Defence

To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the education loan repayment program for members of the Selected Reserve.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Includes within educational loans eligible for repayment by the Department of Defense (DOD) under the Selected Reserve education loan repayment program any educational loan made by a lender that is: (1) an agency or instrumentality of a state; (2) a financial or credit institution subject to examination and supervision by the United States or a state; (3) a pension fund approved by the Secretary of Defense; or (2) a nonprofit private entity designated and regulated by a state, and approved by the Secretary. Makes officers (under current law, only enlisted personnel) eligible for such repayments.

Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans to consult with and advise the Secretary on the administration of benefits by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for rural veterans, reports and studies relating to rural veterans, and the needs of rural veterans with respect to primary care, mental health care, and long-term care.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 3 May 2007

DO THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE NEED AMISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM?

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Women's Retirement Security Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Women's Retirement Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require certain small employers who do not provide retirement plans for their employees to allow eligible employees to participate in a payroll deposit individual retirement account arrangement (automatic IRA); (2) expand eligibility for the tax credit for retirement savings contributions (saver's credit) and make such credit refundable; (3) allow certain part-time employees to participate in qualified cash or deferred arrangements; (4) allow the transfer of up to $500 of unused health plan benefits to qualified retirement plans; (5) treat wage replacement income (e.g., disability pay or unemployment compensation) as earned income for purposes of IRA contribution limits; (6) allow a limited tax exclusion for certain lifetime annuity payments and for qualified retirement planning services; (7) allow certain small employers a tax credit for contributions to employee pension plans; and (8) allow self-employed individuals to deduct pension plan contributions from their self-employment income. Sets forth special rules for: (1) preservation of retirement plan assets distributed under a qualified domestic relations order; (2) eligibility of surviving and divorced spouses for benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act; and (3) military retired pay subject to court orders in domestic relations proceedings. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics to provide retirement savings counseling to low-income taxpayers. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to prepare a financial reference handbook and a retirement readiness checklist for distribution to social security recipients.

Veterans and Survivors Employment and Training Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Veterans and Survivors Employment and Training Act of 2007 - Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in an approved program of education that either: (1) leads to employment in a high technology occupation in a high technology industry; or (2) lasts less than two years and leads to employment in a sector of the economy that is projected to experience a substantial increase in the number of jobs, positively affect the growth of another sector of the economy, or consists of existing or emerging businesses that are being transformed by technology and innovation and require new skills for workers. Includes as an authorized program for purposes of such assistance a program of education pursued at a tribally controlled college or university as defined under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Permits accelerated payments, with the same requirements, for eligible individuals under the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program, with added conditions.

Support Our Troops Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Support Our Troops Act of 2007 - Makes emergency appropriations for FY2007 for the Global War on Terror, including for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Foreign Agricultural Service; and (2) the Department of Justice for salaries and expenses, the U.S. Marshals Service, the National Security Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Prison System. Makes emergency appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (4) the Iraq Security Forces Fund; (5) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (6) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (7) procurement; (8) research, development, test and evaluation; (9) revolving and management funds; (10) the Defense Health Program; (11) defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; and (12) the Intelligence Community Management Account. Makes emergency appropriations for: (1) the Department of Energy (DOE) for defense nuclear nonproliferation; (2) DOD for military construction; (3) diplomatic and consular programs; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) international peacekeeping activities; (7) international broadcasting operations; (8) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund; (9) international disaster and famine assistance; and (10) the Economic Support Fund. Makes emergency appropriations for the Department of State for: (1) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic states; (2) international narcotics and law enforcement; (3) migration and refugee assistance; (4) the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (5) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs. Makes emergency appropriations for: (1) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance; (2) the Foreign Military Financing Program; (3) peacekeeping operations; and (3) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account, 2005.

Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the accelerated payment of veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for individuals who, during the period beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2012, first enroll in an approved program of education not exceeding two years and not leading to an associate, bachelors, masters, or equivalent degree (in effect, for vocational school). Provides the same benefit for: (1) participants under the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program; (2) members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) reserve personnel supporting contingency and other combat-related operations. Authorizes, for the latter personnel, the payment of 80% of the total educational assistance allowance for those serving an aggregate of three years or more in support of such contingency or related operations. Authorizes such personnel to make pay contributions for an increased amount of educational assistance.

Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007 - Requires a member of the Armed Forces (member) in an outpatient status at a military medical treatment facility (facility) to be assigned a medical care case manager and a service member advocate, each of whom have completed a training program and curriculum for such management. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a: (1) Department of Defense (DOD)-wide Ombudsman Office; (2) toll-free hotline for reporting deficiencies in medical services and medical support facilities; (3) standardized training program and curriculum for military personnel and health care professionals involved in the disability evaluation system; and (4) pilot program to track and assist outpatient members who are still in need of medical treatment. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to: (1) notify appropriate Members of Congress of the hospitalization of members evacuated from a theater of combat; and (2) ensure that members appearing before medical evaluation boards have access to an independent medical advocate. Requires reports concerning: (1) enhanced training for individuals providing assistance to recovering members; (2) the adequacy and quality of medical and medical-support facilities at each military installation; and (3) traumatic brain injury classifications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide a process for the transition of members from the DOD health care and disability systems to those of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (2) allow reserve members to use facilities closest to home for the treatment of injuries sustained in a combat theater of operations; (3) develop a plan and conduct research for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in combat veterans; (4) study the provision of support services for families of recovering members; (5) evaluate the Polytrauma Liaison Officer/Non-Commissioned Officer program; (6) study waiting periods for appointments at VA facilities; and (7) study the development of a joint soldier tracking system for recovering members. Establishes the: (1) Department of Defense Medical Support Fund; and (2) Oversight Board for Wounded Warriors.

Veterans' Justice Assurance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Veterans' Justice Assurance Act of 2007 - Repeals, for judges appointed after the enactment of this Act, the 15-year term limit for members of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court). Increases the annual salary for the Court's chief judge. Eliminates the 180-day per-year limit on service of retired Court judges who voluntarily return to such service. Requires recalled judges to receive the pay of current judges only during the period of recall, less the amount of any applicable annuity. Prohibits recall service in excess of five years for judges who are recalled involuntarily. Requires the chief judge to establish guidelines for determining whether recall-eligible judges should be recalled on either a voluntary or involuntary basis. Removes the $30 annual limit on practice and registration fees for those admitted to practice before the Court. Requires an annual report from the chief judge to the congressional veterans' committees summarizing the Court's workload. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Court should be provided with appropriate office space, without undue disruption, inconvenience, or cost. Requires a report from the Administrator of General Services to the veterans' committees on the feasibility of leasing additional space for the Court, and using the entire building in which the Court is now housed as a Veterans Courthouse and Justice Center.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide additional discretion to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in contracting with State approving agencies, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Revises provisions concerning Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) use of state approving agencies (agencies) for approving courses of education for veterans under the Montgomery GI Bill veterans' educational assistance program. Authorizes (current law requires) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to promote the development of veterans' apprenticeship and on-job training programs. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the criteria and contract conditions for reimbursing agencies for salary and travel costs incurred on behalf of the VA, including the condition that the agencies report annually to the Secretary and the congressional veterans' committees on resources expended and personnel qualification and performance standards. Limits the annual authorized amount for the VA for such expenses. Requires the Secretary to establish performance measures to assess the effectiveness of agencies in: (1) the services for which they are reimbursed; and (2) coordinating with other entities to reduce overlap and improve efficiency in approval activities. Requires the Secretary to establish standards of approval for accredited and nonaccredited courses offered by an educational institution, based on specified measures. Authorizes an agency, in approving courses for which such standards have been met, to rely upon determinations made by other entities, including the Departments of Labor and Education. Allows approval to be revoked by the Secretary or the agency, under conditions established by the Secretary.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize additional funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase the capacity for provision of mental health services through contracts with community mental health centers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract with a qualified community mental health center for the provision of veterans' mental health services.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish traumatic brain injury centers.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish and operate centers for traumatic brain injury (TBI) research, education, and clinical activities; (2) ensure the geographic distribution of such centers; and (3) designate no more than five centers. Requires the: (1) official within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) responsible for TBI care to establish a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted for the designation of such centers; and (2) Under Secretary of Health to ensure the dissemination throughout the VHA of information produced through the research, education, and clinical activities of the centers.

