Register for least 90 days, followed by at least 60 days for public comment, followed by at least 30 days to reply to comments. Applies those requirements to any any changes related to broadcast and newspaper ownership made after October 1, 2007. Requires the FCC, before voting on any change in broadcast and newspaper ownership rules, to complete a separate rulemaking to promote the broadcast of local programming and content by broadcasters, including radio and television broadcast stations, and newspapers. Requires the FCC, before issuing a final rule, to: (1) conduct a study on the overall impact of television station duopolies and newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership on the quantity and quality of local news, public affairs, local news media jobs, and local cultural programming at the market level; and (2) publish a proposed final rule at least 90 days before a vote, followed by at least 60 days for public comment, followed by at least 30 days to reply to comments. Requires the FCC to establish an independent panel on increasing the representation of women and minorities in broadcast media ownership and to act on the panel's recommendations before voting on any changes to its broadcast and newspaper ownership rules.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the decision by President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to declare a state of emergency in Pakistan and calling on President Musharraf to revoke the state of emergency; (2) calling upon President Musharraf to honor his commitment to relinquish his position as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan and allow free parliamentary elections in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan; (3) that the U.S. government should provide assistance to facilitate such elections; (4) calling upon the government of Pakistan to conduct a full investigation into the attempted assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto; and (5) that U.S. military assistance to Pakistan should be subjected to careful review, and that assistance for certain weapons systems not directly related to the fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban should be suspended if President Musharraf does not revoke the state of emergency and restore the Constitution of Pakistan, relinquish his position as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, and allow for free elections.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007
Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to designate a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System under the Wilderness Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007
Carbon Capture and Storage Technology Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program to provide assistance to at least three, but not more than five, eight-year commercial demonstration projects to demonstrate the long-term effects of sequestration of carbon dioxide in deep geological formations, of which: (1) not fewer than two shall be conducted in deep saline aquifers; and (2) the remainder may be conducted in saline aquifers combined with storage in established oil or gas fields. Requires the Secretary to establish a competitive grant program to provide grants to at least three, but not more than five, commercial demonstration projects for the capture of carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Establishes an interagency task force composed of the Secretary, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Secretary of the Interior to develop regulations providing guidelines and practices for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide. Requires the Director of the Office of Science to carry out a program for the research and development of potential technologies and approaches for the capture of carbon dioxide. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program for the research and development of carbon dioxide storage technologies; and (2) develop recommendations for optimal carbon dioxide storage features, practices, and conditions. Requires the Secretary to complete a national carbon dioxide storage capacity assessment. Requires the Secretary to offer to enter into agreements with China and India and any other country that is heavily dependent on coal-fired power plants for electricity generation to pursue technology-sharing agreements with respect to carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007
Geothermal Heat Pump Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) to include equipment that uses the ground or ground water as a thermal energy source or sink to heal or cool a structure (i.e., geothermal heat pump systems) as energy property for purposes of the energy tax credit; (2) allow a residential energy efficient property tax credit for 30% of qualified geothermal heat pump property expenditures; and (3) allow accelerated three-year depreciation of geothermal heat pump systems.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that the United States delegation to the 20th Regular Meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas should: (1) seek the adoption of a harvesting moratorium on the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery; (2) seek to strengthen the conservation and management of such tuna; (3) reevaluate the implementation, effectiveness, and relevance of a specified recommendation of the Commission and seek detailed justification from Commission members that have failed to fully implement the recommendations; (4) pursue a review and assessment of compliance; (5) seek to address noncompliance including, as appropriate, by deducting a portion of a future quota for a party to compensate for that party exceeding its quota in prior years; and (6) pursue additional research on the relationship between the western Atlantic and eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna stocks and the extent to which the populations intermingle.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007
Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to: (1) rename the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences as the Committee on Global Change Research; (2) revise requirements governing such Committee, including requiring the Committee to develop a strategic plan for the U.S. Global Change Research Program; (3) establish an Integrated Program Office for such Program in the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (4) authorize funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research grants on climate change; and (5) repeal a declaration that such Act does not preclude or delay federal planning or action to address the threats of stratospheric ozone depletion or global climate change. Requires the NSF Director and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study the: (1) status of ice sheet melt and movement; and (2) science on the potential impacts of climate change on patterns of tropical cyclone development. Requires the President to establish guidelines and implement a plan that requires specified agencies to adopt policies to ensure the integrity of scientific communications. Requires the Administrator to implement a program to address aging work force issues in climate science, global change, and certain other research focuses. Amends the National Climate Program Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish within NOAA a National Climate Service. Requires the Administrator to appoint a National Climate Service Advisory Council. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to establish within the legislative branch a Science and Technology Assessment Service, to consist of a Science and Technology Board and a Director, to coordinate and develop information for Congress relating to the uses and application of technology. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Secretary to perform research to develop enhanced measurements, calibrations, standards, and technologies to enable the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). Requires: (1) the Secretary to develop standards and measurement technologies to calculate GHGs; (2) the Director of the Institute to establish a research program on climate change standards and processes; (3) the Institute's National Measurement Laboratories to conduct specified research on developing material and manufacturing processes designed for energy efficiency and reduced GHG emissions; and (4) the Director to utilize the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program to establish a program to satisfy the needs for accreditation in measuring GHG production. Authorizes the Director, through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, to develop a program to support the implementation of new green manufacturing technologies and techniques by small business manufacturers. Requires the Secretary to establish within NOAA a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007
Caging Prohibition Act of 2007 - Prohibits state or local election officials from preventing an individual from registering or voting in any election for federal office, or permitting a formal challenge under state law to an individual's registration status or eligibility to vote in a federal election, if the sole basis for such decision or challenge is evidence consisting of: (1) a voter caging document or voter caging list; (2) an unverified match list; or (3) any other evidence so designated for purposes of this Act by the Federal Election Commission. Defines "voter caging document" as: (1) any nonforwardable document that is sent to an individual at the address at which such individual is registered (or seeking to become registered) as a voter in a federal election, and that is returned to the sender or to a third party as undelivered or undeliverable; and (2) any document (other than a notice warning of possible removal from the voting rolls) that is sent to an individual at the address at which such individual is registered. Defines "unverified match list" as one produced by matching the identity of registered voters or voter registration applicants with the identity of individuals who are ineligible to vote in the registrar's jurisdiction, by virtue of death, conviction, change of address, mental impairment, or otherwise, unless the information establishing the individual's identity contains a signature, photograph, or unique identifying number. Outlines requirements for challenges to an individual's registration or voting eligibility by persons other than election officials.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007
Designates November 2007 as National Methamphetamine Awareness Month to increase awareness of methamphetamine abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007
Small Business Lending Oversight and Program Performance Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop and publish portfolio quality evaluation standards to evaluate the loan portfolios of lenders participating in the section 7(a) (SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses) and 504 (financing to small businesses funded by SBA-guaranteed debentures) programs of the Small Business Act. Requires the standards to measure the rates of loan liquidation, currency, recovery, and delinquency, and to be used by the Administrator to determine lender portfolio quality and to conduct lender oversight. Requires quarterly lender evaluations, and allows for onsite reviews of covered lenders. Directs the Administrator to: (1) calculate loan default rates; (2) inform lenders of their portfolio quality ranking; (3) develop and publish loan recipient economic performance evaluation measurements; and (4) ensure the privacy of collected information. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to require a state or local development company (lender) participating in an SBA loan program to execute a written contract with each executive or highly paid company employee which includes the amount of compensation, benefits, and transfer of anything of value to that executive or employee. Requires such contract to be approved by that company's board of directors. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the 7(a) loan program relating to lender oversight and portfolio examination and review fees.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007
Small Business Contracting Revitalization Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to provide federal review and oversight of the practice of contract bundling (the consolidation of two or more procurement contracts into a solicitation for a single prime contract that is unlikely, because of its size or complexity, to be suitable for award to a small business). Revises or adds federal provisions or requirements concerning: (1) increased small business participation in federal procurement subcontracts, including a pilot program to provide contractual incentives to prime contractors that exceed their small business subcontracting goals; (2) Small Business Administration (SBA) certification of small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; (3) historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones) affected by military base closures; (4) the BusinessLINC program (business-to-business and mentor-protege relationships between large and small businesses); (5) information on contracts involving small businesses that were displaced by bundled or consolidated actions; (6) the reservation of certain prime contract awards to small businesses; (7) a Comptroller General study on federal procurement contracting reporting systems; (8) micropurchase guidelines; (9) reporting on overseas contracts; (10) federal agency accountability with respect to small business procurement contracting and subcontracting goals; (11) certification as a small business for purposes of eligibility for the award of federal contracts and subcontracts (including authority to protest a business as a small business for such purposes); (12) training for federal contracting and contract enforcement personnel; (13) revised size standards for qualification as a small business; and (14) small business size and status for purposes of multiple award contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007
