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United States · Official source
5,925 records where Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2007
Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $500 for the purchase of a qualified hearing aid for an individual who is either: (1) age 55 or older; or (2) is claimed as a dependent of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2007
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week. Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women. Calls for: (1) people to use Women's Health Week as an opportunity to learn about health issues that face women; and (2) women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventive screenings from their health care providers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007
Mortgage Cancellation Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts attributable to the discharge of certain residential mortgage obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007
Designates May 14-May 18, 2007, as National Health Information Technology Week. Encourages the use of information technology and management systems to transform the U.S. health care system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007
Commercial Truck Highway Safety Demonstration Program Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to carry out a program to demonstrate the effects on the safety of the highway network in Maine of permitting operation on the Interstate System highways within the state of a vehicle that weighs over 80,000 pounds, that consists of a three-axle tractor unit hauling a single trailer or semitrailer, and that does not exceed any vehicle weight limitation applicable under Maine law. Waives highway funding reduction relating to weight of vehicles using Interstate System highways with respect to vehicles allowed pursuant to this program. Provides for program termination and for the responsibilities of the state of Maine, including: (1) submitting a plan to the Secretary; (2) establishing a highway safety committee; and (3) collecting data on the net effects of the operation of such vehicles on safety.
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
National Greenhouse Gas Registry Act of 2007 - Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) include greenhouse gases (GHG) on the list of extremely hazardous substances; and (2) establish a threshold planning quantity for GHGs of one metric ton for each GHG. Authorizes the Administrator to determine the level of global warming pollution emissions from a source within an affected facility that shall be considered to be eligible for a de minimis exemption. Provides that the establishment of a state emergency response commission, an emergency planning district, or an emergency planning committee shall not be required with respect to any GHG. Requires affected facilities to submit to state emergency response commissions annual reports describing the GHG emissions and emission baselines. Requires the Administrator to establish and maintain a national GHG emissions registry that includes: (1) reports received from state emergency response commissions; (2) an estimate of the quantity of emissions of the GHG by each category of source; (3) an analysis of trends in the quantity, composition, and sources of GHG; and (4) an estimate of mobile source emissions, direct stationary combustion source emissions, the quantity of petroleum products sold or imported by each affected facility and the quantity of GHG that would be emitted when those products are used for transportation, reductions in GHG created by offsets, the quantity of hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride that are sold or imported by affected facilities and that will be emitted in the United States, and other categories of emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a new reporting system for GHGs after providing for a public hearing and opportunity to comment. Requires such a system, as compared with the registry, to incorporate and apply the same affected facilities, gases, sources, and economic sectors and to be equally comprehensive.
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 · 11 May 2007
Building a Stronger America Act - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to award grants for the development of feasibility studies and plans for the construction of new or expansion of existing science parks. Allows the Secretary to guarantee up to 80% of the loan amount for loans exceeding $10 million for projects for the construction of such infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) under which NAS shall evaluate, every three years, such development.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2007
Mom's Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act or the MOTHERS Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to: (1) states to provide to women who have recently given birth and their families, before such women leave their birthing centers, education concerning postpartum depression, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and postpartum psychosis and to screen new mothers for such postpartum conditions during their first year of postnatal checkup visits; and (2) public or nonprofit private entities to provide for the delivery of essential services to individuals with such postpartum conditions and their families. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the heads of other federal agencies that administer federal health programs, to organize a series of national meetings that are designed to develop a research plan for postpartum depression and psychosis. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to expand and intensify research relating to postpartum conditions to carry out such plan.
