Defence

Military Personnel War Zone Toxic Exposure Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Military Personnel War Zone Toxic Exposure Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and administer a system to identify members of the Armed Forces who were potentially exposed to a hazardous disposal site, as well as any negative health effects that may be related to such exposure. Requires the Secretary to: (1) administer the system using existing medical surveillance systems; (2) notify a member and his or her commanding officer of a potential exposure; (3) for each member notified, collect information for purposes of the system; (4) for each member notified, annually provide a complete physical examination and related consultation and counseling; and (5) determine, and report to Congress on, whether existing surveillance systems are sufficient to identify all potential negative health effects resulting from such exposure.

Richard Helm Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Richard Helm Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act - Allows a veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) annual patient enrollment system to elect to receive covered health services through a non-VA facility. (Under current law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may contract for such services when VA facilities are not capable of furnishing economic hospital care or medical services because of geographical inaccessibility or are not capable of furnishing the care or services required.) Directs the Secretary to authorize such services pursuant to a contract with such facility. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish to veterans through a VA health care facility drugs and medicines ordered on prescription of a duly licensed private physician under contract with the VA.

To require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress outlining the United States exit strategy for United States military forces in Afghanistan participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress, by December 31, 2009, outlining the exit strategy for U.S. military forces in Afghanistan participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 - Authorizes FY2010-FY2011 appropriations for: (1) the Department of State (Department) for the administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance; and (5) centers and foundations. Authorizes the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish in the Foreign Service a Public Diplomacy Reserve Corps consisting of mid- and senior-level former Foreign Service officers and other individuals to serve for a period of six months to two years abroad. Provides for the enhancement of U.S. diplomatic outreach, including: (1) establishment of new, and maintenance of existing, libraries and resource centers in connection with U.S. diplomatic and consular missions; and (2) grants for documentary film programs. Extends the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) grants to U.S.-sponsored elementary and secondary schools in countries with predominantly Muslim populations for scholarships; (2) the United States-South Pacific Scholarship Program (Burton Scholarships); and (3) scholarships for indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central and South America to study in the United States. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a Central Asia scholarship pilot program for public policy internships in the United States; (2) an exchange program to provide scholarships for Sri Lankan students from various ethnic, religious, linguistic, and other minority groups to participate in post-conflict resolution workshops; and (3) an exchange and scholarship program in cooperation with the Women's Legislative Caucus in Liberia. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an educational exchange program between the United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries (Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Program). Revises provisions regarding the Vietnam Education Foundation. Authorizes grants for academic management programs in Vietnam. Makes the passport surchage authority permanent. Directs the Secretary to revise the refugee processing system to prioritize refugees who are most urgently in need of resettlement. Directs: (1) the President to implement policies to address the resettlement needs of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs); (2) the Secretary to seek to increase FY2010 resources available to process such applicants in Iraq; and (3) the Secretary to work with the international community to develop a long-term international strategy for Iraqi refugees and IDPs. Directs the President to: (1) require the National Security Council (NSC) to ensure that U.S. policy on Tibet is coordinated with all executive agencies in contact with the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC); and (2) provide grants to nongovernmental organizations to support sustainable economic development, cultural and historical preservation, health care, education, and environmental projects for Tibetan communities in the Tibet Autonomous Region and in other Tibetan communities in the PRC. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Tibet Section within the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, PRC, until such time as a U.S. consulate in Tibet is established. Directs the Secretary to seek to establish a U.S. consulate in Lhasa, Tibet. Authorizes Foreign Service personnel increases at the Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Directs the President to: (1) develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a national U.S. diplomacy strategy; and (2) conduct a comprehensive review of such strategy every four years (Quadrennial Review of Diplomacy and Development). Authorizes the Secretary to establish in the Department a Lessons Learned Center as a central organization for the collection and analysis of best practices and lessons learned by Foreign Service officers and USAID personnel. Foreign Service Overseas Pay Equity Act of 2009 - Extends comparability pay adjustments to Foreign Service members assigned abroad. Amends the death gratuity computation payable to surviving dependents of Foreign Service employees who die from injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish a Transatlantic Diplomatic Fellowship Program and a Security Officers Exchange Program under which the Secretary may temporarily assign a Foreign Service member to a position with any designated country or entity that permits an employee to be assigned to a Department position; (2) suspend a Foreign Service member without pay when the member's security clearance is suspended or when there is reasonable cause to believe that the member has committed a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed; and (3) establish a personal services contractor pilot program. Revises additional Foreign Service member-related provisions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the protection of intellectual property rights of U.S. persons in other countries; and (2) appoint 10 intellectual property attaches. Extends specified benefits under the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to