To require a clear accounting of the combat proficiency of the security forces of Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Declares that it shall be U.S. policy to ensure that: (1) the security forces of Iraq are trained to achieve the highest level of combat efficiency in order to provide for the security and stability of the Iraqi people; (2) as each battalion of the Iraqi security forces achieves a level of combat proficiency such that it can conduct independent combat operations without Coalition support a comparable U.S. Armed Forces unit will be redeployed from Iraq; and (3) regular, accurate accounts of the combat proficiency of battalions of the Iraqi security forces are necessary for the American public to gauge Iraqi security force development. Directs the President to transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a monthly report respecting the number of Iraqi security force battalions at specified combat proficiency levels.

Interagency Reform Study Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Interagency Reform Study Act of 2007 - Directs the: (1) Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Center for the Study of the Presidency to conduct a study on the national security interagency system; and (2) Center to report study results to Congress and the President.

Farm, Nutrition, and Community Investment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Farm, Nutrition, and Community Investment Act of 2007 - Establishes the farm and ranch profitability grant program. Extends the market access program. Revises (and extends certain of) the following conservation programs: (1) the environmental quality incentives program; (2) the conservation innovation grant program; (3) the cost share and incentive payment program; (4) state performance incentives; (5) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (6) the conservation reserve program; and (7) the wetlands reserve program. Establishes: (1) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative; (2) the comprehensive conservation planning pilot program; (3) the farmland protection program; (4) the debt for agricultural easements program; (5) the conservation risk management pilot program; (6) the (Delmarva) conservation corridor demonstration program; (7) biomass and biorefinery research and development programs; (8) the climate carbon cycle, renewable energy, and climate change research program; (9) the farm and ranch energy efficiency rebate program; (10) the alternative use for biofuel byproducts research program; and (11) the farmers' market pilot program for the disabled. Authorizes a conservation loan guarantee program. Revises farmland protection policy provisions. Requires an electric utility to provide net metering service to a requesting electric consumer. Extends the: (1) fresh fruit and vegetable program; (2) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) farmers' market nutrition program; (3) senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (4) farmers' market promotion program. Provides for Department of Agriculture and Department of Defense (DOD) procurement of locally produced agricultural products. Revises healthy forests reserve program provisions. Establishes the community forest and open space conservation program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 with respect to: (1) standard deduction increases; (2) combat pay and retirement account exclusions; (3) minimum benefits; (4) countable resource increases; (5) work requirements; (6) program reauthorization; (7) program administration; (8) cash payment pilot projects; (9) block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa; (10) legal immigrant eligibility; (11) the emergency food assistance program; (12) the commodity supplemental food program; and (13) community food project competitive grants. Revises (and extends certain of) the following programs under the Federal Crop Insurance Act: (1) the agricultural management assistance program; (2) the adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program; (3) crop insurance incentives for beginning farmers; and (4) organic crop provisions. Extends the: (1) national dairy market loss payment program; (2) dairy export incentive program; (3) dairy indemnity program; and (4) dairy research program. Sets the FY2008 minimum price for Class 1 milk under a federal marketing order at $15.58 per hundredweight. Revises: (1) federal milk marketing order provisions; and (2) dairy reporting provisions. Establishes a federal dairy education loan forgiveness program. Establishes the: (1) national organic agriculture conversion and stewardship incentives program; and (2) national organic certification cost share program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude gains on the sale of development rights or conservation easements on agricultural land for conservation purposes to qualifying entities. Establishes: (1) a research program to improve specialty crop and livestock survivability; (2) a national clean plant network; and (3) an early pest detection and surveillance improvement program.

Amputee Veteran Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Amputee Veteran Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) orthotic-prosthetic laboratories and clinics are certified by either the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics or the Board of Orthotics and Prosthetic Certification. Requires the Secretary to contract with a non-VA entity for the service and repair of prosthetic devices for a veteran if: (1) the Secretary determines that VA facilities are unable to perform such service or repair due to a lack of technology or any other reason; or (2) the veteran needing such service or repair resides more than 55 miles from the nearest VA facility capable of furnishing such service or repair. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and carry out a plan to inform disabled veterans at least twice a year of technological advances in the field of prosthetics; (2) review all VA orthotic-prosthetic laboratories and clinics to ensure that the VA is capable of servicing and repairing the most technologically advanced prosthetic devices; and (3) review VA prosthetists and orthotists to determine the level and kinds of education required to ensure their qualification to provide the most technologically advanced prosthetic devices.

