Defence

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946 (or to their survivors). Includes service in the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. Exempts from taxation benefits paid under this Act.

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2007 appropriations for specified activities related to the global war on terror to the Departments of Agriculture (including food relief to certain foreign countries), of Justice, of Defense (Military, including funds for Iraqi and Afghan security forces), of Defense (military construction), of Energy, of Homeland Security, and of State (including international peacekeeping operations), of the Treasury, and related agencies. Provides funds to enable military commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan to respond to urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction requirements. Requires the Secretary of Defense to inspect periodically military medical treatment facilities, including military quarters housing medical hold or holdover personnel, to insure that the facilities or quarters meet acceptable standards for their maintenance and operation. Requires additional inspections of identified deficiencies. Provides funds to the Government of Iraq to support the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of militias and illegal armed groups. Requires the President to commence the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq with the goal of redeploying, by March 31, 2008, all U.S. combat forces from Iraq, except for a limited number essential for: (1) protecting U.S. and coalition personnel and infrastructure; (2) training and equipping Iraqi forces; and (3) conducting targeted counter-terrorism operations. Expresses the sense of Congress that achieving success in Iraq is dependent on the Government of Iraq's meeting specific benchmarks, as reflected in previous commitments made by such Government. Provides funds to assist: (1) Liberia in retiring its debt arrearages; (2) Jordan; and (3) Lebanon. Sets forth benchmarks for certain reconstruction assistance for Iraq. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise the authority of the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security regarding temporary admission of certain Iraqi, Hmong, and other nonimmigrants. Makes additional appropriations for disaster relief and recovery related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to the Departments of Agriculture, of Justice, of Commerce, of Defense (Civil), of the Interior, of Homeland Security, as well as the Small Business Administration (SBA). Makes additional appropriations for specified purposes to the Departments of the Interior and of Agriculture (for wildfire suppression), of Health and Human Services (for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and for response to an influenza pandemic), of Education, of Defense (military construction and base closure), Veterans Affairs (particularly veterans' health programs), of Transportation, of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the legislative branch. Rescinds certain military construction funds for the Air Force Reserve. Makes appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to eliminate the FY2007 shortfall in funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Prohibits the use of funds in this or any other Act to downsize staff or to close, realign, or phase out essential services at Walter Reed Army Medical Center until specified requirements are met. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to report to congressional appropriations committees on a projection of appropriations necessary for the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to continue providing necessary health care to veterans of the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. Makes additional appropriations to the Departments of Agriculture (Farm Service Agency) and of Housing and Urban Development (Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight). Rescinds specified unobligated balances of the Department of Agriculture for adjustment assistance for farmers. Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to utilize full and open competition, with exceptions, for any contract providing for acquisition or modification of assets with respect to the Integrated Deepwater System Program of the Coast Guard. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize a grant to the (Mississippi) Delta Health Alliance. Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide specified crop and livestock disaster assistance.

A resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 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 our veterans. Commemorates the 25th anniversary of the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

To provide that no entity performing lead system integrator functions in the acquisition of a major system by the Department of Homeland Security may have any direct financial interest in the development or construction of any individual system or element of any system of systems, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Prohibits any entity performing lead system integrator functions in the acquisition of a major system by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from having any direct financial interest in the development or construction of any individual system or element of any system of systems with respect to contracts entered into after May 1, 2007. Makes exceptions if: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security certifies that an entity was selected by DHS as a contractor through competitive procedures and DHS took appropriate steps to prevent any organizational conflict of interest in the selection process; (2) an entity was selected by a subcontractor to serve as a lower-tier subcontractor through a process over which the entity exercised no control; or (3) the work to be performed is work necessary to integrate two or more individual systems or elements. Directs the Secretary, by May 1, 2007, to update DHS's acquisition regulations to: (1) specify the matters regarding lead system integrators set forth in this Act; and (2) include a definition of "lead system integrator" modeled after that used by the Department of Defense (DOD) and a specification of appropriate types of contracts and fee structures for use by integrators in the production, fielding, and sustainment of complex systems.

Mail-In Ballot Tracking Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Mail-In Ballot Tracking Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require each state and jurisdiction which transmits ballots by mail in the administration of a federal election to implement appropriate procedures to ensure that the ballots (except those of absent overseas and military voters) may be tracked. Authorizes appropriations for requirements payments to states for FY2008.