same-sex domestic partners of Foreign Service members. Establishes the Office for Global Women's Issues. United States International Leadership Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees whether a new cone should be established for the Foreign Service that concentrates on members of who serve at international and multilateral institutions or are primarily responsible for participation in multilateral negotiations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an Office on Multilateral Negotiations. Authorizes appropriations to pay U.S. arrearages to the United Nations recognized by the United States. Establishes in the Department the Fund to Promote Multiculteralism in the Americas. Extends the 27.1% U.S. share of assessed contributions for U.N. peacekeeping operations through 2011. Authorizes appropriations for the refurbishment or replacement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Analytical Laboratory. Authorizes appropriations for international broadcasting. Establishes permanent authority for Radio Free Asia. Authorizes: (1) the Director of the Peace Corps to establish a special program that assigns returned Peace Corps volunteers to provide short-term development or other relief assistance; and (2) appropriations for the Peace Corps. Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act of 2009 - Establishes in the executive branch the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation. Requires the Foundation to award grants, including for study in nontraditional study abroad destinations, to: (1) U.S. students; (2) nongovernmental institutions that provide and promote study abroad opportunities for U.S. students in consortium with institutions of higher education; and (3) institutions of higher education, individually or in consortium. Authorizes appropriations. Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the President to perform a strategic review and assessment of the U.S. export controls system. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for specified performance requirements for license applications to export or import United States Munitions List items; (2) ensure that the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has the necessary staff and resources; and (3) review the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the United States Munitions List to determine those technologies and goods that warrant different or additional controls. Authorizes the President, under specified conditions, to provide for special licensing authorization for exports of spare and replacement parts or components of defense items exported to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states, Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, and New Zealand. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President to make available to the appropriate congressional committees Arms Export Control Act-related directives concerning export policies, practices, and regulations. Authorizes the President to remove satellites and related components from the United States Munitions List, except for any satellite or related component that may be transferred to, or launched into outer space by, the PRC. Directs the Inspector General to review Department investigations of possible misuse of United States-origin defense items. Revises penalty provisions with respect to: (1) control of arms exports and imports; and (2) military sales agent fees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide training, procurement, and capacity-building for foreign military and counterterrorism forces in order to: (1) conduct counterterrorist operations; or (2) participate in military and stability operations with the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Extends through FY2011 the President's authority to transfer excess items to the Department of Defense War Reserve Stockpile. Authorizes the President for FY2010-FY2011 to provide for the crating, packing, handling, and transportation of excess defense articles to specified countries. Directs the President to designate a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Implement the Merida Initiative. Authorizes the the President to incorporate the CARICOM countries into the Merida Initiative. Directs the President to establish the Task Force on the Prevention of Illicit Small Arms Trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. Sets forth monetary and prison penalties for illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons to Mexico. Includes in the Department rewards program the arrest or conviction of any individual for illegally exporting small arms or light weapons to Mexico. Expresses congressional support for U.S. ratification of the Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials. Directs the Secretary to submit to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) an assessment on the continuing needs of the Special Court for Sierra Leone; and (2) a report for a government-wide strategy and the strengthening of U.S. civilian capacities for preventing genocide and mass civilian atrocities. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should establish a bilateral commission between the United States and Nigeria to support multifaceted cooperation. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) establish a diabetes prevention and treatment program for Pacific Island countries and for safe water and sanitation; and (2) improve United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) assistance to de jure or de facto stateless individuals. Directs the President to make the prevention and reduction of de jure or de facto statelessness an important goal of U.S. foreign policy and human rights efforts. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits, with waiver authority, the Secretary from providing hurricane preparedness and other weather cooperation assistance to countries that do not cooperate with the United States in such matters. Authorizes the Secretary to use specified funds to carry out and expand Global Peace Operations Initiative programs. Authorizes appropriations. Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary to administer a grant program to promote freedom of the press worldwide. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President, through the Secretary, to establish a multi-year strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries and promote the empowerment of girls at risk of child marriage in developing countries. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth sense of Congress and policy statements regarding: (1) Afghan women and the Shi'ite Personal Status Law; (2) Turkey and the Ecumenical Patriarchate; (3) consular services in Moldova; (4) the global arms trade; (5) Dina Babbitt; (6) Somalia; (7) Sri Lanka; (8) West Papua; (9) Soviet nuclear tests and Kazakhstan's commitment to nonproliferation; and (10) Holocaust-era property restitution.

Recognizing 100 years of military aviation and expressing continued support for military aviators of the United States Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Recognizes 100 years of military aviation. Expresses continued support for military aviators of the Armed Forces.

Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for members of the Armed Forces and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and their families and urging the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to improve the services and support available to such members, veterans, and families.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Supports increased efforts to allow spouses and family members of veterans, including those killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, to receive needed counseling services at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. Encourages the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Defense to develop programs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that include and treat the entire family. Calls on the Secretaries and the heads of other appropriate federal agencies to increase resources available for family and friends of veterans suffering from PTSD. Urges the Secretaries to increase access to counseling and other mental health services to family members of veterans as part of the comprehensive plan for the treatment of mental health conditions of members of the Armed Forces required by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Urges the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to collaborate with the Department of Defense (DOD) center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of PTSD and other mental health conditions with respect to the education, treatment, and support of family members of veterans with such conditions. Requests the Secretaries to submit to Congress a list of statutory barriers that prevent each department from expanding access to mental health counseling services to family members of veterans. Urges the Secretary to aggressively work with Congress, veterans service organizations, and others to determine how to best meet the needs of veterans and their family members.

[H.A.S.C. NO. 111-57]NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 May 2009

[H.A.S.C. NO. 111-56]NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 May 2009

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2010. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (4) Defense Production Act purchases; (5) the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund; (6) research, development, test, and evaluation; (7) operation and maintenance, including for the Iraq Freedom Fund, the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund, environmental restoration, humanitarian aid, and cooperative threat reduction; (8) Working Capital Funds; (9) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (10) the Defense Health Program; (11) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (12) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (13) the Defense Inspector General; (14) the Defense Coalition Support Fund; (15) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (16) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; and (17) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy; (2) military pay and allowances; (3) retired pay and survivor benefits; (4) military health care; (5) acquisition policy and management; (6) DOD organization and management; (7) financial matters, including counter-drug activities; (8) civilian personnel matters; (9) matters relating to foreign nations; and (10) matters relating to military construction, family housing, and real property. Provides for reimbursement of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for certain costs associated with the former Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site, Suffolk, Virginia. Establishes in the Treasury the Refined Petroleum Products, Marginal Expense Transfer Account for DOD purchases of refined petroleum products. Provides a special monthly allowance to servicemembers recovering from combat or combat-related catastrophic injuries.

Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense, for each occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern, to establish and administer a registry of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to such hazard in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify a member or former member who may have been exposed to such a hazard; and (2) provide a complete physical and medical examination of such individual. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies for the Institute of Medicine under which the Institute, for each incident of exposure reported in a registry, shall review and summarize the scientific evidence, and assess the strength thereof, concerning the association between the exposure to such hazard and acute and long-term health consequences of such exposure. Requires the Institute to: (1) make recommendations for necessary additional scientific studies; and (2) conduct periodic subsequent reviews of such evidence. Requires members and former members listed in registries to be notified of any conclusive determinations with respect to such exposure, as well as any other significant related developments. Makes any veteran who was exposed in the line of duty to an occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability may be associated with such exposure.

Military Voting Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Military Voting Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to direct the Secretary of Defense (the presidential designee) to establish procedures for: (1) collecting marked absentee ballots of absent overseas uniformed services voters in regularly scheduled general elections for federal office; and (2) delivering such ballots to the appropriate state election officials. Requires the designee to: (1) ensure that such ballots are delivered prior to the time established for the closing of the polls on the date of the election; (2) carry out delivery requirements by utilizing the express mail delivery services of the U.S. Postal Service, which shall include a mechanism for ballot tracking; (3) inform individuals who are anticipated to be absent overseas uniformed services voters in such an election of the procedures for collection and delivery of marked absentee ballots established pursuant to this Act; and (4) take steps to ensure that such voters are able to cast their votes in a private and independent manner, and that vote contents remain private while in the designee's possession or control.

Veterans' Group Life Insurance Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Veterans' Group Life Insurance Improvement Act of 2009 - Allows veterans insured under Veterans' Group Life Insurance, no more than once in each five-year period, to increase such coverage amount if: (1) the veteran is under 60 years of age; (2) the increase is not more than $25,000; and (3) the total amount of such insurance does not exceed $400,000 (the limit authorized for a veteran under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance).

Service Members First-Time Homebuyer Relief Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Service Members First-Time Homebuyer Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt a member of the Armed Forces from the recapture requirements of the first-time homebuyer tax credit if such member receives orders for service on qualified official extended duty requiring such member to deploy outside the United States, make a permanent or temporary change of duty station, or reside in government quarters.

Providing for passage of the bill (H.R. 2101) to promote reform and independence in the oversight of weapons system acquisition by the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Sets forth the rule for consideration of H.R. 2101 (Weapons Acquisition System Reform Through Enhancing Technical Knowledge and Oversight Act of 2009).

