United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009
Put America to Work Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to states, local government units, and Indian tribes to create employment opportunities for unemployed and underemployed residents of distressed communities. Specifies grant uses, including funding of fast-track jobs for: (1) painting and repair of schools, community centers, and libraries; (2) restoration of abandoned and vacant properties; (3) expansion of emergency food programs to reduce hunger; (4) augmentation of staffing in Head Start and other early childhood education programs; and (5) renovation and maintenance of parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces. Requires grant recipients to use remaining grant funds to make grants to public entities, nonprofit organizations, public-private partnerships, or small businesses to create employment opportunities in: (1) construction, rehabilitation, and improvements in energy efficiency of residences or public facilities; (2) the provision of human services; (3) remediation and demolition of vacant and abandoned properties; and (4) programs that provide opportunities for employment, education, and training for disadvantaged youth.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act - Directs the Secretary of Education (Secretary) to establish minimum standards that: (1) prohibit elementary and secondary school personnel from managing any student by using any mechanical or chemical restraint, physical restraint or escort that restricts breathing, or aversive behavioral intervention that compromises student health and safety; (2) prohibit such personnel from using physical restraint or seclusion, unless such measures are required to eliminate an imminent danger of physical injury to the student or others and certain precautions are taken; (3) require states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to ensure that a sufficient number of school personnel receive state-approved training and certification in first aid and certain safe and effective student management techniques; (4) prohibit physical restraint or seclusion from being written into a student's education plan, individual safety plan, behavioral plan, or individual education program as a planned intervention; and (5) require schools to establish procedures to notify parents in a timely manner if physical restraint or seclusion is imposed on their child. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to LEAs to: (1) establish, implement, and enforce policies and procedures to meet such standards; (2) improve their capacity to collect and analyze data related to physical restraint and seclusion; and (3) implement school-wide positive behavior supports. Directs the Secretary to conduct a national assessment of this Act's effectiveness. Gives Protection and Advocacy Systems the authority provided under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to investigate, monitor, and enforce this Act's protections for students. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for Head Start agencies that are consistent with the minimum standards for the management of elementary and secondary school students. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate funds to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assist Head Start agencies in establishing, implementing, and enforcing policies and procedures to meet such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in lieu of making payments to state homes for furnishing nursing home care to veterans, to enter into agreements with such homes to furnish such care under federal provisions which allow the Secretary to transfer to non-VA homes (at the expense of the United States) veterans who have been furnished such care in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Replaces provisions providing for payment of nursing home care at the lesser of the prevailing rate or the cost of daily care with provisions providing for payment at the rate determined for a state home that is the applicable or prevailing rate payable in the geographic area in which the state home is located.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
States that the House of Representatives recognizes that: (1) the top priority of the United States is job creation; (2) "shovel-ready" projects exist nationwide that could create more than one million jobs, given adequate public investment; and (3) the $139.3 billion of unobligated funds authorized for expenditure by the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) should be used to create jobs for U.S. citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Recognizes that the U.S. unemployment rate has reached the level of a national crisis and that saving and creating new jobs are matters of the highest national priority. Urges federal agencies to take specified actions to address such problems.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009
End Discriminatory State Taxes for Automobile Renters Act of 2009 - Prohibits states or local governments from levying or collecting a discriminatory tax (generally, a tax or tax assessment that is applicable to the rental of motor vehicles or motor vehicle businesses or property, but not to the majority of other rentals of tangible personal property within a state or locality) on the rental of motor vehicles, motor vehicle rental businesses, or motor vehicle rental property.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
FVPSA Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Revises requirements for and reauthorizes the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act at increased levels for FY2010-FY2014. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish grant programs for: (1) specialized services for abused parents and their children; (2) domestic violence prevention enhancement and leadership through alliances; and (3) enhancement of culturally competent services for adult and youth victims of domestic violence from racial and ethnic minority groups.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Open Access to Courts Act of 2009 - Prohibits a U.S. district court from dismissing a complaint: (1) unless it appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of the claim which would entitle the plaintiff to relief; or (2) on the basis of a determination by the judge that the factual contents of the complaint do not show the plaintiff's claim to be plausible or are insufficient to warrant a reasonable interference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand treatment services for patients with Alzheimer's disease and training and support services for families and caregivers of such patients.