STRIVE Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007 or STRIVE Act of 2007- Prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security from implementing the New Worker Program established in title IV or grant conditional nonimmigrant classification under title VI of this Act prior to certification to the President and to Congress that specified conditions have been met respecting: (1) border security; (2) document security; and (3) first phase implementation of the electronic employment verification system. Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) personnel and asset increases and enhancements; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) border security initiatives, including biometric data enhancements and a biometric entry-exit system, and document integrity, (4) international cooperation; (5) Central American gangs; and (6) National Guard use on the southern border. Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county: (1) no more than 100 miles from a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico; or (2) more than 100 miles from any such border but which is a high impact area. Sets forth protections for asylum seekers and other immigrants who are subject to expedited removal and/or detention. Establishes within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an Office of Detention Oversight. Provides for a secure (detention) alternatives program. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to combat human smuggling. Sets forth interior enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) criminal aliens; (2) voluntary departure; (3) expedited removal; (4) background checks; (5) the state criminal alien assistance program; (6) tribal lands security; (7) state and local enforcement of immigration laws; (8) detention and alternatives; (9) passport and immigration fraud; (10) illegal entry and reentry; (11) detention and removal; (12) criminal penalties; (13) alien street gang members; and (14) alien smuggling. Makes it unlawful to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer for a fee an unauthorized alien. Sets forth verification provisions. Provides for implementation of an electronic employment verification system, which shall include required, voluntary, and excluded employer categories. Sets forth system provisions respecting: (1) procedures; (2) criminal and civil penalties; and (3) privacy and anti-discrimination safeguards. Provides for additional worksite and fraud detection personnel. Establishes a temporary guest worker program (H-2C visa) (New Worker Program) of 400,000 initial entrants. Provides for: (1) a three-year admission with one additional three-year extension; (2) issuance of H-4 nonimmigrant visas for accompanying or following spouses and children; (3) U.S. and guest worker protections; (4) implementation of an alien employment management system; (5) specified employer obligations; and (6) establishment of a Standing Commission on Immigration and Labor Markets. Provides for H-2C adjustment of status to permanent resident if the alien: (1) has been employed in H-2C status for a cumulative period of at least five years and establishes evidence of employment; (2) pays a $500 application fee; (3) is physically present in the United States; and (4) is pursuing English language and U.S. history education. Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate bilateral agreements with H-2C worker home countries. Sets forth backlog reduction provisions respecting: (1) family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant levels, including recapture of unused visas; (2) country limits; (3) immigrant visa allocations; (4) shortage occupations; (5) nurses and physical therapists; (6) Iraqi and Afghan translators; (7) aliens of extraordinary artistic ability; (8) Canadian powerline workers and boilermakers; (9) aliens in specialty occupations; (10) U.S. educated immigrants; (11) students; (12) L-visa (intracompany transfer) aliens; and (13) minor children and widows. Provides for status adjustment filing of qualifying employment based immigrants regardless of whether an immigrant visa is immediately available. Establishes a special immigrant category for certain children and women at risk of harm. Exempt sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under the Immigration Act of 1990 from worldwide or numerical limitations on immigrant visas. Provides that determinations under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 as to whether an individual is a child of a parent shall be made using the individual's age and status on October 21, 1998. Expands the S-visa (witness/informant) classification. Limits the L-visa (intracompany transfer) classification. Replaces the existing fashion model H-1B visa classification with an O-visa classification. Return of Talent Act - Directs the Secretary to establish the return of talent program to permit eligible aliens to temporarily return to their country of citizenship in order to make a material contribution if the country is engaged in post-conflict or natural disaster reconstruction activities. Major Disaster and Emergency Victims Immigration Benefits Preservation Act - Sets forth disaster- or emergency-related immigration benefit preservation provisions respecting: (1) special immigrant status; (2) filing or reentry deadline extensions; (3) surviving spouses and children, including surviving spouses and children of refugees and asylees; (4) waiver of public charge inadmissibility grounds; (5) age-out protection; (6) documents and address requirements; and (7) foreign students. Authorizes a six-year conditional nonimmigrant status for a qualifying alien (and spouse and children as conditional nonimmigrant dependents) who has been illegally and continually present and employed in the United States since before June 1, 2006 up to the present. Requires: (1) criminal and security background checks; (2) payment of a $500 fine and applicable application fees; and (3) payment of tax obligations. Prohibits such status for an alien who has: (1) participated in persecutions; or (2) been convicted of a felony or three or more misdemeanors. Permits permanent resident status adjustment. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2007 or DREAM Act of 2007 - Repeals the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Authorizes the Secretary to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her sixteenth birthday, and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds; (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education, or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; and (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. Sets forth the conditions for conditional permanent resident status. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2007 or AgJOBS Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary to confer "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) has performed agricultural employment in the United States for at least 863 hours or 150 work days during the 24-month period ending on December 31, 2006; (2) applied for such status during the 18-month application period beginning on the first day of the seventh month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act; (3) is otherwise admissible to the United States; and (4) has not been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor, an element of which involves bodily injury, threat of serious bodily injury, or harm to property in excess of $500. Directs the Secretary to adjust a blue card alien (and spouse and minor children) to permanent resident status if the alien has fulfilled specified periods of agricultural employment. Amends the Social Security Act to exempt blue card aliens from prosecution for social security-related identity or payment false statements if such conduct occurred prior to the granting of blue card status. Revises H-2A visa (agricultural labor or temporary or seasonal services) provisions. Replaces the existing labor certification requirement with a labor attestation requirement containing: (1) a description of the nature and location of the job; (2) the job's expected beginning and ending dates; (3) the number of jobs; and (4) specified labor assurances respecting job opportunities covered by collective bargaining agreements and non-covered job opportunities. Authorizes an initial entry, adjustment, and citizenship assistance grant program. Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2007 - Directs the Chief of the Office of Citizenship of DHS to provide grants to assist legal U.S. residents who declare an intent to apply for citizenship in the United States to meet naturalization requirements. Provides that a legal U.S. resident who demonstrates English fluency will satisfy the residency requirement upon the completion of four years (currently, five years) of continuous U.S. legal residency. Directs the Secretary to establish an American citizenship grant program for qualified entities to provide civics, history, and English classes to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the United States Citizenship Foundation to support the functions of the Office of Citizenship. Establishes a new citizens award program to recognize citizens who: (1) have made an outstanding contribution to the United States; and (2) were naturalized during the ten-year period ending on the date of such recognition. Authorizes the Secretary of State to award a grant to a U.S. land grant university to establish a national program for a broad, university-based Mexican rural poverty mitigation program. Provides for increases in DHS immigration attorneys and Department of Justice immigration attorneys and judges. Expresses the sense of Congress that an effective and fair immigration court system should be established. Sets forth citizenship assistance provisions for members of the Armed Forces. Provides permanent resident status adjustment or cancellation of removal and permanent resident status adjustment for a requesting alien who was on September 10, 2001, the wife, child, or dependent son or daughter of a lawful nonimmigrant alien who died as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Authorizes an alien who is under removal or ordered to depart voluntarily from the United States to apply for such status adjustment. Excludes from such provisions an alien who is: (1) inadmissible or deportable under criminal or security grounds, including September 11, 2001, terrorist activity; or (2) a family member of such an alien. Establishes: (1) the Office of Internal Corruption Investigation; (2) the State Impact Assistance Account; and (3) the New Worker Program and Conditional Nonimmigrant Fee Account; and (4) the Immigrant Entrepeneur Regional Account Center. Provide permanent resident status adjustment for certain persecuted religious minorities. Establishes grants for state courts to implement programs to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to understand court proceedings. Provides for notice and hearing if DHS intends to remove an alien to a country other than the one designated at the removal hearing. Requires that Department of State and Department of Justice immigration documents comply with specified authentication, documentation, and machine readable standards.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the southern Colorado region.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the southern Colorado region.