Domestic Offshore Energy Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Domestic Offshore Energy Security Act - Authorizes United States persons to: (1) engage in any transaction necessary for exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from any portion of any foreign exclusive economic zone contiguous to the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States; and (2) export without license authority all equipment necessary for such activity. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to grant general license authority for travel-related expenditures to, from, or within Cuba by persons engaging in hydrocarbon exploration and extraction in any part of a foreign maritime Exclusive Economic Zone contiguous to the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to: (1) repeal the oil and gas leasing moratorium governing any area east of the Military Mission Line; and (2) decrease from within 125 to within 45 miles of the Florida coastline the moratorium upon oil and gas leasing in the Eastern and Central Planning Area. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations that establish environmental safeguards for exploration and production of oil and natural gas on the outer Continental Shelf. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an oil and natural gas inventory beneath the waters of the outer Continental Shelf off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, but only upon request of the affected state governor. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 regarding the program of grants to oil and gas producers to carry out projects to inject carbon dioxide for the purpose of enhancing oil or natural gas recovery while increasing the sequestration of carbon dioxide. Directs the Secretary of Energy to grant priority consideration to applications that, together with meeting other requirements, are carried out in geologically challenging fields.

Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007 - Increases from $300 to $400 the burial plot allowance paid for veterans interred in cemeteries other than national cemeteries. Waives the requirement that, for a state to receive such allowance for the reimbursement of burial costs, it must file for such within two years after the burial or cremation of the veteran. Authorizes the use of up to $5 million per year under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) state cemetery grant program for operating and maintaining state cemeteries.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for veterans' mortgage life insurance to include members of the Armed Forced receiving specially adapted housing assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Makes eligible for veterans' mortgage life insurance members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight (HERO) Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight (HERO) Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of the physical and mental health and other readjustment needs of members and former members of the Armed Forces who deployed in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, and their families. Requires: (1) reports, from the Academy to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs and from the Secretary to Congress, on such study; (2) the public availability of the reports; (3) such Secretaries to develop a joint plan to address report findings; and (4) the public availability of the Secretaries' response.

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a national combat veteran reintegration program (to be known as the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program) to provide National Guard members and their families with information, services, referral, and outreach opportunities throughout the entire deployment cycle. Requires the Program to consist of informational events and activities for such members, their families, and community members through the following phases of the deployment cycle: (1) pre-deployment; (2) deployment; (3) demobilization; and (4) post-deployment-reconstitution. Requires the: (1) National Guard Bureau to establish the Office for Reintegration Programs to administer state National Guard reintegration programs; and (2) Bureau Chief to establish a Center for Excellence in Reintegration.

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Expresses support and gratitude for the men and women of the Armed Forces in defense of freedom and democracy during the Vietnam War. Extends sympathies to all people in the United States who suffered the loss of friends and family in Vietnam. Encourages the people of the United States to remember the sacrifices of the nation's veterans. Commemorates the 25th anniversary of the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 - Considers the District of Columbia a congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives. Applies to the District in the same manner as it applies to a state the federal law providing for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and for apportionment of Representatives in Congress. Limits the District to one Member under any reapportionment of Members. Modifies the formula regarding the number of presidential electors to subject it to the 23rd amendment to the Constitution in the case of the District. Increases membership of the House from 435 to 437 Members. Provides for a reapportionment of Members resulting from such increase. Requires the: (1) President to submit to Congress a revised version of the most recent statement of such apportionment identifying Utah as the state entitled to one additional Representative; and (2) Clerk of the House, upon receipt of such revision, to identify such state to the Speaker of the House. Repeals provisions of: (1) the District of Columbia Delegate Act establishing the office of District of Columbia Delegate to the House of Representatives; and (2) the District of Columbia Statehood Constitution Convention Initiative of 1979 providing for election of a Representative for the District. Makes conforming amendments to: (1) the District of Columbia Elections Code of 1955; and (2) federal law regarding the Armed Forces (appointments to service academies).

Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007 - Provides that, if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of such individual's entitlement (ten years after discharge or release from active duty) would expire during a quarter or semester of enrollment, that period shall be extended to the end of that quarter or semester. Allows such an extension until the earlier of the end of the course or 12 weeks, in the case of an educational institution not regularly operated on a quarter or semester basis. Repeals the: (1) 14-year (after first becoming entitled) limit on the use of educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve; and (2) ten-year limit on the use educational assistance by members of the Ready Reserve who are separated due to disability after supporting contingency and certain other operations.