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow electric utilities a business-related tax credit for producing and selling specified percentages of renewable electricity generated by wind and solar energy facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act of 2009 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) require states receiving Edward Byrne Memorial justice assistance grants to certify the implementation of a policy for requiring all rape kits (DNA evidence relating to sexual assault) to be sent to crime laboratories for forensic analysis: (2) adjust the amount of such grants based upon compliance and noncompliance with rape kit backlog reduction requirements under this Act; (3) eliminate rape kit repayment requirements for sexual assault victims; and (4) provide for sexual assault forensic medical personnel examiners to collect and preserve evidence, provide expert testimony, and provide treatment of trauma relating to sexual assault. Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to: (1) authorize funding to eliminate rape kit backlogs and ensure that DNA analyses of samples from rape kits are carried out in a timely manner; and (2) require states and local governments to adopt performance measures for reducing rape kit backlogs. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the availability of sexual assault nurse examiners and trained examiners at all Indian Health Service facilities operated under contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Increasing Access to Voluntary Screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) allow a higher payment to states for routine HIV/AIDS and STI (sexually transmitted infections recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]) screening services; and (2) require coverage of low-income HIV/AIDS infected individuals. Directs the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to adopt a broad policy for voluntary HIV/AIDS and STI screening for all Medicare beneficiaries who are 13 years of age or older. Authorizes the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to federally qualified health centers to provide voluntary HIV/AIDS and STI screening. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require group and individual health plans to provide routine HIV/AIDS and STI screening. Requires the Director of the CDC to: (1) track national HIV/AIDS and STI screening trends and the burdens of HIV/AIDS and STIs among people with disabilities; (2) make sex education materials that promote voluntary screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs accessible to the deaf and hearing loss community and to people with intellectual disabilities; (3) ensure that national screening guidelines for cervical cancer state that women who have sex with women should have the same guidelines as women who have sex only with men; and (4) improve information collection concerning the transmission, morbidity, and screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs in transgender communities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Recognizes the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery and the 60th anniversary of the adoption by the U.N. General Assembly of the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others. Encourages member states of the United Nations and international organizations to devote additional resources to prosecute persons engaged in human trafficking and to dismantle related criminal enterprises. Commends the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation for preserving the legacy of Frederick Douglass by continuing his struggle for freedom for all persons and seeking to abolish all forms of modern-day slavery and trafficking in persons. Encourages the people of the United States to observe the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery by participating in activities designed to heighten public awareness of the prevalence of human trafficking and commends the example of children engaged in such projects at the following schools: Brentwood School of Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas Area School of Las Vegas, Nevada; North Lawndale College Preparatory Charter High School of Chicago, Illinois; Booker T. Washington High School of Atlanta, Georgia; Roosevelt Middle School of New Bedford, Massachusetts; New Era Academy of Baltimore, Maryland; Edmund Burke School of Washington, DC; Frederick Douglass Academy IV and the United Nations International School of New York, New York; and Wilson Foundation Academy of Rochester, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009
Recognizes the 70th anniversary of Justice Louis D. Brandeis's retirement from the Supreme Court and the significant contribution he made in Supreme Court jurisprudence.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009
Honors women who have served and are currently serving as members of the Armed Forces. Commends female members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere while protecting the United States and fighting terrorism. Recognizes that female members are making history every day as they fight beside male members and are an integral and invaluable part of the Armed Forces. Urges the Secretary of Defense to ensure that female members receive adequate combat training to prepare them for the nature of current wars and their role in those wars. Recognizes that the United States must continue to encourage and support female members as they fight for and defend the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Honest Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) Initiative Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants for probation demonstration programs that reduce drug use, crime, and recidivism by requiring swift, predictable, and graduated sanctions for noncompliance with conditions of probation. Requires grant funds to be used for specified purposes, including: (1) identifying high risk probationers; (2) monitoring probationers for illicit drug use; (3) responding to probation violations with immediate arrest; (4) rewarding probationers who comply with probation rules; and (5) providing for substance abuse treatment. Requires the Attorney General to annually evaluate probation programs for cost savings and to select an evaluation coordinator for such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation Act or the