Defence

Military Commissions Revision Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Military Commissions Revision Act of 2007 - Amends federal law concerning powers and procedures of military commissions (commissions) to redefine the term "unlawful enemy combatant" as a person who has engaged in, attempted, or conspired to engage in acts of armed hostilities or terrorism against the United States or its co-belligerents, and who is not a lawful enemy combatant. Repeals the requirement that a finding by a combatant status review tribunal that a person is an unlawful enemy combatant be dispositive for purposes of jurisdiction for trial by a commission. Allows statements obtained by a degree of coercion less than torture to be admitted only if the military judge finds that: (1) the totality of the circumstances indicates that the statement possesses probative value; (2) the interests of justice would best be served by admitting the statement; and (3) the interrogation methods used do not amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Prohibits a court or judge jurisdiction to hear or consider an application for a writ of habeas corpus filed by an alien enemy combatant detained by the United States who has been determined by a combatant status review panel to have been properly detained, unless two years has elapsed since the date of detention, and no criminal charges are pending against the detainee at the time the writ is filed.

Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for programs, functions, and activities of the Veterans Health Administration for FY2008 130 percent of the amount obligated during FY2006. Adjusts the amount provided for fiscal years after FY2008 based on the number of enrolled veterans and the number of other persons eligible but not enrolled who are provided care, multiplied by the per capita baseline amount for FY2006, as increased by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Prohibits the availability of such funds for: (1) construction, acquisition, or alteration of veterans' medical facilities (other than for repairs provided for before the date of enactment of this Act); or (2) grants for the construction of state home facilities for the furnishing of veterans' domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in Sarpy County, Nebraska, to serve veterans in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in Sarpy County, Nebraska, to serve the needs of veterans and their families in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

National Guard Redeployment and Homeland Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

National Guard Redeployment and Homeland Protection Act of 2007 - Requires the President, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, to: (1) complete the redeployment to the United States of Army and Air National Guard units serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and (2) return all essential National Guard equipment used in such Operation to the states for use for domestic security purposes.

Veteran Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Veteran Home Equity Conversation [ sic ] Mortgage Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to guarantee any home equity conversion mortgage (mortgage) made to an elderly (62 or older) veteran homeowner, as long as the Secretary determines that the mortgage: (1) is likely to improve the financial situation or otherwise meet the special needs of the homeowner; (2) will include safeguards to offset special risks associated with such a mortgage; and (3) has appropriate terms to ensure its acceptance in the secondary mortgage market. Allows such mortgage to be guaranteed only if it is secured by a dwelling, farm residence, or manufactured home permanently affixed to a lot that is owned and occupied by the elderly veteran homeowner. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) guarantee any mortgage given to refinance an existing home equity conversion mortgage guaranteed by the Secretary; (2) establish a mortgage guarantee fee; and (3) waive the mortgage guarantee fee in certain circumstances.

Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act - Permits a veteran with any compensable service-connected disability (and the veteran's dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.

Motorist's Bill of Rights: Increasing Gas Supply, Reducing Demand, and Protecting Consumers from Gouging

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

The Motorist's Bill of Rights: Increasing Gas Supply, Reducing Demand, and Protecting Consumers from Gouging - Makes it unlawful, with specified exceptions, for a supplier to increase the price for road transportation fuel or domestic heating fuel by an unconscionable amount in an area during a period covered by a presidential proclamation that an abnormal market disruption has occurred. States that a violation of this Act shall be: (1) treated as an unfair or deceptive act or practice as defined under the Federal Trade Commission Act; and (2) subject to civil and criminal penalties. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upon the request of a state governor or tribal organization, to provide financial assistance to hire additional personnel to assist a state or Indian tribe with expertise in fields relevant to consideration of federal refinery authorizations. Requires a federal coordinator, upon the request of an applicant seeking a federal refinery authorization, to establish a memorandum of agreement, executed by relevant federal and state agencies, setting forth the most expeditious coordinated schedule possible for completion of all such authorizations. States that such process of authorizations shall apply to a refinery sited or expanded: (1) in a state or on Indian lands where the process of authorization has been requested; or (2) on a closed military installation. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a public education campaign for U.S. drivers about immediate measures that can be taken to conserve transportation fuel. Amends the Clean Air Act to add as "extreme and unusual circumstances that prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of fuel or fuel additives to consumers" under which the Administrator may temporarily waive a control or prohibition on the use of a fuel or fuel additive circumstances that are the result of unexpected problems with equipment necessary for transportation and delivery of fuel or fuel additives. States that EPA shall have no authority, when considering a state implementation plan (SIP) or SIP revision, to approve any fuel included in such plan or revision if the effect of such approval increases the total number of fuels set forth on the published list of approved fuels (currently EPA does not have the authority to approve a fuel if it increases the total number of fuels approved as of September 1, 2004, in all SIPs). Requires notice and opportunity for comment before EPA removes a fuel from the list. Requires EPA to remove a fuel from the list if such fuel has ceased to be included in an SIP or is identical to a federal fuel control or prohibition. Repeals provisions prohibiting EPA from reducing the total number of authorized fuels. Requires EPA to publish a revised list reflecting the reduction in the number of fuels.