To provide for certain administrative and support services for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000 to expand the powers of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission. Authorizes the Commission to: (1) enter into contracts for specialized or professional services and hire staff without regard to competitive service requirements; (2) authorize the appointment of an architect; (3) obtain temporary, intermittent, and part-time services; and (4) accept volunteer services.

Family Budget Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Family Budget Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to eliminate the May 15 deadline for consideration of annual appropriations measures. Requires annual joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolutions signed by the President. Provides for an amendment to change the statutory limit on the public debt. Requires consideration of budget-related legislation before the budget resolution becomes law. Provides for establishment of a reserve fund for emergencies. Prescribes requirements for biennial budget resolutions, appropriations Acts, and government strategic and performance plans instead of annual ones if the President and Congress so agree. Provides spending caps on the growth of entitlements and mandatory budget outlays. Exempts certain Social Security benefits, Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, and Medicare benefits from required reductions under the Balanced Budget and Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), along with specified government accounts and activities. Provides other exceptions, limitations, and special rules with respect to sequestration exemptions. Directs the Chairman of the House and Senate Committees on the Budget each to maintain a Budget Protection Mandatory Account and a Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Amends the CBA to require: (1) an analysis of long-term unfunded obligations in the President's budget submission; and (2) long-term unfunded obligation analyses by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Makes it out of order to consider legislation which, if enacted, would increase the long-term unfunded obligation under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI)) of the Social Security Act, as defined in the CBA. Freezes at current levels spending authority for each unearned entitlement and high-cost discretionary spending program unless such spending authority is reauthorized after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose the cancellation (line item veto) of any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, item of direct spending, limited tariff benefit, or targeted tax benefit. Dedicates any cancellation only to deficit reduction or increase of a surplus. Expresses the sense of Congress on abuse of proposed cancellations. Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that bills always be considered under open rules. Establishes the Commission to Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. Provides for accrual funding of: (1) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (2) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System; and (3) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Retirement Fund; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Retirement Fund; and (3) the Coast Guard Military Retirement Fund. Changes the name of the Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to Uniformed Services Health Care Fund (thus, providing health care programs for all uniformed service retirees, under certain conditions). (Currently, such programs are for Department of Defense Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.) Makes it out of order in the House to consider any legislation unless: (1) the required list of congressional earmarks, limited tax and tariff benefits, and the name of the requesting Member is also set forth in the text of the measure; and (2) such list is made publicly available on the Internet in a searchable format at least 48 hours before a measure's consideration. Decreases the limit on the public debt from $6.4 trillion to $4.393 trillion. Repeals Rule XXVII (the Gephardt Rule, relating to mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution). Amends the CBA to require the President's budget submission to Congress to be based upon the risk-assumed cost of federal insurance programs for accrual budgeting purposes. Prohibits consideration of extraneous appropriations in omnibus appropriations measures.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2008, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2008 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification of the congressional intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2008, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

Equal Opportunity Protection and Civil Rights Restoration Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Equal Opportunity Protection and Civil Rights Restoration Act of 2007 - Prohibits discrimination or preferences in federal employment and contracting and other federal programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex. Prohibits requiring or encouraging any federal contractor or subcontractor to so discriminate or grant a preference. Prohibits states and private entities that receive federal financial assistance from so discriminating or granting a preference in connection with any contract or subcontract, employment, or admission to any educational institution. Prohibits construing this Act to prohibit or limit: (1) any act designed to benefit historically Black colleges or universities; or (2) any action under a federal law or treaty relating to the Indian tribes. Declares that this Act does not prohibit or limit employment classifications based on sex if sex is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to normal operation or the classification is applied regarding an armed forces member. Allows any aggrieved person to obtain, in a civil action, appropriate relief (including back pay) from the violator, including from a government entity. Requires awarding a prevailing plaintiff attorney's fees as part of the costs.

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a national combat veteran reintegration program (to be known as the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program) to provide National Guard members and their families with information, services, referral, and outreach opportunities throughout the entire deployment cycle. Requires the Program to consist of informational events and activities for such members, their families, and community members through the following phases of the deployment cycle: (1) pre-deployment; (2) deployment; (3) demobilization; and (4) post-deployment-reconstitution. Requires the: (1) National Guard Bureau to establish the Office for Reintegration Programs to administer state National Guard reintegration programs; and (2) Bureau Chief to establish a Center for Excellence in Reintegration.

