Budget

Within Our Means Budget (WOMB) Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2009

Within Our Means Budget (WOMB) Act of 2009 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to eliminate sequential and cumulative adjustments for inflation from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline projections for discretionary appropriations with respect to: (1) expiring housing contracts and social insurance administrative expenses; (2) offset pay absorption and pay annualization; (3) inflation; and (4) any accounting for changes required by law in the level of agency payments for personnel benefits other than pay. Exempts from the requirement that budgetary resources (other than unobligated balances) be at the level available in the current year any resources designated as an emergency requirement or provided in supplemental appropriations laws. Prohibits adjustments for inflation or or any other factor. Amends the Act to extend indefinitely the formula used to calculate the baseline.

Common Sense Budgeting Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2009

Common Sense Budgeting Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order to consider in either chamber any legislation that would exceed specified discretionary spending limits. Sets discretionary spending limits for FY2010-FY2014. Permits waiver or suspension of such prohibition, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair in the Senate only: (1) by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (67) of the Senate; or (2) in the case of the defense budget authority, a declaration of war by Congress. Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider any direct spending or revenue legislation that would increase the on-budget deficit or cause an on-budget deficit for: (1) the current fiscal year; (2) the budget year; or (3) 5 to 10 ensuing fiscal years after the current fiscal year.

Federal Acquisition Institute Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2009

Federal Acquisition Institute Improvement Act of 2009 - Requires: (1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to provide the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) sufficient budget resources and authority to support government-wide training standards and certification requirements necessary to enhance the mobility and career opportunities of the federal acquisition workforce; and (2) all federal civilian agency acquisition internship or acquisition training programs to follow guidelines provided by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to ensure consistent training standards necessary to develop uniform core competencies throughout the federal government. Requires FAI to: (1) report through its Board of Directors to the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy; and (2) provide and update government-wide training standards and certification requirements. Requires the Director of FAI to be appointed by the Administrator and to report directly to the Associate Administrator for Acquisition Workforce. Directs the Administrator to submit to specified congressional committees an annual report on the projected budget needs and expense plans of FAI to fulfill its mandate.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to continue using 2009 Medicare practice expense relative value units for certain cardiology services.

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.

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 - Provides that, if there is a deficit in a fiscal year, then: (1) any pay adjustment (including a cost of living adjustment) for Members of Congress scheduled to take effect in the succeeding calendar year shall be null and void; and (2) rates of pay for Members shall be reduced by a specified percentage, but not below zero. Specifies the mandatory pay rate reduction at: (1) 5%, for the first year; or (2) 10%, for any consecutive subsequent year that expenditures exceed revenues. Specifies conditions for restoration of the original pay rate, together with otherwise scheduled adjustments. Vests authority in the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to make determinations of whether or not a deficit exists in any fiscal year. States that, in making any such determination, the Director shall exclude any budget outlays which directly relate to a military conflict that lasts over 30 days or that is in direct response to a terrorist attack on the United States.

United States Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2009 - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for duty suspensions and reductions through December 31, 2012, for specified chemicals and other products. Extends existing suspensions and reductions of duties through December 31, 2012, for other specified chemicals and products. Imposes, suspends, and increases and/or decreases the duty on certain chemicals through December 31, 2012. Extends, through December 31, 2012, the suspension of duty on certain products. Imposes, through December 31, 2012, a duty on: (1) brakes designed for bicycles; and (2) certain 12V lead-acid storage batteries. Suspends, through December 31, 2012, the duty on: (1) certain catalytic converter mats of ceramic fibers; and (2) certain herbicides. Extends the duty on aspirin through December 31, 2012. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through June 14, 2018, and June 28, 2018, respectively. Amends the Corporate Estimated Tax Shift Act of 2009 to increase the estimated tax payments of corporations with at least $1 billion in assets in the third quarter of 2014 by 0.75%.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to requiring a balanced budget and granting the President of the United States the power of line-item veto.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict. Authorizes the President to cancel (line item veto) in whole any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, item of new direct spending, or limited tax benefit in legislation that has been enacted into law. Sets forth requirements for the President's transmittal to Congress of a special message regarding such cancellation. Prohibits Congress from transmitting legislation to the President that purports to or does require executive compliance with spending guidance contained in any report or other document that is beyond the text of the legislation. Allows the President to disregard any or all guidance in such accompanying reports or documents.

Deficit Reduction Check-Off Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Deficit Reduction Check-Off Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to designate on their tax returns an amount (initially between $1 and $10, with annual increases of $1 for each taxable year after 2011) for reducing the federal deficit. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require a sequestration to reduce the federal deficit within 15 days after Congress adjourns to end a session by directing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to apply an across-the-board reduction in federal spending equal to 10 times the amount raised by the voluntary tax checkoff under this Act. Exempts from such spending reduction social security and railroad retirement benefits, Medicare benefits, judicial salaries, and veterans benefits.

To extend the Generalized System of Preferences and the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences from December 31, 2009, through December 31, 2010. Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) to extend the ATPA program through December 31, 2010. Extends through FY2010 preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more beneficiary countries from regional fabrics or regional components, and specified other type apparel (brassieres). Advances from April 30, 2003, to June 30, 2010, the base scheduling date for biennial reports to Congress of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the operation of ATPA. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend customs fees for the processing of specified different kinds of merchandise entered into the United States: (1) from February 14, 2018, through May 14, 2018; and (2) from February 7, 2018, through June 7, 2018. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase by 1.5% (to 101.75% of such amount) the amount in effect on the date of enactment of this Act of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion in July, August, or September 2014.

Repealing rule XXVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives relating to the statutory limit on the public debt.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Repeals Rule XXVIII (Statutory Limit on Public Debt) of the Rules of the House of Representatives. (Thus abolishes the procedure for automatic adjustment of the public debt level upon passage of a new concurrent resolution on the budget setting forth an amount different from the amount of the statutory limit on the public debt otherwise in effect for the period covered by the budget resolution.) Redesignates Rule XXIX (General Provisions) as Rule XXVIII.

CAP the DEBT Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009

Control America's Purse-strings to Deliver a Better Tomorrow Act or the CAP the DEBT Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives and in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report increasing the statutory limit on the public debt if there is any other matter in such measure. Requires a two-thirds recorded vote of Members in the House and a roll call vote of at least two-thirds of the Members of the Senate before legislation increasing the statutory limit on the public debt may be considered as passed or agreed to in either chamber. Permits a successful appeal from the ruling of the Chair in the Senate on such prohibition, but only by an affirmative roll call vote of two-thirds of its Members. Repeals Rule XXVIII (Statutory Limit on Public Debt) of the Rules of the House, and known as the "Gephardt Rule," providing for mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution.

Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009

Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish in the legislative branch the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action to address, and report to the President, the Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of both chambers on, the nation's long-term fiscal imbalances, including federal expenditures and revenues and the current and long-term actuarial financial condition of the federal government. Provides for expedited legislative consideration of Task Force recommendations.

CORE Spending Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009

Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending Act, or CORE Spending Act - Establishes the Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending to examine the long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and develop legislation designed to address them. Authorizes the President and the House or Senate Budget Committee to submit alternatives to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare a long-term cost estimate of legislation proposed under this Act or a related amendment, and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible.

Security Clearance Modernization and Reporting Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009

Security Clearance Modernization and Reporting Act of 2009 - Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend national security clearance report requirements to the earlier of two years after the Comptroller General has removed all security clearance-related items from the list known as the High-Risk List, or 2017. (Under current law, such report requirement runs through 2011.) Adds to required report information a description of the full range of time required to complete initial clearance applications. Establishes the Security Clearance and Suitability Performance Accountability Council to perform specified duties, and oversee the development of techniques, relating to the enhancement of applicant suitability determinations and security clearances, including holding each U.S. agency accountable for its security procedures. Directs the Council to develop and submit to Congress a strategic plan that identifies the causes of problems with the issuance of security clearances and a description of corrective actions to address such problems. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit to Congress an information technology strategy for expediting the security clearance process and for providing security clearance and suitability determination reform consistent with the Report of the Joint Security and Suitability Reform Team, dated December 20, 2008.

Stop Any TARP Extension Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009

Stop Any TARP Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to: (1) terminate on December 31, 2009 (as under current law), the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to implement the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP); and (2) repeal the Secretary's authority to extend the TARP program through October 3, 2010, upon submission of a written certification to Congress. Revises the requirement that revenues of and proceeds from the sale of troubled assets purchased under TARP, or from the sale, exercise, or surrender of warrants or senior debt instruments acquired under TARP, be paid into the general fund of the Treasury for reduction of the public debt. Establishes the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Account the following: (1) all remaining EESA funds; (2) amounts received for repayment of financial assistance, as well as payment of interest by a recipient of such assistance under TARP or any related program, including the Capital Purchase Program; and (3) revenues and proceeds from the sale of troubled assets that were purchased under EESA, or from the sale, exercise, or surrender of warrants or senior debt instruments, as under current law. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) use amounts in the Account to pay at maturity (or to redeem or buy before maturity) any obligation of the government held by the public and included in the public debt; and (2) deposit into the Account specified funds received by the Secretary pursuant to EESA. Lowers the statutory limit on the public debt by the aggregate amounts deposited into the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account. Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Account from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for presidential or congressional budget purposes, and requires their exclusion from any official budget statements.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the new carryover basis rules in order to prevent tax increases and the imposition of compliance burdens on many more estates than would benefit from repeal, to retain the estate tax with a $3,500,000 exemption, to reinstitute and update the Pay-As-You-Go requirement of budget neutrality on new tax and mandatory spending legislation, enforced by the threat of annual, automatic sequestration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009

Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009 - Repeals provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) eliminating the tax on estates and generation-skipping transfers and the step-up in basis provisions for property acquired from a decedent for estates of decedents dying after 2009. Declares that the sunset provision (general terminating date of December 10, 2010) of EGTRRA shall not apply to title V of such Act (Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Provisions). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a $3.5 million estate tax exclusion and a reduction in the maximum estate and gift tax rate to 45% after 2009.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-108]RESOURCING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STRATEGY: IMPLICATIONS OF LONG TERM DEFENSE BUDGET TRENDS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 November 2009

Secure Federal File Sharing Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009

Secure Federal File Sharing Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance to: (1) prohibit the download, installation, or use by government employees and contractors of open-network peer-to-peer file sharing software on all federal computers, computer systems, and networks, unless approved in accordance with procedures under this Act; and (2) address the download, installation, or use by government employees and contractors of such software on home or personal computers as it relates to telework and remotely accessing federal computers, computer systems, and networks. Requires the Director to develop a procedure for receiving requests from heads or chief information officers of agencies for approval for use by government employees and contractors of specific open-network peer-to-peer file sharing software programs that are: (1) necessary for day-to-day business operations, for use in the course of a law enforcement investigation, or to perform official agency business; or (2) instrumental in completing a particular task or project that directly supports the agency's overall mission. Requires the Director to direct agencies to: (1) establish or update personal use policies to be consistent with the guidance issued under this Act; (2) require contracts to require contractor compliance with that guidance; (3) update their information technology security or ethics training policies to ensure that all employees are aware of the requirements of that guidance and the consequences of engaging in prohibited conduct; and (4) ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent, detect, and remove file sharing software that is prohibited.

Puget Sound Recovery Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009

Puget Sound Recovery Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish a Puget Sound Program Office, to be co-located with the Puget Sound Partnership in Washington; and (2) appoint a Director of the Office. Requires the Administrator, acting through the Director, to: (1) assist and support the implementation of the Puget Sound Action Agenda; (2) provide funding and make grants for implementation of the Agenda and related projects; (3) promote methodologies and technologies that are cost-effective and consistent with the goals and objectives of the Agenda and the EPA permitting processes; (4) coordinate the major functions of the federal government relating to the implementation of the Agenda; (5) coordinate the research and planning projects authorized under this Act with activities of federal and state agencies, tribes, institutions of higher learning, and the Puget Sound Partnership's Science Panel; (6) track progress toward meeting the identified goals and objectives of the Agenda; (7) coordinate projects, programs, and studies for the protection of Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with Canadian authorities; (8) collect and make available to the public publications and information relating to the environmental quality of Puget Sound; and (9) implement projects, programs, and studies to implement the Agenda. Establishes a Puget Sound Program Advisory Council to provide advice on the implementation of the Agenda's goals and objectives. Allows the Administrator, acting through the Director, to make grants for projects, programs, and studies to implement the Agenda, including a comprehensive grant to the Partnership to manage such implementation. Requires the President, as part of the annual budget, to submit information regarding expenditures and roles of each federal agency involved in Puget Sound protection and restoration. Requires the Administrator and the Executive Director of the Puget Sound Partnership to a report biennially to Congress on the implementation of the Agenda.