Honoring Existing Retirement Obligations for Every Servicemember Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Honoring Existing Retirement Obligations for Every Servicemember Act of 2007 - Provides that, with respect to a person whose absence from regular employment was necessitated by required service in the uniformed services, if that person dies during the period of such service, then the employer shall treat the person as not having incurred a break in employment until the date of the person's death, for purposes of pension and retirement benefits.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, honoring the invaluable contributions of Charles Edward Taylor, regarded as the father of aviation maintenance, and recognizing the essential role of aviation maintenance technicians in ensuring the safety and security of civil and military aircraft.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Supports National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day to honor the role of aviation maintenance technicians in ensuring the safety and security of civil and military aircraft. Recognizes the life and memory of Charles Edward Taylor, regarded as the father of aviation maintenance.

Recognizing the service of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers during the Korean War, honoring the people of Puerto Rico who continue to serve and volunteer for service in the Armed Forces and make sacrifices for the country, and commending all efforts to promote and preserve the history of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Recognizes the service of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers, a Hispanic U.S. unit comprised mainly of Puerto Ricans, during the Korean War. Honors the people of Puerto Rico, who continue to volunteer for service in the Armed Forces. Commends all efforts to promote and preserve the history of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers.

Expressing the sense of Congress that Congress and the President should increase basic pay for members of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress and the President should: (1) increase basic pay for members of all military components by 3.5%, effective January 1, 2008; (2) increase basic pay for all such components during FY2009-FY2012 by at least one-half of 1% more than the raise calculated under the Employment Cost Index; and (3) provide a $40 special survivor indemnity allowance for persons affected by required Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity offsets for dependency and indemnity compensation.

REDUCING THREATS TO OUR NATION'S AGRICULTURE: AUTHORIZING A NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 May 2007

Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - 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. Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.

Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - 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. Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Closure Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Closure Act of 2007 - Directs the President to close the Department of Defense (DOD) detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Prohibits (with exceptions) the use of funds appropriated for FY2007 or FY2008 for such facility or for the detention at such facility of any foreign national who was detained there on or after March 31, 2007.

Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to provide to veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, particularly veterans who served in such Operations while in the National Guard and reserves: (1) peer outreach and support services; (2) readjustment counseling and related services; and (3) mental health services. Directs the Secretary to also provide to immediate family members of such veterans, during the three-year period following the return of the veterans from such a deployment, education, support, counseling, and mental health services to assist in: (1) readjustment to civilian life; (2) recovery from an injury or illness incurred during such deployment; and (3) readjustment of the family following the veteran's return. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with community health centers and other qualified entities to provide such services in areas not adequately served by health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Secretary to: (1) contract for a program to train veterans to provide the peer outreach and support services; and (2) conduct a training program for clinicians of community health centers and entities contracted to provide such services. Extends the eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations from two to five years after their discharge or release from such duty.

