United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007
ALS Registry Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) develop a system to collect data on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron disorders that can be confused with ALS, misdiagnosed as ALS, or progress to ALS; and (2) establish a national registry for the collection and storage of such data. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish the Advisory Committee on the National ALS Registry to review information and make recommendations to the Secretary concerning: (1) the development and maintenance of the registry; (2) the type of information to be included; (3) the manner in which data is to be collected; (4) the use and availability of such data; and (5) the collection of information about diseases and disorders that primarily affect motor neurons that are considered essential to furthering the study and cure of ALS. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Director, to award grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public or private nonprofit entities for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on ALS and other motor neuron disorders. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) identify, build upon, expand, and coordinate among existing data and surveillance systems, surveys, registries, and other federal public health and environmental infrastructure wherever possible; and (2) provide for research access to ALS data as recommended by the Advisory Committee in a manner that protects personal privacy. Requires the Secretary to ensure that epidemiological and other types of information is made available to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007
Climate Change Education Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a Climate Change Education Program to: (1) broaden the understanding of climate change, possible long and short-term consequences, and potential solutions; (2) apply the latest scientific and technological discoveries to provide learning opportunities to people; and (3) emphasize actionable information to help people understand and to promote implementation of new technologies, programs, and incentives related to energy conservation, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction. Requires such Program to include: (1) a national information campaign to disseminate information on and promote implementation of the new technologies, programs, and incentives; and (2) a competitive grant program to provide grants to states, municipalities, educational institutions, and other organizations to create materials relevant to climate change and climate science, develop climate science kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum and supplementary educational materials, or publish climate change and climate science information.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007
Acknowledges the accomplishments and contributions of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and community partners. Encourages all citizens to consider service in AmeriCorps and join in a national effort to salute AmeriCorps and raise awareness of the importance of national and community service.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2007
Clean Energy Investment Assurance Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources to: (1) extend such credit through 2013; (2) allow a credit for the production of thermal energy; (3) allow a credit for investment in resources that produce electricity without carbon emissions; and (4) modify the definition of "closed-loop biomass" and "nonhydroelectric dams" for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2013 the tax credit for holders of clean renewable energy bonds. Increases the annual national limitation for such bonds to $5 billion between 2009 and 2014. Extends through 2016 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Eliminates the 30% limitation on solar electric property expenditures. Allows such credit for energy storage air conditioner property used in a principal residence. Calculates the maximum allowable amounts of such credit for solar property based upon kilowatt capacity. Extends through 2016 the energy investment tax credit. Extends through 2012 the tax credits for: (1) nonbusiness energy property expenditures; and (2) new energy efficient homes. Extends through 2014 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Increases the rate of such deduction to $2.25 per square foot. Assigns a five-year recovery period for the depreciation of any qualified energy management device ("smart meter") that is placed in service before 2012 and that measures and records electricity usage data on a time-differentiated basis of at least 10 minutes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow affiliated life and non-life insurance companies to file consolidated tax returns. Allows: (1) a phasein, between 2007 and 2013, of the full application of losses of affiliated non-life insurance companies against the taxable income of an affiliated life insurance company; and (2) an automatic waiver of the five-year waiting period applicable to affiliated non-life insurance companies for offset of their losses against life insurance company income.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007
Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to apply the bank share or asset acquisition requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to any company that is or would become an industrial bank holding company. Subjects an industrial bank to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) requirements regarding registration, reporting, and bank examinations. Prohibits the FDIC from imposing capital or capital adequacy requirements on functionally regulated affiliates of any depository institution controlled by industrial bank holding companies meeting certain criteria. Requires a federal supervisory agency of an industrial bank holding company to forego examination of any depository institution subsidiary of the holding company. Authorizes the FDIC to require from either a regulatory agency or a holding company that controls an industrial bank any information necessary to: (1) assess risk to the industrial bank; or (2) determine its condition. Prohibits an industrial bank from being controlled by a commercial firm, except in certain circumstances. Prescribes activity and branching limitations affecting industrial bank subsidiaries of certain commercial firms. Authorizes a federal supervisory agency to order a holding company or a nonbank subsidiary to terminate an activity or its ownership or control over certain depository institution subsidiaries if the activity or ownership or control of a nonbank subsidiary represents a serious risk to a depository institution subsidiary of the holding company. Subjects foreign bank acquisition or control of an industrial bank to approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Requires a holding company of an industrial bank to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks. Subjects an industrial bank holding company to: (1) enforcement by the FDIC, including its nonbank subsidiaries; and (2) the prompt corrective action requirements of the FDIA.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007
Internet Radio Equality Act of 2007 - Declares to be ineffective: (1) the March 2, 2007, Determination of Rates and Terms of the U.S. Copyright Royalty Judges regarding rates and terms for the digital performance of sound recordings and ephemeral recordings; (2) the April 17, 2007, modification of that determination by an order denying motions for rehearing; and (3) the April 23, 2007, Final Determination of Rates and Terms and any subsequent modification by the Copyright Royalty Judges published in the Federal Register. Replaces standards for determining reasonable rates and terms of royalty payments for public performances of sound recordings by means of eligible nonsubscription transmission services and new subscription services with a requirement that such rates and terms be established in accordance with stated objectives of the Copyright Royalty Judges. (Currently, rates and terms are required to distinguish among different types of eligible nonsubscription transmission services and include a minimum fee for each type.) Allows a minimum annual royalty for each provider subject to such rates and terms. Provides a transition rule for payment of royalties by providers of digital audio transmissions that would have been subject to the rates and terms nullified by this Act. Revises royalty payment provisions concerning the use of certain works in noncommercial broadcasting to include: (1) sound recordings; and (2) performance or display by nonprofit organizations and public broadcasting entities. Provides a transition rule for the payment by a public broadcasting entity to owners of copyrights in sound recordings. Allows a credit of any royalties received under the Determination of Rates and Terms deemed ineffective by this Act against other royalties required to be paid under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007
Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 relating to the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area to permit the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or any member of the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership for the management of the Recreation Area, construction of recreation area facilities, or any other purpose consistent with the purposes of the Recreation Area.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007
Geriatric Assessment and Chronic Care Coordination Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) coverage of geriatric assessments and chronic care coordination services for eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach activities to inform likely eligible individuals of such assessments and services. Directs the Secretary to contract for a study and report to Congress and the Secretary on: (1) the effectiveness of such coverage in improving the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions; and (2) the impact of such assessments and services on reducing Medicare expenditures. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of pay-for-performance programs to serve Medicare beneficiaries with multiple conditions; (2) the cost-effectiveness of chronic care coordination under Medicare; and (3) whether the quality measures used for making Medicare part B payments improve the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic illnesses.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Uniting American Families Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include permanent partners (as defined by this Act) within the scope of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Strengthen the Earned Income Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the reduction in the marriage penalty applicable to the earned income tax credit; (2) increase the rate of such credit for families with three or more children; (3) increase the rate and the phase-out percentage of such credit for individuals without children; and (4) make permanent provisions treating combat pay as earned income for purposes of calculating such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Makes permanent (under current law, expires December 31, 2007) the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnish, upon request, an appropriate government headstone or marker for the graves of certain veterans eligible for burial in national cemeteries, but buried in private cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Teacher Excellence for All Children Act of 2007 - Revises and establishes programs relating to recruitment, preparation, distribution, and retention of public elementary and secondary school teachers and principals. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish: (1) teacher education assistance for college and higher education (TEACH ) grants for undergraduate and graduate students who agree to serve as teachers in high-need schools and fields; and (2) grants to recruit teachers with mathematics, science, or language majors. Extends the authorization of appropriations for HEA teacher quality enhancement grants for states and partnerships. Revises HEA student loan forgiveness requirements to: (1) increase the amount of loan forgiveness available to mathematics, science, and special education teachers; (2) make reading specialists eligible for such forgiveness; and (3) apply such forgiveness in annual increments rather than in a lump sum at end of their service obligation.. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish grant programs to improve teaching at high-need schools. Requires states to provide assurances of their reasonable progress toward equitable access to teacher quality as a condition of assistance under ESEA. Amends the Education Sciences Reform Act to direct the Statistics Commissioner to publish results of certain schools and staffing surveys. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income up to $15,000 for compensation of teachers and principals in certain high-need schools or teaching certain high-need subjects; and (2) increase to a maximum of $500 and make permanent the above-the-line deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Children's Mental Health Parity Act - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a state child health plan to ensure that the financial requirements and treatment limitations applicable to mental health or substance abuse benefits are no more restrictive than (have parity with) those applied to substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Mental Health in Schools Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the program to provide grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to develop ways to assist children in dealing with violence to include assisting local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including providing comprehensive services and supports and incorporating strategies of positive behavioral interventions and supports. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a comprehensive school mental health program that incorporates positive behavioral interventions and supports. Establishes eligibility requirements for the program, including requiring: (1) a partnership between a local educational agency and at least one community program or agency that is involved in mental health; (2) the program to provide for in-service training of all school personnel; and (3) sustainability of the program after funding terminates. Requires the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop a process for evaluating activities under the grant program to include the development of student and family outcome measures and local educational outcome measures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2007
Bristol Bay Protection Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the conduct of oil and gas preleasing, leasing, and related activities in areas of the outer Continental Shelf located in the North Aleutian Basin Planning Area. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to exclude such Planning Area from a mandated inventory of oil and natural gas resources beneath the waters of the outer Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007
Lead Free Toys Act of 2007 - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to prescribe regulations classifying any children's product containing lead to be a banned hazardous substance within the meaning of the Hazardous Substances Act. Requires the Commission, if it determines that it is not feasible for certain electronic devices to comply with such regulations as of the effective date, to: (1) issue standards to reduce the exposure of and accessibility to lead in such electronic devices; and (2) establish a schedule by which such electronic devices must be in full compliance with the regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007
Healthy Businesses, Healthy Workers Reinsurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (Federal Reinsurance Program for Catastrophic Health Care Costs). Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Federal Reinsurance, which shall in turn establish a Federal Reinsurance Program for Catastrophic Health Care Costs to make reinsurance payments to eligible health plans experiencing catastrophic health care costs during a year with respect to a covered individual. Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Reinsurance for Catastrophic Health Care Costs Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007
Women's Retirement Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require certain small employers who do not provide retirement plans for their employees to allow eligible employees to participate in a payroll deposit individual retirement account arrangement (automatic IRA); (2) expand eligibility for the tax credit for retirement savings contributions (saver's credit) and make such credit refundable; (3) allow certain part-time employees to participate in qualified cash or deferred arrangements; (4) allow the transfer of up to $500 of unused health plan benefits to qualified retirement plans; (5) treat wage replacement income (e.g., disability pay or unemployment compensation) as earned income for purposes of IRA contribution limits; (6) allow a limited tax exclusion for certain lifetime annuity payments and for qualified retirement planning services; (7) allow certain small employers a tax credit for contributions to employee pension plans; and (8) allow self-employed individuals to deduct pension plan contributions from their self-employment income. Sets forth special rules for: (1) preservation of retirement plan assets distributed under a qualified domestic relations order; (2) eligibility of surviving and divorced spouses for benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act; and (3) military retired pay subject to court orders in domestic relations proceedings. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics to provide retirement savings counseling to low-income taxpayers. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to prepare a financial reference handbook and a retirement readiness checklist for distribution to social security recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007