Puget Sound Recovery Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009

Puget Sound Recovery Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish a Puget Sound Program Office, to be co-located with the Puget Sound Partnership in Washington; and (2) appoint a Director of the Office. Requires the Administrator, acting through the Director, to: (1) assist and support the implementation of the Puget Sound Action Agenda; (2) provide funding and make grants for implementation of the Agenda and related projects; (3) promote methodologies and technologies that are cost-effective and consistent with the goals and objectives of the Agenda and the EPA permitting processes; (4) coordinate the major functions of the federal government relating to the implementation of the Agenda; (5) coordinate the research and planning projects authorized under this Act with federal and state agencies, tribes, universities, and the Puget Sound Partnership's Science Panel; (6) track progress toward meeting the identified goals and objectives of the Agenda; (7) coordinate projects, programs, and studies for the protection of Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with Canadian authorities; (8) collect and make available to the public publications and information relating to the environmental quality of Puget Sound; and (9) implement projects, programs, and studies to implement the Agenda. Requires the Administrator to establish a Puget Sound Program Advisory Council to provide advice on the implementation of the Agenda's goals and objectives. Requires the Administrator and the Executive Director of the Puget Sound Partnership to a report, biennially, to Congress on implementation of the Agenda. Allows the Administrator, acting through the Director, to make grants for projects, programs, and studies to implement the Agenda, including a comprehensive grant to the Partnership to manage such implementation. Requires the President, as part of the annual budget, to submit information regarding expenditures and roles of each federal agency involved in Puget Sound protection and restoration.

COBRA Subsidy Extension and Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009

COBRA Subsidy Extension and Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to: (1) increase the subsidy under COBRA (health insurance continuation benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) to 75% of a worker's health care insurance premium; (2) extend such subsidy from 9 to 15 months after termination from employment; (3) extend coverage under COBRA to employees whose work hours are involuntarily reduced; and (4) extend until June 30, 2010, the period of eligibility for COBRA premium assistance.

Additional health insurance options for unemployed Americans Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009

Additional Health Insurance Options for Unemployed Americans Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, with respect to guaranteed availability of individual health insurance coverage for individuals with prior group plan coverage, to eliminate the requirement that such individuals have exhausted benefits under COBRA (health insurance continuation benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) or a similar state program after termination of employment.

Spending, Deficit, and Debt Control Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009

Spending, Deficit, and Debt Control Act of 2009 - Enhanced Spending Control and Budget Enforcement Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to require joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolutions signed by the President. Repeals the requirement for submission to the House of Representatives of an allocation and sub-allocations, consistent with the discretionary spending levels in the most recently agreed to budget resolution, in the event that no new budget resolution becomes law before April 15 of any year. Prescribes procedures for expedited consideration in each chamber of a presidential veto of a budget resolution. Revises requirements for adjustments for emergencies. Provides for a reserve fund for emergencies. Prescribes requirements for biennial budget resolutions, appropriations Acts, and government strategic and performance plans instead of annual ones if the President and Congress so agree. Spending Enforcement and Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to establish discretionary spending limits for FY2011-FY2019. Prescribes certain deficit control enforcement mechanisms for such period. Budget Reform and Long-Term Sustainability Act of 2009 - Amends the CBA to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to: (1) make an annual 75-year projection of total spending, revenue, deficits, and debt as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), based on current law levels as modified to maintain current policy; (2) issue a Spending Review Report analyzing the solvency of the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Fund and the long-range sustainability of the spending levels of Medicare, Medicaid, and other direct spending. Prescribes procedures for introduction and expedited consideration in each chamber of spending review legislation if such report indicates OASDI Trust Fund insolvency or the non-sustainability of Medicare, Medicaid, and other direct spending. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) each to report on the federal government's financial condition, including the long-term unfunded obligations. . Requires inclusion in a joint budget resolution of specified long-term reconciliation directives in addition to, as under current law, a reconciliation measure. Requires CBO to estimate whether each measure reported from committee (except those under the Committee on Appropriations) causes a net increase in direct spending in excess of $5 billion in any of the four 10-year periods beginning in FY2019-FY2058. Makes it out of order in both chambers, subject to certain waivers or suspensions, to consider any measure that causes such a net increase in deficits Federal Program Sunset Act of 2009 - Establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to review and report to Congress on the efficiency and public need for each federal agency, recommending abolishment or reorganization. Legislative Line-Item Veto Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose to Congress the cancellation (line item veto) of any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, item of direct spending, or targeted tax benefit. Prescribes procedures for expedited consideration in each chamber of legislation to approve such proposal. Authorizes the President to: (1) withhold discretionary budget authority temporarily from obligation; or (2) suspend temporarily direct spending, a limited tariff, or targeted tax benefit. Declares that all such spending reductions related to this title shall be for deficit reduction. Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports), Rule X (Organization of Committees), and Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House to prescribe procedures for consideration of rescission measures. Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies Act of 2009 - Establishes the Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies to: (1) evaluate executive agencies and their programs, using specified criteria; and (2) submit to Congress a plan recommending agencies and programs that should be realigned or eliminated, and proposing implementing legislation. Prescribes procedures for congressional consideration of reform proposals. Transparency in Budgeting Act of 2009 - Provides for accrual funding of: (1) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (2) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System; and (3) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Retirement Fund; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Retirement Fund; and (3) the Coast Guard Military Retirement Fund. Provides for accrual funding of post-retirement health benefits costs for federal employees. Changes the name of the Department of Defense (DOD) Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to Uniformed Services Health Care Fund (thus, providing health care programs for all uniformed service retirees, under certain conditions). Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform. Declares a moratorium on consideration of earmarks until the Joint Select Committee files its report. Revises requirements for limiting the public debt. Repeals Rule XXVIII (the Gephardt Rule, relating to mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution). Amends the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 to require adjustment for market risks in the estimation of net present values for calculation of the estimated long-term cost to the federal government of a direct loan or loan guarantee or modification. Budget Enforcement and Congressional Control Act of 2009 - Amends the CBA to prohibit consideration of extraneous appropriations in omnibus appropriations measures, or of more than a 20% increase in new direct spending in reconciliation legislation. Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) to make it out of order to consider any waiver of spending and deficit limits under this Act or the CBA. Directs the chairs of the congressional budget committees to each maintain a deficit reduction Discretionary Account and a deficit reduction Mandatory Account. Revises Rule X to suspend certain requirements limiting terms of service on the House Budget Committee. Establishes a House select committee to review the effectiveness of such requirements. Provides for expedited judicial consideration and review of a complaint by a Member of Congress or individual who is adversely affected by this Act.