Children's Chemical Risk Reduction Act of 2007 - Requires any children's product or child care article that contains a phthalate to be treated as a banned hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Applies certain prohibitions of that Act to such product article. Provides that, if a manufacturer modifies a children's product or child care article that contains a phthalate to comply with such ban, it shall: (1) use an alternative to phthalates that is the least toxic; and (2) not use any of specified prohibited alternatives to phthalates.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2007
Burma Democracy Promotion Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) condemn the repression carried out by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); (2) support a peaceful transition to constitutional democracy in Burma; and (3) hold accountable individuals responsible for the repression of peaceful political activity in Burma. Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a list of: (1) SPDC officials who play or have played a substantial role in political repression in Burma or in the commission of human rights abuses; and (2) other Burmese SPDC supporters. Subjects persons so identified to U.S. entry prohibition and financial sanctions (blocked property, financial transaction prohibitions, and banking sanctions). Exempts medical and humanitarian assistance from such restrictions. Authorizes additional waivers for diplomatic and travel purposes. Terminates such prohibitions upon a presidential certification to the committees that the SPDC has: (1) released all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the National League for Democracy; (2) entered into a dialogue with democratic forces led by the National League for Democracy and the ethnic minorities of Burma on transitioning to democratic government; and (3) allowed humanitarian access to populations affected by armed conflict in all regions of Burma. Amends the the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to prohibit the importation into the United States of Burmese gems, teak, or other hardwood timber. Directs the President to appoint a Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to issue multi-year licenses for humanitarian or religious activities in Burma; and (2) the President to assist nonviolent democracy activists in their efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the appropriate committees respecting countries that provide military aid to Burma. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should lead U.N. Security Council efforts to impose an international arms embargo on Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2007
Congratulates the Boston Red Sox for winning the 2007 Major League Baseball World Series and the Colorado Rockies for winning the National League Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2007
Veterans Upward Bound Improvement Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit members of the Armed Forces Reserves who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after September 11, 2001, from being deemed ineligible for participation in federal TRIO programs due to age. (TRIO programs prepare disadvantaged students for, and support their pursuit of, postsecondary education.)
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2007
Designates the week of November 11-November 17, 2007, as "National Veterans Awareness Week."
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007
Crime Control and Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, and other federal laws to establish and reauthorize programs to prevent and control crime. Reauthorizes and expands the program for community-oriented policing services (COPS program). Authorizes the hiring of an additional 1,000 agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in FY2008-FY2012. Authorizes the hiring of additional Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. Establishes a National Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice to study the role of law enforcement after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for: (1) early Head Start programs; (2) child abuse and prevention treatment; (3) after school programs; (4) grants for local juvenile delinquency prevention programs; (4) juvenile justice intervention programs; and (5) crime prevention in Indian tribal communities. Provides grants for community service programs for youthful offenders (16-25 years old), for improving juvenile delinquency practice in state courts, for preventing gang membership and gang violence, and for school safety. Imposes new penalties for gang-related violent crimes. Establishes a National Commission on Crime Intervention and Prevention Strategies. Reauthorizes or establishes new programs for the reduction of recidivism, for alternatives to incarceration of non-violent mentally ill offenders, and for assisting the reentry of offenders into the community after release from incarceration. Establishes programs and national task forces to combat child exploitation over the Internet. Authorizes additional funding to hire federal agents to investigate child exploitation. Imposes enhanced criminal penalties for violent crimes against children (under 18 years of age). Eliminates sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine. Establishes programs for combating drug addiction and drug trafficking and for assisting children of drug addicted parents. Imposes restrictions on obtaining prescription drugs over the Internet. Requires background checks of gun purchasers at gun shows. Renews the ban on assault weapons. Provides for new criminal and forfeiture penalties to combat computer fraud and copyright infringement. Enhances protections for crime victims with disabilities. Requires courts to enter orders for immediate restitution to victims of crime and protective orders to preserve assets available for payment of restitution. Establishes the Homeland Security and Neighborhood Safety Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2007