LEARN Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states for comprehensive planning to improve the literacy of children from birth through grade 12. Directs the Secretary to award grants to states to implement their comprehensive literacy plans for such children through: (1) competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or early learning programs for specified activities that support early language and literacy development in children from birth through kindergarten entry; (2) competitive subgrants to LEAs that have the highest numbers or percentages of disadvantaged students and students reading or writing below grade level for specified activities to improve the literacy of students in kindergarten through grade 12, including the provision of family literacy services; and (3) additional state activities that include providing technical assistance to subgrantees, coordinating literacy programs and resources throughout the state, disseminating information on promising literacy programs, and enhancing the credentials of literacy instructors. Allots implementation grants to states on the basis of each state's share of disadvantaged students. Requires the Secretary to: (1) perform a five-year national evaluation of the implementation and effect of the literacy initiatives supported by this Act; and (2) provide technical assistance and information on literacy instruction to educational entities. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold this Act's funding from states and subgrantees, and states to withhold funding from subgrantees, whose initiatives are not making significant progress in improving student literacy.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2009 - Increases the authorized allowance for burial and funeral expenses for deceased veterans who: (1) at the time of death were in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or veterans' pension benefits; or (2) were veterans of any war or were discharged or released from active military service for a service-connected disability and for whom there is no next of kin or sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. Increases the burial plot allowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were receiving hospital or nursing home care in or through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances by the same percentage increase as adjustments to benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2009 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to treat as a disability for OASDI and SSI disability payment purposes any service-connected total disability, as rated and certified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Applies the same treatment to related child's insurance and widow's and widower's insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Recognizes the 49th anniversary of school integration in New Orleans, Louisiana. Remembers Judge J. Skelly Wright for his lifelong commitment to promoting civil rights, fairness, and equality. Commends Ruby Bridges for her courage in becoming the first African-American student to attend William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, and for her lifetime commitment to promoting diversity and improving educational opportunities for all children. Supports efforts to close student achievement gaps, improve secondary and postsecondary attendance and completion rates, and promote the benefits of integrated schools. Congratulates all those who have dedicated their lives to education and promoting equal opportunities for all students.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009
National Liberty Memorial Act - Authorizes the National Mall Liberty Fund D.C. (previously the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation) to establish a memorial on specified federal land in the District of Columbia to honor slaves and free black persons who served as soldiers and sailors or provided civilian assistance during the American Revolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Safe Routes to High Schools Act - Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to include high school students as beneficiaries of the safe routes to school program. (Currently, the program provides funding to states for projects that encourage, and enhance the ability of, primary and secondary school students to walk or bike to school safely.) Requires states to give priority to projects for primary and middle schools and to projects that propose to serve a combination of at least one primary, middle, and high school within the same school district.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2009
Financial Crisis of 2008 Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012 for the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to hire 1,000 FBI agents as well as additional forensic experts to investigate corporate, securities, and mortgage fraud, and associated violations of law relating to the U.S. financial markets. Authorizes the hiring also of additional employees by the Attorney General and by the Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Enforcement to conduct related investigations and prosecutions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2009
Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of designating a specified region in Chicago, Illinois, as the Black Metropolis National Heritage Area.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2009
Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act - Amends the federal judicial code to make federal habeas corpus relief available to a person sentenced to death if adjudication on the merits in state court proceedings of the claim cited in the writ application resulted in, or left in force, a death sentence imposed without consideration of newly discovered evidence which, in combination with the evidence presented at trial, demonstrates that the applicant is probably not guilty of the underlying offense. Allows presentation of such a claim in a second or successive habeas corpus application. Allows a second or successive court motion to vacate, set aside, or correct a death sentence based on such a claim.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2009