OPTION Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009

Offering Patients True Individualized Options Act of 2009 or the OPTION Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate restrictions on the tax deduction for medical expenses; (2) expand health care savings accounts (HSAs) and increase the maximum contribution level for such accounts; (3) allow physicians a tax credit for providing charity care; and (4) extend continuation coverage under COBRA (health insurance continuation benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985). Amends title II (Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a procedure to enroll a Medicare Part A beneficiary in the Medicare Reform Voucher Program to buy private health insurance. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow certified medical professionals to assess the nature and extent of an emergency room patient's illness or injury to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the sale and purchase of health insurance policies across state lines. Sets forth requirements for and restrictions on such policies. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are privately-sponsored group health plans that meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Establishes the Association Health Plan Fund to be used by the Secretary of Labor to make payments to an insurer to maintain coverage for a plan if there is a reasonable expectation that, without such payments, claims would not be satisfied by reason of termination of coverage. Allows a state to impose a contribution tax on an association health plan that commences operations in such state after the enactment of this Act.

Control Spending Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009

Control Spending Now Act - Fiscal Discipline, Earmark Reform, and Accountability Act - Amends the Standing Rules of the Senate to revise procedures for consideration of points of order against consideration of certain general appropriations bills in the Senate. Amends the Rules to require all conference reports to be searchable online. Congressional Accountability and Line Item Veto Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose the repeal of any congressional earmark or the cancellation (line item veto) of any limited tariff or targeted tax benefit. Dedicates any such repeal or cancellation only to deficit reduction or increase of a surplus. Prescribes procedures for expedited consideration in each House of Congress for such proposals. Authorizes the President temporarily to withhold congressional earmarks from obligation or suspend a limited tariff or targeted tax benefit. Expresses the sense of Congress on abuse of proposed repeals and cancellations. Requires Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) legislation to include by reference an estimate of its budgetary effects, as determined by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA), if timely submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the chairs of the congressional budget committees (chairs) before the vote on it. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to maintain and make publicly available a continuously updated document with two specified PAYGO scorecards displaying the budgetary effects of PAYGO legislation, applying certain look-back and averaging requirements. Requires OMB to display as a separate addendum the cost estimates of provisions designated in statute as emergency requirements. Requires OMB to make annual public PAYGO reports and prepare for the President an offsetting sequestration order, which the President shall issue, if such report shows a debit on either PAYGO scorecard for the budget year. Exempts from sequestration: (1) low-income subsidies and catastrophic subsidies under Part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of the Social Security Act (SSA); and (2) qualified individual (QI) premiums for Medicare cost-sharing for certain dual eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries under SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to specify additional Social Security, veterans, Tier I Railroad Retirement benefits and other programs and activities exempt from a sequestration order as well as certain economic recovery programs. Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the CBA to require: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial government strategic and performance plans. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to eliminate automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress. Rescinds a specified amount from funds appropriated under title I of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 for specified Members of Congress expense accounts. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require all mandatory designations, statements, and reports filed under it to be filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Prohibits the obligation of any amounts by the Secretary of the Treasury from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) after the enactment of this Act. Student Loan Reform Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to end subsidies for private student loan companies. Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise requirements for the importation of prescription drugs. Prohibits the importation of a qualifying drug unless it is imported by a registered importer or an individual for personal use. Establishes registration conditions for importers and exporters. Sets forth requirements for the importation of qualifying drugs different from U.S. label drugs. Prohibits manufacturers from discriminating against registered exporters or importers or engaging in actions to restrict, prohibit, or delay the importation of a qualifying drug. States that the resale in the United States of prescription drugs that were properly sold abroad is not patent infringement. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to educate consumers regarding prescription drug importation. Prescribes requirements for the sale of prescription drugs through an Internet site. Prohibits the introduction of restricted transactions with unregistered foreign pharmacies into a payment system or the completion of such transactions using a payment system. Drug Rebate Equalization Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending to such organizations the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid plans. Requires also that capitation rates paid to the organization be: (1) based on actual cost experience related to rebates; and (2) subject to the federal regulations requiring actuarially sound rates. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to increase the Medicaid drug rebate to bring down prices for prescription drugs. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop and implement a program to impose fees on businesses that benefit from the trade promotion activities of the International Trade Administration (ITA). Amends the Agricultural Trade Act to reduce the allocation of certain funds by the Commodity Credit Corporation or the Secretary of Agriculture for market access activities (for agriculture commodities exporters). Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess, and facilities to pay, a user fee when facilities fail Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality inspections. Amends the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 to: (1) modify irrigation and crop insurance subsidies for specified single farm operations; (2) reduce direct payments to large landowners; (3) cut farm subsidies for high-income individuals; (4) eliminate the cotton storage subsidy; and (5) end subsidized grazing fees. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend through FY2019 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority to grant a radio broadcasting license or permit to qualified applicants through a competitive bidding system. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the percentage depletion allowance for hardrock mining. Amends the Revised Statutes to end subsidies for hardrock mining on public lands by imposing mining royalties and increasing claim maintenance fees. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require a 2% deduction (for federal administrative costs) from payments to states from money received from sales, bonuses, royalties including interest charges related to onshore oil, gas, coal, and mineral leases on public lands. Amends the Energy Policy Act to repeal the prohibition against a rulemaking that would enable an increase in fees to recover additional costs related to processing oil and natural gas drilling-related permit applications and use authorizations. Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to revise requirements for the disposal of all funds received from the sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals related to geothermal energy production on public lands. Sets at $5.00 the current uniform fee imposed on passengers of air carriers and foreign air carriers for the cost of providing civil aviation security services. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) to prescribe a formula for reducing the premium subsidy for Medicare prescription drug assistance based on income. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds for FY2010 to support: (1) a lunar mission under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Constellation Program scheduled to occur before 2025; (2) the V-22 or V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft program; (3) the C-17 Globemaster aircraft program; or (4) nondemonstration satellites under the Space Tracking and Surveillance System. Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics to develop an alternative acquisition strategy for high-risk major defense acquisitions (weapons systems), and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to decide whether or not to terminate a major defense acquisition program in order to meet joint military requirements through a recommended the alternative acquisition strategy. Reduces spending on excess secondary inventory (spare parts) for the Department of the Air Force. Requires DOD to recover $50 million in erroneous overpayments to defense contractors. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to follow specified procedures to: (1) assess and report to Congress on the vulnerability and/or acquisition of major intelligence systems; and (2) submit a Future Year Intelligence Plan and long-term budget projections to congressional intelligence committees. Prescribes a procedure for senior intelligence management officials to correct long-standing material intelligence budget weaknesses. Requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to deposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts all the service fees it receives (IRS Slush Fund). Rescinds unspent earmarks meeting specified criteria. Repeals: (1) the Rail-Line Relocation Program; and (2) the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act and the Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act (eliminating radio/TV MARTI at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting). Prohibits the use of certain funds to support the military forces of Colombia.

