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United States · Official source
9,025 records where Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Honors Miep Gies for her bravery during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands and her dedication to preserving the memory of Anne Frank and the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to: (1) impress upon the Ugandan government the U.S. belief in the human dignity of all Ugandans regardless of sexual orientation; (2) express U.S. opposition to the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2009" introduced in the Ugandan Parliament; and (3) ensure that resources committed to the global HIV/AIDS response are utilized in a manner that is appropriate to the local epidemiology of the disease, including in Uganda.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (CEJA) of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to grant jurisdiction over and impose penalties on federal contractors and employees who commit certain crimes outside of the United States while employed by or accompanying any agency of the United States other than the Armed Forces. Sets forth the crimes under federal law that are covered by this Act. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) assign personnel and resources through Investigative Units for Contractor and Employee Oversight to investigate allegations of criminal offenses by federal contractors and employees; and (2) report to Congress annually on the number of criminal cases received, investigated, and referred for prosecution. Grants the Attorney General principal authority for the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act of 2010 - Amends the the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, and other multilateral development institutions to: (1) cancel all debts owed by Haiti to such institutions; (2) suspend Haiti's debt payments to such institutions until the debts are canceled completely; and (3) provide additional assistance from such institutions to Haiti in grant form in order to avoid additional debt accumulation. Directs the Secretary to urge other bilateral, multilateral, and private creditors to cancel all debts owed by Haiti to such creditors.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Emergency Jobs Program and Assistance for Families Extension Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to extend for one year the Emergency Contingency Fund for State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make a grant from the Fund for each calendar quarter in FY2010 or FY2011 to each requesting state whose total expenditures for work support services in the quarter, whether under the state program funded under TANF or as qualified state expenditures, exceeds the state's total such expenditures in the corresponding quarter in its emergency fund base year. Requires a grant to equal 80% of such excess.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2010 - Excludes from annual income, for purposes of eligibility for pensions for veterans and their surviving spouses and children, reimbursements resulting from: (1) any accident; (2) any theft or loss; (3) any casualty loss; (4) medical expenses resulting from any such accident, theft, or loss; and (5) pain and suffering (including insurance settlement payments and general damages awarded by a court) related to such accident, theft, or loss.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Public Corruption Elimination Act of 2010 - Denies federal retirement benefits to an individual (or his or her survivor or beneficiary) who has been convicted of a felony under federal or state law that involves bribery, graft, misappropriation of public funds or property, or conflicts of interest, that occurred in connection with the individual's service as an employee, and that occurs after this Act's enactment. Prohibits an individual who is under indictment for such offense from being paid an annuity or retired pay if the individual willfully remains outside the United States for more than one year with knowledge of the indictment or charges. Prohibits the computation and inclusion of interest on a refund of such an individual's retirement contributions for the period after the conviction. Authorizes restoration of annuity or retired pay if an individual who was convicted of an offense against state law under this Act is pardoned by the governor.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Requires a restroom in a public building to be a family restroom (e.g., specifically equipped to accommodate use by men and women for the purpose of changing the diaper of a child and aiding a child in the restroom) or otherwise to be equipped with baby changing facilities that the Administrator of General Services (GSA) determines are physically safe, sanitary, and appropriate. Makes this requirement inapplicable to a restroom that: (1) is not available for public use; or (2) contains clear and conspicuous signage indicating where a family restroom is located within the same section or corridor of such building.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Shareholder Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit an issuer from making any expenditure for political activities in excess of $10,000 in any fiscal year without first obtaining the written affirmative authorization for such expenditure by a majority of all shareholders. Deems a violation of this requirement to be a breach of the fiduciary duty of the officers and directors who authorized such expenditure. Subjects to joint and several liability to any shareholder or class of shareholders for the amount of such expenditure the officers and directors who authorize it without prior shareholder authorization. Prohibits rules and guidelines established by any national securities exchange or by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from considering as a routine corporate matter a decision to make a contribution or expenditure for political activities in excess of $10,000. Exempts from the shareholder prior approval requirement an issuer whose sole business is the publication or broadcasting of news, commentary, literature, music, entertainment, artistic expression, scientific, historical or academic works, or other forms of information. Directs the SEC to require issuers to disclose quarterly any expenditure for political activities made during the preceding quarter. Requires such report to be filed with the SEC, provided to shareholders, and be made publicly available through the SEC website.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Fair Access to Credit Scores Act of 2010 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require consumer reporting agencies to disclose any information in the consumer's file concerning credit scores or other related risk scores or predictors when the consumer requests a free annual disclosure (credit report). Requires all consumer reporting agencies to maintain information in the consumer's file concerning such scores or predictors for at least one year from the date on which such information is placed in the file. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on bankruptcy risk scores used by consumer reporting agencies, including an analysis of: (1) the factors used to determine such scores; (2) how bankruptcy risk scores impact the ability of consumers to receive loans; and (3) actions that consumers can take to improve such scores.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Student Nondiscrimination Act of 2010 - Prohibits public school students from being excluded from participating in, or subject to discrimination under, any federally-assisted educational program on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or that of their associates. Considers harassment to be a form of discrimination. Prohibits retaliation against anyone for opposing conduct they reasonably believe to be unlawful under this Act. Authorizes federal departments and agencies to enforce these prohibitions by cutting off the educational assistance of recipients found to be violating them. Allows an aggrieved individual to assert a violation of this Act in a judicial proceeding and recover reasonable attorney's fees should they prevail. Deems a state's receipt of federal educational assistance for a program to constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity for conduct prohibited under this Act regarding such program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Prevent Foreign Influence in our Elections Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to apply the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals in connection with a federal, state, or local election to domestic corporations (subsidiaries) with respect to which the percentage of outstanding shares controlled directly or indirectly by foreign principals is equal to or greater than 50%.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Recognizes the significance of Black History Month as an important time to recognize the contributions of African-Americans in the nation's history. Encourages the continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity for all peoples of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the nation. Recognizes that the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Freedom From Foreign-Based Manipulation in American Elections Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to apply the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals in connection with a federal, state, or local election to corporations with respect to which: (1) the number of shares owned directly or indirectly by foreign principals is equal to or greater than 5% of the total number of the corporation's outstanding shares; (2) one or more foreign principals serves on the board of directors; or (3) one or more foreign principals is employed in a senior executive position. Increases the civil monetary penalties applicable to foreign nationals that violate the ban.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2010 - Amends the federal judicial code to authorize the appointment of additional permanent bankruptcy judges in various states. Converts certain temporary offices of bankruptcy judges to permanent offices in specified states. Extends certain temporary offices of bankruptcy judges previously authorized for Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Increases bankruptcy filing fees. Reduces the amount of bankruptcy fees to be deposited as offsetting collections to the United States Trustee System Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Prohibiting Foreign Influence in American Elections Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to apply the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nations in connection with a federal, state, or local election to domestic corporations with respect to which: (1) one or more foreign principals serves on the board of directors; (2) one or more foreign principals directly or indirectly has an ownership interest; or (3) one or more foreign principals directly or indirectly holds debt or other obligations. Applies the ban to domestic corporations that are subsidiaries of foreign corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Honors the life and accomplishments of Donald Harington for his contributions to literature in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study alternatives for the commemoration and interpretation of the role of the Buffalo Soldiers (African-American troops who, in the late 19th century and early 20th century, came to be known as the Buffalo Soldiers) in the early years of the National Parks, which shall include an evaluation of the suitability and feasibility of establishing a national historic trail commemorating the route traveled by the Buffalo Soldiers from their post in the Presidio in San Francisco to the Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks and to any other National Parks where they may have served.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Impeaches G. Thomas Porteous, Jr., judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Sets forth articles of impeachment. Declares that, while a U.S. district court judge, G. Thomas Porteous, engaged in a pattern of conduct incompatible with the trust and confidence placed in him as a judge. Declares that Judge Porteous denied a motion to recuse himself from a case where one of the parties was represented by a corrupt law firm with which he had a financial relationship. Declares that Judge Porteous made intentionally misleading statements at the recusal hearing and engaged in corrupt conduct after the trial, and while he had the case under advisement. Declares that Judge Porteous: (1) engaged in a longstanding pattern of corrupt conduct that demonstrates his unfitness to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge; and (2) engaged in a pattern of conduct inconsistent with the trust and confidence placed in him as a federal judge by knowingly and intentionally making material false statements and representations under penalty of perjury related to his personal bankruptcy filing, and by repeatedly violating a court order in his bankruptcy case. Declares that Judge Porteous knowingly made material false statements about his past to both the U.S. Senate and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in order to obtain the office of U.S. District Court Judge. Declares that Judge Porteous is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed from office.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010