Conflict Resolution and Mediation Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the development and implementation of conflict resolution and mediation programs for students, teachers, and other school personnel at their schools most directly affected by conflict and violence. Directs the Secretary to develop a written model for conflict resolution and mediation and make such model available to any LEA that requests it.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Expresses support for Chinese human rights activists Huang Qi and Tan Zuoren for engaging in peaceful expression as they seek answers and justice for the parents whose children were killed as a result of the collapse of numerous school buildings in the Sichuan earthquake of May 12, 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act - Amends the Troops-to-Teachers program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (which provides veterans with teacher certification stipends in exchange for three years of service in a high-need local educational agency [LEA] or public charter school). Expands program eligibility to cover certain individuals: (1) who, on or after September 11, 2001, serve at least 90 continuous days on active duty in the Armed Forces before being honorably released from such service; or (2) who, on or after January 8, 2002, are separated or released from active duty after at least four (currently, six) years of continuous active duty immediately preceding such separation or release, and agree to serve in the Armed Forces Reserves for at least three years. Makes any LEA that is receiving school improvement funds eligible to host Troops-to-Teachers program participants. Directs the Secretary of Education to establish an Advisory Board, composed of federal, state, and veteran service organization representatives, to collect, study, and disseminate feedback from the program and report to Congress on how the program is operating and might be improved. Reserves specified funding to carry out the Troops-to-Teachers program through FY2014.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Preserve Benefits and Jobs Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a sponsor of a single-employer defined benefit pension plan to elect in 2009 or 2010 extended amortization periods (9 or 15 years) for investment losses incurred in prior years; (2) allow an increase in the valuation range of plan assets; (3) use the funded status of a plan in 2008 to determine benefit restrictions in 2009 and 2010 and prohibit the use of credit balances by pension plans that are under 80% funded in the prior year; (4) exclude plan-related administrative expenses (including investment expenses) from normal cost targets; (5) delay until 2012 the application of certain benefit restrictions to collectively bargained plans; and (6) require a 120% funding target for plans adopting ad hoc amendments that allow lump sum benefits payments and increased plan liabilities. Revises rules relating to information reporting and reportable events. Calculates the amount of any pension plan guarantee by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) using the date of plan termination rather than the date of a plan bankruptcy filing. Amends ERISA provisions relating to multiemployer pension plans to: (1) allow such plans to elect alternative amortization plans and valuation methods in 2009 and 2010 for investment losses; (2) extend by five years the funding improvement period for plans in endangered or critical status; (3) permit multiemployer plans to merge or form alliances with other plans; and (4) increase PBGC guarantees for insolvent plans to increase participant benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Truth in Trials Act - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) allow any person on trial for a federal marijuana-related offense to introduce evidence that the alleged marijuana-related activities were performed in compliance with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana; (2) allow an affirmative defense to a marijuana prosecution that the alleged marijuana-related activities complied with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana; (3) limit the criminal liability of persons convicted of federal marijuana-related offenses; (4) require the preservation and return (if a defendant is acquitted) of property seized in connection with a marijuana prosecution; and (5) prohibit the seizure of plants grown or stored under a physician's recommendation or by order of a state or municipal agency in accordance with state law regarding the medical use of marijuana.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the Montford Point Marines, United States Marine Corps, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. (Camp Montford Point, North Carolina, was the site for the training of the first African-American Marines.) Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the Montford Point Marines. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Honors and recognizes the American labor movement. Supports the designation of a National Labor History Month. Urges government officials, educators, the media, and all Americans to observe such a month with ceremonies, activities, and programs that encourage reflection on the labor movement's heritage and its many contributions to the creation and maintenance of a more just America.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to list permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained: (1) from a licensed dealer; (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements; (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year; or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Sets forth additional monetary penalties for related violations. Prohibits federal facilities from purchasing or otherwise acquiring dogs or cats for exhibition purposes (currently, for research, experimentation, or exhibition purposes) except from: (1) the operator of an auction that comports with legal requirements; or (2) a person holding a valid dealer or exhibitor license. Prohibits dealers from selling or otherwise providing any research facility (currently, any individual or entity) with random source dogs or cats unless specified certification requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY2012 and thereafter for a program of financial assistance to provide supportive services (outreach, case management, assistance in obtaining benefits) for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. (Under current law, such program's authorization terminates at the end of FY2011.