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 12 May 2009

Military Voting Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Military Voting Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to direct the Secretary of Defense (the presidential designee) to establish procedures for: (1) collecting marked absentee ballots of absent overseas uniformed services voters in regularly scheduled general elections for federal office; and (2) delivering such ballots to the appropriate state election officials. Requires the designee to: (1) ensure that such ballots are delivered prior to the time established for the closing of the polls on the date of the election; (2) carry out delivery requirements by utilizing the express mail delivery services of the U.S. Postal Service, which shall include a mechanism for ballot tracking; (3) inform individuals who are anticipated to be absent overseas uniformed services voters in such an election of the procedures for collection and delivery of marked absentee ballots established pursuant to this Act; and (4) take steps to ensure that such voters are able to cast their votes in a private and independent manner, and that vote contents remain private while in the designee's possession or control.

A resolution commending South Charleston, West Virginia, for celebrating its 50th annual Armed Forces Day on May 16, 2009.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Commends South Charleston, West Virginia, for conducting Armed Forces Day celebrations for 50 consecutive years and honoring the selfless dedication and bravery of the men and women of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

Lieutenant Colonel Dominic "Rocky" Baragona Justice for American Heroes Harmed by Contractors Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Lieutenant Colonel Dominic "Rocky" Baragona Justice for American Heroes Harmed by Contractors Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to include, with respect to any contract for work to be performed outside the United States that is approved and financed by the U.S. government, requirements that: (1) the contractor consent to in personam jurisdiction over the contractor by the federal courts with respect to any suit alleging serious bodily injury of a member of the Armed Forces, civilian government employee, or U.S. citizen employee of a company performing work for the government, or any civil or criminal suit brought by the government alleging wrongdoing associated with the performance of the contract; and (2) a contractor awarded a contract with a value of $5 million or more that does not maintain a U.S. office designate an agent in the United States for service of process in such a suit. Requires a contractor to consent to federal court jurisdiction in any civil or criminal action commenced between September 11, 2001, and the date of enactment of this Act as a condition of entering into any contract with the U.S. government, or receiving payment for performing any activity under such a contract, on or after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Director to amend FAR to provide that a U.S. government contractor may be debarred or suspended from contracting for: (1) evading service of process in such a suit; or (2) refusing or failing to appear before a federal court in a matter brought against the contractor by the U.S. government or a U.S. citizen or national in connection with contract performance.

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (4) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (5) the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Fund; (6) procurement; (7) research, development, test and evaluation; (8) Defense Working Capital Funds; (9) the Defense Health Program; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (12) the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund; (13) the Office of Inspector General; (14) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force, and DOD; (15) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; and (16) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 2005. Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. Makes supplemental appropriations for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Foreign Agricultural Service for Public Law 480 Title II grants (supplemental food program) and wildland fire management; (2) the Department of Justice (DOJ), including for the National Security Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Prison System; (3) the Department of Energy for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (4) the National Nuclear Security Administration for defense nuclear nonproliferation; (5) the Executive Office of the President for the National Security Council; (6) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for firefighter assistance grants; (7) the Department of the Interior for wildland fire management; (8) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (8) the Capitol Police; (9) the Department of State for diplomatic and consular programs, the Office of Inspector General, and embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (10) contributions for international peacekeeping activities; (11) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for operating expenses, the Capital Investment Fund, and the Office of Inspector General; (12) global health and child survival; (13) international disaster assistance; (14) the Economic Support Fund; (15) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (16) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (17) nonproliferation, antiterrorism, demining, and related programs; (18) migration and refugee assistance; (19) peacekeeping operations; (20) international military education and training; (21) the Foreign Military Financing Program; and (22) the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Earmarks funds for specified assistance programs.

Rebating America's Deposits Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Rebating America's Deposits Act - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to direct the President to publish in the Federal Register a notice certifying that the Yucca Mountain site (Nevada) is the selected site for the development of a repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Declares that, if the President fails to publish the certification or revokes it, each entity: (1) that is required to make a payment to the Nuclear Waste Fund shall not be required to make any additional payment; and (2) that has made a payment shall receive a refund, 75% of which shall be used for rebates to the entity's ratepayers, and 25% shall be used to carry out upgrades to the entity's nuclear power facilities to enhance the storage and security of materials used to generate nuclear power. Requires the Secretary of Energy to initiate by January 1, 2017, the transportation to the Yucca Mountain site of defense waste from each state in which it is located. Imposes penalties on the Secretary for failure to initiate such transportation.