Homeless Veterans Housing at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Homeless Veterans Housing at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center Promotion Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an enhanced-use lease for a homeless housing project at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility known as the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center. Requires the lease to contain specified terms and conditions, including that the project: (1) provides housing exclusively for veterans; (2) is maintained as a sober living facility; and (3) is adequately staffed with health care, counseling, and security personnel.

Montgomery GI Bill Integration Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Montgomery GI Bill Integration Act of 2007 - Recodifies under federal veterans' benefits provisions former federal armed forces provisions relating to educational assistance programs for members of the reserve components. Increases monthly educational assistance benefit amounts. Includes under such recodification provisions concerning Selected Reserve educational assistance allowances for: (1) apprenticeships and on-the-job training; (2) correspondence courses; (3) flight training; (4) tutorial assistance; (5) courses beyond the baccalaureate degree level; (6) persons with skills or specialties for which there is a critical shortage; and (7) licensing and certification tests. Extends the time limitation for the use of such entitlement to the earlier of 14 years after the person first becomes entitled to such assistance or the date upon which the person is separated from the Selected Reserve (currently, ten years after the person first becomes entitled to such assistance). Extends the time limitation for the use of the Ready Reserve educational assistance entitlement to ten years after separation from the Ready Reserve.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Government of the United States should submit to the Government of Iraq a draft bilateral status-of-forces agreement by not later than September 1, 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should submit to the government of Iraq a draft bilateral status-of-forces agreement by September 1, 2007; and (2) such agreement should address the sovereign rights of Iraq, the legal status of U.S. personnel in Iraq, and establish primacy and coordinative mechanisms respecting investigations and operations involving U.S. and Iraqi military and civilian police forces.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-40] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 March 2007

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-41]FISCAL YEAR 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT--BUDGET REQUEST ON THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COUNTERPROLIFERATION, COUNTERTERRORISM, AND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PRIORITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 March 2007

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 21 March 2007

Improving Veterans' Reemployment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2007

Improving Veterans' Reemployment Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Labor to include, in a currently-required annual report to Congress concerning the enforcement of veterans' reemployment rights: (1) the number of cases reviewed by the Secretary of Defense under the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve of the Department of Defense; and (2) the number of cases which are disability-related. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that the information required to be submitted is categorized in a uniform way; and (2) also submit all reported information to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Office of Special Counsel.

Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2007

Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the aiming of the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft or in its flight path. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) individuals conducting research and development or flight test operations for an aircraft manufacturer or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (2) Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security personnel conducting research, development, operations, testing or training; or (3) an individual using a laser emergency signaling device to send a distress signal.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-37]HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 March 2007

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2007 - Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the wetlands reserve program; (3) the conservation security program; (4) the grassland reserve program; (5) the environmental quality incentives program; (6) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (7) the agricultural management assistance program; Establishes: (1) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative; (2) the community forestry and open space conservation program; (3) an integrated pest management initiative; (4) a conservation initiative for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; (5) a conservation planning pilot program; and (6) a cooperative conservation educational assistance program. Authorizes a conservation loan guarantee program. Revises: (1) the farmland protection program; and (2) funding for the healthy forests reserve program. Revises and extends the biorefinery development program. Extends: (1) the energy audit and renewable energy development program; (2) the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program; (3) the Department of Agriculture bioenergy program; (4) biomass research and development; and (5) carbon cycle research. Extends: (1) the community food project grant program; (2) the farm-to-cafeteria program; (3) the women, infants, and children (WIC) farmers' market nutrition program; (4) the senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (5) farmers' market promotion program. Establishes: (1) a fruit and vegetable nutrition promotion program; (2) a food stamp fruit and vegetable electronic transfer pilot program; and (3) a farm viability program (currently, program authority is discretionary). Provides for Department of Defense and Department of Agriculture procurement of locally produced agricultural products. Extends: (1) the organic agriculture research and extension initiative; (2) education grant programs for Hispanic-serving institutions; (3) the value-added agricultural product market development grant program; and (4) and revises the national organic certification and transition cost share program.

A bill to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or would be entitled to such pay except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits recoupment by the Secretary of Defense of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member. Changes to October 1, 2007 (previously October 1, 2008) the effective date for paid-up coverage provisions under the SBP and the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan.

Servicemembers Credit Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Servicemembers Credit Protection Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to direct the Secretary of Defense, in case of the deployment of a servicemember away from their usual duty station to duty for which the servicemember is entitled to special pay, to notify each consumer reporting agency (agency): (1) of the deployment of such servicemember within 30 days after the deployment; and (2) within 30 days after the end of such deployment. Requires the Secretary, in providing such notice, to take measures to ensure agency compliance with provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to the servicemember. Increases penalties for consumer credit reporting violations involving servicemembers deployed to an overseas combat zone. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require each agency that receives a combat zone duty alert from the Secretary with respect to a servicemember to: (1) include the alert in the file of that consumer and provide such alert along with any credit score, until notified by the Secretary that the consumer no longer qualifies for such alert; and (2) during the period of the alert, exclude the consumer from any list provided to a third party to offer credit or insurance to such consumer as part of a transaction not initiated by the consumer. Requires the combat zone duty alert included in any consumer's file to include a summary of the consumer's rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the duties of creditors and other persons to the consumer.

Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Performance Metrics and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Performance Metrics and Transparency Act - Assigns the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs responsibility for establishing performance standards for each step of the medical holdover patient process. Defines "medical holdover patient" as a member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or other reserve component, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, or who is otherwise in medical hold or holdover status, for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active duty. Directs the Secretary of Defense to require each military medical installation to perform a quarterly inspection based on the performance standards established by this Act. Requires the Assistant Secretary to provide reports on such inspections to the Secretary, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and other military officials. Requires the Assistant Secretary to develop and enforce standards for: (1) security and medical personnel to perform daily rounds of each medical inpatient and outpatient facility, including a requirement for 24-hour access for patients with medical emergencies or needs; (2) responding to patient questions and scheduling medical appointments; and (3) in-processing and out-processing, counseling, and information for patients and family members. Requires the Assistant Secretary to: (1) submit monthly reports to the Secretary and the Inspector General on military service performance in all categories of medical holdover patient care; and (2) meet semi-annually with the Secretaries of the military departments to address medical holdover program execution issues. Requires the Inspector General to audit and review the medical holdover system and the performance standards developed by this Act.

Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act - Repeals, as of the later of October 1, 2007, or the date of enactment of this Act, certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military pay or who would be entitled to retired pay except for being under 60 years of age. Provides for the recoupment of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to waive the recoupment requirement in certain cases. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including ballistic missile defense; (3) operation and maintenance, including for defense working capital funds, the Defense Health Program, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths and the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (5) increased costs for military activities and military construction due to the global war on terror (6) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (7) chemical demilitarization construction; and (8) Guard and reserve forces facilities. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy; (2) military education and training; (3) military justice; (4) military pay and allowances; (5) retired pay and survivor benefits; (6) military health care; (7) acquisition policy and management; (8) DOD organization and management, including intelligence-related matters; (9) counter-drug activities and matters related to homeland security; (10) civilian personnel matters; (11) matters relating to other nations; and (12) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies.