Keeping Parents and Communities Engaged Act or the Keeping Pace Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to award grants to states for competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive school improvement funds under part A of title I of the Act to enable such LEAs to assist public elementary and secondary schools hire and maintain Parent and Community Outreach Coordinators responsible for improving family and community involvement in such schools. Gives subgrant priority to LEAs targeting schools with the highest proportions of needy students or students failing to meet state academic performance standards. Requires each assisted school to appoint a committee of school officials, parents, and community members to screen Coordinator applicants and evaluate Coordinator performance. Directs state grantees to award competitive subgrants to partnerships between community-based organizations and public schools to connect integrated services and comprehensive supports to students and families to enhance student performance. Gives priority to applicants targeting schools with the highest proportions of needy students or students failing to meet state academic performance standards. Requires state grantees to award competitive matching subgrants to consortiums composed of a school, LEA, mayor, and at least one other community partner to redesign schools as centers of communities that encourage family and community participation in students' education and provide community education.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007
Medicare Ambulance Payment Extension Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide an additional 5% increase in Medicare payments for ground ambulance services furnished on or after January 1, 2008, and before January 1, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007
Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act - Declares it unlawful for a supplier to sell crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at an unconscionably excessive price in an area the President declares an energy emergency area. States it is unlawful for any person to employ, in connection with the wholesale purchase or sale of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in contravention of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules. States it is unlawful for any person to report information to the FTC related to the wholesale price of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates if the person: (1) knows, or reasonably should know, the information to be false or misleading; and (2) intends the false or misleading data to affect market data compiled by the FTC for statistical or analytical purposes. Authorizes the President to declare a federal energy emergency if the well-being of U.S. citizens is at risk because of a shortage or imminent shortage of adequate supplies of crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates because of: (1) a disruption in the national distribution system; or (2) significant pricing anomalies in the national energy markets for such products. Empowers the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce this Act. Declares that this Act does not preempt state law. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007
Small Business Lending Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to reauthorize for FY2007-FY2010 various loan programs for small businesses guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), including: (1) the microloan program; (2) general business loans; (3) certified development company (CDC) financings; (4) the PRIME program; and (5) disaster loans. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish a microenterprise technical assistance and capacity building grant program to provide training and technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs and microenterprise development organizations. Establishes the Small Business Intermediary Lending pilot program under which the Administrator provides direct loans to lending intermediaries for making loans to startup, newly established, and growing small businesses. Establishes a Preferred Lenders program under which the Administrator may authorize qualified lenders to make and service SBA-guaranteed loans. Establishes an Office of Minority Small Business Development, administered by the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business Development. Increases certain SBA loan limits and lowers certain SBA loan fees. Renames the SBA's 504 loan program as the Local Development Business Loan program. Authorizes CDCs to: (1) issue debentures for the guarantee of loans to certain small businesses; and (2) use SBA loan proceeds to assist small, nonprofit child care businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007
District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 - Considers the District of Columbia a congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives. Applies to the District in the same manner as it applies to a state the federal law providing for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and for apportionment of Representatives in Congress. Limits the District to one Member under any reapportionment of Members. Modifies the formula regarding the number of presidential electors to subject it to the 23rd amendment to the Constitution in the case of the District. Increases membership of the House from 435 to 437 Members. Provides for a reapportionment of Members resulting from such increase. Requires the: (1) President to submit to Congress a revised version of the most recent statement of such apportionment identifying Utah as the state entitled to one additional Representative; and (2) Clerk of the House, upon receipt of such revision, to identify such state to the Speaker of the House. Repeals provisions of: (1) the District of Columbia Delegate Act establishing the office of District of Columbia Delegate to the House of Representatives; and (2) the District of Columbia Statehood Constitution Convention Initiative of 1979 providing for election of a Representative for the District. Makes conforming amendments to: (1) the District of Columbia Elections Code of 1955; and (2) federal law regarding the Armed Forces (appointments to service academies).