A bill to require the President to close the Department of Defense detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2007

Requires the President to close the Department of Defense (DOD) detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Requires all current detainees there to be: (1) transferred to a military or civilian detention facility in the United States (U.S. facility) and charged with a violation of U.S. or international law and tried before a regularly-constituted court; (2) transferred to a U.S. facility without being charged if the detainee may be held as an enemy combatant or pursuant to other legal authority; (3) transferred to an international tribunal operating under authority of the United Nations (UN) with jurisdiction to hold trials; (4) transferred to their country of citizenship or a different country for further legal process, provided that such country provides adequate assurances that the individual will not be subject to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; or (5) released from any further detention.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for uniformity in the awarding of disability ratings for wounds or injuries incurred by members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2007

Requires the: (1) Secretary of Defense to prescribe standards for determinations of ratings of military disability to assure that such ratings are consistent across the military departments; and (2) standards to take into account all medical conditions incurred by members of the Armed Forces while in military status. Directs the: (1) Secretary of each military department to utilize the standard schedule for rating disabilities used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in making disability determinations; and (2) Secretary to prescribe training requirements for personnel making such determinations.

LEGAL ISSUES REGARDING INDIVIDUALS DETAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AS UNLAWFUL ENEMY COMBATANTS

United States · United States Senate · 26 April 2007

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury and Health Programs Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should have the capacity and expertise to provide veterans who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with health care, rehabilitation, and community integration. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop individualized plans for the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans with TBI, and to provide each plan to the individual before their discharge from inpatient care. Requires: (1) the involvement of family members in plan development; and (2) the Secretary to periodically evaluate plan effectiveness. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with non-VA facilities to provide veterans' TBI intervention, rehabilitative treatment, and reintegration services when the Secretary is unable to provide such services or for veterans who reside at such a distance from a VA facility as to make plan implementation impracticable. Requires the Secretary to establish a program on research, education, and clinical care to provide intensive neuro-rehabilitation to veterans with severe TBI, including veterans in a minimally conscious state who would otherwise receive nursing home care. Directs the Secretary to conduct a five-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assisted living services to veterans with TBI to enhance their rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration. Requires the Secretary to include research on TBI under ongoing VA research programs.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the age for receipt of military retired pay for nonregular service from 60 years of age to 55 years of age.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Reduces from 60 to 55 the minimum age for the receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service.

A resolution recognizing the 59th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Recognizes the independence of Israel as a significant event for providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people. Supports efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. Commends the bipartisan commitment of all Presidents and Congresses of the United States since 1948 that supported Israel and worked for its security and well-being. Congratulates the United States and Israel for strengthening their bilateral relations during 2006 in the fields of defense, diplomacy, and homeland security, and encourages both countries to continue their cooperation. Extends the best wishes of the Senate to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 59th anniversary of Israel's independence.

Traumatic Brain Injury Access to Options Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Traumatic Brain Injury Access to Options Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that each member of the Armed Forces who incurs a traumatic brain injury (where the member is unable to perform activities of daily living for at least five consecutive days from the date of a medical assessment) while on active duty shall be retained on active duty for one year after the date of the assessment. Prohibits such member from being evaluated during the one-year period by a physical evaluation board for determining eligibility for retirement or separation due to such disability. Allows a member (or his or her guardian or legal advocate) to choose to make such requirements inapplicable to the member. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to extend the one-year period as appropriate in light of medical progress. Requires annual Comptroller General assessments of traumatic brain injury care and services provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

To amend title 32, United States Code, to provide members of the National Guard additional time to transition to civilian life when they return from active duty in support of contingency operations or homeland defense missions.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Provides that if a member of the National Guard serves on active duty for one year or more in support of a contingency operation or homeland defense mission, that member shall be given the option of serving on full-time National Guard duty for up to 90 days upon being relieved from that active duty, in order to ease the transition to civilian life. Allows reintegration (transition) programs for such members to include: (1) mandatory decompression time; (2) education and employment workshops; (3) financial counseling; (4) health and welfare briefings; and (5) disaster mitigation or emergency response duties.

Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act - Requires emergency contraception to be included on the basic core formulary of the uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents for the pharmacy benefits program of the Department of Defense. States that prior authorization shall not be required for such contraception.

