Defence

To prohibit the presence in the United States of any alien formerly detained at the Department of Defense detention facility at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2009

Makes an alien who is detained at the Department of Defense (DOD) detention facility at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, permanently ineligible for: (1) U.S. admission for any purpose, including refugee admission; and (2) parole into the United States or any other physical presence in the United States that is not regarded as an admission, including transfer for detention purposes.

Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2009

Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a major medical facility project in Far South Texas, consisting of a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, to meet the health care needs of veterans residing in such area.

Urging the President to designate 2009 as the "Year of the Military Family".

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2009

Expresses the deepest appreciation to the families of members of the Armed Forces who serve or have served in defense of the United States. Recognizes the contributions that military families make, and encourages the people of the United States to share in appreciation for the sacrifices of military families. Urges the President to designate a "Year of the Military Family" and encourage the people of the United States and the Department of Defense (DOD) to observe it.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-10]THE FUTURE OF MISSILE DEFENSE TESTING

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2009

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit, for purposes of voting for a federal, state, or local office, deeming a person to have lost a residence or domicile in a state, acquired a residence or domicile in any other state, or become a resident in or of any other state solely because the person is absent from a state because the person is accompanying the person's spouse who is absent from the state in compliance with military or naval orders. Prohibits a servicemember's spouse from either losing or acquiring a residence or domicile for purposes of taxation because of being absent or present in any U.S. tax jurisdiction solely to be with the servicemember in compliance with the servicemember's military orders if the residence or domicile is the same for the servicemember and the spouse. Prohibits a spouse's income from being considered income earned in a tax jurisdiction if the spouse is not a resident or domiciliary of such jurisdiction when the spouse is in that jurisdiction solely to be with a servicemember serving under military orders. Suspends land rights residency requirements for spouses accompanying servicemembers serving under military orders.

Care Affordability for Military Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Care Affordability for Military Families Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse a covered beneficiary under TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed care program) for travel expenses when such beneficiary is referred by a primary care physician to a specialty care provider located more than 50 (under current law, more than 100) miles from the primary care location.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of assistance provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disabled veterans for specially adapted housing and automobiles and adapted equipment.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Increases from: (1) $12,000 to $36,000 the maximum amount authorized to be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certain disabled veterans for specially adapted features in a home; (2) $60,000 to $180,000 the total amount authorized to be provided per veteran for the construction of specially adapted housing; and (3) $11,000 to $33,000 the maximum amount authorized to be provided for the purchase of an automobile and adaptive automobile equipment.

Veterans Retraining Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Veterans Retraining Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to pay to each covered veteran an assistance allowance for each month such veteran is enrolled in an employment and training program that teaches a skill in demand, as determined the Secretary. Includes as a covered veteran one who is: (1) unemployed for at least four consecutive months before applying for such assistance; (2) able to successfully complete the program; and (3) ineligible for other veterans' education or training assistance. Authorizes payment of a stipend to a covered veteran for moving expenses related to the receipt of such training.

Medal of Honor Health Care Equity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Medal of Honor Health Care Equity Act of 2009 - Assigns a priority status for Medal of Honor recipients equal to that of former prisoners of war or Purple Heart recipients with respect to the provision of veterans' hospital care and medical services provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Federal and Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Federal and Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit: (1) federal civilian and military retirees to pay Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis (i.e., exclude premiums from gross income); and (2) a tax deduction (available to itemizers and nonitemizers) for TRICARE supplemental premiums or enrollment fees. Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the option of paying FEHBP and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis is available to federal civilian and military retirees for the first open enrollment period beginning not less than 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Reauthorizes through FY2014 the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) homeless veterans reintegration programs (job training, counseling, and placement services to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force).

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize taxpayers to designate a portion of their income tax payments to a National Military Family Relief Fund to be used by the Secretary of Defense to assist the families of members of the Armed Forces who are serving in, or have served in, Iraq or Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Establishes in the Treasury the National Military Family Relief Fund to make grants to Armed Forces members who are serving, or have served, in Iraq or Afghanistan to assist the families of such members. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow every individual taxpayer to designate $1 or more of any overpayment to be paid to the Fund; and (2) in addition to any payment of income tax liability, make a contribution of an additional amount which shall be paid over to the Fund.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer individuals detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to facilities in Virginia or to house such individuals at such facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any military installation or federal detention center in Virginia; or (2) house any such individual at a Virginia installation or detention center.