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007
Honors the life of Jack Valenti (who served as an advisor to President Lyndon Johnson and as the president of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)), a pioneer in the fields of motion pictures and public service, a dedicated family man, and a legendary figure in the history of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2007
Requires the President to close the Department of Defense (DOD) detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Requires all current detainees there to be: (1) transferred to a military or civilian detention facility in the United States (U.S. facility) and charged with a violation of U.S. or international law and tried before a regularly-constituted court; (2) transferred to a U.S. facility without being charged if the detainee may be held as an enemy combatant or pursuant to other legal authority; (3) transferred to an international tribunal operating under authority of the United Nations (UN) with jurisdiction to hold trials; (4) transferred to their country of citizenship or a different country for further legal process, provided that such country provides adequate assurances that the individual will not be subject to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; or (5) released from any further detention.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007
Children's Health Care Quality Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to: (1) identify quality and performance measures for pediatric service providers; and (2) award grants or contracts for the development, validation, and testing of new and emerging measures. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to establish demonstration projects to award grants to states to improve the delivery of health care services to children under Medicaid and SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP). Requires demonstration projects in the categories of: (1) health information technology systems; (2) disease management for children with chronic conditions; (3) evidence-based quality improvement; and (4) quality and performance measures for providers of children's health care services. Requires the Comptroller General to make recommendations to Congress for the design and implementation of a demonstration project to evaluate the suitability of existing quality and performance measures for children's inpatient hospital services for public reporting, differentiating quality, identifying best practices, and providing a basis for payment rewards.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007
New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the new markets tax credit through 2013; and (2) provide for an inflation adjustment to the limitation amount for such credit after 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007
Clean Coal Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require a new coal-fired electric generating unit (including a cogeneration facility) that commences construction on or after April 26, 2007, to meet, without interruption throughout the lifetime operation of the unit, a standard of performance that, at a minimum, requires the unit to produce not more than 285 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour for supply to the grid. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise such standard to reduce the maximum rate of carbon dioxide emissions if a reduced level is achievable through the application of the best technological system of continuous emission reduction demonstrated at the time of the revision. Provides that carbon dioxide that is injected into a geological formation in a manner that prevents the release of the carbon dioxide into the atmosphere shall not be counted as emissions discharged from a unit for purposes of meeting the standard.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools to be implemented on a voluntary basis only. Directs that such policy address: (1) a parental obligation to provide the school with information regarding a student's food allergy and risk of anaphylaxis; (2) creation of an individual health care plan tailored to each student with a documented risk for anaphylaxis; (3) communication strategies between schools and emergency medical services; (4) strategies to reduce the risk of exposure in classrooms and common areas; (5) food allergy management training of school personnel; and (6) authorization and training of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing such food allergy management guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007
Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2007 - Prohibits any federal funds from being provided to a hospital under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or to a state, with respect to hospital services, under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, unless the hospital meets certain conditions related to a woman who is a victim of sexual assault, including that the hospital: (1) provides the woman with accurate and unbiased information about emergency contraception; (2) offers emergency contraception to the woman; (3) provides the woman such contraception at the hospital on her request; (4) provides the woman with risk assessment, counseling, and treatment for certain sexually transmitted infections; and (5) does not deny any such services because of the inability of the woman or her family to pay.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007
Honors the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses during National Small Business Week beginning April 22, 2007. Applauds the efforts and achievements of small business owners and their employees. Recognizes the work of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its resource partners in providing assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Urges the President to ensure that: (1) applicable small business procurement goals are reached by federal agencies; (2) SBA guaranteed loans and venture capital are made available to all qualified small businesses; (3) SBA management assistance programs are provided with the federal resources necessary to do their jobs; and (4) reforms to the SBA disaster loan program are made as quickly as possible. Urges that the SBA continue to be designated as a major agency in the President's annual budget and that the SBA Administrator have an active role as a member of the President's Cabinet.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007