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
Recognizes the contributions of nurses to the U.S. health care system. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress against any congressional action, including the elimination or reduction of funds, that will impair the mission of the U.S. military forces in the field, undermine their safety, or harm their effectiveness. Directs the Commander, Multi-National Forces-Iraq to report to Congress within 120 days respecting the status of the achievement of specified benchmarks and the Commander's assessment whether or not each such benchmark has been met.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007
Acadia National Park Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends Public Law 99-420 (relating to the establishment of a permanent boundary for the Acadia National Park in Maine) to prohibit any town in which there is federally owned property under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior which lies outside the boundary of the Park from being eligible to receive such lands unless lands within the Park boundary and owned by such town have been conveyed to the Secretary. Extends the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission. Makes such extension take effect on September 25, 2006. Increases the ceiling on the amount of appropriations for the acquisition of lands and interests with respect to the Acadia National Park. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance in the planning, construction, and operation of an intermodal transportation center located outside the Park's boundary, in the town of Trenton, Maine, to improve the management, interpretation, and visitor enjoyment of the Park.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007
Affordable Housing Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of certain multifamily housing property to a housing agency or related organization (preservation entity) that agrees to maintain certain affordability and use restrictions for such property. Limits the excludable amount of such gain to the depreciation adjustments for such property.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to 25% of the wages earned by a certified master teacher in certain schools identified as in need of improvement or in a Head Start program. Defines "certified master teacher" as a teacher who: (1) has at least five years teaching experience in a public elementary or secondary school; (2) is highly qualified as defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (3) has a master's degree; and (4) has advanced certification in the applicable state licensing system. Terminates such exclusion after 2013.
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
Expresses condolences to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and recognizes the families' courage in seeking justice. Condemns the ongoing abductions and murders of women and girls in Guatemala. Urges the government of Guatemala to recognize domestic violence and sexual harassment as criminal acts and encourages the government of Guatemala to investigate the killings of women, prosecute those responsible, and eliminate the tolerance of violence against women. Encourages the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to provide assistance in establishing a comprehensive missing persons system and a state protection program for witnesses, victims' relatives, and human rights defenders. Encourages the Secretary to support efforts to identify perpetrators and unknown victims through forensic analysis, including assisting the government of Guatemala in adequately funding the National Institute for Forensic Science (INACIF) and training lab personnel in investigatory and evidence gathering protocols. Recommends that the Secretary develop a comprehensive plan to combat the growing problem of violence against women in Latin America.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2007
Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate, under the Trade Act of 1974, an investigation into Canada's personal exemption allowance scheme (no personal exemption from duty for Canadian residents returning from foreign travel lasting less than 24 hours, but an exemption of $50 Canadian for foreign travel lasting between 24 and 48 hours) to: (1) determine whether U.S. rights under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada are being denied by such scheme, or that such act, policy, or practice of Canada violates or otherwise denies benefits to the United States under such agreement or is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce; and (2) report the results of such investigation to Congress, including action the USTR is taking to remedy such scheme. Waives provisions requiring the USTR to consult with private and non-federal sectors prior to initiating an investigation by means other than petition.
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
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
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 · 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
First Response Broadcasters Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for facility and equipment expenses to construct an additional 25 Primary Entry Point stations (radio broadcast stations designated to provide public information following emergencies where there is no commercial power) in the continental United States and territories. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a pilot program, the Broadcast Disaster Preparedness Grant Program, under which the Administrator may make grants to first response broadcasters. Sets forth provisions regarding priorities in making grants, use of funds, the federal share, and termination of grant authority. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to: (1) include specified assistance to first response broadcasters among the essential assistance that federal agencies may provide to meet immediate threats to life and property resulting from a major disaster; (2) prohibit a federal officer or employee from confiscating fuel, water, or food from such a broadcaster during a disaster if that broadcaster documents that such supplies will be used to enable the broadcast of essential disaster-related public information in the affected area; and (3) direct the head of a federal agency to allow access to the area affected by a major disaster for technical personnel, broadcast engineers, and equipment needed to restore, repair, or resupply any facility or equipment critical to such a broadcaster's ability to continue to acquire, produce, and transmit essential disaster-related public information, subject to specified limitations. Establishes guidelines for press access to a disaster area.
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
Calls for U.S. flags on all federal facilities to be lowered to half-staff on the day of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
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
Connect The Nation Act - Provides for grants to develop and implement statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within each state.
