United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the definition of "lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions" to: (1) exclude significant indirect emissions; (2) provide that emissions are to be determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator based on the most recent observable data and on consideration of regional differences of renewable fuel production; and (3) require the Administrator to make the model used in measuring emissions publicly available before publishing any administrative action on such emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to waive, or a renewable fuel manufacturer to petition the Administrator to waive, the lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements for renewable fuel production if the requirements: (1) are the primary or contributing factor of a failure to achieve the applicable renewable fuels standard for biomass-based diesel, conventional biofuel, cellulosic biofuel, or advanced biofuel; (2) are causing economic harm within the biofuels industry; or (3) are increasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Authorizes a renewable fuel manufacturer to petition the Administrator to certify an innovative production method that may result in lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions relative to the baseline lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of a renewable fuel. Considers a petition to be approved if the Administrator does not approve or deny it within 90 days of its receipt. Requires states that implement a low-carbon fuel standard or similar policy that requires a reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for renewable fuels to apply a similar lifecycle greenhouse gas emission baseline to the baseline used for the federal renewable fuel standard. Requires measurements taken under a state standard to be based on observable data relating to the direct lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from the renewable fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
White House Conference on Children and Youth in 2010 Act - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on Children and Youth in 2010 to: (1) encourage improvements in each state and local child welfare system; and (2) develop recommendations for actions to implement express policy regarding federal, state, and local programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009
Recognizes the threats to press freedom and expression on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2009. Commends journalists for the essential role in promoting government accountability and strengthening civil society and pays tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Condemns all actions that suppress press freedom. Reaffirms the centrality of press freedom to U.S. efforts to support democracy, mitigate conflict, and promote good governance. Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to develop means by which the United States can more rapidly respond to threats against press freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2009
Directs the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, in consultation with the the Director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS), to make publicly available through a centralized electronic system the following CRS-produced information (plus an index of such information that is available through the CRS website): (1) Issue Briefs; (2) CRS Reports that are available to Members of Congress through the CRS website; and (3) Authorization of Appropriations and Appropriations Products. Exempts from such requirements: (1) any information determined to be confidential by the CRS Director or the head of a department or agency that provided the information to CRS; and (2) documents, other than those described in clauses (1) through (3), that are the product of a congressional research request. Allows the Sergeant at Arms, in consultation with the CRS Director, to revise the information made publicly available by removing information concerning CRS employees, removing material that may infringe copyright protection, and making necessary changes to ensure accuracy and currency. Requires access to the information made available pursuant to this resolution through Senate committee and Member websites. Directs the Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure that such websites provide the same capability to find the cited CRS information as the CRS website. Makes the Sergeant at Arms responsible for maintaining and updating the information and for establishing a database within six months after adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009
Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Improvement Act of 2009 - Prohibits more than 10% of amounts appropriated or otherwise made available in any fiscal year for Department of Defense (DOD) Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) programs from being expended to promote bilateral and multilateral activities relating to nonproliferation and disarmament. Requires the Secretary of Defense to notify the congressional defense, appropriations, and foreign relations committees at least 15 days before expending funds under such authority. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) continued expansion of CTR programs requires increased cooperation with all unified combatant commands in which such activities are carried out; and (2) DOD should undertake a review of CTR contracting procedures, umbrella agreements, and program metrics to ensure that they are being undertaken consistently with CTR program urgency and necessity. Establishes in the Treasury the Cooperative Threat Reduction Partnership Account, to be used for CTR programs without further specific authorization in law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a Medicare beneficiary to elect to take, or decline to take, ownership of a Group 3 Support Surface item of complex durable medical equipment (DME) after the 13-month capped rental period ends.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009
Designates February 8, 2010, as Boy Scouts of America Day, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the largest youth scouting organization in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2009
Recognizes the extraordinary bravery shown by the girls and families of the Mirwais School for Girls in Kandahar, Afghanistan, especially the girls injured in the November 2008 attack, in the decision to return to school in the face of threats of violence. Supports efforts to decrease illiteracy and gender-based violence in Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009
Authorizes the Secretary of State, under the authority, direction, and control of the President and in accordance with the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, to increase the number of educational and cultural exchange activities involving persons from scientific, medicine, research, and academic sectors by: (1) establishing new Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs; and (2) expanding the coverage of existing Programs. Directs the Secretary to appoint United States Science Envoys to represent the U.S. commitment to collaborate with other countries to promote the advancement of science and technology throughout the world.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009
International Clean Energy Development Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Development and Commercialization Committee on Clean and Efficient Energy Technologies within the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate Program Office of the Department of State. Directs the Committee to: (1) evaluate information on clean and efficient energy technologies; (2) identify, prioritize, and carry out projects for the development and commercialization of clean and efficient energy technologies; and (3) report to the appropriate congressional committees on Committee progress and projects.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009
Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to certain tax-exempt social clubs (e.g., college fraternities and sororities) which apply such grants to their collegiate housing property.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009
Health Access and Health Professions Supply Act of 2009 or HAHPSA 2009 — Establishes the Permanent National Health Workforce Commission. Requires the Commission to: (1) review federal policies related to the health professional workforce; (2) identify programs to reduce health professional isolation and build community health professional training infrastructure in rural, frontier, and urban underserved areas; and (3) develop guiding principles and accountability standards for the education of health professionals. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to makes matching grants to states for the operation of State Health Workforce Centers to improve the training, deployment, and retention of critical health professionals in underserved areas and for underserved populations. Revises provisions related to payments for direct graduate medical education costs and for the indirect costs of medical education, including to: (1) support the implementation of community-based training and innovative training models; and (2) require the Secretary to revise policies that constrain the Secretary's ability to respond to emergency situations and situations involving institutional and program closure. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to use excess amounts appropriated to address shortages of health professionals in rural, frontier, and urban underserved areas. Provides for the expansion of existing loan repayment programs to emphasize the provision of health professions services to facilities that have health professional shortages. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program for Medical, Dental, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Behavioral and Mental Health, Public Health, and Nursing Students in the United States Public Health Sciences Track in Affiliated Schools; and (2) award grants to increase health professions training in high-needs specialties.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a waiver of the penalty for failure to disclose reportable transactions (i.e., transactions which have a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) if such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect; (2) revise the amount of the penalty for such failure; and (3) limit the imposition of such penalty to the taxpayer (currently, any person). Reaffirms the authority of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to rescind all or any portion of the penalty for failure to furnish information regarding reportable transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
U.S.-Paraguay Partnership Act of 2009 - Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act, as amended and expanded by Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), to include Paraguay on the list of countries eligible for duty-free treatment and other preferential treatment for its products as a designated beneficiary country and ATPDEA beneficiary country. Terminates the extension of such treatment to Paraguayan products after December 31, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) supporting the Fifth Summit of the Americas as an effective multilateral forum for the 34 democratically elected heads of state of the region to address shared challenges and foster collaboration throughout the Western Hemisphere; and (2) that the Summit provides the United States with an opportunity to strengthen its engagement with the countries of the Western Hemisphere.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009
Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 or DREAM Act of 2009 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the provision making unlawful aliens ineligible for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. citizen or national is eligible for such benefits without regard to state residence. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal; and (6) was under age 35 on the date of this Act's enactment. Sets forth the conditions for conditional permanent resident status, including: (1) termination of status for violation of this Act; and (2) removal of conditional status to permanent status. Authorizes an alien who has satisfied the appropriate requirements prior to enactment of this Act to petition the Secretary for conditional permanent resident status. Provides for: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality; (4) fee prohibitions; (5) higher education assistance; and (6) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2009
Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) authority to make loans and issue investment insurance and investment guarantees through September 30, 2013. Sets forth provisions respecting OPIC transparency and accountability. Requires OPIC to: (1) maintain an Office of Accountability to provide project problem-solving services and to review OPIC compliance with environmental, social, worker rights, human rights, and transparency policies; and (2) provide the appropriate congressional committees with notice of consideration of approval of an extractive industry financing project of $10 million or more. Gives preference to projects where the investor and the host country have agreed to implement Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative principles. Requires OPIC to: (1) commit adequate staff and resources to assist small businesses and investors in the United States obtain insurance, reinsurance, financing, and other OPIC support; and (2) give preferential consideration to investment projects in less developed countries whose governments are receptive to private enterprise. Authorizes OPIC programs in Iraq. Prohibits OPIC assistance to an applicant who is involved in a "discouraged transaction" with state sponsors of terrorism. Defines "discouraged transaction" as: (1) an investment commitment of $20 million or more by the investor in the energy sector of a state sponsor of terrorism; (2) a loan or credit extension of more than $5 million to the government of a state sponsor of terrorism that is outstanding on the date OPIC enters into a contract with the investor and for which payment is not required within 45 days; and (3) the transfer by the investor of goods that are included on the U.S. Munitions List to a state sponsor of terrorism within the three-year period preceding the date OPIC enters into a contract with the investor. Exempts from such prohibition investments, business, or projects in certain areas of Sudan (Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, and Abyei, Darfur) if OPIC determines that such activities will provide humanitarian relief, promote self-sufficiency, or support peace agreements. Prohibits OPIC assistance for any railway connection that connects Azerbaijan and Turkey without traversing or connecting with Armenia. Authorizes OPIC to insure, reinsure, guaranty, or finance a project only if the country in which the project is to be undertaken: (1) is eligible for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and has not been determined to be ineligible for such designation based upon its record on worker rights or child labor; or (2) if not eligible for such GSP designation, the government has taken or is taking steps to afford workers internationally recognized worker rights. Gives project preference to countries that enforce laws providing international worker rights.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2009
Congratulates the Greek people as they celebrate the 188th anniversary of Greece's independence. Notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider European region and in the community of nations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense, for each occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern, to establish and administer a registry of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to such hazard in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify a member or former member who may have been exposed to such a hazard; and (2) provide a complete physical and medical examination of such individual. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies for the Institute of Medicine under which the Institute, for each incident of exposure reported in a registry, shall review and summarize the scientific evidence, and assess the strength thereof, concerning the association between the exposure to such hazard and acute and long-term health consequences of such exposure. Requires the Institute to: (1) make recommendations for necessary additional scientific studies; and (2) conduct periodic subsequent reviews of such evidence. Requires members and former members listed in registries to be notified of any conclusive determinations with respect to such exposure, as well as any other significant related developments. Makes any veteran who was exposed in the line of duty to an occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability may be associated with such exposure.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009
Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the award of a single gold medal in honor of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) collectively, in honor of their pioneering military service and exemplary record, which forged revolutionary reform in the U.S. Armed Forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian Institution shall make the medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at other locations associated with the WASP.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009
Western Hemisphere Energy Compact - Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to seek to establish the Western Hemisphere Energy Cooperation Forum to: (1) strengthen relationships between the United States and other countries of the Western Hemisphere through cooperation on energy issues; and (2) promote renewable energy production and lessen oil import dependency. Directs the Secretary to seek to implement: (1) an energy crisis initiative; (2) an energy sustainability initiative; (3) an energy for development initiative; and (4) a climate change mitigation and adaptation initiative. Directs the Secretary to seek to establish a Western Hemisphere Energy Industry Group to increase public-private partnerships and foster private investment. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy to seek to establish an Oil and Gas Working Group to strengthen oil- and natural gas-related dialogue among international oil companies, national oil companies, and civil society groups. Directs the Secretary to work with Brazil to: (1) promote biofuel production and use; (2) invite interested countries to expand global biofuels markets and promote biofuels production and use in developing countries; and (3) assess the feasibility of working with the World Bank and relevant regional development banks regarding biofuels. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to work with Brazil, Canada, and other governments in agricultural biofuel extension activities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to determine the feasibility of increasing biofuel production and use; (2) work with Western Hemisphere governments and other countries to organize regional and hemispheric carbon trading mechanisms; and (3) seek to establish a Western Hemisphere energy crisis response mechanism. Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to seek to increase U.S. foreign assistance programming in renewable energy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the U.S. and Brazilian governments should continue to develop their partnership; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury should pursue negotiations with Brazilian officials for a bilateral tax treaty that is consistent with existing U.S. tax treaty practices and reflects internationally recognized tax policy principles.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Mexico is a key strategic partner of the United States; (2) increasing violence and criminality of drug trafficking organizations threaten the people of the United States and Mexico and is a "cross-border" problem requiring close U.S.-Mexico cooperation; (3) efforts by President Felipe Calderón and his government and the people of Mexico to confront the drug trafficking organizations should be supported; and (4) the U.S. government should employ its diplomatic and law enforcement resources, in partnership with the government of Mexico and governments throughout the Americas, to defeat drug-related criminal enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2009