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Overdraft Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a depository institution from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with overdraft coverage, or in acts designed to evade the provisions of this Act. Requires each depository institution that provides overdraft coverage for transaction accounts to clearly and conspicuously disclose overdraft coverage fees. Subjects overdraft coverage fees to the consumer's written, electronic, or other consent. Requires a depository institution to provide specified consumer disclosures regarding its overdraft protection program, including: (1) periodic statements for any transaction account that has an overdraft coverage program feature; and (2) prompt notification of the account's overdraft status. Prescribes overdraft coverage fee limits. Prohibits an overdraft coverage fee if the overdraft results solely from a debit hold amount that exceeds the actual dollar amount of the transaction. Requires a depository institution to provide consumers who have not consented to participate in an overdraft coverage program transaction accounts with the same terms as those provided to consumers who have consented to participate in such program. Prohibits a depository institution from charging a non-sufficient fund fee for any transaction at an automated teller machine, or a debit card transaction. Prohibits a depository institution from reporting negative information regarding consumer use of overdraft coverage to any consumer reporting agency when the overdraft amounts and coverage fees are paid under the terms of an overdraft coverage program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009
Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through a therapeutic medium of assistance dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Requires such program to be carried out at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers that can provide training areas for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
USA PATRIOT Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to revise requirements relating to roving electronic surveillance, production of records for counterterrorism investigations, and use of pen registers and trap and trace devices (devices for recording incoming and outgoing telephone numbers). Extends until December 31, 2013, provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act authorizing: (1) roving electronic surveillance; and (2) orders for the production of records for counterterrorism investigations. Extends through 2013 audit requirements relating to orders for tangible things, pen registers and trap and trace devices, and the use of national security letters. Amends the federal criminal code to reduce from 30 to 7 days the period for giving notice to the target of a search warrant in a criminal investigation. National Security Letter Reform Act of 2009 - Terminates on December 31, 2013, the authority for issuance of national security letters. Modifies the standard for issuing national security letters to require a separate writing documenting specific and articulable facts showing reasonable grounds to believe that the information sought pertains to a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power. Requires notice to a recipient of a national security letter of the right of judicial review of any nondisclosure requirement. Requires the Attorney General to authorize use of any information obtained from a national security letter in a criminal investigation. Sets forth procedures for judicial review of a national security letter nondisclosure order. Requires the Attorney General to establish minimization and destruction procedures for information obtained from a national security letter that is no longer of interest in an authorized investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
FISA Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to repeal title VIII (Protection of Persons Assisting the Government) of FISA. Requires a certification made by the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence under provisions of title VII of FISA (Additional Procedures Regarding Certain Persons Outside the United States) concerning authorizing the targeting of persons outside the United States other than U.S. persons to acquire foreign intelligence information to include a certification that the acquisition is limited to communications in which a party is an individual target reasonably believed to be outside the United States, and for which a significant purpose of the acquisition is to obtain foreign intelligence information. Prohibits the targeting of a person outside the United States when a significant purpose of the acquisition is to acquire the communications of a particular, known person reasonably believed to be within the United States, except in accordance with FISA title I (Electronic Surveillance). Prohibits receiving into evidence any information obtained in an acquisition against any U.S. person for which a deficiency in the procedures for acquiring such information is identified by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. Provides an exception if the government corrects any deficiencies so identified, at that time permitting use or disclosure under such minimization procedures as the Court shall establish for such purposes. Prohibits a communication from being acquired under FISA title VII if the government knows before or at the time of acquisition that the communication is to, or from, a person reasonably believed to be in the United States. Provides exceptions when there is reason to believe that: (1) the communication concerns international terrorist activities directed against the United States or activities in preparation therefor; (2) the target reasonably believed to be outside the United States is an agent of a foreign group engaged in international terrorism or activities in preparation therefor; or (3) the acquisition is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm. Requires the government to segregate a communication acquired under title VII to, or from, a person reasonably believed to be in the United States and there shall be no access to the communication, except in accordance with title I or provisions of this paragraph. Allows the access to, and use of, such acquisition for up to seven days if there are conditions similar to the above exceptions. Requires annual audits from the Inspectors General of the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning implementation of, and compliance with, this paragraph.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and implement a National Bone Health Program for the control, prevention, and surveillance of osteoporosis and related bone diseases and to coordinate and carry out national education and outreach activities in support of such program; (2) authorize the Secretary to award grants to states and Indian tribes for comprehensive osteoporosis and related bone disease control and prevention programs; and (3) award grants or enter into cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on osteoporosis and related bone diseases. including osteogenesis imperfecta and Paget's disease of bone. Requires the Secretary to establish the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disease Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health on conducting activities related to the National Bone Health Program. Directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) expand and intensify NIH research programs for osteoporosis and related bone diseases, including osteogenesis imperfecta, Paget's disease of bone, and rare bone diseases; and (2) award planning grants or contracts for the establishment or enhancement of research programs for osteoporosis and related bone diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Promoting Alternatives to Truancy and Incarceration by Encouraging New and Comprehensive Efforts (PATIENCE) Act of 2009 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to require the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to set aside at least 5% of funding under such Act for incentive grants to states. Requires states receiving such grants to: (1) support evidence-based or promising programs that address the mental health treatment needs of juveniles; (2) support reforms that protect juveniles while incarcerated; and (3) demonstrate improvement in public safety and rehabilitation of delinquent and at-risk youth.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009
Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the close relationship between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Congratulates His Majesty King Abdullah II on 10 years of enlightened rule. Shares the hope of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Jordanian people for a more peaceful Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Recognizes the valuable, historic, and continued contribution of Echo Company of the 100th Battalion of the 442d Infantry of the U.S. Army to the citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States. Commends the efforts and contributions of such soldiers and the sacrifices of their families. Recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of Congress to support the mission of Echo Company. Honors the lives of Echo Company soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Recognizes Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury (PABI) as the leading cause of death and disability in the United States for children and young adults from birth until 25 years of age. Endorses the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan and encourages its implementation by federal, state, and local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Deems as active duty service, for purposes of benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), service of a person entitled to retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service or, but for age, would be so entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to reauthorize the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) at increased levels for FY2010-FY2015. Requires the LSC Board of Directors to include at least one individual with financial or audit experience. Eliminates state advisory councils. Increases the maximum pay level for LSC officers and employees. Requires the LSC to establish: (1) a protocol for the receipt of donations; (2) an audit committee, a finance committee, and a governance and performance review committee; (3) a continuity of operations plan; and (4) an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting. Requires the LSC to promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff members for all grantees, contractees, or recipients of financial assistance through the Pilot Loan Repayment Assistance Program or other appropriate programs. Limits the coverage of prohibited purpose provisions of federal law only to recipient use of funds from the LSC itself. (Thus lifts such restrictions, except those related to abortion litigation, on the use of state and local funds and private donations.) Revises eligibility requirements for LSC grantees and funds recipients, extending specific eligibility to those seeking assistance with matters relating to home foreclosure or mortgage default or delinquency. Requires distribution of LSC funds on the basis of a system of competitive bidding, as well as specific allocations for all geographic areas, Native American communities, and migrant and seasonal farm workers. Prohibits the use of LSC funds to provide legal assistance with respect to: (1) litigation relating to prison conditions; (2) the defense of an individual in a proceeding to evict him or her from a public housing project in connection with a drug offense; or (3) all but certain aliens. Authorizes the LSC to allow use of a portion of the funds provided under the grant or contract to acquire and develop information technology to promote full access to high-quality, efficient legal representation and materials for self-representation. Directs the LSC to require an audit of each recipient in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish programs of grants to state and local government entities for the purpose of providing assistance to eligible small businesses to gain access to the specialized knowledge and professional services needed to operate small businesses in the construction industry, enhance their capacities and qualifications for financial and surety credit, and access and compete for construction contracting opportunities. Defines as eligible small businesses for such purposes: (1) those owned and controlled by women; (2) any socially and economically disadvantaged small business; and (3) those owned and controlled by veterans, especially service-disabled veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Children's Budget Act - Requires the President's annual budget to Congress to include a detailed, separate analysis for the prior fiscal year, the current fiscal year, the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted, and the ensuing fiscal year identifying the amounts of gross and net appropriations or obligational authority and outlays directed to children and children's programs within the United States and territories.
![Official portrait of Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001068_200.jpg)