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
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 · 19 April 2007
Colon Cancer Screen for Life Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the use of and reimbursement for colorectal cancer screening tests covered under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA). Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) increase Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) reimbursement for colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic tests; (2) cover an outpatient office visit or consultation for the purpose of beneficiary education before a colorectal cancer screening test consisting of a colonoscopy, or in conjunction with the beneficiary's decision to obtain such a screening, regardless of whether the screening is medically indicated with respect to the beneficiary; and (3) waive the deductible for such tests.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007
Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007 - Defines "child soldier." Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, funds appropriated or otherwise made available for specified military and related areas from being obligated or otherwise made available to the government of a country identified by the Department of State as having governmental armed forces or government supported armed groups, including paramilitaries, militias, or civil defense forces, that recruit or use child soldiers. Directs the Secretary of State to notify any government so identified. Authorizes the President to reinstate assistance upon certifying to Congress that a government is implementing: (1) compliance measures; and (2) mechanisms to prohibit future use of child soldiers and to ensure that no children are recruited, conscripted, or otherwise compelled to serve as child soldiers. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to a country for international military education and training otherwise prohibited under this Act upon certifying to Congress that such assistance is for programs that implement measures to demobilize child soldiers and for programs to support professionalization of the military.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007
IDEA Full Funding Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reauthorize part B programs of education of all children with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for part B: (1) for FY2008-FY2015 in specified amounts; and (2) for FY2016 and each fiscal year thereafter in an amount equal to the sum of the maximum amounts of the grants all states may receive under certain IDEA provisions. (Provides phased-in increases of such authorized funding.) Makes appropriations for part B for FY2008-FY2015, as well as for FY2016 and each fiscal year thereafter, in amounts less than the amounts this Act authorizes to be appropriated.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007
Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize expansion of Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services to diseases, conditions, or disorders other than diabetes or a renal disease.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007
Specialty Crops Competition Act of 2007 - Defines "specialty crop" as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, nursery crops, floriculture, and horticulture. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to provide for marketing order specialty crop food safety programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) carry out fruit and vegetable market news activities; (2) make grants to states to enhance specialty crop competitiveness; (3) prepare a foreign market access strategy plan; (4) establish in the Department of Agriculture an office for the protection of intellectual property rights in plants and plant-derived materials; (5) make grants for market analysis of antidumping and countervailing duty cases; (6) establish a program of specialty crop research and grants; (7) establish an invasive pest threat identification and mitigation program; (8) establish the national clean plant network to provide diagnostic and pathogen elimination services; (9) establish the nutrition education program review committee; (10) carry out an integrated pest management initiative; and (11) carry out a specialty crop census every five years. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to obligate funds for specialty crop operating loans. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) increase and extend specialty crop technical assistance; (2) make nursery tree growers eligible for tree program assistance; (3) provide for increased fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop purchases; and (4) remove the income limitation from the environmental quality incentives program. Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to increase and extend funding for value-added agricultural market development grants. Revises specified plant patent provisions. Amends the Plant Protection Act to revise compensation provisions. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to restore import and entry agricultural inspection functions to the Department of Agriculture. Establishes the international agricultural inspection program within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary to provide emergency assistance to specialty crop producers who suffer qualifying losses in disaster-designated counties. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to expand the fresh fruit and vegetable program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to include food stamp nutrition education (as defined by this Act) within the scope of the food stamp program. Establishes a food stamp fruit and vegetable electronic benefit transfer pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make transportation infrastructure grants to eligible state and local governments, shippers, and specialty crop producers; and (2) carry out food safety initiatives. Establishes in the Department an Office of Pest Management Policy. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to provide loans and grants for housing farm laborers admitted for temporary residence (H-2A visas).
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007
Small Business Regulatory Review Act of 2007 - Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), before approving any final rule of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (established under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), to conduct and complete a regulatory flexibility analysis of such rule. Requires the SEC to publish the small business compliance guide (as required under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996) on the same date as the publication of the final rule issued to carry out a provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act concerning management of internal controls for financial reporting. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct an assessment of the impact on small businesses of such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007
Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses for veterans receiving treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at the rate provided to federal employees in connection with the performance of official duties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate at least one and up to five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (2) establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in remote rural areas; (3) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas; and (4) report annually to Congress on matters related to VA care for veterans residing in rural areas.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007
Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Program to protect the environmental integrity of undeveloped coastal and estuarine areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make Program grants to coastal states with approved coastal zone management plans or National Estuarine Research Reserve units for the purpose of acquiring property that will further the goals of an approved Coastal Zone Management Plan or Program, a National Estuarine Research Reserve management plan, or a regional or state watershed protection plan. Prohibits any more than 75% of the funding for any project under this Act from being derived from federal sources. Reserves 15% of program funds for acquisitions benefiting the National Estuarine Research Reserve. Specifies that when property is acquired under this program, the grant recipient shall provide assurances that: (1) title will be held by the recipient or another public agency designated by the recipient in perpetuity; (2) property will be managed consistent with the purpose of the Program; and (3) funds will be returned to the Secretary for redistribution if the property is sold, exchanged, or divested.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007
Expresses the sense of Congress against any congressional action, including the elimination or reduction of funds, that will impair the mission of the U.S. military forces in the field, undermine their safety, or harm their effectiveness. Directs the Commander, Multi-National Forces-Iraq to report to Congress within 120 days respecting the status of the achievement of specified benchmarks and the Commander's assessment whether or not each such benchmark has been met.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007
Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to administer the health care enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs so as to enroll any eligible veteran who applies. (This directive in effect terminates an administrative freeze on the enrollment of veterans in the lowest priority enrollment category.)
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007
Automatic IRA Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require certain small employers who do not offer qualified retirement plans or arrangements to their employees to allow eligible employees to participate in a payroll deposit individual retirement account (IRA) arrangement (automatic IRAs); (2) allow employers who do not have more than 100 employees a tax credit for costs associated with establishing a payroll deposit IRA arrangement; and (3) treat automatic IRAs as individual retirement accounts (and as Roth IRAs) for income tax purposes. Establishes in the executive branch the TSP II Board to establish policies and procedures relating to payroll deposit IRA arrangements.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007
Extends the Senate's best wishes to New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine and its hopes for his speedy and complete recovery.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007
Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to local educational agencies, state and local public health agencies, and nonprofit private entities for projects to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies. Gives priority to communities with significantly above averages rates of teen pregnancy. Requires the Secretary to establish criteria to evaluate such projects. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to increase authorized appropriations for community learning centers. Authorizes appropriations for physical education programs. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize appropriations for TRIO and GEARUP programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to public or nonprofit private entities for demonstrating innovative approaches to prevent teen pregnancies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2007
Legal Services Benefit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore, increase, and make permanent the exclusion from gross income for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2007
Energy Efficiency Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act with respect to advanced lighting technologies. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to the expediting of new energy efficiency standards. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 with respect to high efficiency vehicles, advanced batteries, and energy storage. United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) implement a research, development, and demonstration program to support the ability of the United States to remain globally competitive in energy storage systems for motor transportation and electricity transmission and distribution; and (2) establish an Energy Storage Advisory Council. Instructs the Secretary to develop a strategic plan to achieve specified national goals to reduce gasoline usage. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, the Energy Conservation and Production Act, and the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act with respect to: (1) federal fleet conservation requirements; (2) requirements for federal purchase of renewable energy-generated electricity; (3) energy savings performance contracts; (4) energy management requirements for federal buildings; (5) combined heat and power and district energy installations at federal sites; (6) federal building energy efficiency performance standards; and (7) application of the International Energy Conservation Code to public and assisted housing. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 with respect to utility energy efficiency programs. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance regarding implementation of the energy efficiency and demand response programs to state energy offices, public utility regulatory commissions, and nonregulated utilities; and (2) award grants to institutions of higher education to implement projects to improve energy efficiency on institution grounds. Declares that Congress encourages each local educational agency receiving certain federal funds to develop a policy to reduce the incidence of school bus idling.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2007
Expresses the heartfelt condolences of the Senate to the victims and their families, and to students, faculty, administration and staff and their families who have been deeply affected by the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Expresses its hope that the tragedy will lead to a shared national commitment to take steps that will help our communities prevent such tragedies in the future. Recognizes that Virginia Tech has served as an exemplary institution of teaching, learning, and research for well over a century and will continue these proud and historic traditions.