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act, 2007 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2007 appropriations for specified activities related to the global war on terror to the Departments of Agriculture (including food aid to Africa and Afghanistan), of Justice, of Defense (Military, including funds for Iraqi and Afghan security forces), of Defense (military construction and base closure), of Energy, of Homeland Security, of Veterans Affairs (particularly veterans' health programs), and of State (including international peacekeeping operations), and related agencies as well as the House of Representatives. Provides funds to enable military commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan to respond to urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction requirements. Specifies conditions for assistance to Lebanon. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to deploy any unit of the Armed Forces to Iraq unless the chief of the military department concerned has certified to the congressional appropriations committees in advance that the unit is fully mission capable. Sets a maximum number of days for deployment in Iraq for military units. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition and deployment limits on a unit-by-unit basis for reasons of national security. Directs the President to transmit to Congress by specified dates certain determinations and certifications with respect to conditions to be met by the Government of Iraq. Requires redeployment of the armed forces from Iraq if any of such conditions is not met. Directs the President to appoint a Coordinator for Iraq Assistance, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that Congress will fully support the needs of members of the Armed Forces who the Commander in Chief has deployed in harm's way in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and their families. Declares the sense of Congress that the U.S. Constitution grants: (1) the President the sole role of Commander in Chief; and (2) Congress the sole power to declare war. Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) the commanders of the U.S. armed forces in Iraq should be allowed to conduct the war and manage the movements of the troops; and (2) Congress should remain focused on executing its oversight role. Makes additional appropriations for disaster relief and recovery related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to the Departments of Agriculture, of Commerce, of Defense (Civil), of Homeland Security, of Health and Human Services, of Education, and of Housing and Urban Development. Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Agriculture for emergency crop and livestock disaster assistance. Makes additional appropriations for specified purposes to the Legislative Branch and to the Departments of Agriculture, of Commerce, of State, of the Interior and of Agriculture (for wildfire suppression), and of Health and Human Services (for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and for response to an influenza pandemic). Rescinds specified unobligated balances of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Prescribes requirements for DHS contracts, subcontracts, and task orders. Requires each federal agency that has awarded at least $1 billion in the preceding fiscal year to develop and implement a plan to minimize the use of no-bid and cost-reimbursement type contracts. Makes appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to eliminate the FY2007 shortfall in funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.55 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and (3) $7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day. Applies federal minimum wage requirements to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and to American Samoa. Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and revise: (1) the work opportunity tax credit; (2) expensing for small businesses; and (3) the credit for certain taxes paid with respect to employee cash tips. Waives alternative minimum tax limits on the work opportunity credit and the credit for taxes paid with respect to employee cash tips. Defines qualified joint venture with respect to family business taxes. Makes certain dependents ineligible for the lowest capital gains rate. Lengthens the period of failure to notify a taxpayer of liability before interest and certain penalties must be suspended. Increases the amount of any required installment of estimated tax otherwise due in 2012 from a corporation with assets of at least $1 billion.

Iraq Reconstruction Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Iraq Reconstruction Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the the President to: (1) appoint a Coordinator of United States Economic Reconstruction Assistance for Iraq; (2) provide assistance to increase the capacity and improve the sustainability of Iraq's national, provincial, and local governmental institutions; (3) provide assistance for anti-corruption activities in Iraq; (4) provide assistance to support provincial and local reconstruction programs in Iraq; (5) support private sector development and employment programs, including short-term job creation programs, in Iraq; (6) provide assistance to improve the auditing, investigation, and oversight capacity of the Offices of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); and (7) provide assistance to improve Department of State and USAID reconstruction contracting capacity in Iraq. Directs the Secretary of State to provide assistance to: (1) refugees from Iraq who have been outside Iraq in a Middle East country since no earlier than March 19, 2003; and (2) internally displaced persons in Iraq who have been outside their original residence since no earlier than March 19, 2003. Increases FY2007-FY2008 refugees admissions in order to admit Iraqi refugees. Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004 to extend authority for the Office of Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. Prohibits Iraq-related contracts from being given to contractors who have overcharged the federal government, committed fraudulent acts, or been suspended under federal regulations. Authorizes waivers in the interest of national security on a case-by-case basis. Directs the Secretary: (1) in consultation with the Administrator of USAID, to establish a Civilian Active Response Corps to provide stabilization and reconstruction activities in foreign countries or regions that are in, are in transition from, or likely to enter into conflict or civil strife; (2) in consultation with relevant executive agencies, to establish a Civilian Reserve Readiness Corps to augment the Active Corps; and (3) to develop an inter-agency stabilization and reconstruction strategy.

Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Patient Tracking Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Patient Tracking Act - Directs the surgeons general of the military departments to develop a joint soldier tracking system (System) for medical holdover patients. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to have access to the system to monitor trends and problems. Requires the system to allow each medical holdover patient, each family member of such patient, each commanding officer of a military installation retaining such patients, each patient navigator, and ombudsman office personnel, at all times, to be able to locate and understand exactly where a patient is in the medical holdover process. Requires that the system be updated daily.

Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Patient Navigators Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Patient Navigators Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a Department of Defense (DOD)-wide patient navigator program and assign responsibility for overseeing the program to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. Requires patient navigators to be assigned as representatives to medical holdover patients and their families in order to improve health care outcomes. Prohibits the ratio of navigators to patients from being higher than one to ten.

Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Ombudsman Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Ombudsman Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a Department of Defense (DOD)-wide Ombudsman Office and to assign Office oversight responsibility to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. Requires the Ombudsman to provide assistance to and answer questions from medical holdover patients and their families regarding: (1) administrative processes, financial matters, and non-military related services available to such patients and families; (2) transfer to the care of the Veterans Administration (VA); and (3) support services available upon the patient's return home. Directs the Ombudsman to establish toll-free telephone numbers for such patients and family members. Makes the Ombudsman responsible for handling congressional inquiries regarding medical holdover patients and other medical questions related to the Armed Forces. Defines a medical holdover patient as one held over for medical treatment by DOD for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active duty.

Armed Forces Tax Relief Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2007

Armed Forces Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income all compensation received for active service as a member of the Armed Forces, not including pensions and retirement pay. (Terminates the current limited exclusion from gross income for combat pay.)

Samuel B. Moody Bataan Death March Compensation Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2007

Samuel B. Moody Bataan Death March Compensation Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay certain compensation to individuals (or their survivors) who, as members of the armed forces during World War II: (1) were captured on the peninsula of Bataan or the island of Corregidor in the Philippines by Japanese forces; and (2) participated in and survived the Bataan Death March. Allows a survivor payment to be made to the nearest surviving relative of such individual.

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2007

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2007 and FY2009-FY2012. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2007-FY2012, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security and specified major functional categories for FY2007-FY2012. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any: (1) direct spending or revenue legislation increasing the on-budget deficit or causing an on-budget deficit for any one of specified applicable time periods; (2) reconciliation legislation increasing the deficit or reducing a surplus; or (3) legislation increasing long-term deficits. Continues the supermajority enforcement requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 as a Senate rule through FY2017. Prohibits Senate legislation that would: (1) require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception; or (2) cause the discretionary spending limits in this resolution to be exceeded. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations for the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax enforcement; (3) health care fraud and abuse control; (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews; (5) wildland fire suppression; (6) costs of the global war on terror; and (7) training, equipment, or other matters necessary for the protection of U.S. forces in the global war on terrorism, or activities addressing deficiencies in Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other military medical system facilities. Makes it out of order for the Senate to consider direct spending or revenue legislation that would increase the on-budget deficit in any fiscal year until the President submits to Congress and Congress enacts legislation which would restore 75-year solvency to the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds as certified by the SSA actuaries. Provides for certain deficit-neutral reserve funds for legislation concerning: (1) reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); (2) care of wounded service members; (3) tax relief; (4) comparative effectiveness research; (5) higher education; (6) the farm bill; (7) energy legislation; (8) Medicare; (9) small business health insurance; (10) reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000; (11) reauthorization of terrorism risk insurance; (12) affordable housing; (13) receipts from Bonneville Power Administration; (14) Indian claims settlement; (15) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (16) health care enhancement; (17) veterans' benefits enhancement; (18) long-term care improvement; (19) health information technology; (20) child care; (21) comprehensive immigration reform; and (22) mental health parity.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-35]NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 March 2007

POLYTRAUMA CENTER CARE AND THE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PATIENT: HOW SEAMLESS IS THE TRANSITION BETWEEN THE U.S. DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE AND ARE NEEDS BEING MET?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 March 2007

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

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 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.

Coming Together for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Coming Together for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enhance and improve Department of Defense (DOD) programs to provide family support for families of members of the National Guard and Reserve undergoing deployment (members). Requires such support to include post-deployment assistance for spouses and parents of returning members. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a pilot program of family-to-family support for families of such members; and (2) contract for support services for children, infants, and toddlers of such members. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly expand and enhance access to mental health services for families of members who are disabled during military service. Requires a report from the Comptroller General to Congress on barriers to access to mental health services through TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program), including the number of providers under TRICARE that are located more than 40 miles from a military installation.