To provide for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Requires the Secretary of Defense: (1) within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, to commence the redeployment of units and members of the Armed Forces (U.S. forces) deployed in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and defense contractors operating in Iraq and funded using amounts appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD); and (2) to complete such redeployment by June 30, 2008. Authorizes the Secretary to retain in Iraq U.S. forces for: (1) providing security for embassy and diplomatic missions; (2) protecting American citizens; (3) serving in roles consistent with diplomatic positions; (4) engaging in targeted special actions of killing or capturing members of al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations with global reach; and (5) training and equipping members of the Iraqi Security Forces. Makes funds immediately available to plan and execute a redeployment of U.S. forces and defense contractors from Iraq. Requires the President to transfer to the government of Iraq all right, title, and interest held by the United States in any military facility in Iraq that was constructed, repaired, or improved using amounts appropriated to DOD and occupied by U.S. forces. Prohibits any funds from being used to further deploy U.S. forces to Iraq after completion of the redeployment, unless specifically authorized by Congress. Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed to: (1) restrict the locations outside of Iraq to which U.S. forces redeployed from Iraq may be transferred; (2) prohibit or otherwise restrict the use of funds available to DOD for the purpose of providing financial assistance or equipment to the Iraqi Security Forces or multinational forces providing security or training in Iraq at the request of the government of Iraq; (3) prohibit or otherwise restrict the use of funds available to any department or agency of the United States (other than DOD) to carry out diplomatic, social, and economic reconstruction activities in Iraq at the request of the government of Iraq; and (4) prohibit or otherwise restrict the authority of the President to arrange asylum or other means of protection for Iraqi citizens who might be physically endangered by the redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq.

To repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243).

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243).

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Pasqualine J. Lawson of Denver, Colorado, an African American woman who valiantly served her country in the Army Air Corps during World War II and serving as a hospital neuropsychiatric team member, was unfairly passed over for promotion and should have held the grade of technical sergeant, rather than private first class, upon her discharge from the service on January 2, 1946.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Pasqualine J. Lawson, while in the Army Air Corps during World War II and serving as a hospital neuropsychiatric team member, was unfairly passed over for promotion and should have held the grade of technical sergeant, rather than private first class, upon her discharge on January 2, 1946.

Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007

Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide for a program under which postal benefits are provided to a member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty and who is either: (1) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan; or (2) hospitalized at a military medical facility as a result of such service. Provides the postal benefits in the form of coupons or other evidence of credit (vouchers) to use for postal-free mailings.

Stop Over Spending Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007

Stop Over Spending Act of 2007 - Second Look at Wasteful Spending Act of 2007 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to transmit annually to Congress a maximum of four special messages that propose to rescind dollar amounts of discretionary budget authority, items of direct spending, and targeted tax benefits. Requires an analysis by: (1) the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) of an estimated savings in budget authority or outlays resulting from such rescission; and (2) the Joint Committee on Taxation of an estimated savings resulting from repeal of targeted tax benefits. Requires any rescinded budget authority, items of direct spending, or targeted tax benefit to be dedicated only to deficit reduction, and not to be used as an offset for other spending increases or revenue reductions. Provides for adjustment of: (1) committee allocations resulting from such rescission; and (2) applicable limits, as appropriate, under this Act. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of a proposed rescission. Requires: (1) the President to issue an order fully implementing without change all sequestrations required by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in its Final Sequestration Report; and (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress and the President on the order's compliance with this Act. Prescribes requirements for discretionary sequestration reports by OMB and GAO, discretionary spending and maximum deficit limits, federal tax gap initiative, executive and legislative branch sequestration procedures, and congressional response to low economic growth. Provides adjustments in such discretionary spending limits for: (1) the Global War on Terrorism overseas; (2) U.S. forces in such War; (3) addressing deficiencies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for injured individuals resulting from such War; (4) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations for the Social Security Administration; (5) health care fraud and abuse; and (6) unemployment insurance improper payment reviews. Authorizes the President to exempt military personnel accounts from sequestration or provide a lower uniform percentage reduction. Prohibits the President's budget from exceeding the maximum deficit amount for any fiscal year. Requires biennial budget resolutions, appropriations Acts, and government strategic and performance plans. Establishes the National Commission on Entitlement Solvency and the Commission on Congressional Budgetary Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise budget resolution requirements. Authorizes the chairman of the Committee on the Budget to notify the Senate of a Medicare funding warning. Makes it out of order to consider any legislation that would cause any increase in direct spending, net of proposals to change direct spending receipts, or revenues contained in the measure if the Senate has been notified of such warning for two consecutive calendar years. Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider legislation that includes a federal income tax rate increase. Requires the concurrent resolution on the budget, for any year when the CBO projects an on-budget deficit (excluding Social Security) for the budget year or any subsequent fiscal year, except in specified circumstances, to: (1) reduce on-budget deficits relative to the CBO projections and put the budget on a path to achieve on-budget balance within five years; and (2) include provisions to protect Social Security and facilitate deficit reduction, other than reducing Social Security benefits. Requires the CBO to prepare an estimate for legislation reported from committee (except measures within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Appropriations) on whether the measure would cause a net increase in direct spending exceeding $5 billion in any of the four 10-year periods between FY2016-FY2055. Sets forth provisions avoiding Pay-As-You-Go points of order in the Senate against consideration of appropriations legislation. Provides for such Pay-As-You-Go points of order in certain circumstances.