Iraq Troop Protection and Reduction Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Iraq Troop Protection and Reduction Act of 2007 - Prohibits, with a limited presidential national security waiver, U.S. military force levels in Iraq after the date of the enactment of this Act from exceeding such levels as of January 1, 2007. Prohibits appropriations for security and reconstruction assistance to the government of Iraq 90 days after enactment of this Act unless the President provides Congress with a specified certification respecting Iraq's: (1) security forces; (2) oil revenue distribution; (3) civil rights and political accommodation concerning its ethnic and sectarian groups; and (4) policy towards the participation of former Baath party members in the Iraqi government. Terminates authority for the use of U.S. military forces in Iraq 90 days after enactment of this Act unless the use of such forces is specifically authorized by Congress in a statute enacted after enactment of this Act or the President provides Congress with a specified certification respecting: (1) U.S. redeployment and mission transition; (2) Iraq's security forces; (3) oil revenue distribution; (4) civil rights and political accommodation concerning Iraq's ethnic and sectarian groups; (5) the participation of former Baath party members in the Iraqi government; and (6) the convening of an international conference on Iraq. States that the termination shall: (1) continue in effect if Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving the President's certification; and (2) not be construed to prohibit the use of U.S. military forces in Iraq for force protection, force security, or similar purposes during the U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds to deploy U.S. military forces to Iraq unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such forces are adequately equipped and trained for their missions.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2007

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2007

Channel Islands National Park Management Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Channel Islands National Park Management Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to manage Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park in California: (1) in accordance with the National Park Service Organic Act, title II of Public Law 96-199 (relating to the establishment of the Park), and any other laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System; and (2) in a manner that ensures that the natural, scenic, and cultural resources of Santa Rosa Island are protected, restored, and interpreted for the public and visitors to the Park are provided with a safe and enjoyable Park experience. Repeals a provision of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 which requires the Secretary of the Interior to immediately cease the plan to exterminate deer and elk on Santa Rosa Island by helicopter.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and improve certain authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Sets $19 million as the maximum amount per fiscal year for reimbursement to states and local agencies administering veterans' education benefits. Extends through FY2007 a pilot program of on-job training for veterans' claims adjudicators. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to waive, for public interest purposes on a case-by-case basis, the residency requirement for a Director for Veterans' Employment and Training. Includes veterans of the Global War on Terror within an ongoing veterans' unemployment study. Amends the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 to extend through 2009 an increase in benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training.

A bill to require a pilot program on assisting veterans service organizations and other veterans groups in developing and promoting peer support programs that facilitate community reintegration of veterans returning from active duty, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a three-year pilot program on the feasibility and advisability of delivering community reintegration support and services to veterans by assisting veterans organizations in developing and promoting veterans peer support. Designates the pilot program as the "Heroes Helping Heroes Program." Requires the Secretary to select up to 20 program participants, and to award grants to such participants in amounts from $100,000 to $300,000 per fiscal year. Requires grant recipients to contribute at least 10% of the grant funds awarded.

Disabled Veterans Insurance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Disabled Veterans Insurance Act of 2007 - Increases from $20,000 to $40,000 the maximum amount of supplemental service disabled veterans' insurance for totally disabled veterans.

Military Pay Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Military Pay Improvement Act of 2007 - Waives, during FY2008, the basic military pay adjustment tied to increases in the Employment Cost Index. Increases, effective January 1, 2008, such basic pay by 3.5%.

Cadet and Midshipman Disability Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Cadet and Midshipman Disability Fairness Act - Extends eligibility for disability retired pay and separation pay to former cadets and midshipmen who were discharged from an enlisted grade in order to accept an appointment as a cadet or midshipman, and who incurred physical disabilities after January 1, 2000.

To facilitate the restoration of the native ecosystem on Santa Rosa Island within Channel Islands National Park, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Repeals a provision of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 which requires the Secretary of the Interior to immediately cease the plan to exterminate deer and elk on Santa Rosa Island, California, by helicopter.

To safely redeploy United States troops from Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Directs the President to transition the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq to the following purposes: (1) conducting limited scope and duration operations against al Qaeda and other international terrorist organizations; (2) providing security for U.S. infrastructure and personnel; and (3) training and equipping Iraqi security services. Exempts such activities from the funding and redeployment provisions of this Act. Directs the President to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended to continue the U.S. Armed Forces deployment in Iraq after March 31, 2008.