Raising a question of the privileges of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, or a designated subcommittee, to investigate immediately, for a report to the House within two months on, the relationship between: (1) the source and timing of past campaign contributions to Members of the House related to a certain raided defense-lobbying firm; and (2) earmark requests made by Members on behalf of the firm's clients.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance disability compensation for certain disabled veterans with difficulties using prostheses and disabled veterans in need of regular aid and attendance for residuals of traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2009

Reduces the level of difficulty required in the use of prostheses by veterans suffering the loss of hands, arms, or legs as a result of military service before becoming eligible for a higher level of veterans' disability compensation for such injury. Authorizes additional veterans' disability compensation for service-disabled veterans determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to residual effects of traumatic brain injury.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the commencement of the period of payment of original awards of compensation for veterans who are retired or separated from the uniformed services for disability.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2009

Commences the payment of original awards of veterans' disability compensation, in the case of veterans who are retired or separated from active military service for a disability or disabilities, as of the date the award becomes effective. Provides a similar effective date for a waiver by such veterans of military retired or retainer pay in an amount equal to the disability compensation received.

Wounded Warrior Project Family Caregiver Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2009

Wounded Warrior Project Family Caregiver Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as part of authorized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home health care services for veterans, to furnish to a family member or other designated individual advanced instruction and training and certification as a family caregiver for a veteran who incurred serious wounds on active duty during, or in training for, Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom and is determined to be in need of personal care services. Requires the Secretary to provide to such caregiver: (1) appropriate support services; and (2) a monthly family caregiver allowance. Authorizes the Secretary to provide medical care to such caregiver.

Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2009 - Provides limitations on the recoupment of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive payments from members of the Armed Forces subsequently receiving military retired or retainer pay. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to waive such recoupments in cases of financial hardship.

Keep Terrorists Out of America Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Keep Terrorists Out of America Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that individuals currently detained at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should not be transferred or released into the United States. Prohibits the President from transferring or releasing any such individual into the United States unless 60 days prior to such transfer: (1) the President submits to the governor and legislature of the state to which the President intends to transfer or release such an individual certification that the individual does not pose a security risk to the United States; (2) the governor and state legislature of the state in which the President intends to transfer an individual consent to the transfer; and (3) the President notifies the Congress of, among other things, the name of the individual being transferred, the installation the individual is being transferred to, a justification for the transfer, and a certification that the President has mitigated any risks to national security posed by the transfer.

To extend to the Mayor of the District of Columbia the same authority over the National Guard of the District of Columbia as the Governors of the several States exercise over the National Guard of those States with respect to administration of the National Guard and its use to respond to natural disasters and other civil disturbances, while ensuring that the President retains control of the National Guard of the District of Columbia to respond to homeland defense emergencies.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Amends the District of Columbia Code to make the Mayor of the District of Columbia (under current law, the President of the United States) the Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the District. Provides that, notwithstanding the authority of the Mayor of the District of Columbia as such Commander-in-Chief, the President shall retain control over units and members of the District of Columbia National Guard to conduct necessary and appropriate homeland defense activities.

District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Act - Authorizes the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard to provide educational assistance to members of the District of Columbia National Guard who have satisfactorily completed their initial active duty service and agree to serve for a period of not less than six years. Requires such assistance to be used by members for expenses incurred in pursuing their first undergraduate, master's, vocational, or technical degree or certification at an approved institution of higher education.

Defense Communities Assistance Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Defense Communities Assistance Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress on the necessity of assisting local communities coping with the impact of base closures and realignments and other military actions. Extends permanently (under current law, terminated at the end of FY2008) the authority of the Secretary of the military department concerned to convey, for certain purposes, real property on a military installation determined to be excess to the needs of the Department of Defense (DOD). Authorizes the Secretary concerned to contract for the procurement of municipal services for a U.S. military installation from a county, municipal government, or other local governmental unit in the area. Authorizes such Secretary to so contract using procedures other than competitive procedures, under certain conditions and after congressional notification. Amends the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 to extend through FY2020 a pilot program for the purchase of certain municipal services for military installations. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to broaden the indemnification provided to transferees of military properties. Reinstates provisions of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 which allow military departments to transfer surplus real and personal property at closed or realigned military installations without consideration to local redevelopment authorities when used for economic development purposes, without the requirement to assess the property's value.

Soldiers Targeted by Offensive Profiteering Act of 2009 (STOP Act)

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Soldiers Targeted by Offensive Profiteering Act of 2009 (STOP Act) - Prohibits any person, except with permission, from using the name or image of a protected individual in connection with any merchandise, retail product, impersonation, solicitation, or commercial activity in a manner calculated to connect the protected individual with that individual's service in the Armed Forces. Defines as a "protected individual" any person who: (1) is a member of the Armed Forces; or (2) was a member at any time after April 5, 1917, and, if not living, has a surviving spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring actions to enjoin violations of this Act.

No Welfare for Terrorists Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

No Welfare for Terrorists Act of 2009 - Makes any alien detained at the Department of Defense (DOD) facility at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and subsequently brought into the United States permanently ineligible for any federal, state, or local public benefit.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer enemy combatants detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to facilities in Ohio or to construct facilities in Ohio for such enemy combatants.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any enemy combatant detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any facility in Ohio; or (2) construct any facility in Ohio for any enemy combatant.