Declares that the Senate: (1) joins with the people of Massachusetts in honoring the courage of the Little Rock Nine (the nine African-American students who, 50 years ago, were the first to racially integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas); (2) endeavors to ensure that no American is denied access to education because of race or ethnicity; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to remember the importance of equal opportunity in education.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2007
Research Credit Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the tax credit for increasing research activities by: (1) phasing-in increases in the alternative simplified tax credit rate through 2009; (2) establishing a 20% alternative simplified tax credit rate in 2010 in lieu of the standard research tax credit rate; (3) increasing the amount of basic and contract research expenses eligible for such tax credit; and (4) making such tax credit permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Amends P.L. 109-116 (relating to obtaining a statue of Rosa Parks and placing it in the U. S. Capitol in National Statuary Hall) to extend the time period that the Joint Committee on the Library has to enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of Rosa Parks. Allows the Joint Committee to authorize the Architect of the Capitol to enter into the agreement and related contracts required under such law on its behalf, under such terms and conditions as it may require. Makes such amendments effective as if included in the enactment of P.L. 109-116.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish the National Park Ranger School Partnerships program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award competitive, three-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to enter into partnerships that include the National Park Service (NPS), and may include nonprofit NPS partners, to provide kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) students with educational programs and K-12 teachers with professional development emphasizing science, the environment, natural resources, mathematics, civics, and history. Deems LEAs to be eligible for such a grant only if they: (1) have, are capable of, or will develop certain connections to the NPS; (2) have been identified as needing improvement under title I of the ESEA; and (3) are a high-need LEA. Permits: (1) the NPS to participate in the Mathematics and Science Partnerships program that provides training to teachers of such subjects under title II of the ESEA; and (2) educational service agencies, including federal agencies that serve as educational service providers, to partner with LEAs under such title's Teaching American History Grant Program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Offshore Deferred Compensation Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the inclusion in gross income for income tax purposes of employee compensation deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan of a nonqualified foreign corporation when there is no substantial risk of forfeiture of the rights to such compensation. Defines "nonqualified foreign corporation" as any foreign corporation unless substantially all of its income is: (1) effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States; or (2) subject to an income tax imposed by a foreign country that has a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Calls for free presidential elections in Lebanon. Condemns the governments of Syria and Iran for their interference in Lebanon's internal political affairs. Affirms support for Lebanon's armed forces. Urges the Secretary of State to continue efforts in support of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon to end impunity for political assassinations. Urges the President to use all peaceful means to help promote an independent, democratic, and prosperous Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007
Native American Small Business Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Native American Affairs, headed by an Assistant Administrator, to implement SBA programs for the development of business enterprises by Native Americans (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians). Requires the Office to assist Native American entrepreneurs to: (1) start, operate, and grow small businesses; (2) develop management and technical skills; (3) seek federal procurement opportunities; (4) increase Native American employment opportunities; and (5) increase Native American access to capital markets. Requires the Administrator of the SBA to provide financial assistance to tribal governments, tribal colleges, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Alaska Native corporations to create Native American business centers. Requires each business center to conduct five-year projects for culturally tailored business education aid to such entities. Requires each assistance applicant to submit a five-year plan on proposed assistance and training activities. Establishes a four-year pilot program under which the SBA Administrator is authorized to award Native American development grants to provide culturally-tailored business development training and related services to Native Americans and Native American small businesses. Establishes a four-year pilot program under which the SBA Administrator shall award at least three American Indian Tribal Assistance Center grants to establish joint projects to provide culturally-tailored business development assistance to prospective and current owners of small businesses on or near tribal lands.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007
Medicare Access to Community Health Centers (MATCH) Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the definition of "federally qualified health center services" to include ambulatory services furnished by a federally qualified health center (FQHC) for which payment may otherwise be made under Medicare if such services were furnished by a non-FQHC health care provider or health care professional employed by or under contract with an FQHC. Permits payment for hospital-based services. Provides for a Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare-covered services provided by FQHCs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007
Arts Require Timely Service Act or ARTS Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for expedited adjudication of an employer petition for a nonimmigrant alien with extraordinary ability in the arts (O-visa), or for a nonimmigrant alien who seeks to enter the United States as an artist or entertainer, or athlete (P-visa).