America's Healthy Future Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2009

America's Healthy Future Act of 2009 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Health Insurance Coverage) to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and essential health benefits coverage. Requires all health benefits plans offered to individuals and employers in the individual and small group market to be qualified health benefits plans (QHBPs). Prohibits QHBPs from excluding coverage for preexisting conditions, or otherwise limiting or conditioning coverage based on any health status-related factors. Requires QHBPs to offer coverage in the individual and small group markets on a guaranteed issue and guaranteed renewal basis. Requires states to: (1) establish rating areas; (2) adopt a specified risk adjustment model; and (3) establish transitional reinsurance programs for individual markets. Requires QHBP offerors in the individual and small group markets to consider all enrollees in a plan to be members of a single risk pool. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish: (1) risk corridors for certain plan years; (2) high risk pools for individuals with preexisting conditions; (3) a temporary reinsurance program for retirees covered by employer-based plans; and (4) a program under which a state establishes one or more QHBPs to provide at least an essential benefits package to eligible individuals in lieu of offering coverage through an exchange. Entitles a qualified individual to the choice to enroll or not to enroll in a QHBP offered through an exchange covering the individual's state as well as QHBPs in the individual market. Requires such individuals to be U.S. citizens or lawful residents. Requires each state to establish: (1) an exchange designed to facilitate enrollment in QHBPs in the individual market; and (2) a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange designed to assist qualified small employers in facilitating the enrollment of their employees in QHBPs in either the individual or the small group market. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a system allowing state residents to participate in state health subsidy programs; and (2) study methods exchange QHBPs can employ to encourage health care providers to make increased meaningful use of electronic health records. Prescribes the contents of an essential benefits package, including little or no cost-sharing, no annual or lifetime limits on coverage, and preventive services. Declares that nothing in this Act requires health care benefits plans to provide coverage for abortions. Requires the plan offeror to determine whether or not the plan provides coverage of abortion services for which federal funding: (1) is prohibited; or (2) is allowed. Requires the Secretary to assure that: (1) at least one QHBP covers abortion services for which federal funding is prohibited or allowed; and (2) at least one QHBP that does not cover abortion services for which federal funding is allowed. Prohibits the use of premium credits and cost-sharing subsidies for QHBPs covering abortion services for which federal funding is prohibited. Prohibits QHBPs from discriminating against any individual health care provider or health care facility because of its willingness or unwillingness to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Continues application of state and federal laws regarding abortion. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow tax credits related to the purchase of health insurance through the state exchanges; and (2) impose an excise tax on individuals without essential health benefits coverage and on employers who fail to meet health insurance coverage requirements with respect to their full-time employees. Requires the President to: (1) certify annually in the President's Budget whether or not the provisions in this Act will increase the budget deficit in the coming fiscal year; and (2) instruct the HHS Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury to make required reductions in exchange credits and subsidies. Establishes a new mandatory eligibility category under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) for all non-elderly, nonpregnant individuals who are otherwise ineligible for Medicaid. Revises Medicaid benefits. Rescinds funds available in the Medicaid Improvement Fund for FY2014-2018. Makes appropriations for Aging and Disability Resource Center initiatives. Increases the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for states to offer home and community-based services as a long-term care (LTC) alternative to nursing homes. Creates a Community First Choice Option. Adds a new optional categorically needy eligibility group to Medicaid for individuals: (1) with income that exceeds 133% of the poverty line; and (2) certain other individuals, but only for benefits limited to family planning services and supplies. Directs the Secretary to establish a grants program to support school-based health centers. Removes smoking cessation drugs, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines from Medicaid's excluded drug list. Revises requirements for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal Coordinated Health Care Office within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMMS). Directs the Secretary to establish a Medicaid Quality Measurement Program. Revises requirements for the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). (CHIP refers to SSA title XXI [Children's Health Insurance Program].) Sets forth special rules relating to American Indians and Alaska Indians. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for sharing data collected under a federal health care program on race, ethnicity, sex, primary language, type of disability, and related measures and data analyses. Amends SSA title V with respect to the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) block grant program. Provides funding for abstinence education. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to codify and revise the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) wellness program regulations. Elder Justice Act of 2009 - Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) with respect to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and their prevention. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Elder Justice Coordinating Council. Directs the Secretary to establish a hospital value-based purchasing program under Medicare. Extends Physician Quality Reporting Initiative program (PQRI) incentive payments beyond 2010. Modifies the Physician Feedback Program. Requires the Secretary to develop a plan to implement a Medicare value-based purchasing program for home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to direct the Secretary to establish a national strategy to improve the delivery of health care services, patient health outcomes, and population health. Directs the President to convene an Interagency Working Group on Health Care Quality. Amends SSA title XI (General Provisions) to provide for the establishment of a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation within CMMS. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to establish a shared savings program that promotes accountability for a patient population and coordinates items and services under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Creates a Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. Directs the Secretary to establish a Community-Based Care Transitions Program Revises requirements with respect to residents in teaching hospitals. Increases the Medicare physician payment update. Directs the Secretary to establish a Working Group on Access to Emergency Medical Care. Extends the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 with respect to the hospital wage index. Establishes a Medicare prescription drug discount program for brand-name drugs for beneficiaries who enroll in Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) and have drug spending that falls into the coverage gap. Establishes an independent Medicare Commission to reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending. Amends SSA title XI to add a new part D (Comparative Effectiveness Research) under which is established a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Establishes in the Treasury the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund. Establishes a nationwide program for national and state background checks on direct patient access employees of LTC facilities and providers. Directs the Secretary to establish new procedures for screening providers of medical or other items or services and suppliers under the Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs. Directs the Secretary to establish a self-referral disclosure protocol to enable health care service providers and suppliers to disclose violations. Requires the Secretary to expand the number of areas included in Round Two of the durable medical equipment (DME) competitive bidding program. Extends the period for collection of overpayments due to fraud. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to: (1) an excise tax on the excess benefit of high cost employer-sponsored health coverage; (2) distributions from health savings accounts for drugs and insulin that are prescribed drugs and insulin only; (3) a limitation on salary reduction contributions by employers to a health flexible spending arrangement; (4) expanded information reporting requirements; (5) additional qualifying requirements for charitable hospital organizations; and (6) a qualifying therapeutic discovery project tax credit. Imposes annual fees on: (1) manufacturers and importers of branded prescription pharmaceuticals or of medical devices; and (2) health insurance providers. Increases the threshold for the itemized income tax deduction for medical expenses. Prescribes a special rule to limit excessive remuneration by certain health insurance providers. Excludes from an individual's gross income the value of any qualified Indian health care benefit. Prescribes treatment of small business employers maintaining a simple cafeteria plan.

Hospice Support Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Hospice Support Act of 2009 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to eliminate phase out of the Medicare hospice budget neutralilty adjustment factor.

THE COST OF CURRENT DEFENSE PLANS: AN ANALYSIS OF BUDGET ISSUES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 October 2009

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) in a budget neutral manner.

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).

A bill to require that all legislative matters be available and fully scored by CBO 72 hours before consideration by any subcommittee or committee of the Senate or on the floor of the Senate.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Amends Rule XXVI (Committee Procedure) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order in a subcommittee or committee to proceed to any legislative matter unless the legislative matter and a final budget scoring for it by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) have been publicly available on the Internet, on the official committee and CBO websites, in searchable form 72 hours before proceeding (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays except when the Senate is in session on such a day). Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the subcommittee or committee. Makes it out of order in the Senate to proceed to a legislative matter if it was proceeded to in a subcommittee or committee in violation of this Rule. Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Senate. Amends Rule XVII (Reference to Committees; Motions to Discharge; Report; Hearings Available) to apply the same rule in the Senate before it proceeds to any legislative matter. States that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the Senate's custody. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules.

Children's Budget Act

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.

A resolution to require that all legislative matters be available and fully scored by CBO 72 hours before consideration by any subcommittee or committee of the Senate or on the floor of the Senate.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Amends Rule XXVI (Committee Procedure) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order in a subcommittee or committee to proceed to any legislative matter (except perfecting amendments) unless the legislative matter and a final budget scoring for it by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) have been publicly available on the Internet, on the official committee and CBO websites, in searchable form 72 hours before proceeding (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays except when the Senate is in session on such a day). Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the subcommittee or committee. Makes it out of order in the Senate to proceed to a legislative matter if it was proceeded to in a subcommittee or committee in violation of this rule. Permits waiver or suspension of this rule, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Senate. Amends Rule XVII (Reference to Committees; Motions to Discharge; Report; Hearings Available) to apply the same rule in the Senate before it proceeds to any legislative matter (other than perfecting amendments). States that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the Senate's custody. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules.

Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1016, with amendment.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the amendment to H.R. 1016 (Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009).

Seniors and Veterans Economic Stimulus Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Seniors and Veterans Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to extend through the first three months of 2010 the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to make a payment of $250 to each eligible individual age 18 or over who, during the three-month period immediately preceding enactment of such Act (for purposes of payments made for calendar year 2009), or the three-month period beginning with December 2009 (for purposes of payments made for calendar year 2010), was entitled to Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, railroad retirement benefits, or veterans disability compensation or pension benefits. Repeals the limitation to one payment only to an individual regardless of whether the individual is entitled to, or eligible for, more than one benefit or cash payment. Entitles such individual to a payment in each of calendar years 2009 and 2010. Rescinds from the unobligated balance of the discretionary appropriations made available by division A of such Act the amount determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to be required to offset the increase in spending resulting from this Act.

Providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2009

Makes it in order at any time through September 24, 2009, for the Speaker of the House of Representatives to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules relating to H.R. 3631 (amending title XVIII [Medicare] of the Social Security Act) to provide for the application of a consistent Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) premium for all Medicare beneficiaries in a budget neutral manner for 2010.

Customs Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Reauthorization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009

Customs Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP Agency), which shall be headed by a Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to transfer all functions of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of DHS (formerly the U.S. Customs Service) to the CBP Agency. Establishes within the Agency an Office of Trade. Transfers all functions of the CBP Office of International Trade and the Office of International Affairs to the Office of Trade. Directs the Commissioner to appoint within the Office of Trade a Trade Advocate. Transfers all functions of the CBP Office of Trade Relations to the Office of Trade. Establishes within the Office of Field Operations of the CBP Agency a Customs Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Division. Directs the Commissioner to designate at least 40 Commercial Enforcement Officers within the Office. Establishes an interagency Customs Review Board to review changes to U.S. customs regulations, interpretations, or practices that are proposed or may be adopted by the CBP Agency. Establishes in the DHS the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE Agency). Establishes the position of Chief of Policy and Strategy for the ICE Agency. Amends the Customs and Trade Act of 1990 to direct the Commissioner and the Director of Trade Policy to develop jointly every two years, and submit to specified congressional committees, a Joint Strategic Plan for enforcing U.S. customs and trade laws. Directs the DHS Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to develop additional trade benefits for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 participants in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to direct the Commissioner to establish a voluntary Customs Facilitation Partnership Program to facilitate the entry of merchandise into the United States and provide certain trade benefits to importers that meet or exceed certain minimum program requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the DHS Secretary jointly to establish a Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to require the deposit of $325 million from collected customs user fees into the Customs Commercial and Homeland Security Automation Account to complete development of the Automated Commercial Environment computer system. Directs the Secretary of DHS to establish within the CBP Agency Office of Trade a Commercial Targeting Division to conduct commercial risk assessment targeting and, when needed, issue trade alerts with respect to cargo destined for the United States. Directs the Commissioner and the Director jointly to develop and update, and report to Congress, a strategy for uniform enforcement of U.S. illegal drug control laws. Directs the DHS Secretary to establish a program to assign importer of record numbers. Establishes an interagency Import Safety Working Group. Directs the DHS Secretary to develop a Joint Import Safety Rapid Response Plan that sets forth protocols for the CBP Agency to coordinate federal responses to cargo entering the United States that poses a threat to the health or safety of U.S. consumers. Directs the DHS Secretary to establish within the ICE Agency a National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center to coordinate U.S. activities to prevent the import and export of goods that infringe intellectual property rights. Revises eligibility requirements for the drawback (refund) of duties paid on eligible merchandise imported into the United States and later exported. Prescribes or revises requirements for: (1) penalties for a custom broker convicted of committing an act of terrorism; (2) duty-free treatment of imported articles exported and reimported without having been advanced in value or improved in condition; and (3) assignment of CBP Agency employees to perform customs services for charter flight passengers and their baggage. Directs the President to establish a pilot program for designating 24-hour commercial land border ports of entry on the northern and southern U.S. borders. Extends the prohibition against the importation of goods made with convict, forced, or indentured labor to include goods made by means of coercion (i.e., an employer withholding the passport of a foreign worker to compel production of the good) or by one or more individuals who were being subjected to human trafficking. Establishes within the ICE Agency an Office for Labor Enforcement. Requires the Commissioner to ensure that appropriate CBP Agency resources address concerns that honey as well as contraband archaeological or ethnological material is being imported into the United States in violation of U.S. customs laws. Increases from $200 to $500 the retail value of articles that may be imported duty-free into the United States by one person on one day. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations for the entry of merchandise valued between $250 and $2,500.

Deficit Reduction Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009

Deficit Reduction Act of 2009 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to redefine, for FY2011-FY2019, discretionary spending limits (spending caps) for new budget authority and outlays to mean the baseline, minus any emergency spending, for the preceding fiscal year as adjusted for inflation and (as under current law) as adjusted in strict conformance with such Act. Revises sequestration requirements for enforcement of discretionary spending limits. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to conduct such a sequestration to eliminate a budget year breach. Eliminates specific formula requirements for adjustments to discretionary spending limits for: (1) highways; (2) continuing disability reviews for the Social Security Administration (SSA); (3) allowances for the International Monetary Fund (IMF); (4) specified allowances for international arrearages; (5) the earned income tax credit (EITC) compliance initiative; (6) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) adoption incentive payments; and (7) conservation. Prescribes an adjustment to discretionary spending limits for overseas contingency operations related to the global war on terrorism, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Redefines low-growth, for purposes of OMB's required low-growth notification to Congress, from less than zero to less than 1%. Extends Pay-As-You-Go requirements and enforcement mechanisms through FY2019. Establishes sequestration enforcement mechanisms to eliminate deficit limits for FY2012-FY2019. Specifies additional Social Security, veterans, Tier I Railroad Retirement benefits and other programs and activities exempt from a sequestration order as well as certain economic recovery programs. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to make it out of order in both chambers to consider any legislation causing the discretionary limits in the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to be exceeded.

Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009

Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009 - Requires a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Act to include by reference an estimate of its budgetary effects as determined by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA), if timely submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the chairs of the congressional budget committees (chairs) before the vote on it. Requires: (1) the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate, as applicable, also to incorporate by reference such printed estimate into the enrollment of a PAYGO Act; and (2) budgetary effects that are not so included to be determined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) estimates. Amends the CBA to require the chairs to request from the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) an estimate of the budgetary effects of a PAYGO Act before a vote in either chamber on it that, if determined in the affirmative, would clear it for enrollment. Directs the chairs to post such estimate on their respective committee websites and cause it to be printed in the Congressional Record under "PAYGO ESTIMATE." Requires OMB to maintain and make publicly available a continuously updated document containing two PAYGO scorecards (the first for a five-year period and the second for a 10-year period for the beginning of each respective budget year) displaying the budgetary effects of PAYGO legislation, applying certain look-back and averaging requirements. Requires OMB to display as a separate addendum the cost estimates of provisions designated in statute as emergency requirements. Requires OMB to: (1) make an annual public PAYGO report, including a up-to-date document containing the PAYGO scorecards, within 14 business days after Congress adjourns to end a session; and (2) prepare for the President an offsetting sequestration order, which the President shall issue, if such report shows a debit on either PAYGO scorecard for the budget year. Prescribes requirements for calculating a sequestration for nonexempt direct spending programs, including Medicare payments and certain nonexempt mandatory programs. Applies to this Act certain sequestration order requirements of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), as amended by this Act, including the authority of Members of Congress and certain individuals to request an expedited judicial review of a sequestration order. Exempts from sequestration: (1) low-income subsidies and catastrophic subsidies under Part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of the Social Security Act (SSA); and (2) qualified individual (QI) premiums for Medicare cost-sharing for certain dual eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries under SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Amends the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to specify additional Social Security, veterans, Tier I Railroad Retirement benefits and other programs and activities exempt from a sequestration order as well as certain economic recovery programs.

A bill to permit pass-through payment for reasonable costs of certified registered nurse anesthetist services in critical access hospitals notwithstanding the reclassification of such hospitals as urban hospitals, including hospitals located in "Lugar counties", and for on-call and standby costs for such services.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2009

Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, as amended by the Family Support Act of 1988 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, to treat a critical access hospital as rural, notwithstanding the reclassification of its location county as an urban county ("Lugar county") under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, in order to permit pass-through payment for the reasonable costs of certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) services. Counts on-call and standby costs for such services as reasonable CRNA costs.

A bill to provide for a point of order against any legislation that eliminates or reduces the ability of Americans to keep their health plan or their choice of doctor or that decreases the number of Americans enrolled in private health insurance, while increasing the number of Americans enrolled in government-managed health care.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2009

Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider legislation that: (1) eliminates or reduces the ability of Americans to keep their health plan or their choice of doctor; or (2) decreases the number of Americans enrolled in private health insurance, while increasing the number of Americans enrolled in government-managed health care. Suspends such point of order upon certification by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) that the legislation does not cause such actions. Permits waiver or suspension of such prohibition, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths (60) of the Senate.

A resolution to provide for a point of order against any legislation that eliminates or reduces the ability of Americans to keep their health plan or their choice of doctor or that decreases the number of Americans enrolled in private health insurance, while increasing the number of Americans enrolled in government-managed health care.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2009

Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider legislation that: (1) eliminates or reduces the ability of Americans to keep their health plan or their choice of doctor; or (2) decreases the number of Americans enrolled in private health insurance, while increasing the number of Americans enrolled in government-managed health care. Suspends such point of order upon certification by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) that the legislation does not cause such actions. Permits waiver or suspension of such prohibition, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths (60) of the Senate.

Daniel I. Werfel, of Virginia, to be Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management, Office of Management and Budget, vice Linda Morrison Combs, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 3 August 2009

Medicare Hospice Reform and Savings Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

Medicare Hospice Reform and Savings Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise payments and coverage for hospice care under the Medicare program. Prescribes conditions for recovery by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of repayment demands from a hospice program for any accounting year during the four-year period ending on October 31, 2009. Requires the Secretary to issue evidence-based national coverage determinations for life expectancies covering at least each of those terminal medical diagnoses currently covered by Local Coverage Determinations promulgated by Medicare's fiscal intermediaries. Directs the Secretary to restore the application (and reduce the phase out) of the budget neutrality adjustment factor in the Medicare hospice wage index for FY2010-FY2013 in a manner that will result in an aggregate increase in Medicare expenditures equivalent to the aggregate reductions in expenditures resulting from the issuance of the national coverage determinations.

To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to establish discretionary spending caps for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to extend through FY2013 the spending limits (spending caps) for the discretionary categories in new budget authority and outlays. Repeals provisions terminating Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) enforcement mechanisms under such Act.

Empowering Patients First Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009

Empowering Patients First Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified health insurance costs to residents of a state that implements a high-risk pool, a reinsurance pool, or other risk-adjustment mechanism. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and governance of individual membership associations (IMAs) to make available health benefits coverage to IMA members and their dependents. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans, which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Directs that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with conditions of this Act. Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require a state CHIP plan to specify how it will achieve coverage for 90% of targeted low-income children; and (2) prohibit CHIP payments for children with family income above 300% of the applicable poverty line. Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2009 - Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Establishes a statute of limitations and limits noneconomic and punitive damages. Permits a group health plan to vary premiums and cost-sharing by up to 50% of the benefits based on participation (or lack of participation) in a wellness program. Requires a health insurance issuer to provide claims information, on request, to a plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using comparative effectiveness research to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. Authorizes a state to establish a Health Plan and Provider Portal website to standardize information on health insurance plans available in the state. Revises the formula for determining rates in the fee schedule for Medicare physician payments. Sets forth provisions regarding students loans and loan repayment for health care professionals. Establishes discretionary spending limits for FY2010-FY2019 for new budget authority in the nondefense category. Rescinds unobligated balances of certain discretionary appropriations made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Repeals other provisions of such Act, including provisions providing fiscal assistance to states and setting limits on executive compensation.

Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009

Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2009- Amends the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 to require the head of each federal agency to review agency programs and activities every three fiscal years and identify those that may be susceptible to significant improper payments. Defines "significant" to mean improper payments in program or activity payments in the preceding fiscal year that may have exceeded: (1) $10 million and 2.5% of program outlays (1.5% prior to FY2013); or (2) $100 million. Sets forth risk factors for conducting improper payment reviews, including: (1) whether the program or activity is new to the agency; (2) the volume of payments made; (3) whether payment decisions are made outside of the agency; (4) recent major changes in program funding, authorities, practices, or procedures; (5) the level and quality of personnel training; and (6) significant deficiencies in auditing practices. Requires agency heads to: (1) produce a statistically valid estimate of the improper payments in their agencies; and (2) include such estimates in their annual financial statements. Expands agency reporting requirements with respect to improper payments to require reports on actions to reduce and recover improper payments. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) report to specified congressional committees in each fiscal year on actions agencies have taken to report on and recover improper payments; and (2) provide guidance to agencies for implementing actions to reduce improper payments and strategies for addressing risks and establishing internal controls. Requires agency heads to conduct recovery audits for agency programs that expend $1 million or more annually if such audits would be cost-effective. Requires each agency's Inspector General to report each fiscal year on agency compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Director of OMB to establish one or more pilot programs to test accountability mechanisms to ensure compliance with this Act and eliminate improper payments.

To authorize the use of amounts in the Nuclear Waste Fund to promote recycling of spent nuclear fuel, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009

Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to use amounts in the Nuclear Waste Fund to make competitive grants to or enter into long-term contracts with private sector entities for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to complete a rulemaking establishing a process for licensing by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, of facilities for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to provide that the receipt and disbursements of the Nuclear Waste Fund shall not be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficits or surplus for purposes of the executive budget, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) (thereby moving the Fund off-budget).

Foreign Assistance Revitalization and Accountability Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009

Foreign Assistance Revitalization and Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID): (1) an Assistant Administrator for Policy and Strategic Planning to assist in matters related to policy planning, strategic planning, program design, research, evaluation, and budget allocation and management; and (2) a Bureau for Policy and Strategic Planning whose primary duties shall include policy and long-term strategy development, evaluation of program effectiveness, and establishment of resource and workforce allocation criteria. Establishes: (1) in the Bureau for Policy and Strategic Planning an Office for Learning, Evaluation, and Analysis in Development; and (2) the Council on Research and Evaluation of Foreign Assistance and the Council on Research and Evaluation of Foreign Assistance Advisory Board. Directs the Administrator of USAID to: (1) develop a comprehensive workforce and human resources strategy and a related task force to support the objective of promoting development and reducing global poverty; and (2) establish career guidelines for Foreign Service officers and civil service officers that incorporate interagency, intergovernmental, or international organization rotational assignments. Directs the President to require all federal departments and agencies to make publicly available on their Web sites comprehensive and accessible information about U.S. foreign assistance on a program-by-program and country-by-country basis. Sets forth USAID program fund guidelines.

Debt Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2009

Debt Accountability Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in either chamber to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that would increase the deficit or decrease the surplus for any fiscal year unless the appropriate chamber, by roll call vote, acknowledges the costs that would be incurred in carrying out such measure, as estimated by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and any effect those costs might have on the national debt.

Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009

Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2009- Amends the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 to require the head of each federal agency to review agency programs and activities every three fiscal years and identify those that may be susceptible to significant improper payments. Defines "significant" to mean improper payments in program or activity payments in the preceding fiscal year that may have exceeded: (1) $10 million and 2.5% of program outlays (1.5% prior to FY2013); or (2) $100 million. Sets forth risk factors for conducting improper payment reviews, including: (1) whether the program or activity is new to the agency; (2) the volume of payments made; (3) whether payment decisions are made outside of the agency; (4) recent major changes in program funding, authorities, practices, or procedures; (5) the level and quality of personnel training; and (6) significant deficiencies in auditing practices. Requires agency heads to: (1) produce a statistically valid estimate of the improper payments in their agencies; and (2) include such estimates in their annual financial statements. Expands agency reporting requirements with respect to improper payments to require reports on actions to reduce and recover improper payments. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) report to specified congressional committees and the Comptroller General in each fiscal year on actions agencies have taken to report on and recover improper payments; and (2) provide guidance to agencies for implementing actions to reduce improper payments and strategies for addressing risks and establishing internal controls. Requires agency heads to conduct recovery audits for agency programs that expend $1 million or more annually if such audits would be cost-effective. Requires each agency's Inspector General to report each fiscal year on agency compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Director of OMB to establish one or more pilot programs to test accountability mechanisms to ensure compliance with this Act and eliminate improper payments.