Minority Small Business Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Minority Small Business Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to consider an individual with a net worth of less than $1.5 million as eligible for participation in a Small Business Administration (SBA) program providing grants to small businesses owned and controlled by economically disadvantaged individuals. Allows a small business to receive SBA developmental assistance under the program for the entire period of an SBA-guaranteed loan. Redefines the term "bundled contract" to mean a contract or order entered into to meet procurement requirements that are consolidated in a bundling of contract requirements, without regard to its designation by the procuring agency or whether a study of the effects of the solicitation on civilian or military personnel has been made, subject to exceptions. Expands the definition of "bundling of contract requirements." Makes the revised and expanded definitions inapplicable to contracts for construction services under $65 million or under $5 million for all other types of contracts. Increases from: (1) 23% to 25% the government-wide small business procurement contract goal; and (2) 5% to 10% the government-wide procurement goal for small disadvantaged businesses and women-owned businesses. Limits the number of categories for which a small business may qualify under such goals. Requires a report from the Comptroller General to Congress on disparities in the awarding of federal contracts to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, small businesses, and other businesses.

Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2009 - Provides limitations on the recoupment of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive payments from members of the Armed Forces subsequently receiving military retired or retainer pay. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense or Homeland Security, as applicable, to waive such recoupments in cases of financial hardship.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that President Barack Obama should immediately work to reverse damaging and illegal actions taken by the Bush/Cheney Administration and collaborate with Congress to proactively prevent any further abuses of executive branch power.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that President Obama should : (1) reaffirm the nation's commitment to the rule of law, checks and balances, the legislative process, and the Bill of Rights; (2) support Congress's right of access to information to perform its legislative and oversight functions; (3) cooperate with congressional investigations into the lack of prosecutions under the War Crimes Act and the Federal Anti-Torture Act despite allegations of serious violations; (4) reaffirm U.S. treaty obligations under the Geneva Conventions and ensure that all individuals held by the United States have access to petition for a writ of habeas corpus; (5) ensure that all suspected terrorists at Guantanamo are immediately tried in fair judicial proceedings; (6) engage the international community to ensure the release of innocent detainees; (7) require independent judicial review of claims of state secrets privilege by executive branch officials; (8) reaffirm that the Office of the Vice President is part of the executive branch; (9) collaborate with Congress to investigate presidential pardons and articulate comprehensive standards to guide future pardons; and (10) commit to providing all signing statements for publication, affirm Congress' right to participate in court proceedings regarding the constitutionality of such statements, and ensure that Congress can obtain testimony from administration officials claiming executive privilege to justify such statements. Calls on the President to cooperate with congressional efforts to: (1) establish an independent investigation to hold all Bush Administration officials accountable for any crimes; (2) ensure that the disclosure of the identity of any U.S. intelligence agent could give rise to criminal liability; (3) restore faith in the American justice system by investigating and censuring officials for misconduct in office; (4) repeal the redefinition of grave abuses of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions included in the Military Commissions Act of 2006; (5) tighten standards for when a declaration of war is required for military action; (6) strengthen federal perjury laws to prohibit the issuance of false statements, concealment, or false documentation in any matter related to a presidential request for a declaration of war; (7) codify strong anti-torture language and approve uniform standards for interrogation of individuals in U.S. custody; and (8) prohibit the transfer of persons by the U.S. for detention, interrogation, or trial to a country that supports torture, cruel, or degrading treatment in the detention or interrogation of individuals.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-52]THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AT HIGH RISK: THE CHIEF MANAGEMENT OFFICER'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACQUISITION REFORM AND RELATED HIGH-RISK AREAS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 May 2009

A resolution designating May 8, 2009, as "Military Spouse Appreciation Day".

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009

Designates May 8, 2009, as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Honors and recognizes the contributions made by spouses of members of the Armed Forces. Encourages the people of the United States to observe Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

To amend the Trade Act of 1974 to require a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade to be included in the trade advisory committee system, to require public health organizations to be included on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations and other relevant sectoral or functional advisory committees, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009

Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to establish a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade. Requires the composition of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations to include representatives from nonprofit nongovernmental public health organizations or coalitions that promote the public health, increase access to affordable health-related services or products, or prevent and reduce major disease, illness, or a public health problem. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, Defense, or other executive departments to seek written advisory opinions from the advisory committees established under such Act throughout the trade agreement negotiation process. Requires such committees, each appropriate policy committee, and each appropriate sectoral or functional committee, before the President's notification to Congress of an intention to enter into a trade agreement, to report to the President, Congress, and the USTR on the effects of the trade agreement.