Congratulates the Sailors of the United States Submarine Force upon the completion of 1,000 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) deterrent patrols. Honors and thanks the crews of such submarines and their families for their continued dedication and sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2009
Celebrates the 10th anniversary of the accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Hungary, and the Republic of Poland as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Urges the U.S. government to continue to expand its relationships with the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2009
Redesignates the: (1) Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps; and (2) Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Makes similar redesignations with respect to Department Assistant Secretaries and the General Counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009
Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins and $1 silver coins emblematic of the life and legacy of Mark Twain. Limits issuance of such coins to calendar year 2013. Requires specified surcharges in the sale of such coins, which shall be promptly paid, in specified percentages, to: (1) the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, to support the continued restoration of the house and grounds, and ensure continuing growth and innovation in museum programming to research, promote, and educate on the legacy of Mark Twain; (2) the Mark Twain Project at the Bancroft Library of the University of California, Berkeley, California, to support programs to study and promote Mark Twain's legacy; (3) the Center for Mark Twain Studies at Elmira College, New York, for the same purposes; and (4) the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri, to preserve historical sites related to Mark Twain and help support study and promotion programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009
Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require Senate candidates to file election-related designations, statements, and reports in electronic form. Requires the Secretary of the Senate to forward a copy of any electronically filed designation, statement, or report to the Federal Election Commission within one working day (instead of the current two working days) after receiving it.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009
Reaffirms the beneficial relationship that exists between the United States and Moldova. Recognizes that Moldova's development of a democratic political system is a precondition for full integration into the Western community of nations and the provision of assistance necessary to attain such integration. Urges the government of Moldova to meet its commitments to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the allowable amount of the railroad track maintenance tax credit; (2) revise the types of expenditures eligible for such credit; and (3) extend such credit through 2012.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009
Five-Star Generals Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury ( Secretary) to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 Silver Coins, and half dollar clad coins in recognition and celebration of the Five-Star Generals' attendance and graduation from the Command and General Staff College (CGSC). Requires the design of such coins to include the portraits of Generals George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Henry "Hap" Arnold, and Omar N. Bradley. Restricts the issuance of such coins to calendar 2013. Requires specified surcharges in the sale of such coins, which shall be paid promptly to the CGSC Foundation to help finance its support of the College.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009
Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Requires the coin design to be emblematic of the 100 years of the organization. Restricts issuance of such coins to calendar year 2011. Subjects coin sales to a surcharge of $10 per coin. Requires payment of such surcharges to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America for Girl Scout program development and delivery.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009
Free Flow of Information Act of 2009 - Prohibits a federal entity from compelling a covered person (journalists and their employers, etc.) to testify or produce any document relating to protected information unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence, including that all reasonable alternative sources have been exhausted, that the testimony or document sought is essential, and that nondisclosure would be contrary to the public interest, taking into account both the public interest in compelling disclosure and the public interest in gathering news and maintaining the free flow of information. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Creates exceptions relating to alleged criminal or tortious conduct, prevention of death, kidnapping, or substantial bodily injury, prevention of terrorist activity, or prevention of national security harm. Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to: (1) a communication to which a covered person is a party; (2) any document relating to such a communication; or (3) the contents of such a communication. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation. Declares that this Act does not supersede, dilute, or preclude any law or court decision compelling or not compelling disclosure by a covered person or communications service provider of information identifying a source who provided information without a confidentiality promise made as part of engaging in journalism or records, communication data, documents, or information obtained without a confidentiality promise.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009
States that the Secretary of State should initiate a reexamination of the public diplomacy platform strategy of the United States with a goal of reestablishing publicly accessible American Centers.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009
Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act - Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, except in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009
Commemorates the bicentennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. Recognizes his commitment to unity and harmony in the United States. Encourages the people of the United States to recommit to fulfilling his vision of equal rights for all.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2009
Global Food Security Act of 2009 - States that it is U.S. policy to promote global food security, improve agricultural productivity, and support the development of institutions of higher learning. Directs the President to designate an individual to serve as the Special Coordinator for Food Security to advise the President on international food security issues and oversee implementation of a comprehensive food security strategy. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for programs of agriculture, rural development, and nutrition. Permits certain of such funds to be made available for: (1) the collaborative research support program; and (2) the consultative group on international agricultural research. Establishes the higher education collaboration for technology, agriculture, research, and extension to provide assistance for policies and programs in eligible countries that advance agricultural productivity and hunger alleviation through partnerships with institutions of higher education. Authorizes the President to provide assistance under this Act or the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for unexpected urgent food assistance needs. Establishes a United States Emergency Food Assistance Fund to carry out such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2009
Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2009 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend for three years after the date of enactment of this Act the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B aliens (temporary nonagricultural worker). Provides that such amendment shall: (1) take effect as if enacted on December 1, 2008; and (2) apply only to petitions with an approved start date in FY2009-FY2011.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009
Commends the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran and the government of Switzerland for the ongoing assistance to the U.S. government and to the family of Robert Levinson. Expresses appreciation for efforts by Iranian officials to ensure the safety of Robert Levinson's family during their December 2007 visit to Iran, as well as for the promise of continued assistance. Urges: (1) the government of Iran to intensify its cooperation on the Levinson investigation with the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran and to share the results of its investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (2) the President and U.S. allies to engage with Iranian government officials to raise the Levinson case at every opportunity. Expresses sympathy to the family of Robert Levinson.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2009
Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Renames the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 as The Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation Act of 2009. Includes tropical forests and coral reefs and associated coastal marine ecosystems within the scope of such Act. Renames the Tropical Forest Facility as the Conservation Facility. Authorizes U.S. government representation on the administering body that oversees the implementation of grants from a debt-for-nature swap or debt buy-back regardless of whether the United States is a party to any agreement between the eligible purchaser and the government of the beneficiary country. Requires U.S. government and beneficiary country government review of Conservation Fund grants in excess of $250,000. Repeals Enterprise of the Americas Board authority to carry out activities under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2009
Recognizes the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Honors and praises the NAACP on the occasion of its anniversary for its work to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2009
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 · 12 January 2009
Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a grant to each state to carry out a program for making available throughout that state the 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services. Requires a participating state to ensure that at least 50% of the resources of the program funded by the grant will be derived from other sources. Requires a state seeking a grant to carry out its activities through a lead entity to be known as a 2-1-1 Collaborative. Requires grant amounts to be used solely to make available to a state 2-1-1 telephone service for community information and referral on human services to all citizens of that state with phone access, including telephone connections between families and individuals seeking services and the service providers. Requires grant recipients to: (1) abide by the Key Standards for 2-1-1 Centers; and (2) collaborate with human service organizations to provide an exhaustive database of services with which to provide information or referral to individuals utilizing the 2-1-1 service.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2009
Expresses commitment to the welfare and survival of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders and recognizes Israel's right to act in self-defense. Reiterates that Hamas must end the rocket and mortar attacks against Israel, recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence, and agree to accept previous agreements between Israel and the Palestinians. Encourages the President to work to support a sustainable cease-fire in Gaza that prevents Hamas from retaining or rebuilding the capability to launch rockets and mortars against Israel and allows for the long term improvement of daily living conditions for Gaza's people. States that all appropriate measures should be taken to diminish civilian casualties. Supports efforts to diminish the influence of extremists in the Palestinian territories. Reiterates support for U.S. government efforts to promote a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that leads to the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside a secure Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2009
Celebrates the 90th anniversary of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations. Congratulates the Polish people on their great accomplishments as a democracy. Expresses appreciation for Poland's steadfast partnership with the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2009
Modernize Our Bookkeeping In the Law for Employee's Cell Phone Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove certain limitations on the tax deduction for employee use of cellular telephones.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2009
Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2009 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), notwithstanding any other provision of any Act, from having the authority to require broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, commonly referred to as the Fairness Doctrine.
![Official portrait of Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000504_200.jpg)