Recognizes the teams and players of the Negro Baseball Leagues for their achievements, dedication, sacrifices, and contributions to both baseball and our nation. Encourages the observation of Negro Leaguers Recognition Day on May 20 of each year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make appropriations for CHIP for FY2008-FY2012. Revises requirements for annual state CHIP allotments to create a formula including: (1) a coverage factor, based on a state's prior spending adjusted for health care cost growth and child population growth; and (2) an uninsured children factor, based on the number of low-income uninsured children. Requires: (1) a two-year initial availability of CHIP allotments for all states and territories; and (2) reallocation to a shortfall state or territory of amounts equal to the projected shortfall. Extends the authority for qualifying states to use CHIP allotments for certain expenditures under SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Gives states the option to expand coverage of children under CHIP to up to 300% of the poverty line. Prescribes conditions for state plan amendment expansion of CHIP eligibility beyond the highest income eligibility permitted. Prescribes requirements for an Express Lane option for a state agency to determine a child's eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP. Provides for enhanced administrative funding for: (1) information technology used to simplify eligibility determinations; and (2) translation or interpretation services. Authorizes conveyance to a state Medicaid agency by a federal or another state agency or private entity of data potentially pertinent to Medicaid eligibility determinations. Provides for enhanced coverage cost assistance for states with increasing or high coverage rates among children. Gives states the option to require satisfactory documentary evidence for proof of citizenship or nationality for Medicaid eligibility purposes. Gives states the option to expand or add coverage of: (1) certain pregnant women and legal immigrants under Medicaid and CHIP; and (2) targeted low-income pregnant women under CHIP. Requires CHIP coverage of dental and mental health services. Requires a childhood obesity demonstration project. Establishes the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). Requires updating and enhancement of quality of care measures for children Permits coverage of children of employees of a public agency in the state under CHIP.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007
Children's Express Lane to Health Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to give states the option of providing for simplified determinations of a child's or pregnant woman's financial eligibility for Medicaid or SCHIP that are made by a non-health federal or state agency administering a program providing nutrition or other public assistance. Allows state mechanized claims processing and information retrieval systems, for which Medicaid payments may be made, to include technology that enables inter-program connections and other technology that: (1) reduces the number of individuals inaccurately granted eligibility; (2) increases the number of individuals accurately granted eligibility; or (3) improves the efficiency of eligibility determinations. Authorizes relevant federal, state, local, and private entities to convey information about an individual to a person directly connected with the administration of a state Medicaid plan or SCHIP, if such information is used solely for the purposes of identifying, verifying, and enrolling individuals who are eligible.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007
Invest in Small Business Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock from 50 to 75 % of such gain and to reduce the required holding period for such stock from five to four years; (2) allow a 100% exclusion of gain from such stock sold by a business in an empowerment zone; (3) deny a tax exclusion for small business stock held by a 25% controlled corporate group; (4) repeal as an item of tax preference under the alternative minimum tax the exclusion of gain from the sale of small business stock; (5) repeal the 28% income tax rate on the gain from the sale of small business stock which is not excluded from gross income; (6) revise the definition of "qualified small business" for certain tax purposes to mean a C corporation with aggregate gross assets not exceeding $100 million (currently, $50 million); and (7) provide for an annual inflation adjustment to the small business aggregate gross asset amount after 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007
Taxpayer Protection and Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) make grants for tax return preparation clinics for low-income taxpayers; (2) allow enrolled agents licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to use designation of "EA" or "E.A."; (3) regulate and test paid income tax preparers; (4) contract for the development or administration of examinations for paid income tax preparers; (5) require the registration of refund anticipation loan facilitators; and (6) award demonstration project grants to assist low-income taxpayers without bank accounts to obtain such accounts with federally-insured depository institutions. Establishes in the IRS the Office of Professional Responsibility to administer the regulation of paid income tax preparers. Requires such Office to make public any sanctions imposed on such preparers. Requires refund anticipation loan facilitators to make specified disclosures to taxpayers about refund loan transactions. Grants the National Taxpayer Advocate authority to issue taxpayer assistance orders in cases involving closing agreements and compromises. Grants the Secretary authority to consider all facts and circumstances involving a taxpayer in evaluating an offer in compromise of tax liability.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007
Countdown to Coverage Act of 2007 - Provides that if legislation ensuring accessible, affordable, and meaningful health insurance for all Americans is not enacted before the adjournment sine die of the 111th Congress: (1) federal contributions under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program for Members of Congress shall be prohibited; and (2) Members shall pay 100% of all premiums for such Programs. Requires the Institute of Medicine to notify the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Secretary of the Senate, and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House of Representatives: (1) that such legislation has not been enacted, if it has not been; and (2) the dates and adjustments required to take effect under this Act. Requires, upon receipt of such notice, OPM, the Secretary, and the CAO to make such adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007
Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) members of the Armed Forces (members) deserve the best possible treatment for mental and physical illnesses and injuries sustained while in military service; (2) members should have access to mental health providers; (3) mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should be treated with an urgency similar to physical ailments incurred by members; (4) there is a need to recruit, train, and retain more mental health care professionals to diagnose and treat members; and (5) there is a continued need for research, new treatments, and best practices for treating PTSD, as well as a long-term strategy for recruiting, training, and retaining the mental health workforce of the Department of Defense (DOD). Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish at least two centers of excellence in military mental health for, among other things, the development and implementation of DOD strategy for the prevention, identification, and treatment of combat-related mental health conditions, with an emphasis on PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees on appropriate actions to address current personnel shortages in the DOD mental health workforce.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007
Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Provides for: (1) expanded coverage for qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as Medicare under SSA title XVIII and Medicaid under SSA title XIX; and (2) related payments to Indian Health Programs and Urban Indian Organizations operating in the state. Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with a Division of Urban Indian Health. Requires the Indian Health Service to be administered by an Assistant Secretary for Indian Health (currently, it is administered by a Director). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to consolidate certain existing programs into a new program of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare for Indian tribes. Establishes the National Bipartisan Indian Health Care Commission to: (1) establish a study committee to study the extent of Indian health services needs; (2) review and analyze the study committee's report; and (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding the delivery of federal health care services to Indians. Provides for the confidentiality of medical quality assurance records created by or for any Indian Health Program or a health program of an urban Indian organization as part of a medical quality assurance program. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (as amended by this Act) through FY2017. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary to establish the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation. Amends related SSA provisions to conform with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007
Nanotechnology in the Schools Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a nanotechnology in the schools program awarding grants to public or charter secondary schools offering advanced science courses and to institutions of higher education, for the purchase of nanotechnology equipment and software and the provision of nanotechnology education to students and teachers.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007
Tax Depreciation, Modernization, and Simplification Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to modify or create new class lives for depreciable business assets that reasonably reflect anticipated useful life and decline in value; (2) eliminate the mid-quarter accounting convention for determining depreciation; (3) allow an election to consolidate, in a mass asset account, the accounting of depreciable properties that each cost less than $10,000; and (4) extend permanently the $100,000 expensing allowance for depreciable business assets.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2007
Taunton, Massachusetts Special Resources Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study regarding the suitability and feasibility of designating certain historic buildings and areas in Taunton, Massachusetts, as a unit of the National Park System (NPS).
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2007
Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): (1) acting through the Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, to expand and coordinate NIH activities on paralysis research; (2) to award grants to plan, establish, improve, and provide basic operating support for Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Research Consortia; (3) to educate and disseminate information and receive public comment on NIH programs and research regarding paralysis; (4) acting through the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, to expand and coordinate NIH research with implications for enhancing daily function for persons with paralysis; and (5) to make grants to plan, establish, improve, and provide basic operating support for multicenter clinical trial networks to design clinical rehabilitation intervention protocols and measures of outcomes on paralysis. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to study the health challenges associated with paralysis and other physical disabilities and carry out projects and interventions to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of individuals with such conditions. Permits the Secretary to award grants for activities related to paralysis, including to: (1) establish paralysis registries; and (2) disseminate information to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2007
Clean Capitol Act of 2007 - Requires the Architect of the Capitol to develop a plan to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from the Capitol complex, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality at the complex by December 31, 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2007
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Juanita Millender-McDonald, a former Representative from California. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on April 23, 2007, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Representative Millender-McDonald.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2007
Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 to: (1) extend the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to make grants or provide any assistance under the Act for the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor to September 30, 2015; and (2) increase the total amount that may be appropriated for the Corridor.
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