Defense Acquisition Reform Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007

Defense Acquisition Reform Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Secretary of the military department concerned from reprogramming or otherwise providing additional funds for a major defense acquisition program (MDAP) that experiences a specified percentage in program acquisition unit costs until the Joint Requirements Oversight Council submits an assessment of the performance requirements for the item to be procured. Adds to the membership of the Council. Requires the Council to approve the initial operational test and evaluation of a MDAP in an environment not specified in its test and evaluation master plan. Requires the Secretary of Defense to prescribe mechanisms that provide cost control measures in contracts for the acquisition of property for the Department of Defense (DOD) that may be authorized or approved by the program manager. Designates military department deputies for acquisition matters. Directs the Secretary to establish a committee on strategic investment in MDAPs. Requires a report from the: (1) Comptroller General on potential modifications of DOD organization and structure for the acquisition of MDAPs; and (2) Secretary on the implementation of recommendations concerning total ownership costs and readiness rates for major weapon systems. Prohibits the milestone decision authority for a MDAP from granting Milestone B approval until such authority obtains a program business case analysis from a federally funded research and development center. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide guidance on the use of award fees in contracts under DOD acquisition programs; (2) define "substantial savings" for purposes of DOD multiyear contracts; (3) submit an investment strategy for the allocation of funds among MDAPs; and (4) prescribe ethics compliance requirements for DOD contractors.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide an exception to the 60-day limit on Medicare reciprocal billing arrangements between two physicians during the period in which one of the physicians is ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to create an exception to the 60-day limit on Medicare reciprocal billing arrangements in the case of arrangements between two physicians over a longer continuous period during all of which one of them is ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces. Applies this exception to medical services provided before January 1, 2008.

Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007

Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007 - Amends the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 to extend authorization of appropriations for counternarcotics efforts. Authorizes appropriations for a pilot program (established by this Act) of crop substitution for poppy production. Provides for assistance with respect to: (1) infrastructure reconstruction; (2) education, and anti-corruption, including implementation of the Afghan action plan on transitional justice; (3) assistance to women and girls; (4) energy development and short-term energy supply; and (5) capacity building. Prohibits, as of FY2009, assistance to a local or provincial government of Afghanistan if the President certifies to Congress that one or more senior officials from such provincial or local government is engaged in or benefits from the narcotics trade or is engaged in terrorist or criminal activities. Establishes a pilot program to provide scholarships to Afghan university students for public policy internships in the United States. Extends the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002. Directs the President to: (1) appoint a Coordinator for U.S. assistance programs for Afghanistan; (2) direct U.S. Armed Forces to continue to support counter-narcotics interdiction operations in Afghanistan; (3) encourage Afghanistan-Pakistan military cooperation; (4) report every six months on security in Afghanistan; and (5) formulate a comprehensive interagency strategy for long-term security in Afghanistan. Authorizes the President to: (1) provide training for foreign military personnel that are to be deployed to Afghanistan; and (2) appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan-Pakistan cooperation. States that it shall be U.S. policy to encourage Pakistan to permit Indian shipments across Pakistan territory of equipment and material to Afghanistan in support of Indian reconstruction and development projects in Afghanistan. Authorizes appropriations for Radio Free Afghanistan.

