United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007
Fountain Creek Watershed Feasibility Study Act of 2007 - Directs the Chief of Engineers to complete a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a multipurpose project that shall: (1) be located in the Fountain Creek watershed, Colorado; (2) consist of one or more dams or other structures, other facilities, or management activities or one or more other reservoirs that are to be located on- or off-channel of the watershed; and (3) with respect to the area located in the watershed and the Arkansas River Valley and any residential or commercial activity therein, be designed to provide more reliable flood control and better sediment control, to increase the water supply, to improve water quality, and to conserve fish and wildlife and preserve the ecosystem located close to the project. Requires the Chief to: (1) take into consideration the Supplemental Report on Fountain Reservoir and Reevaluation of Report on Review Survey for Flood Control and Allied Purposes, Arkansas River and Tributaries Above John Martin Dam, Colorado, dated May 15, 1970, and the Fountain Creek Watershed Study prepared by the Corps of Engineers; and (2) conduct the study independently from the Fountain Creek watershed, the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, or the proposed Southern Delivery System Project.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007
Medicare Sole Community Hospital Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department (OPD) services, particularly the transitional adjustment for sole community hospitals to limit any decline in payment. Holds sole community hospitals permanently harmless from any decline in payment. Increases the payment for covered OPD services in a sole community hospital by the amount of any difference between the pre-Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (pre-BBA) amount and a lesser PPS amount. Specifies the rebasing of the payment-to-cost ratio for sole community hospitals for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2007.
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
Provides that tax planning inventions are not patentable. Defines a "tax planning invention" as a plan, strategy, technique, scheme, process, or system to reduce, minimize, avoid, or defer tax liability or to facilitate compliance with tax laws, excluding tax preparation software and other tools or systems used solely to prepare tax or information returns.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the elimination of duty on certain imported footwear would provide significant benefit to U.S. consumers, particularly lower-income families. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for the duty-free treatment of certain footwear (including children's shoes) made of rubber or plastics that are imported into the United States. Amends the Caribbean Basic Economic Recovery Act to provide footwear imported directly from Haiti into the United States with the same preferential treatment that is provided to certain imported footwear under the Dominican Republic-Central American-United States Free Trade Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007
Honors the families of members of the Armed Forces. Urges the people of the United States to thank military families for their sacrifices. Recognizes the contributions made by military families in providing support to such members.
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 · 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 · 25 October 2007
Public Land Fire Regulations Enforcement Act - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the National Park Service Organic Act, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, and other federal law to provide that: (1) any person who knowingly violates the provisions of such an Act concerning the management, use, and protection of covered lands shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and subject to fine and/or imprisonment; and (2) any person who otherwise violates the provisions of such an Act concerning the management, use, and protection of such covered lands shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor and subject to fine and/or imprisonment. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the National Park Service Organic Act, and other federal law to set a minimum fine of $500 for certain fire usage violations on BLM, National Park System, and National Forest System land.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2007
Disapproves a specified rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to Medicare coverage for the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents in cancer and related neoplastic conditions. Declares that such rule shall have no force or effect.
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 · 19 October 2007
Green McAdoo School National Historic Site Study Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the site of Green McAdoo School in Clinton, Tennessee, so as to evaluate the national significance of the site and the suitability and feasibility of designating it as a unit of the National Park System.
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 · 17 October 2007
Community Health Center Employee Health Coverage Act of 2007 - Expands the definition of "employee" for purposes of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to include an individual who is an employee of a federally qualified heath center, or a grantee providing technical or other assistance to such a center, that has elected to offer FEHB coverage. Requires such an employee to pay both the employee and agency contributions and administrative expenses.
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 · 16 October 2007
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week. Encourages: (1) children and teens to live drug-free lives; and (2) people in the United States to promote drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities.