Veterans Small Business Opportunity Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Veterans Small Business Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to extend certain small business loan time limits with respect to a small business owned and controlled by: (1) a veteran called to active duty on or after September 11, 2001; or (2) a service-disabled veteran who became disabled due to an injury or illness incurred or aggravated during a period of active duty on or after such date. Extends such time limits by the period that the veteran was on active duty. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study for promoting positive working relations between employers and their reserve component employees. Increases: (1) certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan limits for small business owners who are members of the National Guard or reserves; and (2) SBA funding for the Office of Veterans Business Development. Directs the President to establish an interagency task force to coordinate federal efforts to increase capital and business development opportunities for, and increase the award of federal contracting and subcontracting opportunities to, small businesses owned and controlled by disabled veterans and other veterans (businesses). Requires the SBA Administrator and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure one-stop online registration for such small businesses. Authorizes the Secretary to develop business development assistance for such small businesses.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that no action should be taken to undermine the safety of the Armed Forces of the United States or impact their ability to complete their assigned or future missions.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Declares that the President and Congress: (1) should not take any action that will endanger U.S. Armed Forces; and (2) will provide necessary funds for training, equipment, and other support for troops in the field to ensure their safety and effectiveness in preparing for and carrying out their assigned missions. States that the President and Congress should: (1) continue to exercise their constitutional responsibilities to ensure that the Armed Forces have everything they need to perform their assigned or future missions; and (2) review, assess, and adjust U.S. policy and funding to ensure that U.S. troops have the best chance for success in Iraq and elsewhere.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that no funds should be cut off or reduced for American Troops in the field which would result in undermining their safety or their ability to complete their assigned mission.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should not take any action that will endanger U.S. military forces in the field, including the elimination or reduction of funds for troops in the field, as such action would undermine their safety or harm their effectiveness in pursuing assigned missions.

Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 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 to be assigned a medical care case manager who has completed a training program and curriculum for such management. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a toll-free hotline for reporting deficiencies in medical-related support facilities. Requires expedited investigation of reported deficiencies. 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. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a standardized training program and curriculum for military personnel and health care professionals involved in the disability evaluation system; and (2) a pilot program for the transition from military service of separated or retired members. Establishes the Department of Defense Medical Support Fund. Requires reports on: (1) enhanced training for individuals providing assistance to recovering members; (2) the adequacy and quality of medical and medical-support facilities of the Department of Defense (DOD); and (3) the disability evaluation systems used by DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Establishes the Oversight Board for Wounded Warriors.

To authorize members of the Armed Forces receiving outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to receive such care through the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Requires the Secretary of Defense, upon request of a member of the Armed Forces receiving outpatient care at or through Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Maryland, to transfer such member to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the receipt of such care. Requires such Secretaries to jointly provide such members information on the nature and quality of outpatient care services available through the Department of Veterans Afffairs (VA). Directs that the VA-chosen care be provided at the VA facility closest to the permanent duty station or residence of such member. Terminates the transfer requirement after certification from the Secretary of Defense to the congressional defense committees with respect to DOD processing of status claims and facility quality and the staffing of case management and psychological counselor positions at Walter Reed.

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2007 - Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the wetlands reserve program; (3) the conservation security program; (4) the grassland reserve program; (5) the environmental quality incentives program; (6) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (7) the agricultural management assistance program; Establishes: (1) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative; (2) the community forestry and open space conservation program; (3) an integrated pest management initiative; (4) a conservation initiative for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; (5) a conservation planning pilot program; and (6) a cooperative conservation educational assistance program. Authorizes a conservation loan guarantee program. Revises: (1) the farmland protection program; and (2) funding for the healthy forests reserve program. Revises and extends the biorefinery development program. Extends: (1) the energy audit and renewable energy development program; (2) the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program; (3) the Department of Agriculture bioenergy program; (4) biomass research and development; and (5) carbon cycle research. Extends: (1) the community food project grant program; (2) the farm-to-cafeteria program; (3) the women, infants, and children (WIC) farmers' market nutrition program; (4) the senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (5) farmers' market promotion program. Establishes: (1) a fruit and vegetable nutrition promotion program; (2) a food stamp fruit and vegetable electronic transfer pilot program; and (3) a farm viability program (currently, program authority is discretionary). Provides for Department of Defense and Department of Agriculture procurement of locally produced agricultural products. Extends: (1) the organic agriculture research and extension initiative; (2) education grant programs for Hispanic-serving institutions; (3) the value-added agricultural product market development grant program; and (4) and revises the national organic certification and transition cost share program.

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than August 31, 2007, to complete development of a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits, as a permanent part of the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), for covered beneficiaries. Requires plan implementation by January 31, 2008.

Coming Together for Guard and Reserve Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Coming Together for Guard and Reserve Families Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enhance and improve Department of Defense (DOD) programs to provide family support for families of members of the National Guard and Reserve undergoing deployment (members). Requires such support to include post-deployment assistance for spouses and parents of returning members. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a pilot program of family-to-family support for families of such members; and (2) contract for support services for children, infants, and toddlers of such members. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly expand and enhance access to mental health services for families of members who are disabled during military service. Requires a report from the Comptroller General to Congress on barriers to access to mental health services through TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program), including the number of providers under TRICARE that are located more than 40 miles from a military installation.

To prohibit the sale of certain inefficient light bulbs, and require the development of a plan for increasing the use of more efficient light bulbs by consumers and businesses.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Instructs the Secretary of Energy to issue regulations prohibiting the sale of light bulbs that emit less than: (1) 60 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2012; (2) 90 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2016; and (3) 120 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2020. Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress a plan for encouraging and providing incentives for the use of more efficient light bulbs by consumers and businesses. Authorizes the Secretary to provide exemptions to the prohibition only in cases where it is found, after a hearing and opportunity for public comment, that it is not technically feasible to serve a specialized lighting application, such as a military, medical, or public safety application.

Recognizing and commending Dr. Robert Meaders and all of the volunteers and contributors of Operation Helmet for their efforts in sending out 35,000 helmet upgrade kits to members of the United States Armed Forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2007

Recognizes and commends Dr. Robert Meaders and all of the volunteers and contributors of Operation Helmet for their efforts in sending out 35,000 helmet upgrade kits to members of the Armed Forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-34]FISCAL YEAR 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT--BUDGET REQUEST ON HARNESSING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 March 2007

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 14 March 2007

SAFE Energy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2007

Security and Fuel Efficiency Energy Act of 2007 or the SAFE Energy Act of 2007 - Amends corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) provisions to revise the definition of: (1) "automobile" to mean any vehicle that is propelled by fuel, or by alternative fuel, and is manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways (currently, four-wheeled vehicles that are so propelled and manufactured for such use and that are up to 6,000 pounds and certain vehicles between 6,000 and 10,000 pounds); and (2) "passenger automobile" to eliminate the exception for 4-wheel drive automobiles and vehicles weighing more than 6,000 pounds. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) prescribe separate increased minimum CAFE standards for different classes of automobiles manufactured beginning for model year 2012, but adds an increase of 4% per year in such standard for model years 2013 through 2030; and (2) establish CAFE standards for medium-duty trucks that are consistent with hybridization beginning for model year 2012. Revises the calculation of fuel economy standards for dual fueled automobiles and gaseous fuel dual fueled automobiles manufactured in model year 2012 and beyond to require using the same calculation provisions as used for gas or diesel fueled vehicles. Repeals provisions allowing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to extend manufacturing credits for such automobiles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean burn technology vehicles eligible for the alternative motor vehicle credit; (2) extend, through 2011, the alternative vehicle credit for certain new qualified hybrid motor vehicles; and (3) allow a new qualified fuel-efficient motor vehicle credit and an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing credit. Sets forth a special rule setting the maximum allowable gross weight for vehicles with a supplementary sixth axle using the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways at 97,000 pounds, provided highway safety is not negatively impacted. Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe the volume of renewable fuel and cellulosic biomass ethanol that gasoline sold in the United States must contain in calendar years 2008 through 2020. Increases the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit, with an additional increase for qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property that is a blender pump. Defines blender pump. Expands the types of allowable fuels. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) installation of ethanol-blend fuel pumps at covered gas stations; (2) increase in the percentage of duel-fueled automobiles manufactured in model years 2012 through 2022; and (3) establishment of biofuels incentives. Permits: (1) the exploration for 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 the exploration for or extraction of such hydrocarbon resources. Establishes within the National Security Council a Bureau of International Energy.

Services to Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2007

Services To Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance to eligible entities (private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives) to provide and coordinate the provision of various supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. Requires: (1) equitable geographic distribution of such assistance; and (2) the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to participating entities regarding the planning, development, and provision of such services. Directs the Secretary to conduct a two-year study of the effectiveness of the assistance program in meeting the needs of very low-income veteran families.

A bill to require a pilot program on the facilitation of the transition of members of the Armed Forces to receipt of veterans health care benefits upon completion of military service, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a five-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of awarding grants to eligible entities to assist members of the Armed Forces, particularly those with serious wounds, injuries, or mental disorders, women members, and members of the National Guard and reserves, in applying for and receiving health care benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and otherwise after completion of military service, in order to ensure that such members receive a continuity of care and assistance in and after the transition from military service to civilian life. Requires at least one location of the pilot program to be in the vicinity of: (1) a military medical facility that treats members who are seriously wounded or injured in Afghanistan or Iraq; (2) a VA medical center located in a rural area; and (3) a VA medical center located in an urban area.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress on the nuclear program of Iran.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the government of Iran's nuclear program continues should be considered a serious threat to the United States and its military forces and personnel in the Middle East, and to U.S. allies and interests in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; (2) as a result of Iran's noncompliance with U.N. Security Resolution 1737 (2006) the Security Council should implement additional sanctions to persuade Iran to comply with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) requirements; (3) full international economic sanctions offer the best opportunity to prevent the development of a nuclear weapon in Iran; and (4) the elimination of the threat of a nuclear Iran is in the long term interest of the people of Iran, the region, and the world.