Military Personnel Toxic Exposure Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish and administer a system to identify members of the Armed Forces who were potentially exposed to a hazardous disposal site, as well as any negative health effects that may be related to such exposure. Requires the Secretary to: (1) administer the system using existing medical surveillance systems; (2) notify a member and his or her commanding officer of a potential exposure; (3) for each member notified, collect information for purposes of the system; (4) for each member notified, annually provide a complete physical examination and related consultation and counseling; and (5) report annually to the congressional defense committees on the status of system implementation and incidences of illnesses which may have been caused by such exposure. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 to: (1) include solid waste containing plastics within the definition of "covered waste" for purposes of a prohibition against the disposal by the Armed Forces of covered waste in open-air burn pits during contingency operations; and (2) include in a required report concerning the use of such pits those situations in which such pits were used to dispose of waste during military exercises and operations worldwide during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010
Honors the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers and recognizes the important role he played in securing civil rights for all people in the United States. Congratulates the United States Navy for honoring Medgar Evers by naming the United States Naval Ship Medgar Evers after him.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2010
Treats cash contributions made after January 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, for the relief of earthquake victims in Haiti as having been made on December 31, 2009, for purposes of the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Deems a contribution as meeting the recordkeeping requirements of the Internal Revenue Code if the taxpayer produces a telephone bill showing the name of the donee organization and the date and amount of the contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2010
Requests the Senate to adjust its rules to reflect the intent of the framers of the Constitution by amending the Senate's filibuster rule, Rule 22, to facilitate the consideration of bills and amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Tobacco Tax Parity Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the excise tax on pipe tobacco equal to the tax on roll-your-own tobacco (i.e., $24.78 per pound).
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Veterans Employment Today Act of 2010 or the VET Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the work opportunity tax credit for the hiring of disabled and unemployed veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Recognizes and expresses support for the goals and ideals of North American Inclusion Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Cervical Health Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Celebrates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 30th anniversary of the Stevie Wonder song tribute to Dr. King, "Happy Birthday." Recognizes that the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continues on with commitments to freedom, equality, and justice. Encourages the people of the United States to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King by renewing pledges to advance those principles and actions that are consistent with Dr. King's belief that all men are created equal.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010
Wall Street Bonus Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a tax on current or former employees of recipients of financial assistance under the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) for 50% of any bonus exceeding $50,000 paid to them during 2010; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Small Business Growth Fund to hold revenues from such tax. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish and carry out a program to make loans directly to small business concerns. Makes amounts from such Fund available to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010
Encourages all individuals in the United States to pay tribute to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through participation in community service projects on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Encourages the Members of the House of Representatives and colleagues to urge their constituents to participate in community service projects. Acknowledges that by serving one's country, one's community, and one's neighbor our nation makes progress in civility, equality, and unity consistent with the values and life's work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2009
Expresses support for the designation of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Recognizes the importance of preventing childhood obesity and decreasing its prevalence in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Minority Business Development Improvements Act of 2009 - Requires the Director of the Minority Business Development Agency to establish the Minority Business Development Program to provide qualified minority businesses with technical assistance, loan guarantees, and contract procurement assistance. Outlines minority business qualification requirements for the Program, including that: (1) not less than 51% of the entity be directly and unconditionally owned by historically disadvantaged individuals; and (2) each officer or other individual exercising control over regular operations is a historically disadvantaged individual. Outlines specific types of technical assistance and loan guarantees authorized under the Program. Provides loan guarantee limits. Authorizes the Director to enter into agreements for the fulfillment of federal procurement contracts by, and contracting opportunities for, qualified minority businesses. Provides contract limits. Allows the Director to terminate a qualified minority business from the Program under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Citizen Participation Act of 2009 - Declares that Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), filed against thousands of individuals, organizations, and businesses based upon their valid exercise of the rights to petition or free speech, are an abuse of the judicial process that waste judicial resources and clog the already over-burdened court dockets. Declares immune from civil liability any act of petitioning the government made without knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard of falsity. Requires a plaintiff (especially in a SLAPP) to prove knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard of falsity by clear and convincing evidence. Provides that any act in futherance of the constitutional right of petition or free speech shall be entitled to the procedural protections provided in this Act. Allows a party to file a special motion to dismiss any claim arising from an act or alleged act in furtherance of the constitutional right of petition or free speech within 45 days after service of the claim if the claim was filed in federal court or, if the claim was removed to federal court pursuant to this Act, within 15 days after removal. Exempts from this Act: (1) certain procedural protections in any action brought solely on behalf of the public or solely to enforce an important right affecting the public interest; and (2) certain claims for relief involving commercial speech.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act to require that the same access to transportation and public accommodations be afforded to certified trainers of service animals as is afforded to individuals with disabilities who use such animals. Defines "service animal" as a guide dog, signal dog, or other animal trained or being trained to assist an individual with a disability regardless of whether such animal has been licensed or certified by a state or local government.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act - Requires emergency contraception in drug form to be included on the basic core formulary of the uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents for the pharmacy benefits program of the Department of Defense. Allows emergency contraception in other-than-drug form to also be so included. States that prior authorization shall not be required for such contraception.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
National Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an Office of Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture in the National Marine Fisheries Service at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) headquarters and at satellite offices in each of NOAA's regional fisheries offices. Requires the Office to establish a Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and maintain in the Office an aquaculture database; and (2) make the database available to the public but protect proprietary information of owners and operators of offshore aquaculture facilities. Requires, for permit issuance, a regional programmatic environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for each Regional Fishery Management Council and a separate environmental review under NEPA. Prohibits engaging in offshore aquaculture without a permit under this Act and authorizes the Secretary to issue such permits. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assess application and annual fees with respect to such permits that are sufficient to pay the costs of issuing, monitoring, and enforcing such permits; and (2) assess resource rental fees to recover from permittees a reasonable portion of the value of the use under the permits of ocean resources held in public trust. Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct a research program to guide the sustainable development of offshore aquaculture, including regarding: (1) industry expansion that ensures ecological sustainability and functional ecosystems and fisheries; and (2) cost-effective solutions to environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Requires a related competitive, peer-reviewed grant program. Prohibits permit issuance: (1) for a species having a fishery management plan under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act) or in a Regional Fishery Management Council's jurisdiction unless all relevant Councils recommend approval; or (2) if opposed by the nearest coastal state. Regulates the relationship of this Act to the Magnuson Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act. Regulates the assessment and liability for natural resource damages associated with offshore aquaculture.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize continued use of 2009 Medicare practice expense relative value units for certain cardiology services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with an independent entity to study and report to Congress on the practice expense methodology used to determine relative value units under this Act to determine whether the cost finding, indirect cost allocation, scaling, and budget neutrality methodologies used: (1) are consistent with generally accepted accounting principles; (2) distribute the burden of any necessary budget neutrality adjustments proportionally among all physicians' services; and (3) result in allowances that accurately reflect the relative direct and indirect resources involved in the provision of various physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Wireless Microphone Users Interference Protection Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to authorize owners and operators of wireless microphones operating on a primary basis in the VHF bands and on a secondary basis in the UHF bands to have access to the geolocation database maintained to prohibit the operation of unlicensed TV band devices on protected frequencies. Specifies registration sites (for the purpose of identifying locations to be protected through database registration).
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs blind rehabilitation center in Long Beach, California, as the "Major Charles R. Soltes, Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center."
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act of 2009 - Amends the the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to increase reimbursement rates for free, reduced price, and paid meals and snacks served under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at nonresidential child care centers and family or group day care homes. Allows such providers to be reimbursed for the service of three meals and a snack. (Currently, reimbursement is provided for two meals and a snack.) Lowers the percentage of children or school children in an area that must be eligible for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs to make family or group day care homes in the area eligible for higher CACFP reimbursement rates as tier I homes. Increases the maximum monthly administrative payment per home provided to sponsors of family or group day care homes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve the ability of the CACFP to reach low-income families by streamlining program and paperwork requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Recognizes the exemplary service, devotion to country, and selfless sacrifice of Special Warfare Operators 2nd Class Matthew McCabe and Jonathan Keefe and Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Julio Huertas in the capture of Ahmed Hashim Abed, the alleged planner of an ambush in Fallujah, Iraq, that resulted in the killing of four security contractors. Pledges continued support to members of U.S. Armed Forces serving in harm's way.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009
Post-9/11 GI Educational Fairness Act of 2009 -Amends the veterans' post-9/11 educational assistance program to remove the requirement that a program of education must be offered by an institution of higher learning in ordered to be approved. States that the purpose of this Act is to allow activities such as apprenticeship or other on-job training, entrepreneurship training, correspondence training, and flight training. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to approve for such program the pursuit of flight training if: (1) such training is generally accepted as necessary for the attainment of a vocational objective in aviation; (2) the individual possesses a valid private pilot certificate and meets medical requirements necessary for a commercial pilot certificate; and (3) the flight school course meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Transparency and Integrity in Corporate Monitoring Act of 2009 - Prohibits United States attorneys or assistant United States attorneys who participate in the investigation or prosecution of an organization for a criminal offense for which a deferred prosecution or nonprosecution agreement is made from acting as or working for, for a specified period of time after their service, corporate monitors selected to oversee the implementation of such agreements. Authorizes the Attorney General to seek a civil penalty or injunctive relief to address violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Enhancing Livability for All Americans Act of 2009 - Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation an Office of Livability. Requires the Office Director to establish a program to award competitive grants to eligible entities to assist: (1) capital investments in surface transportation projects with a significant impact on enhancing the livability in a region, metropolitan area, community, or neighborhood; and (2) communities in developing strategic growth plans that provide a vision and goals for development over a minimum 20-year period and integrate long-term innovative transportation and land use planning. Requires priority be given to: (1) investment projects that increase the number of transportation options, improve access to housing, jobs, and services, and reduce greenhouse gas; and (2) innovative planning applicants who have proposed strategic growth plans for communities with transportation systems characterized by poor access to job centers and schools, limited transportation options for residents, and significant traffic congestion. Requires the Director to: (1) develop statistical and analytical capabilities to ascertain specified transportation data; and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies to carry out activities that promote the development of livable communities, increase transportation choices, and improve the environment, public health, and quality of life.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
New Deal for a New Economy Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, from unobligated funds under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), to make specified sums available for FY2010-FY2012 to the Secretary of Education, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Secretaries of Commerce, Labor, the Interior, and Agriculture. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Education to allocate, and each eligible local educational agency in the state to receive, funds in proportion to amounts received under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and (2) a state to make and distribute the amount allocated to it within 90 days of receipt. Authorizes the use of funds to hire new employees, rehire employees laid off during the year prior to enactment, continue to employ employees scheduled to be laid off as a result of reduced budgets, and prevent furloughs scheduled as a result of reduced budgets. Directs: (1) the Attorney General to award grants to state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to hire, rehire, continue to employ, and prevent furloughs of police officers; (2) the Secretary of DHS, through the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, to award grants through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program to hire, rehire, continue to employ, and prevent furloughs of firefighters; (3) the Secretary of Commerce to award grants to states, cities or other political subdivisions or a consortium of such subdivisions, or Indian tribes, to assist in maintaining basic government services; and (4) the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to fund specific public works projects in national parks and through the National Forest Service, respectively. Establishes in the Department of Labor a New Economy Grant Program, to provide grants for the creation of new jobs on specific public works projects. Limits funding under this Act's Departments of Labor, the Interior, and Agriculture programs to individuals who meet specified criteria. Bars displacement of existing employees. Sets forth requirements regarding the use of funds, the maximum employment period, wages, reporting, and expedited administration.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Restorative Justice in Schools Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow local educational agencies to use title II subgrants to train school personnel in restorative justice and conflict resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Restoring America's Commitment to Consumers Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit the annual percentage rate (APR) applicable to an extension of credit on a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan from exceeding 16%. Includes in an APR any compensation fee (including a membership fee or an annual fee) for: (1) opening or maintaining the account; (2) granting an extension of credit; or (3) making available a line of credit. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make adjustments to the maximum APR limitation; but creates the presumption that any increase by the Board to the maximum limitation is not in the public interest unless severe economic conditions justify the increase. Prohibits construction of this Act as an endorsement by Congress of a 16% APR. Declares the intention of Congress that: (1) such maximum APR limitation should merely serve as a ceiling on consumer credit cards and few, if any, consumer credit card accounts would ever bear the maximum rate; and (2) consumer credit card issuers should strive to maintain APRs most advantageous to borrowers. Treats as an unfair or deceptive act or practice a credit card account which, as of December 11, 2009, bears an APR that is less than 16%, and subsequently increases it between December 11, 2009, and 60 days after enactment of this Act. Imposes a $15 cap upon certain credit card account fees, including fees (such as late fees, overdraft fees, or over-the-limit transaction fees) for borrower default or breach of any condition upon which credit was extended.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Battlefield Excellence through Superior Training Practices Act or BEST Practices Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD), no later than October 1, 2013, to only use human-based training methods for training members of the Armed Forces in the treatment of combat trauma injuries and the management of chemical and biological casualties. Prohibits the use of animals in such training.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish and carry out a program of making loans directly to small businesses. Limits loan amounts to the lesser of 10% of annual business revenues or $500,000. Provides program funding from unobligated amounts available under title I (Troubled Asset Relief Program [TARP]) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of the excise tax on beer produced within or imported into the United States for brewers who produce not more than 6 million barrels of beer a year.