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
Science and Engineering to Comprehensively Understand and Responsibly Enhance Water Act or the SECURE Water Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary), acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to establish a climate change adaptation program to: (1) assess each effect of, and risk resulting from, global climate change regarding the quantity of water resources located in specified areas (service areas); and (2) ensure that strategies are developed to address potential water shortages, conflicts, and other impacts to water users and the environment of each service area. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide grants to, or enter cooperative agreements with, eligible applicants to assist in planning, designing, or constructing improvements; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with any university, nonprofit research institution, or organization with water or power delivery authority to fund research activities designed to conserve, increase efficiency of, or enhance management of, water resources. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Energy to assess each effect of, and risk resulting from, climate change regarding water supplies required for the generation of hydroelectric power at specified projects; and (2) the Secretary to establish and lead a climate change and water intragovernmental panel. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to: (1) review the national streamflow information program, improve methodologies, and increase the number of sites measured; (2) develop a systematic groundwater monitoring program for each major U.S. aquifer system; (3) identify significant U.S. brackish groundwater resources; and (4) establish a water availability and use assessment program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007
Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Study Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to study, and report the results to Congress on, the feasibility of the construction and operation of: (1) pipelines for the transportation of carbon dioxide for sequestration or enhanced oil recovery; and (2) carbon dioxide sequestration facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed as a recommendation by Congress that any particular contingency plan be exercised; (2) it is necessary and prudent for the Department of Defense (DOD) to undertake robust and comprehensive contingency planning; (3) contingency planning for a redeployment of Armed Forces from Iraq should address appropriate protection for U.S. Armed Forces, civilians, contractors, and third party and Iraqi nationals who have aided the U.S. mission in Iraq, and the preservation of military equipment; and (4) such planning should describe a range of scenarios and timetables for redeployment, and describe possible missions of Armed Forces remaining in Iraq. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the congressional defense and appropriations committees on the status of planning for the redeployment of Armed Forces from Iraq. Requires the Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to brief such committees on matters contained in the reports.
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
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
Recognizes efforts to educate, support, and provide hope for the Hispanic community, including efforts to: (1) honor outstanding Hispanic scientists in the United States at the annual National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Gala; and (2) organize a "Meet the Hispanic Scientist Day." Congratulates the 2007 National Hispanic Scientist of the Year (Dr. Louis A. Martin-Vega), designated by the Museum of Science & Industry, for ongoing dedication to improving the quality of, and access to, science and engineering research and education.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007
Medicare Independent Living Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the in-the-home restriction for Medicare coverage of mobility devices for individuals with expected long-term needs. Deems such devices to be durable medical equipment (DME) if they are used in customary settings for the purpose of normal domestic, vocational, or community activities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007
Preserving Access to Laboratory Services Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the mandate for a Medicare Competitive Bidding Demonstration Project for Clinical Laboratory Services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007
Medicare Savings Program Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) programs (Medicare Savings Program) to increase the income eligibility levels for: (1) QMBs to 135% of the federal poverty level (FPL); and (2) SLMBs to 150% of the FPL. Eliminates the application of estate recovery for Medicare Savings Program beneficiaries. Modifies the asset tests for QMBs and SLMBs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for expedited enrollment under the Medicare Savings Program through Social Security offices. Provides for treatment of QMBs, SLMBs, and other dual eligibles as Medicare beneficiaries. Amends SSA title XIX with respect to Medicaid treatment of certain Medicare providers. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to examine and report on whether providers have attempted to make QMBs liable for deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments in violation of applicable law. Requires the Secretary to report an enforcement plan of action to Congress regarding any QMBs that have been held so liable in violation of law. Requires states to provide medical assistance to dual eligibles in MedicareAdvantage (MA) plans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become eligible for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before a condition reaches disability levels.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
National Security Letter Reform Act of 2007 or the NSL Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code, the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act to establish new criteria for the use of National Security Letters issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to wire or electronic communications service providers, financial institutions, and consumer credit reporting agencies for the production of specified records and information about customers or subscribers. Allows the issuance of a National Security Letter only where: (1) the records sought relate to an ongoing, authorized and specifically identified national security investigation (other than a threat assessment); and (2) there are specific and articulable facts for believing that such records pertain to a suspected agent of a foreign power and such agent's activities. Requires the Attorney General to establish minimization and destruction procedures for the disclosure and disposal of information and records received by the FBI in response to a National Security Letter. Revises criteria for judicial review of nondisclosure orders applicable to recipients of National Security Letters. Amends the USA Patriot Act to require expanded public disclosure of the number and types of National Security Letter requests for information. Terminates as of December 31, 2009, certain authorities for issuing National Security Letters. Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to revise procedures for, and judicial review of, access to business records in national security investigations. Directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a secure electronic system for the submission of documents and other information to courts established under FISA. Expands protections for communications service providers, financial institutions, and consumer reporting agencies that disclose subscriber or customer identifying information to a government authority when such entity reasonably believes that an emergency involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any person requires disclosure without delay. Requires the Attorney General to issue guidelines for using the least intrusive means of collecting sensitive information in national security investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2007