Veterans Right to Know Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007

Veterans Right to Know Act of 2007 - Requires that, for any veterans' benefit claim for which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has made no decision, the Secretary shall provide to the claimant notice of the status of such claim no later than 60 days after the claim was submitted and every 60 days thereafter until a decision is made, unless the claimant chooses not to receive such notice. Directs the Secretary to implement the notification requirement within 60 days after the enactment of this Act.

State Veterans Home Modernization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007

State Veterans Home Modernization Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from approving any application for financial assistance for a construction project at a state veterans' home that is submitted 730 days after the enactment of this Act if the Secretary determines that the construction would result in an increase in the total number of beds in such state for which the Secretary makes per diem payments for the care of veterans residing in such homes. Expands the state home grant program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to authorize grants for noninstitutional care programs. Requires, for fiscal years after 2007, that not less than 10% of sums appropriated for VA home construction grants be used for grants to states which have submitted applications for noninstitutional care projects.

Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007

Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 - Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to check against all available terrorist watchlists those alien smugglers and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. land, air, and sea borders. Revises alien smuggling and related criminal offense and penalty provisions. Provides extraterritorial jurisdiction over such offenses. Limits a defense of necessity for knowingly bringing an illegal alien into the United States from the high seas. Exempts from certain of such violations (transporting or harboring in the United States) a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization in the United States (or its agents or officers) that encourages, invites, or enables an alien who is present in the United States to serve as a volunteer minister or missionary for such organization in the United States, provided the minister or missionary has been a member of the denomination for at least one year. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend as appropriate sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of alien smuggling offenses and criminal failure to heave to or obstruction of boarding.

NOURISH Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007

Nutrition and Opportunities for the Underserved and Rural Incentives to Secure the Heartland Act of 2007 or NOURISH Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a program through FY2013 to provide greater access and opportunities for minority and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to Department of Agriculture programs and services; and (2) establish the USDA Minority Producer Land Preservation Commission (to terminate nine years after enactment of this Act) to review pending Department foreclosure proceedings. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to extend authorization of appropriations for education grants for Hispanic-serving institutions. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to revise pesticide recordkeeping provisions. Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for the inclusion of long-term health effects in labeling requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish, within the Department's Office of Civil Rights and Community Outreach of the Risk Management Agency, an office of Farmworker Coordination; (2) establish a conservation initiative for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; (3) provide cost-share payments and incentive payments to individual producers to address air quality concerns associated with agriculture; (4) implement an integrated pest management initiative in priority areas; and (5) establish the rural regional entrepreneurship program. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency grants to assist low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Revises the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967. Establishes within the Department the Office of Special Counsel for Competition Matters which shall: (1) investigate and prosecute violations of this Act and the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921; and (2) serve as a liaison between, and act in consultation with, the Department and the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with respect to competition and trade practices in the food and agricultural sector. Provides for Department and Department of Defense procurement of locally produced agricultural products. Establishes the national organic certification and transition cost share program (in lieu of the current national organic certification cost share program). Extends the: (1) conservation reserve program; (2) grassland reserve program; (3) environmental quality incentives program; (4) conservation innovation grant program; (5) wildlife habitat incentive program; (6) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) farmers' market nutrition program; (7) senior farmers nutrition program; (8) the community food project competitive grant program; (9) fresh fruit and vegetable program; and (10) farmers' market promotion program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to rename the food stamp program as the secure nutrition access program (program). Revises program provisions with respect to: (1) standard deduction increases; (2) combat pay, retirement account, and education account exclusions; (3) minimum benefit increases; (4) countable resource increases; (5) legal immigrant eligibility; (6) work requirements; (7) program administration; (8) cash payment pilot projects; (9) program reauthorization; (10) block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa; (11) outreach; (12) natural disasters; (13) Puerto Rico; (14) farmers' markets; and (15) the emergency food assistance program.

Montgomery GI Bill Second Chance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007

Montgomery GI Bill Second Chance Act of 2007 - Authorizes certain members of the Armed Forces to make an irrevocable election during October of any year beginning in 2005 to become entitled to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. Requires a reduction in basic pay of those members electing such educational assistance or, if the member is discharged or released from active duty prior to such reduction, the collection of specified amounts from the member or an equivalent reduction in retired or retainer pay. Requires the Secretary concerned, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, to provide notice of the opportunity created by this Act to elect educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill.

Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007

Calls upon the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to condemn the atrocities taking place in Darfur, Sudan, and end military and economic assistance to the government of Sudan until Sudan stops civilian attacks and engages in peace negotiations. Recognizes the close relationship between the PRC and Sudan and urges the PRC to use its political, international, and economic influence to stop the violence in Darfur, Sudan. Recognizes that the spirit of the Olympics, which is to bring together nations and people from all over the world in peace, is incompatible with actions supporting acts of genocide.

Condemning the recent murders of three Christian workers in Turkey and expressing support for the efforts of the Government of Turkey to investigate and prosecute those individuals responsible for the murders under charges of terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007

Condemns the April 2007 murders of the three Christian workers in Turkey. Supports the government of Turkey's efforts to investigate and prosecute those individuals responsible in order to underline the defense of all residents and citizens of Turkey from attacks by Islamic extremists. Urges the government of Turkey to: (1) take further steps to ensure that religious minority groups in Turkey are protected from such acts of terror by Islamic extremists; and (2) promote freedom of speech and peaceful religious expression in Turkey.

A bill to enhance the defense nanotechnology research and development program.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Amends the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 relating to the defense nanotechnology research and development program (program) to: (1) revise program purposes; (2) replace the Director of Defense Research and Engineering with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics as program administrator; (3) outline program activities, including the development of a strategic plan for defense nanotechnology research and development that is integrated with the strategic plan for the National Nanotechnology Initiative; and (4) extend through 2011 program report requirements. Requires a report from the Comptroller General to the congressional defense and appropriations committees on progress made by the Department of Defense (DOD) in achieving program purposes.

West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Preservation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Preservation Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from declaring as excess to the needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or otherwise disposing or reducing the acreage of, federal land and improvements at the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit to the congressional veterans and appropriations committees a master plan for the use of such land and improvements; and (2) appoint an advisory committee to advise in developing the master plan.

A bill to provide for the maintenance, management, and availability for research of assets of Air Force Health Study.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Directs the Medical Follow-Up Agency of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (Agency) to maintain and manage the assets (including electronic data files and biological specimens of study participants) transferred to the Agency from the Air Force Health Study. Authorizes the Agency, during FY2007-FY2011, to conduct additional research on such assets toward the goal of understanding the determinants of health, and promoting wellness, in veterans. Requires an Agency report to Congress assessing the feasibility and advisability of conducting additional research on such assets after the end of FY2011.

Food Outreach and Opportunity Development for a Healthy America Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Food Outreach and Opportunity Development for a Healthy America Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to: (1) extend assistance for community food projects; and (2) obligate funds for food stamp nutrition education. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to: (1) extend the fresh fruit and vegetable program; (2) extend the farm-to-cafeteria program; and (3) authorize Department of Agriculture and Department of Defense (DOD) geographic preferences to purchase locally produced agricultural or food products. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise the farmland protection program. Gives priority to farm and ranchland with prime, unique, or other productive soils at risk of nonagricultural development. Provides for: (1) grants to eligible state or local entities to purchase conservation easements; and (2) grant agreements with eligible state or local entities to purchase conservation easements using a combination of their own funds and grant funds. Amends the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 to establish the Farmers' Market Promotion Program Plus to make grants to eligible entities to establish and promote direct farmer-to-consumer marketing opportunities. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the seniors farmers' market nutrition program. Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Marketing Service, to: (1) establish a grant program for eligible entities to conduct enterprise feasibility studies, including studies of consumer preference; and (2) provide loans and loan guarantees to eligible entities and individual producers to develop processing, distribution, and information infrastructure for locally or regionally produced food.

Terrorism Prevention and Deterrence Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Terrorism Prevention and Deterrence Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 25 years (or a life term if a death results) for providing, or attempting or conspiring to provide, material support or resources to a perpetrator of international terrorism, or to a family member or other person associated with such perpetrator, with the intent to facilitate, reward, or encourage any act of international terrorism. Provides for expanded jurisdictional bases for prosecuting such offense. Increases prison terms for providing material support to terrorists and foreign terrorist organizations and for receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization. Prohibits attempts or conspiracies to receive such training. Increases criminal penalties for terrorist murders or manslaughters of U.S. nationals outside the United States. Specifies separate criminal penalties for kidnappings and sexual abuse of U.S. nationals outside the United States.