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit, for purposes of voting for a federal, state, or local office, deeming a person to have lost a residence or domicile in a state, acquired a residence or domicile in any other state, or become a resident in or of any other state solely because the person is absent from a state because the person is accompanying the person's spouse who is absent from the state in compliance with military or naval orders. Prohibits a servicemember's spouse from either losing or acquiring a residence or domicile for purposes of taxation because of being absent or present in any U.S. tax jurisdiction solely to be with the servicemember in compliance with the servicemember's military orders if the residence or domicile is the same for the servicemember and the spouse. Prohibits a spouse's income from being considered income earned in a tax jurisdiction if the spouse is not a resident or domiciliary of such jurisdiction when the spouse is in that jurisdiction solely to be with a servicemember serving under military orders. Suspends land rights residency requirements for spouses accompanying servicemembers serving under military orders.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors and, for each such organization, a link to their Internet website.

To amend chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code, to establish a grant program to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to make grants to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing for disabled veterans. Limits grant amounts to $200,000 annually per recipient.

Honoring the service, courage, and sacrifice of the Seawolves of Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Honors the service, courage, and sacrifice of the U.S. Navy Seawolves of HAL-3 (Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three, a Navy squadron performing helicopter gunship and rescue operations during the Vietnam War). Honors the families of the Seawolves for their support. Expresses condolences to the families and comrades of Seawolves killed in action. Recognizes HAL-3 as a unique squadron in the history of naval aviation.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-8] ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL OF MILITARY LANDS: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 February 2009

SUPPORT for Substance Use Disorders Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2009

Supporting Uniformed Personnel by Providing Oversight and Relevant Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Act or SUPPORT for Substance Use Disorders Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and management of, and research on, substance use disorders (disorders) among members of the Armed Forces (members). Requires the Secretary to submit to the congressional defense and appropriations committees a plan for the improvement and enhancement of such programs and activities for members and their dependent family members, which shall include mechanisms to ensure the availability of appropriate treatment for such disorders and facilitate their prevention and reduction. Requires the plan to include instructions on: (1) the prevention of such disorders; (2) the appropriate training of health care professionals in the treatment of such disorders; (3) services for the dependents of members with such disorders; and (4) the dissemination of disorder prevention materials. Directs the Secretary to study such disorders in members and establish within DOD a Center of Excellence in the Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Management of Substance Use Disorders.

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

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2009

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

DRILL NOW Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2009

Developing Resources Immediately and Long-Term through Leases on Our Nation's Offshore Waters Act of 2009 or DRILL NOW Act of 2009 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to revoke existing presidential authority to withdraw any unleased lands of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from disposition for exploration, development, or production of oil and gas, except as necessary for national security. Prohibits the President from making any such withdrawals. Authorizes a state governor to petition the Secretary of the Interior to issue leases for oil and natural gas exploration and extraction in any area within 50 miles of the coastline of the state and the lateral seaward boundaries of the state extended. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a petition for a drilling activity: (1) unless the state enacts a statute authorizing the issuance of leases; (2) if it would conflict with a military operation or national security; or (3) in any area withdrawn for national security purposes. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit 30% of qualified revenues into a separate Clean and Alternative Energy Fund in the Treasury, to be made available to the Secretary of Energy for grants for research and development of clean and alternative energy. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) deposit into the Clean and Alternative Energy Fund 30% of any funds that would be received by the United States as royalties under any existing federal OCS oil and gas lease of an area located within 50 miles of the coastal zone of the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama; and (2) pay 40% of such funds in proportional amounts to states with respect to which a lease tract is located in such an area.

American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2009

American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2009 - Repeals the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 and other specified related laws. Directs the President to terminate U.S. participation in the United Nations, including any organ, specialized agency, commission, or other affiliated body. Requires closure of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. Prohibits: (1) the authorization of funds for the U.S. assessed or voluntary contribution to the United Nations; (2) the authorization of funds for any U.S. contribution to any U.N. military operation; and (3) the expenditure of funds to support the participation of U.S. Armed Forces as part of any U.N. military or peacekeeping operation. Bars U.S. Armed Forces from serving under U.N. command.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Black History Month and honoring the outstanding contributions of African-American Medal of Honor recipients.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2009

Recognizes the significance of Black History Month for recognizing the contributions of African-Americans in our history. Honors the contributions of African-American service members, including the 87 who have been awarded the Medal of Honor for military valor.

Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 - Requires, with respect to Department of Defense (DOD) weapon systems acquisition organization: (1) a report on systems engineering capabilities; (2) the establishment of a Director of Developmental Test and Evaluation; (3) an assessment of the technological maturity of critical technologies of major defense acquisition programs (MDAPS); (4) the establishment of a Director of Independent Cost Assessment; and (5) the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to seek and consider input from commanders of combatant commands in identifying joint military requirements. Requires, with respect to DOD weapon systems acquisition policy: (1) the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement mechanisms to ensure the consideration of tradeoffs between system cost, schedule, and performance; (2) the milestone decision authority for an MDAP to have received a preliminary design review and conducted a formal post-preliminary design review assessment before an MDAP may receive Milestone B or Key Decision Point B approval; (3) the Secretary to ensure that each MDAP acquisition plan includes measures to maximize competition at both the prime contract and subcontract level throughout the MDAP's life cycle; (4) the Secretary to undertake specified actions in the event of MDAP critical cost growth; (5) addressing organizational conflicts of interest by contractors in the acquisition of major weapon systems; (6) the establishment of an Organizational Conflict of Interest Review Board; and (7) the Secretary to award DOD military and civilian personnel for performance excellence in the acquisition of DOD products and services.

COPS Improvements Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

COPS Improvements Act of 2009 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the authority of the Attorney General to make grants for public safety and community policing programs (COPS ON THE BEAT grant program). Authorizes grants to: (1) hire school resource officers and establish local partnerships to combat crime, gangs, drug activities, and other problems in elementary and secondary schools; (2) establish and implement programs to reduce and prevent illegal drug activities, including the manufacturing, distribution, and use of methamphetamine; (3) establish criminal gang enforcement task forces; and (4) meet emerging law enforcement needs, as warranted. Authorizes the use of COPS ON THE BEAT grants to hire honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces to serve as career law enforcement officers. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants for: (1) assigning prosecutors to handle cases from specific geographic areas and to address counter-terrorism problems and violent crime in local communities; and (2) developing new technologies to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in crime prevention and training. Grants the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services exclusive authority to perform functions and activities under COPS ON THE BEAT grant program. Authorizes the Attorney General to extend grant periods and to renew grants if the grant recipient can demonstrate significant progress in achieving the objectives of the initial grant application. Increases and extends the authorization of appropriations for the COPS ON THE BEAT grant program for FY2009-FY2014. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report to Congress on the COPS ON THE BEAT grant program.

To require the Federal Government to reimburse a State or local government for financial losses incurred when an employee of the State or local government who performs public safety or first responder duties and who is also a member of a reserve component of the uniformed services is called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, at the request of a state or local government that has one or more first responder employees who are also members of a reserve component and absent from their employment as first responders under a call or order to serve on active duty for more than 30 days, to reimburse the state or local government by the amount actually paid by the state or local government to such employees during their absence.

Grow American Supply Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Grow American Supply Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) with respect to Adjacent Zones and Planning Areas in the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) subsoil and seabed. Revises procedures governing natural gas lease administration. Requires deposit of a portion of OCS receipts from certain new leases into a Special Dedicated Account in the Social Security Trust Fund to reduce Social Security debt. Establishes the Deficit Reduction Trust Fund to accept specified OCS receipts to reduce the federal debt. Prohibits oil and gas leasing east of the Military Mission Line. Cites conditions for granting a federal permit to construct a crude oil or petroleum products pipeline without adjacent state concurrence within the part of the adjacent state's Adjacent Zone that is withdrawn from oil and gas or natural gas leasing. Exempts lease suspensions and preliminary activities on OCS tracts from the requirement to prepare statutory environmental assessments or impact statements. Prohibits construction or operation of any facility, or designation or maintainance of a restricted transportation corridor or operating area, on the federal OCS or in state waters that will be incompatible with oil and gas or natural gas leasing and substantially full exploration and production of tracts that are geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to repurchase and cancel specified leases. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise regulations governing onshore surface-disturbing activities. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2009 - Amends OCSLA to prescribe requirements for the use of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms for artificial reefs. Instructs the Secretary to establish: (1) OCS regional headquarters for the Atlantic and the Pacific OCS region; and (2) Federal OCS Joint Regional Permitting Offices. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to set royalty rates for leases for oil shale and tar sands. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require regulations that promote: (1) production of natural gas from gas hydrates; and (2) enhanced oil and natural gas production through carbon dioxide injection. Sets forth: (1) minimum rental rates for future oil, gas, and coal federal leases; and (2) onshore oil and gas royalties.

Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 for specified: (1) agricultural programs; (2) conservation programs; (3) rural development programs; (4) domestic food programs; (5) foreign assistance and related programs; and (6) related agency and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) purposes. Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Commerce, including transfers of funds. Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Justice for various agencies and programs. Science Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), including the Office of Inspector General; and (3) the National Science Foundation (NSF), including the Office of the National Science Board and the Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Commission on Civil Rights; (2) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (3) the International Trade Commission (ITC); (4) the Legal Services Corporation; (5) the Marine Mammal Commission; (6) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR); and (7) the State Justice Institute. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Defense (DOD)-Civil, the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers-Civil, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy (DOE), and related agencies. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Delta Regional Authority; (4) the Denali Commission; (5) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including the Office of Inspector General; (6) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (7) the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects. Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of the Treasury, including transfers of funds. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Executive Office of the President Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Executive Office of the President. Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Justice for the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts and related offices. District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the District of Columbia. Makes appropriations for FY2009, including transfers of funds, to: (1) the Administrative Conference of the United States; (2) the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation; (3) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); (4) the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); (5) the Election Assistance Commission (EAC); (6) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); (7) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), including the Office of Inspector General; (8) the Federal Election Commission (FEC); (9) the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); (10) the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (11) the General Services Administration (GSA), including the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation Trust Fund; (13) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (14) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, including its Trust Fund; (15) the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund; (16) the National Archives and Records Administration; (17) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission Grants Program; (18) the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA); (19) the Office of Government Ethics; (20) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), including the Office of Inspector General; (21) the Office of Special Counsel; (22) the Postal Regulatory Commission; (23) the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; (24) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); (25) the Selective Service System; (26) the Small Business Administration (SBA), including the Office of Inspector General; (27) the U.S. Postal Service, including the Office of Inspector General; and (28) the United States Tax Court. Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other related agencies, including transfers of funds. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Departments of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (3) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; (4) the Executive Office of the President, Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality; (5) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (6) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; (7) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (8) the Smithsonian Institution; (9) the National Gallery of Art; (10) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (11) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (12) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; (13) the National Endowment for the Arts; (14) the National Endowment for the Humanities; (15) the Commission of Fine Arts; (16) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (17) the National Capital Planning Commission; (18) the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum; (19) the Presidio Trust Fund; and (20) the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Labor, including transfers of funds. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Health and Human Services, including transfers of funds. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Education, including deferral and transfers of funds. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses, administrative expenses and salaries, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) the Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) the National Council on Disability; (9) the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); (10) the National Mediation Board; (11) the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) the Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (13) the Social Security Administration (SSA) for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General. Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary), or the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary, to provide special immigrant status for an Afghan citizen or national (and accompanying or surviving spouse or child) who: (1) was employed for at least one year by, and provided documented valuable service to, the U.S. government in Afghanistan; and (2) is experiencing an ongoing threat as a result of such service. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust such an alien's status to permanent resident if the alien: (1) was paroled or admitted as a nonimmigrant into the United States; and (2) is otherwise eligible for special immigrant status. Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the legislative branch, including transfers of funds. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of State for foreign operations and related programs, including transfers of funds. Makes appropriations for FY2009, including transfers of funds, to: (1) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); (2) Global Health and Child Survival; (3) Development Assistance; (4) the Economic Support Fund; (5) the International Fund for Ireland; (6) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (7) the Department of State; (8) migration and refugee assistance; (9) the Peace Corps; (10) the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (11) the Inter-American Foundation; (12) the African Development Foundation; (13) the Department of the Treasury; (14) international security assistance; (15) multilateral assistance; (16) the Export-Import Bank of the United States; (17) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); and (18) the Trade and Development Agency. Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Transportation. Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; (2) the Federal Maritime Commission; (3) the National Transportation Safety Board; (4) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (5) the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Makes additional appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the U.S. Secret Service. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

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

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

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

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the application of the homebuyer credit, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the tax credit for first-time homebuyers by: (1) eliminating the first-time homebuyer requirement (thus making such credit available to all homebuyers); (2) eliminating the repayment requirement for such credit except for resales of a principal residence, or failure to occupy such residence, at any time within 36 months of purchase; (3) exempting from the repayment requirement members of the Armed Forces who are ordered to relocate; (4) modifying the maximum amount of such credit and the adjusted gross income thresholds for reductions in the credit amount; and (5) allowing taxpayers to transfer their anticipated credit amount to another individual for specified purposes, including making a downpayment on a portion of a purchase price of a principal residence.

Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any U.S. agent or attorney, in any federal investigation or criminal or civil enforcement matter, including any form of administrative proceeding or adjudication, from: (1) demanding or requesting that an organization, or a current or former employee, officer, director, or agent of such organization, waive the protections of the attorney-client privilege or attorney work product doctrine; (2) offering to reward or actually rewarding an organization, or current or former employee, officer, director, or agent, for waiving such protections; or (3) threatening adverse treatment or penalizing an organization, or current or former employee, officer, director, or agent, for declining to waive those protections. Prohibits a U.S. agent or attorney in any federal investigation or criminal or civil enforcement matter, including any form of administrative proceeding or adjudication, from considering specified conduct in: (1) making a civil or criminal charging or enforcement decision relating to an organization, or one of its current or former employees or agents; or (2) determining whether an organization, or a current or former employee, officer, director, or agent, is cooperating with the government. Numbers among the actions a U.S. agent or attorney may not use as a charging decision condition or a cooperation-determining factor: (1) any valid assertion of the protection of the attorney-client privilege or attorney work product doctrine; (2) the provision of counsel to, or contribution to the legal defense fees or expenses of, a current or former employee, officer, director, or agent of an organization; (3) entry into, or existence of, a valid joint-defense, information-sharing, or common-interest agreement between an organization and a current or former employee or officer or director or agent, or among its current or former employees; (4) the sharing of relevant information in anticipation of or in response to an investigation or enforcement matter between an organization and a current or former employee or officer or director or agent, or among its current or former employees, unless shuch sharing is itself an offense; or (5) the failure to terminate the employment or affiliation of or otherwise sanction any employee, officer, director, or agent of the organization because of the employee's, officer's, director's, or agent's decision to exercise personal constitutional rights or other legal protections in response to a government request. Prohibits a U.S. agent or attorney from demanding or requesting that an organization or an affiliated person not take any such action.

RECOVER Act (Restoring Essential Care for Our Veterans for Effective Recovery)

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

RECOVER Act (Restoring Essential Care for Our Veterans for Effective Recovery) - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, if a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility that would otherwise provide covered medical services to veterans residing in an area for which a major disaster is declared is unable to provide such services for at least 180 days due to such disaster, to contract with one or more non-VA facilities in that area to provide such services to veterans who reside within 150 miles of the VA facility that is unable to provide the services. Makes such requirement inapplicable to a VA facility that is closed, or that the Secretary intends to close, as part of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) process. Makes this Act applicable to any VA facility unable to provide covered services on or after August 29, 2005, by reason of a major disaster.

Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 - Increases the amount of educational assistance payments made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to individuals pursuing an apprenticeship or on-job training under: (1) the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program; (2) the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans educational assistance program; (3) the Survivors and Dependents educational assistance program; and (4) the Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program.

Veterans Employment Rights Realignment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Veterans Employment Rights Realignment Act of 2009 - Provides for the enforcement through the Office of Special Counsel of the employment and unemployment rights of veterans and members of the Armed Forces employed by federal agencies. Authorizes such an individual to file a complaint with the Special Counsel. (Under current law, such individual may only file a complaint with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs).

Mandatory Veteran Specialist Training Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Mandatory Veteran Specialist Training Act of 2009 - Reduces from three years to one year the period during which a disabled veterans' outreach program specialist or a local veterans' employment representative must complete the training program provided by the National Veterans' Employment and Training Services Institute.

Student Privacy Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Student Privacy Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise provisions for military recruiter access to secondary school student information. Requires ESEA-assisted local educational agencies (LEAs) to notify each secondary school student's parent of the option to consent to a release of the student's name, address, and telephone listing to military recruiters, and to give the parent the opportunity to provide such consent in writing. Requires such LEAs to provide military recruiters, upon their request, with access to such information on a student only if the student's parent has given such written consent.

Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a toll-free telephone- or electronic media-based employment eligibility verification system. Requires that such system: (1) provide verification or tentative non-verification of an individual's identity and employment eligibility within three days of an inquiry; and (2) provide, in the case of tentative non-verification, a secondary process for final verification or non-verification within 10 days. Directs: (1) the Commissioner of Social Security to develop a process for comparing names and social security numbers against appropriate databases in response to employer inquiries; and (2) the Secretary to develop a process for comparing names and alien identification or authorization numbers and investigate uses of the same social security number that suggest fraud. Limits verification system-related individual relief to procedures under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Prohibits class actions. Immunizes from civil or criminal liability a person or entity who takes action in good faith reliance on verification system information. Sets forth employer verification requirements with respect to an affirmative defense to liability for employment of unauthorized workers, including revision of attestation and retention of verification form provisions. Places limits on the collection and use of data from the verification system. Expands the employment eligibility verification system to include: (1) previously hired individuals; and (2) recruitment and referral. Provides for: (1) voluntary employer verification utilizing such system two years after enactment of this Act for previously hired individuals; (2) mandatory employer verification three years after enactment of this Act by federal, state, and local governments, and the military for employees not verified under such system working at federal, state or local government buildings, military bases, nuclear energy sites, weapons sites, airports, or critical infrastructure sites; and (3) mandatory employer verification six years after enactment of this Act for all employees not previously verified under such system. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make employer participation in the basic pilot program mandatory two years after enactment of this Act. Applies employment eligibility verification requirements to labor service agencies. Revises civil and criminal penalty provisions. Establishes in the Treasury the Employment Verification Compensation Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish a publicly available contractor database. Authorizes the Commissioner to carry out verification responsibilities under this Act, but only to the extent advance funds are provided by the Secretary to cover costs. Prohibits funds from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund or the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from being used to carry out such responsibilities. Sets forth specified reporting requirements by the Secretary and the Commissioner.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer individuals detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to facilities in Florida or to house such individuals at such facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any military installation or federal detention center in Florida; or (2) house any such individual at a Florida installation or detention center.

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009 - Directs the President to notify the congressional defense and appropriations committees at least 90 days before taking any action associated with the closure of the Department of Defense (DOD) detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the transfer of any persons detained there to a new detention facility in the United States. Requires the notification to include a: (1) study addressing the legal ramifications and the security, infrastructure, and other support requirements associated with such closure and transfer of persons detained; and (2) plan for the relocation of the persons detained.

Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for: (1) sending care packages to members of the Armed Forces serving in a combat zone; and (2) providing volunteer service to military families through the America Supports You program of the Department of Defense (DOD).

Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 - Requires, beginning with FY2011, a two-fiscal-year new discretionary budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Support and Compliance; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures.

A joint resolution supporting a base Defense Budget that at the very minimum matches 4 percent of gross domestic product.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Declares that it is U.S. policy to commit a minimum of 4% of the nation's gross domestic product to the base defense budget in order to meet the fundamental U.S. national security requirements.

Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act - Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require a program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides chiropractic care and services to veterans through Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and clinics to be carried out at: (1) no fewer than 75 medical centers by December 31, 2010; and (2) all medical centers by December 31, 2012. Includes chiropractic examinations and services within required VA medical, rehabilitative, and preventive health care services.

Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of expanding the scope of qualifying veterans' work-study activities, including positions available on site at educational institutions.

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Port Chicago National Memorial Act of 1992 to require the Secretary of the Interior to administer the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial as a unit of the National Park System. Directs the Secretary of Defense to transfer a specified parcel of land within the proposed boundary on the map entitled "Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Proposed Boundary," dated August 2005, to the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior if: (1) the land is excess to military needs; and (2) all environmental remediation actions necessary to respond to environmental contamination have been completed. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the city of Concord, California, and the East Bay Regional Park District to establish and operate a facility for visitor orientation and parking, administrative offices, and curatorial storage for the Memorial. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should promptly remediate remaining environmental contamination related to the land. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretaries of Defense and the Interior should work together to: (1) repair storm damage to the Port Chicago site; and (2) develop a process by which future repairs and necessary modifications to the site can be achieved in as timely and cost-effective a manner as possible.

Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to check against all available terrorist watchlists those alien smugglers and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. land, air, and sea borders. Revises alien smuggling and related criminal offense and penalty provisions. Provides extraterritorial jurisdiction over such offenses. Limits a defense of necessity for knowingly bringing an illegal alien into the United States from the high seas. Exempts from certain of such violations (transporting or harboring in the United States) a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization in the United States (or its agents or officers), unless the organization recruits, encourages, or induces an alien to come to or enter the United States, that encourages, invites, or enables an alien who is present in the United States to serve as a volunteer minister or missionary for such organization in the United States, provided the minister or missionary has been a member of the denomination for at least one year. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend as appropriate sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of alien smuggling offenses and criminal failure to heave to or obstruction of boarding.

To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate the Honor and Remember Flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc., as an official symbol to recognize and honor members of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Designates the Honor and Remember Flag, created by Honor and Remember, Inc., as the official symbol of our country's concern and commitment to honoring and remembering all members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. Provides days of the year, and memorials and other locations, on or at which the Flag shall be displayed.

Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 - Requires, beginning with FY2011, a two-fiscal-year discretionary new budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Support and Compliance; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures.

Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) the position of Director of Physical Therapy Service; and (2) degree and license requirements for appointment to a physical therapist position. Establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs Geriatric, Amputee, Polytrauma, and Rehabilitation Research Fellowships Program to assist in the recruitment of qualified physical therapists for VHA positions specializing in the areas of geriatrics, amputee rehabilitation, polytrauma care, and rehabilitation research.

Fairness for Military Recruiters Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Fairness for Military Recruiters Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise the process for blocking the access of military recruiters or institutions of higher education (IHEs) to secondary school student information. Requires ESEA-assisted local educational agencies (LEAs) to notify each secondary school student's parent of the option to submit a written request to the LEA that the student's name, address, and telephone listing not be released to military recruiters or IHEs without the parent's prior written consent. Prohibits LEAs from providing military recruiters or IHEs access to such information once they have received such a request, unless the student's parent provides written consent to such access. Gives students the rights accorded to their parents when they reach age 18. Requires the Secretary of Defense to notify the Governor of the LEA's state and the Secretary of Education when an LEA denies access to military recruiters. Requires the Secretary of Education, upon receiving such notice, to determine whether: (1) the LEA has failed to comply substantially with the requirement to provide military recruiters with access to students and student information unless the parents have filed a prior consent request under this Act; and (2) the imposition of a penalty or remedy against the LEA is warranted.