Calls for Congress to support: (1) efforts to promote awareness about the incidence, symptoms, and treatment options of cancer among children; (2) increased investment in childhood cancer research; (3) incentives to encourage medical trainees and investigators to enter the field of pediatric oncology; (4) incentives to encourage the development of drugs and biologics designed to treat pediatric cancers; (5) policies that encourage participation in clinical trials; (6) medical education curricula designed to improve pain management for cancer patients; (7) enhanced education, services, and other resources related to late effects from treatment; and (8) grassroots efforts to promote awareness and support research for cures for childhood cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2007
Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to: (1) require all regulated sellers and persons dealing in certain listed chemicals used to make methamphetamine to file self-certifications with the Attorney General in compliance with such Act; (2) require the Attorney General to publish a list of all self-certified persons on the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (3) restrict distributors of listed chemicals from selling to individuals other than self-certified regulated sellers or persons; and (4) impose penalties for negligent failure to self-certify.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2007
Declares that Congress remembers, honors, and commends the achievements of the U.S. Air Force in serving and defending the United States on the 60th anniversary of its creation as an independent military service.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2007
Rural Education Achievement Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends part B (Rural Education Initiative) of title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the Small, Rural School Achievement program, which gives rural local educational agencies (LEAs) federal formula grants and greater flexibility in the use of state educational funds. Limits eligibility to LEAs whose schools are all designated with a school locale code of Fringe Rural, Distant Rural, or Remote Rural, unless located in an area the state defines as rural. Raises federal grant limits when funds available to implement the program equal or exceed $100 million. Alters LEAs' eligibility for federal funds under the Rural and Low-Income School program by requiring that: (1) at least 40% of the children ages 5 through 17 that LEAs serve be eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act; and (2) all of their schools be designated with a school locale code of Distant Town, Remote Town, Fringe Rural, Distant Rural, or Remote Rural.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2007
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from closing or relocating any Farm Service Agency (FSA) county or field office until at least one year after enactment of an omnibus law to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs for fiscal years after 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2007
Disapproves a specified rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services within the Department of Health and Human Services relating to a cost limit for providers operated by units of government and other provisions under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Declares that such rule shall have no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2007
Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - 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 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 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 testimony or any record, information, or other communication that relates to a business transaction between such providers and covered persons. 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 · 5 September 2007
Declares that as Senator Tim Johnson returns to the Senate, his fellow Members of the Senate extend their warmest welcome and express their personal happiness at his return, and offer their very best wishes for his continued good health.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2007
Calls for Congress to support: (1) efforts to promote awareness about the incidence, symptoms, and options for treatment of, and long-term follow-up for, cancer among children; (2) increased investment in childhood cancer research; (3) incentives to encourage medical trainees and investigators to enter the field of pediatric oncology; (4) incentives to encourage the development of drugs and biologics designed to treat pediatric cancers; (5) policies that encourage participation in clinical trials; (6) medical education curricula designed to improve pain management for cancer patients; and (7) enhanced education, services, and other resources related to late effects from treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2007
Energy Efficient Lighting for a Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish new efficiency standards for incandescent lighting. Redefines the term "general service incandescent lamp." Requires general service incandescent lamps, intermediate base incandescent lamps, and candelabra base incandescent lamps to meet specified lamp efficacy, maximum wattage, and Color Rendering Index (CRI) standards. Requires a specified maximum wattage and CRI for certain frosted, clear, and soft white lamps and modified spectrum lamps. Authorizes any person to petition to the Secretary of Energy to: (1) exempt types of general service lamps from efficiency requirements; and (2) establish standards for lamp types that are excluded from the definition of general service lamps. Requires the Secretary, by specified dates, to initiate rulemakings concerning energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps, rough service lamps, vibration service lamps, three-way incandescent lamps, 150-watt general service incandescent lamps, and shatter-resistant lamps. Sets forth specific efficiency standards that become effective if the Secretary fails to complete such rulemakings on specified dates. Requires the Secretary to initiate rulemakings concerning lamp labeling. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an annual assessment of the market for general service lamps and compact fluorescent lamps; and (2) carry out an awareness, information, and education program to help consumers understand lamp labels and make energy-efficient lighting choices. Provides for a state preemption rule for energy conservation standards for general service incandescent lamps, intermediate base incandescent lamps, and candelabra base lamps. Makes it unlawful for any manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or private labeler to distribute adapters that: (1) allow incandescent lamps that do not have medium screw bases to be installed into fixtures or lampholders with such base sockets; and (2) have a voltage range that includes 110 and 130 volts. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a lighting technology research and development program. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report describing recommendations relating to the means by which the federal government may reduce or prevent the release of mercury during the manufacture, transportation, storage, or disposal of light bulbs. Sets forth requirements concerning metal halide lamp fixtures and ballasts. Provides for a preemption rule for regulations concerning such fixtures adopted by the California Energy Commission on or before January 1, 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Coinage Materials Modernization Act of 2007 - Removes restrictions on the weight of, and requirements concerning the metal in, the U.S. half dollar, quarter, dime, nickel, and penny. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe the weight and composition of the dollar, half dollar, quarter, dime, five-cent, and one-cent coins. (Currently, the Secretary is authorized to prescribe the weight and the composition of copper and zinc in the alloy of the penny in specified circumstances.) Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe manufacturing tolerances for the nickel and penny.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate of a decedent the value of farmland used by an heir of the decedent for farming purposes. Imposes a recapture tax on an heir who disposes of such farmland after the decedent's death or who ceases to use it for farming purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of a REIT's total assets thay may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Recognizes the extraordinary bravery and courage of the Little Rock Nine (the first African-American students at Little Rock Central High School). Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. Encourages all people of the United States to reflect on the importance of this event and acknowledges that continued efforts and resources should be directed to enable all children to achieve equal opportunity in education in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007 - Directs the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission, not later than September 30, 2009, to conduct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico on the question of its status and relationship with the United States. Requires the ballot to provide for voters to choose: (1) to continue the present status and relationship; (2) independence; (3) nationhood in free association with the United States; or (4) admission as a state.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a six year limitation period on assessment and collection of tax for tax returns involving offshore secrecy jurisdictions (defined as foreign jurisdictions which unreasonably restrict information required to enforce U.S. tax laws and which have ineffective information exchange practices); (2) suspend the limitation period for assessment and collection of tax while a summons for tax records involving a foreign jurisdiction is pending; (3) extend the limitation period during any failure by a taxpayer to give notice of certain foreign transactions; and (4) extend the period for collection of tax after assessment in the case of a willful attempt to evade or defeat payment of tax to 10 years after such attempt.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Pharmacy Access Improvement (PhAIm) Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to participating pharmacies and standards for access to them. Requires that such standards ensure that enrollees residing in long-term care facilities have access to a long-term care network pharmacy. Requires prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans). Defines prompt payment as payment occurring within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 24-hour toll-free telephone number dedicated to providing Medicare prescription drug benefit information to pharmacists and pharmacy staff. Requires PDP sponsors to establish toll-free pharmacy and physician and provider hotlines. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a PDP sponsor from displaying the name, brand, logo, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Provides for submission of claims by pharmacies located in or contracting with long-term care facilities. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to analyze and report to the Secretary on the cost of dispensing covered part D drugs under a PDP or an MA-PD plan. Provides that, if the PDP sponsor uses a standard for reimbursement of pharmacies based on the cost of a drug, each contract entered into with such sponsor with respect to the plan shall require the sponsor to update the standard at least once every seven days.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Support for Injured Servicemembers Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember to a total of 26 workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for the servicemember. Defines covered servicemember as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty on active duty that may render the member medically unfit to perform his or her duties. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, family leave, or medical or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Amends federal civil service law to entitle civilian federal employees to the same leave allowance. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid annual or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states, as a prerequisite to receiving implementation grants, to develop environmental literacy plans, approved by the Secretary of Education, for kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) that include environmental education standards and teacher training. Directs the Secretary to award Environmental Education Professional Development Grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to partnerships that include an LEA and, permissibly, institutions of higher education (IHE), other educational entities, or state or local natural resource or environmental agencies, for activities involving, among other things, teacher training and the operation of model environmental education programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive matching grants to nonprofit organizations, states, LEAs, or IHEs for activities to improve and support environmental education that include: (1) advancing content and achievement standards; (2) developing or disseminating innovations or model programs; (3) research; and (4) creating new funding sources. Authorizes the use of grants to states out of the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund for activities incorporating field-based learning, service learning, and outdoor experiential learning into the curricula and instruction. Authorizes the use of funds under the Fund for the Improvement of Education program to advance environmental education. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to create an Office of Environmental Education to advance K-12 environmental education and administer environmental education grant programs.
![Official portrait of Sen. Salazar, Ken [D-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001163_200.jpg)