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007
Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007 - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and other international financial institutions, to: (1) provide for debt cancellation of eligible low-income countries (as defined by this Act) to such institutions and to the United States; (2) provide for establishment of frameworks for creditor transparency and responsible lending; and (3) provide that such debt cancellation is not conditioned on harmful economic or environmental conditions. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to audit the debt portfolios of previous governments in certain countries, including South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007
NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to mint and issue $50 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of $50 per $50 coin, and of $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $4 million to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties. Requires distribution of: (1) one-half of the next $1 million of the remaining amounts to the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (D.R.E.M.E.) Science Literacy Foundation and the Challenger Center for Space Science Education; and (2) the remainder to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for the preservation, maintenance, and display of space artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum (including the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $50 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007
Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states or local educational agencies (LEAs) for the establishment or enhancement of school breakfast programs at, and through the provision of subgrants to, schools where at least 65% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches under the school lunch program. Authorizes schools to use the school breakfast subgrants to: (1) increase the quantity of local or fresh food available under their programs; (2) provide nutrition education and first-hand knowledge of food systems to students; (3) extend the period during which breakfast is available, including during the school day; (4) increase participation in their breakfast programs, including through the provision of universal free breakfasts; or (5) collaborate with institutions of higher education or other research entities in compiling data and reports on their breakfast programs. Gives priority to subgrant applicant schools at least 75% of whose students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches and which intend to use the funds to procure local produce, provide universal free breakfasts, or provide breakfast during the school day. Directs state and LEA grantees, at least 180 days before the end of a grant term, to evaluate whether it would be cost-effective for subgrantee schools to provide universal free breakfasts under the school breakfast program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007
Security Contractor Accountability Act of 2007 - Provides that persons who, while employed under a federal agency contract in or in close proximity to an area where the Armed Forces are conducting a contingency operation, engage in conduct that would constitute an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year if engaged in within U.S. jurisdiction shall be punished as provided for that offense. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report to Congress on the status of the Department's investigations of violations alleged to have been committed by contract personnel and findings and recommendations about the Department's capacity and effectiveness in prosecuting misconduct by contract personnel. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to ensure, through the creation of Theater Investigative Units, that there are adequate personnel to investigate allegations of criminal violations by contract personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007
Authorizes the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Francis Collins for his outstanding contributions in the fields of medicine and genetics.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2007
Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit a bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify a loan secured by the principal residence (mortgage) of a chapter 13 debtor (individual with regular income); and (2) provide for payment of such loan at a fixed annual percentage rate of interest, over a 30-year period. Exempts a chapter 13 debtor from the requirement for credit counseling if the court receives certification that debtor's principal residence has been scheduled for a foreclosure sale. Conditions any fees, costs, or charges that may be added to the mortgage debt during pendency of the bankruptcy case upon notice to the court within a specified deadline. Requires the court to waive such additional fees, costs, or charges if the court has not been notified on time. Permits a bankruptcy plan to provide for waiver of any prepayment penalty contained on a claim secured by debtor's principal residence. Authorizes the trustee in bankruptcy to request joinder or substitution for the debtor as the real party in interest in any action in state or federal court with respect to a claim or defense asserted by an individual debtor that was not scheduled in the debtor's petition. Permits the debtor to proceed as the real party in interest if the trustee does not make such a request. Amends the judicial code to authorize the court in any core proceeding under bankruptcy law to hear and determine a proceeding in lieu of referral to arbitration if the case involves an individual debtor whose debts are primarily consumer debts. Exempts from the estate in bankruptcy up to $75,000 of the debtor's aggregate interest in real property used as debtor's principal residence if the debtor is age 55 or older. Prohibits the court from allowing a claim that is subject to any remedy for damages or rescission due to failure to comply with the Truth in Lending Act or any other state or federal consumer protection law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2007
Child Soldiers Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or 20-year prison term for recruiting, enlisting, or conscripting a person under 15 years of age into an armed force or group or knowingly using such person to participate actively in combat hostilities or attempting or conspiring to do so. Provides for: (1) expanded jurisdiction for prosecuting U.S. nationals and aliens who violate this Act; and (2) a 10-year limitation period for prosecuting violations. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to render any alien who has recruited or used child soldiers inadmissible or deportable.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2007
Bans as a hazardous substance within the meaning of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act any children's product containing more than the specified amounts of lead. Defines the term "children's product" to mean any consumer product marketed for use by children under age six, or whose substantial use by children under age six is foreseeable. Sets forth standards for the amount of lead that may be in such products over time. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to revise the standards to any lower amount of lead that CPSC determines is feasible to achieve. Requires CPSC to review and revise the standards to require the lowest amount of lead that is feasible to achieve five years after this Act's enactment. Requires children's products that are electronic devices to be equipped with a child-resistant cover or casing that limits exposure of and accessibility to the parts of the product containing lead if the CPSC determines it is not feasible for such products to attain lead standards. Requires such an alternative standard to be considered to be a consumer product safety rule under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Authorizes CPSC to establish a schedule by which such electronic devices shall be in full compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2007
Expresses the sense of the Senate on the need for a comprehensive diplomatic offensive to help broker national reconciliation efforts in Iraq and lay the foundation for the eventual redeployment of U.S. combat forces.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007
Recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2007, through October 15, 2007. Honors the heritage and culture of Hispanic Americans and their immense contributions to the life of the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (Authority) to determine whether state law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the Authority to issue in accordance with the public safety employee rights and responsibilities regulations establishing collective bargaining procedures for public safety employers and employees in states that do not substantially provide for such rights and responsibilities. Directs the Authority , in such cases, to: (1) determine the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation; (2) supervise or conduct elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a voting majority of the employees in an appropriate unit; (3) resolve issues relating to the duty to bargain in good faith; (4) conduct hearings and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices; and (5) resolve exceptions to arbitrator's awards. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of such Authority regulations and orders through appropriate state courts. Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts, sickouts, work slowdowns, or strikes. Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 silver coins in commemoration of disabled American veterans and emblematic of the design selected by the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. Expresses the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent possible, the coins should be struck at the U.S. Mint at West Point, New York. Limits the period for coin issuance to calendar year 2010. Imposes a $10 surcharge per coin, to be distributed to the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation for the purpose of establishing an endowment to support the construction of American Veterans' Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
Social Investment and Economic Development for the Americas Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in Western Hemisphere countries. Establishes within USAID the Western Hemisphere Economic Investment and Development Advisory Committee which shall: (1) serve as a link among the U.S. government, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and other interested parties; and (2) review projects funded under this Act. Amends the Inter-American Development Bank Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director at the Bank to use U.S. influence to urge the Bank to establish a Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the size of the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in Western Hemisphere countries. Authorizes appropriations for payment to the Inter-American Development Bank of arrears owed by the United States to the Multilateral Investment Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Burma; (2) calling on the government of Burma to refrain from further violence, release arrested demonstrators, cease attacks against ethnic minorities, release Aung Sang Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and begin tripartite political dialogue with Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and the ethnic minorities; (3) calling on the People's Republic of China (PRC) to remove objections to U.N. Security Council efforts to condemn actions taken by the government of Burma against the protesters; (4) calling on the PRC and other nations to suspend military assistance to Burma until civilian democratic rule is restored; (5) recognizing the many constructive statements issued by various nations, and particularly the statement issued by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on September 27, 2007; (6) that the United States and the United Nations should strongly encourage the PRC, India, and Russia to modify their position on Burma and use their influence to convince the government of Burma to engage in dialogue with opposition leaders and ethnic minorities; (7) supporting the U.N. mission to Burma led by Ibrahim Gambari; and (8) that the United States should work with the international community to pressure the government of Burma to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery.