Resolution· SRESS.Res. 484 (110th)passed
A resolution designating March 25, 2008, as "National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day".
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Designates March 25, 2008, as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.
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Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]
United States · Official source
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5,049 records where Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 489 (110th)passed
A resolution designating April 2008 as Public Radio Recognition Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Designates April 2008 as Public Radio Recognition Month, a time to celebrate all of America's public radio stations for their contributions to our nation's communities and enduring civic spirit.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 485 (110th)passed
A resolution relative to the death of Howard Metzenbaum, former United States Senator for the State of Ohio.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Howard Metzenbaum, a former member of the U.S. Senate. Declares that when the Senate recesses on March 13, 2008, it stand in recess as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Metzenbaum.
Bill· SS. 2751 (110th)referred
State Foreign Investment Improvement Act
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2008
State Foreign Investment Improvement Act - Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 to: (1) make the alien investor (EB-5) regional center program permanent; and (2) establish a $2,500 regional center designation fee. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) establish a $2,000 EB-5 premium processing fee; (2) permit concurrent filing for EB-5 petitions and status adjustment applications; and (3) establish in the Treasury the Immigrant Entrepreneur Regional Account Center.
Bill· SS. 2743 (110th)referred
Financial Security Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2008
Financial Security Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2008- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt financial security accounts for individuals with disabilities to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, medical care, and employment training. Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction, up to $2,000 per year, for cash contributions to such an account. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit the disregard of financial security accounts for disabled individuals in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Permits the disregard of amounts in such accounts for purposes of determining eligibility for certain means-tested federal programs.
Bill· SS. 2738 (110th)open
Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2008
Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2008 - Directs the the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out a Criminal Alien Program to: (1) identify incarcerated criminal aliens (as defined by this Act); (2) ensure that such aliens are not released into the community; and (3) remove such aliens from the United States upon release. Makes a state that does not cooperate with the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out the Program ineligible for Department of Justice law enforcement grant programs (including the criminal alien incarceration program under the Immigration and Nationality Act). Authorizes appropriate state officials to: (1) hold an illegal alien for up to 14 days after completion of the term of incarceration in order to effectuate transfer to federal custody if the alien is removable or not lawfully present in the United States; and (2) issue a detainer permitting an alien who completes a term of incarceration to be held until U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement takes the alien into custody. Directs the Secretary to carry out the Program as follows: (1) by December 31, 2010, identify each criminal alien incarcerated in a federal facility who will be deportable or removable upon release; and (2) by December 31, 2012, identify each criminal alien serving a term of three or more years in a state or local facility who will be deportable or removable upon release.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 476 (110th)passed
A resolution designating March 25, 2008, as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy".
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008
Designates March 25, 2008, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
Bill· SS. 2716 (110th)open
A bill to authorize the National Guard to provide support for the border control activities of the United States Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
Provides for continued National Guard support for border control activities along the U.S.- Mexico border under Operation Jump Start until operational control of such border has been achieved. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide funding to a state that submits to the Secretary of State a state border control activities plan that meets certain requirements. Limits the number of National Guard that may be so deployed.
Bill· SS. 2718 (110th)open
A bill to withhold 10 percent of the Federal funding apportioned for highway construction and maintenance from States that issue driver's licenses to individuals without verifying the legal status of such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold 10% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highways funds in any fiscal year after FY2009 if such state does not require verifiable evidence of lawful presence in the United States or its territories from each applicant for a driver's license or personal identification card issued by the state. Grandfathers states that have such a requirement in effect before the later of: (1) October 1, 2009; or (2) 10 days after the end of the first session the state's legislature convenes after enactment of this Act. Redistributes withheld funds to states that satisfy the requirements of this Act.
Bill· SS. 2707 (110th)open
Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act - Amends the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 to make permanent the authorization of appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network.
Bill· SS. 2715 (110th)open
National Language Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
National Language Act of 2008 - Requires: (1) English to be the national language of the federal government; and (2) the federal government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language. Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the federal government act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English, unless specifically provided by statute. Makes the English language version of a government form issued in a language other than English the sole authority for legal purposes. Declares that this Act does not prohibit the use of a language other than English.
Bill· SS. 2720 (110th)open
A bill to withhold Federal financial assistance from each country that denies or unreasonably delays the acceptance of nationals of such country who have been ordered removed from the United States and to prohibit the issuance of visas to nationals of such country.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit funds from being dispersed to a country that denies or unreasonably delays the acceptance of its citizens, nationals, or residents who have been ordered removed under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) from the United States. Amends INA to prohibit visa issuance to citizens, nationals, or residents of such country unless: (1) the country is in full compliance with travel document requirements under this Act; or (2) Congress waives such prohibition. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress every three months listing countries that deny or delay such repatriation. Imposes assistance and visa prohibitions on a listed country that does not issue appropriate travel documents for such aliens. Authorizes presidential waiver of such assistance and visa prohibitions.
Bill· SS. 2712 (110th)open
Complete the Fence Act
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
Complete the Fence Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to: (1) provide that fencing that does not effectively restrain pedestrian traffic may not be used to meet the requirement that the Secretary of Homeland Security construct reinforced fencing along not less than 700 miles of the southwest U.S. border; (2) require the Secretary to complete construction of such fencing and installation of related equipment by December 31, 2010; and (3) prohibit any amounts appropriated for such fencing from being withheld because of the Secretary's failure to comply fully with consultation requirements regarding its impact on nearby communities and residents. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by June 30, 2009, on progress made in completing such fencing and on plans for completing it by the deadline.
Bill· SS. 2690 (110th)referred
American Braille Flag Memorial Act
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008
American Braille Flag Memorial Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery an American Braille tactile flag honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans. Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to approve an appropriate design and site within Arlington National Cemetery for the memorial.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 469 (110th)referred
A resolution providing for a protocol for nonpartisan confirmation of judicial nominees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008
Requires the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee to establish a timetable for the confirmation of judicial nominees that provides a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee within 30 days after the names of nominees have been submitted to the Senate and action by the Committee 30 days thereafter. Requires the Senate Majority Leader to establish a timetable that provides for action by the full Senate within 30 days after the Committee has reported out the nomination. Authorizes the Committee Chairman and the Senate Majority Leader to extend the period for Committee and full Senate action, respectively, by up to 30 days for cause.
Bill· SS. 2681 (110th)referred
Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2008
Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of gold medals in recognition of the service of Native American code talkers of specified Indian tribes. Defines "code talker" as a Native American who served in the Armed Forces during a foreign conflict and who participated in miliatary communications using a native language. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and Indian tribes, to identify Native American code talkers eligible for a gold medal.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 467 (110th)passed
A resolution honoring the life of Myron Cope.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2008
Recognizes the contributions of Myron Cope (football broadcaster) to the city of Pittsburgh, the game of football, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bill· SS. 2668 (110th)referred
Modernize Our Bookkeeping In the Law for Employee's Cell Phone Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2008
Modernize Our Bookkeeping In the Law for Employee's Cell Phone Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove certain limitations on the tax deduction for employee use of cellular telephones.
Bill· SS. 2641 (110th)referred
Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities to make available, upon request, ownership and affiliated parties information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other responsible parties. Outlines accountability requirements for such institutions. Requires specified additional information to appear on the Department of Health and Human Services Nursing Home Compare Website. Requires SNFs to separately report expenditures for wages and benefits for different levels of nursing staff. Directs the Secretary to develop a standardized form for use by a resident (or a person acting on the resident's behalf) in filing a complaint about a SNF with a state survey and certification agency or long-term care ombudsman program. Requires a state to establish a complaint resolution process. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for SNFs to report staffing information based on payroll data. Increases certain civil monetary penalties for SNF violations. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the financial status, resident care, and performance of SNFs and nursing facilities in the Special Focus Facility (or a successor) program of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relative to a comparable sample of facilities outside such program; and (2) best practices for, and barriers to, the appointment of temporary management for SNFs with a record of poor care. Directs the Secretary to provide for an national independent monitoring program to oversee interstate and large intrastate chains of SNFs. Requires a SNF administrator to notify the Secretary and other responsible parties of an impending closure of the facility. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects on culture change and use of information technology in SNFs and nursing facilities. Provides for dementia management training and patient abuse prevention training. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on training for certified nurse aides and supervisory staff of SNFs and nursing facilities.
Bill· SS. 2650 (110th)referred
A bill to provide for a 5-year carryback of certain net operating losses and to suspend the 90 percent alternative minimum tax limit on certain net operating losses.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses for taxable years beginning or ending during 2006, 2007, or 2008; and (2) suspend the 90% alternative minimum tax limitation on carrybacks and carryovers of net operating losses in such years.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 454 (110th)referred
A resolution designating the month of March 2008 as "MRSA Awareness Month".
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Designates March 2008 as MRSA Awareness Month. Recognizes: (1) the need to apply what is already known about reducing the transmission of infections in hospitals, effectively using diagnostics, and ensuring appropriate use of antibiotics to meet patient and public health needs; (2) the need to pursue operational research to find the best ways of preventing hospital- and community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and developing new antibiotics for improving care for MRSA patients; and (3) the importance of raising awareness of MRSA and methods of preventing MRSA infections. Expresses support for the work of advocates, healthcare practitioners, and science-based experts in educating, supporting, and providing hope for individuals and their families affected by community and healthcare associated infections.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 455 (110th)passed
A resolution calling for peace in Darfur.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Calls upon the government of Sudan and other signatories and non-signatories to the 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement to declare an immediate cessation of hostilities in Darfur, Sudan.
Bill· SS. 2629 (110th)referred
Nino's Act
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Nino's Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for mandatory Medicaid coverage of drugs prescribed for certain research study child participants, regardless of Medicaid eligibility otherwise, if the state provides drug coverage.
Bill· SS. 2631 (110th)referred
A bill to award a congressional gold medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 451 (110th)referred
A resolution honoring the achievements of Rawle and Henderson LLP, on its 225th anniversary and on being recognized as the oldest law firm in continuous practice in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Commemorates the achievement of Rawle and Henderson LLP on its 225th anniversary and on being recognized as the oldest law firm in continuous practice in the United States. Salutes the profound legacy the attorneys of Rawle and Henderson LLP have provided to the civic and legal community of Pennsylvania and the Nation.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 452 (110th)passed
A resolution commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Naming of Pittsburgh as the culmination of the Forbes Campaign across Pennsylvania and the significance this event played in the making of America, in the settlement of the continent, and in spreading the ideals of freedom and democracy throughout the world.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Recognizes: (1) the 250th anniversary of the Naming of Pittsburgh; and (2) that Pittsburgh 250 is organizing the commemoration. Encourages learning about how the Forbes Campaign, the opening of the Gateway to the West, the industrialization of America, and the environmental transformation of Pittsburgh helped to make America.
Bill· SS. 2624 (110th)referred
Robocall Privacy Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2008
Robocall Privacy Act of 2008 - Makes it unlawful for a person during specified periods before a federal primary or general election to make certain prerecorded political telephone calls with respect to a candidate for federal office without immediate disclosure of the recorded nature of the calls, the identity of the caller, and the appearance of the caller's telephone number on the recipient's caller identification service.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 446 (110th)open
A resolution relative to the death of Representative Tom Lantos, of California.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2008
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Tom Lantos, late a Representative from the state of California.
Law· SS. 2606 (110th)enacted
United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) for FY2009-FY2012. Authorizes including within fire personnel training: (1) response, tactics, and strategies for dealing with all hazards, including terrorist acts; (2) applying new technology and developing strategies and tactics for fighting wildfires; (3) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting large-scale or multiple fires in areas crossing jurisdictional boundaries, fires at the wildland-urban interface, and fires involving hazardous materials; and (4) advanced emergency medical services training. Requires the Administrator of USFA to include in triennial reports information about changes to the National Fire Academy curriculum. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) contract with nationally recognized organizations to facilitate the delivery of education and training programs directly to fire personnel; and (2) assist the nation's fire services to sponsor and encourage research, including into land-use policies, to improve fire prevention and control in rural and remote areas and in the wildland-urban interface. Directs the Administrator to: (1) use specified funds during FY2009-FY2011 to update the National Fire Incident Reporting system to an Internet-based, real-time incident reporting database: (2) make available to the public information about fire-related research through a regularly updated Internet-based database; (3) promote adoption of voluntary national consensus standards for firefighter health and safety; and (4) provide liaison to assure coordination of fire service-based emergency medical services programs. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) establish a fire service position at the National Operations Center to represent the interests of state and local fire services; and (2) designate, on a rotating basis, a state or local fire service official for such position.
Bill· SS. 2591 (110th)referred
A bill to amend chapter 1 of title 17, United States Code, to provide an exemption from exclusive rights in copyright for certain nonprofit organizations to display live football games, and for other purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2008
Declares that it is not a copyright infringement for churches and qualified church-controlled organizations to communicate a transmission of a professional football contest so long as no direct charge is made to see or hear the transmission, no money is accepted or received by the organization during the communication, and the transmission is not further retransmitted.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 442 (110th)passed
A resolution commemorating the life of A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2008
Commemorates the life of the late A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., salutes the lasting legacy of his achievements, and encourages the continued pursuit of his vision of eliminating racial prejudice from all aspects of our society.
Bill· SS. 2588 (110th)referred
Ensure Timely SCAAP Reimbursement Act
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2008
Ensure Timely SCAAP Reimbursement Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require distribution of state criminal alien assistance program funds no later than 120 days after the last day of the annual program application period.
Bill· SS. 2587 (110th)referred
SCAAP Reimbursement Protection Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2008
SCAAP Reimbursement Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to compensate states for incarcerating undocumented aliens charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors.
Bill· SS. 2566 (110th)referred
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a Federal income tax credit for certain home purchases.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow purchasers of a single-family principal residence a one-time tax credit for up to $15,000 of the purchase price. Requires such a residence to be purchased after February 29, 2008, and before March 1, 2009, and that it be: (1) a new previously unoccupied residence for which a building permit has been issued and construction began on or before September 1, 2007; (2) an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage indebtedness in default on or before March 1, 2008; or (3) in foreclosure and owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent.
Law· SS. 2565 (110th)enacted
Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2008
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2007 [ sic ]- Authorizes the Attorney General to award a Congressional Badge of Bravery to a federal law enforcement officer who performs an act of bravery while in the line of duty. Sets forth requirements for agencies in nominating a law enforcement officer for a Badge. Establishes within the Department of Justice: (1) a Congressional Badge of Bravery Board to made recommendations for awarding a Badge; and (2) a Congressional Badge of Bravery Office to assist the Board. Authorizes Members of Congress or the Attorney General to make the presentations of Badges to law enforcement officers.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 434 (110th)passed
A resolution designating the week of February 10-16, 2008, as "National Drug Prevention and Education Week".
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Designates the week of February 10-February 16, 2008, as National Drug Prevention and Education Week. Urges communities, schools, parents, and youth to carry out prevention and education activities to reduce and stop drug use.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 430 (110th)referred
A resolution designating January 2008 as "National Mentoring Month".
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2008
Designates January 2008 as National Mentoring Month. Praises those who are already serving as mentors. Encourages others to volunteer as mentors.
Bill· SS. 2533 (110th)open
State Secrets Protection Act
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2008
State Secrets Protection Act - Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) require a federal court to determine which filings, motions, and affidavits (or portions) submitted under this Act shall be submitted exparte; (2) allow a federal court to order a party to provide a redacted, unclassified, or summary substitute of a filing, motion, or affidavit to other parties; and (3) require a federal court to make decisions under this Act, taking into consideration the interests of justice and national security. Requires any hearing under this Act to be conducted in camera. Prohibits an in camera hearing, however, based on the assertion of the state secrets privilege, if the court determines that the hearing relates only to a question of law and does not present a risk of revealing state secrets. Allows a federal court to conduct hearings (or portions) ex parte if the court determines, following in camera review of the evidence, that the interests of justice and national security cannot adequately be protected through attorney security clearances, protective orders, sealed opinions or orders, and special masters. Authorizes the United States to intervene in any civil action in order to protect information that may be subject to the state secrets privilege. Declares, however, that the state secrets privilege shall not constitute grounds for dismissal of a case or claim. Prescribes procedures for: (1) determining whether evidence is protected from disclosure by the state secrets privilege; and (2) when evidence protected by the state secrets privilege is necessary for adjudication of a claim or counterclaim. Grants courts of appeal jurisdiction of an appeal by any party from any interlocutory decision or order of a U.S. district court. Requires the Attorney General within 30 days to report in writing to Congress on any case in which the United States invokes the state secrets privilege. Applies this Act to civil cases pending on or after the enactment of this Act.
Bill· SS. 2539 (110th)referred
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a special depreciation allowance for certain property placed in service during 2008 and 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 30 to 50% the bonus depreciation for new business equipment placed in service in 2008 and 2009.
Bill· SS. 2540 (110th)referred
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide expensing for certain property placed in service during 2008 and 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a current year tax deduction of the cost of business equipment placed in service in 2008 and 2009 for which cost recovery periods of three, five, or seven years are currently allowed.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 420 (110th)passed
A resolution commending Martin P. Paone
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2008
Expresses the appreciation of the Senate to Marty Paone, and commends him for his lengthy, faithful and outstanding service to the Senate.
Bill· SS. 2523 (110th)referred
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund available to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance to states, Indian tribes, insular areas, and participating local jurisdictions to increase the supply of decent quality affordable housing, especially for low-income, extremely low-income, and very poor families. Prohibits the use of appropriations to the Fund for a fiscal year unless the amount equal to the net increase in the negative credit subsidy for specified mortgage insurance programs is first made available for: (1) single family housing mortgage insurance; (2) housing counseling; and (3) mortgage insurance technology, procedures, processes, program performance, and salaries. Limits Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance premium increases. Specifies affordable housing eligibility criteria for a rental dwelling unit and one- to four-family owner-occupied housing, including a priority to families on section 8 rental assistance or public housing waiting lists. Requires the Secretary to establish a green housing clearinghouse for Fund grantees and recipients. Declares that nothing in this Act allows any payments under it for any individual or head of household that is not a legal U.S. resident.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 63 (110th)open
A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the need for additional research into the chronic neurological condition hydrocephalus, and for other purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Commends the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for working with leading scientists and researchers to organize the first-ever NIH conference on hydrocephalus (a neurological condition characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain). Urges the Director to continue the current collaboration with respect to hydrocephalus among national research institutes. Calls for: (1) further research into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, disease burden, and improved treatment of hydrocephalus; and (2) increased public awareness and professional education regarding hydrocephalus through partnerships between the federal government and patient advocacy organizations.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 62 (110th)passed
A resolution to correct the enrollment of H.R. 660.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Makes corrections to the enrollment of H.R. 660 (Court Security Improvement Act of 2007) to exclude bankruptcy and territorial judges from certain life insurance coverage granted to magistrate judges.
Bill· SS. 2495 (110th)referred
Bail Bond Fairness Act of 2007
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007
Bail Bond Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a judicial officer from declaring forfeited a bail bond for violation of specified collateral release conditions other than failing to appear in court. Makes forfeiture of a bail bond for violation of such collateral release conditions unavailable as a sanction. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to provide that if a defendant fails to appear physically before the court (currently, if there is a breach of a condition of a bond), the court shall declare a forfeiture of the bail.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 409 (110th)passed
A resolution commending the service of the Honorable Trent Lott, a Senator from the State of Mississippi.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007
Declares that the Senate notes with deep appreciation the retirement of Chester Trent Lott (a Senator from the state of Mississippi). Extends its best wishes to Trent Lott and his family. Honors the integrity and outstanding work Trent Lott has done in service to his country.
Law· SS. 2488 (110th)enacted
OPEN Government Act of 2007
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2007
Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 or the OPEN Government Act of 2007 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to revise requirements for federal agency disclosures of requested information. Defines "representative of the news media" and "news" for purposes of request processing fees. Redefines "record" to include any information maintained by an agency contractor. Provides that, for purposes of awarding attorney fees and litigation costs, a FOIA complainant has substantially prevailed in a legal proceeding to compel disclosure if such complainant obtained relief through: (1) a judicial order or an enforceable written agreement or consent decree; or (2) a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the agency if the complainant's claim is not insubstantial. Directs the Attorney General to notify the Special Counsel of, and report to Congress on, civil actions taken for arbitrary and capricious rejections of requests for agency records. Sets forth provisions concerning the tolling of the 20-day period during which an agency must determine whether to comply with a FOIA request. Prohibits an agency from assessing search fees if it fails to comply with time limits, provided that no unusual or exceptional circumstances apply. Requires each agency to make available its FOIA Public Liaison to assist in resolving requester disputes. Requires agencies to establish a system to assign tracking numbers for FOIA requests and a telephone line or Internet service that provides status information. Revises agency reporting requirements for FOIA requests. Establishes within the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) an Office of Government Information Services to review FOIA compliance, recommend policy changes, and offer mediation services between requesters and agencies. Requires each agency to designate a Chief FOIA Officer. Sets forth responsibilities of the Officer and FOIA Public Liaison. Sets forth requirements to describe exemptions authorizing deletions of material provided under FOIA.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 406 (110th)referred
A resolution urging the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to overturn the sentence of the "Girl of Qatif".
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2007
Welcomes the commitment of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reform its judicial system. Condemns sexual violence in all forms. Urges the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to: (1) address the problem of violence against women in Saudi society, to promote equal treatment of women in the country's legal system, and to ensure that victims of sexual violence are not punished for the crimes committed against them; and (2) overturn the sentence of the "Girl of Qatif."
Bill· SS. 2454 (110th)referred
Wireless 411 Privacy Act
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007
Wireless 411 Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile services, or any affiliate or agent of such provider (provider), from including the wireless telephone number (wireless number) of any subscriber in any wireless directory assistance service (WDAS) database unless the provider: (1) provides a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber of the right not be listed in any WDAS; and (2) obtains express prior listing authorization from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Requires a provider to remove the wireless number of any subscriber from a WDAS upon request of that subscriber and without subscriber cost. Provides limited circumstances under which a provider may connect a calling party from a WDAS to a commercial mobile service subscriber. Prohibits a telecommunications carrier from disclosing in billing information provided to customers wireless numbers of subscribers who have indicated a preference to their provider for not having their wireless number disclosed. Prohibits a provider from publishing (listing) in any form, selling, or otherwise distributing the contents of any WDAS database unless the provider: (1) notifies the subscriber of the right not to be listed; and (2) obtains express prior authorization for listing from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Prohibits a provider from charging a subscriber for the exercise of any rights under this Act. Prohibits selling, marketing for sale, or otherwise disseminating the wireless telephone information of any individual, or any directory or other list of such information of individuals, unless each such individual provides written express prior authorization. Preempts inconsistent state or local laws.
Law· SS. 2450 (110th)enacted
A bill to amend the Federal Rules of Evidence to address the waiver of the attorney-client privilege and the work product doctrine.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007
Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence with respect to the disclosure of a communication or information covered by the attorney-client privilege and work product protection. Provides that, when such a disclosure is made in a federal proceeding or to a federal office or agency, and waives the attorney-client privilege or work-product protection, the waiver extends to an undisclosed communication or information in a federal or state proceeding only if: (1) the waiver is intentional; (2) the disclosed and undisclosed communications or information concern the same subject matter; and (3) they ought in fairness to be considered together. States that, when the disclosure is made in a federal proceeding or to a federal office or agency, it does not operate as a waiver in a federal or state proceeding if: (1) the disclosure is inadvertent; (2) the holder of the privilege or protection took reasonable steps to prevent disclosure; and (3) the holder promptly took reasonable steps to rectify the error. Declares that, when the disclosure is made in a state proceeding and is not the subject of a state-court order concerning waiver, it does not operate as a waiver in a federal proceeding if the disclosure: (1) would not be a waiver under this rule if it had been made in a federal proceeding; or (2) is not waived under law of the state where the disclosure occurred.