Fair Funding for Schools Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009

Fair Funding for Schools Act of 2009 - Amends the Impact Aid program (which compensates local educational agencies (LEAs) for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to alter the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property when appropriations for a fiscal year are insufficient to provide them with full compensation. Alters the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for eligible federally-connected children. Includes not only children in average daily attendance, but also those enrolled pursuant to a state open enrollment policy. Continues an LEA's eligibility for such payments while activities associated with military base closures and realignments or force structure changes or relocations are ongoing. Allows the calculation of such payments using current student counts instead of prior fiscal year data when LEAs experience a specified influx of new students due to federal activities. Requires the Secretary of Education to allow LEAs to count their federally-connected children using the date they register their students for the fiscal year for which their application is filed. Alters the formula for determining the construction payments due LEAs that are eligible for other Impact Aid payments. Divides 80% of the construction funds evenly between LEAs impacted by military dependent children and LEAs impacted by children residing on Indian lands, with the remainder reserved for emergency repair and modernization grants to LEAs serving Indian lands or experiencing a specified influx of new students due to federal activities. Alters the formula for determining whether a state's plan for equalizing assistance to its LEAs will except it from the prohibition on state aid to LEAs being affected by Impact Aid payments. Requires new LEAs applying for Impact Aid to have boundaries established by state law and the authority to tax or receive an imputed local tax. Reauthorizes appropriations for the Impact Aid program.

Benefits for Qualified World War II Veterans Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009

Benefits for Qualified World War II Veterans Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Treasury the Qualified World War II Veterans Equity Compensation Fund for making monthly payments of $1,000 to World War II veterans who: (1) have not received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944; and (2) performed active duty service pursuant to the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977.

Recognizing the vital role family readiness volunteers play in supporting service members and their families.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009

Recognizes and honors the family readiness volunteers of each branch of the Armed Forces, who selflessly devote their time, talent, energy, and resources in service to the United States. Commends such volunteers for their dedicated contributions to the quality of life of members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war (POWs) to repeal the currently required 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation. Adds diabetes (type 2) to the listed diseases. Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a POW; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

Surviving Spouses' Benefit Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Surviving Spouses' Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 - Increases the monthly rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Prohibits benefits under any other law (other than duplication of benefits) from being reduced or offset because the surviving spouse is eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation.

Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009 - Includes as part of the Republic of Vietnam, for purposes of the presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure by veterans to certain herbicide agents while in Vietnam, such Republic's inland waterways, ports, and harbors, waters offshore, and airspace above. Includes as veterans eligible for such presumption those who: (1) served on Johnston Island during the period beginning on April 1, 1972, and ending on September 30, 1977; or (2) received the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans to establish a separate account for the funding of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and a separate subaccount for the funding of outreach activities of the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of VA outreach activities between and among such elements, the Office of the Secretary, and the Office of Public Affairs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to state veterans agencies to carry out, coordinate, and improve outreach by the VA and the states.

Energy Independence Now Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Energy Independence Now Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) authorize tax-exempt bond financing for domestic use oil refinery facilities; (2) set forth an ASME Nuclear Certification credit; (3) modify the credit against tax for specified energy production, including certain vehicles acquired from domestic corporations; and (4) eliminate certain restrictions on the use of energy alternatives. Directs the President to designate federal lands and closed military installations for private sector development of oil or natural gas refineries. Requires lands which have not been used as a refinery within 10 years after such designation to be made available for leasing for renewable energy development, including ethanol refineries. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from denying an application for a facility on the grounds of insufficient disposal capacity for spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Declares without force or effect federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds for oil and natural gas leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). American-Made Energy and Good Jobs Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to launch an oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain of Alaska (including a limited payment of federal revenues to the state of Alaska). Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) authorize appropriations for the coal-to-liquid fuel loan guarantee program; and (2) promote coal-to-liquid manufacturing on federal land. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to direct the Secretaries of Energy and of Defense to study and report to Congress on maintaining coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Authorizes: (1) construction of storage facilities near pipeline infrastructure; (2) contracts with private sector companies for coal-to-liquid facilities on or near military installations; and (3) appropriations for the Air Force Research Laboratory to procure coal-derived synthetic fuels for aviation jet use. Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) evaluate Fischer-Tropsch fuel in connection with certain transportation fuels; and (2) report to Congress on the public health effects of using Fischer-Tropsch fuel for transportation purposes. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease public lands for production of renewable biomass for biofuels.

Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2009

Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 - Authorizes FY2009-FY2013 appropriations for assistance to Pakistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for projects to benefit the people of Pakistan, including projects that promote: (1) democratic governance; (2) economic freedom and growth; and (3) investments in people, and particularly, women and children. Specifies that certain of such funds should be used for police reform and training. Limits, beginning in FY2010, certain military assistance and arms transfers to Pakistan until the Secretary of State certifies that Pakistan's security forces: (1) are making concerted efforts to prevent al Qaeda, the Taliban, and other terrorist groups from operating in Pakistan's territory; and (2) are not materially interfering in Pakistan's political or judicial processes. Provides for a national security waiver of such limits. Expresses the sense of Congress that coalition support funds are critical components in the fight against terrorism. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a comprehensive, cross-border strategy for working with the government of Pakistan, the government of Afghanistan, the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO), and other allies to implement effective counterterrorism and counterinsurgency measurers along the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan; and (2) submit a related report to the appropriate congressional committees. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) recognize the bold political steps the Pakistan electorate has taken to elect a new civilian government; (2) expand its engagement with the government and people of Pakistan in areas of particular interest and importance to the people of Pakistan; and (3) continue to build a reciprocal security relationship with Pakistan.

Civil Reserve Air Fleet Missile Defense Pilot Program Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2009

Civil Reserve Air Fleet Missile Defense Pilot Program Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) carry out a two-year pilot program to determine the feasibility and desirability of equipping at least 20 turbojet aircraft in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet with a shoulder-fired missile defense system; and (2) report program results to the congressional defense and appropriations committees.

American Conservation and Clean Energy Independence Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2009

American Conservation and Clean Energy Independence Act - Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 issued by the Secretary of the Interior to be approved as a final oil and gas leasing program under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Deems the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement for the Program under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases; (2) prepare an inventory of U.S. offshore energy resources; and (3) promulgate regulations concerning the production of oil or gas resources of the OCS, including regulating the installation of surface facilities, mitigating the impact of such facilities on coastal vistas, and allowing onshore facilities to draw upon such resources that are within 10 miles of shore. Extends from 3 geographical miles to 12 nautical miles a coastal state's allowable seaward boundary. Repeals the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in: (1) any area east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) any area in the Eastern Planning Area that is within 125 miles of the Florida coastline; and (3) specified areas within the Central Planning Area and within 100 miles of the Florida coastline. Specifies revenue sharing percentages for sums received from leasing offshore pursuant to this Act, including 30% for producing states. Gives the President authority to waive requirements relating to the approval of oil and natural gas activity deemed to be important to national interests. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) revise the definition of "renewable biomass" to include trees, tree residue, and slash and pre-commercial thinnings that are from forestlands on public lands; and (2) require new source review regulations to provide that routine maintenance and repair do not constitute a modification of an existing source. Repeals provisions prohibiting any federal agency from entering into a contract for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use, other than for research or testing, unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel must be less than or equal to such emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) implement a grant and loan program for the construction or modernization of coal fired generation units to enable use of technology to reduce greenhouse gases; (2) publish a plan to exchange a specified amount of light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for heavy grade petroleum plus additional cash bonus bids that reflect the difference in market value; and (3) set aside net proceeds from such exchange for the Energy Independence and Security Fund (to be established by this Act). Provides for Fund allocations to the Energy Transformation Acceleration Fund, specified Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy accounts, the Weatherization Assistance Program, specified Fossil Energy Research and Development accounts, the Basic Energy Sciences account. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2018 tax credits for energy conservation and production, including credits for producing electricity from renewable resources, alternative fuel vehicles and refueling property expenditures, residential energy efficiency and solar energy and fuel cell property expenditures, investment in clean renewable energy bonds, and biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel; (2) extend through 2018 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; (3) extend through 2014 the tax credit for medium and heavy-duty hybrid vehicles; (4) extend through 2018 the tax credit for plug-in electric drive motor vehicles; and (5) allow a new tax credit for the purchase of a motor vehicle identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the most efficient vehicle in its class. Sets forth provisions concerning the use of electric drive vehicles. Requires that at least 10% of the federal fleet be plug-in electric drive vehicles by FY2012, with such percentage increasing by at least 5% (up to 50%) each fiscal year. Directs states to permit light-duty plug-in electric drive vehicles to use HOV lanes. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) provide grants to assist local governments in the installation of recharging facilities for electric drive vehicles; and (2) guarantee loans for any purchaser of at least 5,000 battery systems that use advanced battery technology. Includes innovative low-carbon technology projects as projects eligible for loan guarantees made by the Secretary of Energy for innovative technologies.

Honoring the sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces who are also mothers and the support provided by mothers of members of the Armed Forces and mothers who are the spouse of members of the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2009

Commends the service and honors the sacrifice of approximately 147,000 members of the Armed Forces (members) who are also mothers. Recognizes the support provided by mothers of members and by mothers who are spouses of members. Recognizes the tremendous debt owed for the service, patriotism, and fidelity of military mothers, mothers of members, and military spouses.