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act - Deems each of the following actions undertaken by a Federal agency to be a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for which a detailed environmental impact statement is required in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969: (1) any action having as a purpose the resumption of nuclear weapon or nuclear explosive device tests at the Nevada Test Site; or (2) use of any other location for such testing. Outlines information required to be included in such statement, including: (1) the possibility of radiation containment failure and the effects of such failure; (2) possible long-term effects on the water table from underground radiation leakage; and (3) information with respect to certain kiloton categories of weapons. Prohibits the United States from resuming any such testing unless authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this Act. Requires: (1) advance public notice of each test; (2) prompt notice of each release of radiation beyond the boundaries of the Nevada Test Site; and (3) a public meeting after each test to discuss test results. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the safety and health of citizens in the vicinity of the Nevada Test Site. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Nevada Test Site Citizens Review Board. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to institutions of higher education to acquire and operate, for ten years, radiation detection equipment and sensors. Directs the Secretary of Energy, through the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency, to monitor the nature and extent of any radiation released into the atmosphere as a result of such testing. Requires: (1) DOE radiation containment assessment; and (2) public notice of monitoring data. Requires the: (1) Director of the National Institutes of Health to make a grant to establish the National Center for the Study of Radiation and Human Health; and (2) Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of individuals exposed to nuclear weapons tests.

Services to Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Services To Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance to eligible entities (private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives) to provide and coordinate the provision of various supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. Requires: (1) equitable geographic distribution of such assistance; and (2) the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to participating entities regarding the planning, development, and provision of such services.

Student Bill of Rights

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Student Bill of Rights - Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each state's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Requires each system to do so through: (1) providing specified fundamentals of educational opportunity to students at each public elementary and secondary school; (2) providing educational services in school districts that receive funds for disadvantaged students that are, taken as a whole, at least comparable to educational services provided in school districts not receiving such funds; and (3) complying with any final federal or state court order in any matter concerning the adequacy or equitableness of the system. Requires withholding of specified portions of its federal funding for administrative expenses if a system: (1) fails to meet a yearly interim goal; (2) does not remedy, after two school years, a failure to provide comparable educational services to schools that receive funds for disadvantaged children; or (3) does not comply with a court order. Allows students or parents aggrieved by violations of this Act to bring civil actions for enforcement in federal district courts. Directs the Commissioner of Education Statistics to study the effects of educational disparities on economic growth and on national defense.

To study the needs of Wounded Women Warriors.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Establishes the Commission on Wounded Women Warriors to: (1) study the needs of women in the Armed Forces who are transitioning from the Department of Defense (DOD) health care system to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system; and (2) report recommendations and conclusions to Congress.

21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 - Entitles to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain members of the Armed Forces or reserves who, after September 11, 2001: (1) are deployed overseas; or (2) serve for an aggregate of at least two years or, before such period, are discharged due to a service-connected disability, hardship, or certain medical conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Authorizes: (1) specialized training and certification programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities; and (2) payments for tutorial assistance and licensure and certification tests. Requires (with exceptions) the use of such assistance within ten years after the individual's last discharge or release from active duty. Requires individuals eligible under both the above program and the regular Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect one program for participation. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the maximum guaranty amount under the veterans' home loan program with respect to residences of a particular size in an area for which the median price for such size exceeds the normal guaranty maximum. Repeals the home loan guaranty fees charged to veterans. Amends the Small Business Act relating to the microloan program to authorize small business loans to veterans in amounts up to $100,000 at an interest rate of no more than 2.5%.

Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational Debt for Service Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational Debt for Service Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income student loan repayments by the federal government on behalf of federal employees and members of the Armed Forces on active duty. Exempts such repayments from social security taxes.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 16 May 2007

21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2007

21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 - Entitles to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain members of the Armed Forces or reserves who, after September 11, 2001: (1) are deployed overseas; or (2) serve for an aggregate of at least two years or, before such period, are discharged due to a service-connected disability, hardship, or certain medical conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Authorizes: (1) specialized training and certification programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities; and (2) payments for tutorial assistance and licensure and certification tests. Requires (with exceptions) the use of such assistance within ten years after the individual's last discharge or release from active duty. Requires individuals eligible under both the above program and the regular Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect one program for participation. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the maximum guaranty amount under the veterans' home loan program with respect to residences of a particular size in an area for which the median price for such size exceeds the normal guaranty maximum. Repeals the home loan guaranty fees charged to veterans. Amends the Small Business Act relating to the microloan program to authorize small business loans to veterans in amounts up to $100,000 at an interest rate of no more than 2.5%.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a process for determining whether a geographic area is sufficiently served by the national cemeteries located in that geographic area.

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a process for determining whether a geographic area is sufficiently served by the national cemeteries located in that area, taking into account, among other things: (1) the number of veterans living in the area; and (2) the average distance a resident of the area must travel to reach the nearest national cemetery. Requires the Secretary, in case of an area with insufficient land to establish a cemetery, to consider alternatives such as establishing a mausoleum.

Education Begins at Home Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2007

Education Begins at Home Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) allot grants to states, Indians, territories, and possessions for programs of early childhood home visitation; and (2) make competitive grants to local educational agencies and other eligible applicants for early home visitation for families with English language learners. Directs the Secretary of Defense to make competitive grants to eligible applicants for early home visitation for military families. Amends the Head Start Act to direct the Secretary of HHS to establish standards for home visitor staff in Early Head Start programs with respect to their training, qualifications, and conduct of home visits. Revises Early Head Start programs to provide for: (1) training in parenting skills and child development; (2) certain home-based and family support services; (3) procedures for transition into Head Start or other local early childhood education programs; (4) staff communication and program coordination; and (5) professional development and personnel enhancement. Directs the Secretary of HHS to develop and implement a public information and educational campaign to inform the public and new parents about the importance of proper care for infants and children under five years of age.

American Fuels Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2007

American Fuels Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Energy Security to oversee all federal energy security programs, including coordination of all federal agency efforts to assist the United States in achieving full energy independence. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) a tax credit, against both ordinary and alternative minimum tax, for production of qualified flexible fuel motor vehicles; and (2) an alternative fuel retail sales credit. Amends the Clayton Act and the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit restrictions on the installation of alternative fuel pumps within fuel franchise documents. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to ensure that diesel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States, on an annual average basis, contains specified percentages of alternative diesel fuel. Sets forth a credit program for the generation of diesel fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an excise tax credit for: (1) production of cellulosic biomass ethanol; and (2) qualifying ethanol blending and processing equipment. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPA) to treat a medium or heavy duty hybrid vehicle as an alternative fueled vehicle. Sets a deadline by which: (1) any federal property with at least one fuel refueling station must include at least one alternative fuel refueling station; and (2) any alternative fuel refueling station on federally-owned property must permit full public access for the purpose of refueling using alternative fuel. Amends federal transportation law to require that any bus purchased with funds from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund to be a clean fuel bus. Amends armed forces law governing energy-related procurement to direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to use fuel produced from domestically produced fuel using starch, sugar, cellulosic biomass, plant or animal oils, or thermal chemical conversion, thermal depolymerization, or thermal conversion processes (covered fuel). Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts to: (1) develop and operate covered fuel production facilities; and (2) provide for construction or capital modification of such facilities. Amends the EPA to include among alternative fueled vehicles any vehicle propelled by electric drive transportation, engine dominant hybrid electric, or plug-in hybrid technology.

Save the Lives of Americans in Close Combat Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2007

Save the Lives of Americans in Close Combat Act of 2007 - Expresses the policy of the United States that: (1) riot control agents are not chemical weapons, but rather legitimate, legal, and non-lethal alternatives to the use of lethal force; and (2) members of the Armed Forces may use such agents under the general rules of engagement in effect for a contingency operation conducted outside of the United States.

A bill to authorize a major medical facility project to modernize inpatient wards at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a major medical facility project for the modernization of inpatient wards at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007

Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act - Directs the Postmaster General to provide for the issuance of a forever stamp (a stamp that meets first-class postage requirements even if postage rates increase) to honor the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart.