Defence

United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Program Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2007

United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Program Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make a grant to the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to plan, develop, manage, and implement the Paralympic Program for veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Directs the USOC to use a grant to recruit, support, encourage, schedule, facilitate, supervise, and implement paralympic instruction and competition activities, training and technical assistance, and coordination and program development activities for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with physical disabilities. Sets forth outreach, coordination, application, and memorandum of understanding requirements.

Wounded Warrior Bonus Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2007

Wounded Warrior Bonus Equity Act - Provides that, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who is retired or separated for disability due to a combat-related injury, the Secretary of Defense shall require the continued payment of any covered bonuses or special pay to which the member: (1) was entitled to immediately before the retirement or separation; and (2) would continue to be entitled to if not retired or separated. Requires such payment in a lump sum within 90 days after such retirement or separation.

Stop Outsourcing Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007

Stop Outsourcing Security Act - Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that only government personnel provide security services at U.S. diplomatic or consular missions in Iraq. Requires the President to report to Congress on the status of planning for the use of Government and military personnel instead of private contractors for mission critical or emergency essential functions by January 1, 2009, in all conflict zones where Congress has authorized the use of force. Authorizes Congress access to contracts and task orders in excess of $5 million entered into by the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, the Department of the Interior, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the period beginning October 1, 2001, and ending on the last day of the month during which this Act is enacted for work to be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Requires certain reports to Congress regarding such contracts.

A bill to require a pilot program on the mobile provision of care and services for veterans in rural areas by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing care and a variety of services (including counseling) to veterans residing in rural areas through a mobile system that transports Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical and benefits personnel, as well as equipment and other materials, to the areas designated for the program. Requires a mobile system to visit each designated area at least once each 45 days and remain present during each visit for at least 48 hours. Sets forth coordination requirements concerning identification of veterans who are not enrolled in, or otherwise being cared for by, the VA health care system, county and local veterans service offices, and use of community-based VA outpatient clinics.

Good Government Contractor Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007

Good Government Contractor Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 requiring government agencies to withhold 3% of payments due contractors providing goods and services to such agencies. Requires the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council to (1) amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require prospective contractors to be free of any tax debt, to require contracting officers to access the national federal tax lien registry and the federal tax conviction database established by this Act in making a determination of responsibility with respect to any prospective contractor, and to establish as cause for contractor debarment and suspension the making of false statements regarding federal tax information; and (2) make final the proposed rule FAR Case 2006-011 (Representations and Certifications - Tax Delinquency). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to establish and maintain a federal tax lien registry, in lieu of filing tax liens in local jurisdictions, which would be accessible to and searchable by the public through the Internet at no cost; (2) establish the priority of a federal tax lien based upon the date and time of the filing of a notice of lien in the federal tax lien registry; and (3) reduce the period for releasing satisfied or unenforceable tax liens from 30 to 10 days. Requires the Attorney General to establish and maintain a database of individuals and entities with convictions for federal tax offenses.

Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007

Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe standards for appointment and practice as a physician within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires: (1) applicants to provide certain information, including each lawsuit, civil action, or other claim against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence, and their results; (2) each appointee to disclose any judgments against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence and any payments made; and (3) physicians already employed within the VHA to disclose such information. Prohibits a new appointment without: (1) approval of the regional director of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (Network) in which the individual will serve; (2) board certification in the specialties in which the individual will practice; and (3) a license to practice medicine in that state. Requires: (1) the VHA's Under Secretary of Health to designate a National Quality Assurance Officer for the VHA quality assurance program; (2) each Network regional director to appoint a quality assurance officer; and (3) the director of each VHA medical facility to appoint a quality assurance officer. Directs the Secretary to review VA policies for maintaining health care quality and patient safety at VA medical facilities. Requires the Secretary, in order to recruit and retain VHA physicians in hard-to-fill positions, to: (1) repay certain educational loans for individuals who agree to serve for at least three years as a VHA physician; (2) reimburse tuition for medical students who agree to serve as a VHA physician after such education; and (3) enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program an individual who agrees to serve as a VHA physician for at least five days per month. Encourages the Secretary to undertake additional incentives to encourage individuals to serve or practice as VHA physicians.

A concurrent resolution condemning the kidnapping and hostage-taking of 3 United States citizens for over 4 years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and demanding their immediate and unconditional release.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007

Condemns: (1) the kidnappings of Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Marc Gonsalves by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and calls for their immediate release; (2) FARC for the murder of Tom Janis and for its use of kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and drug trafficking, and for supporting and spreading terror within Colombia. Expresses sympathy to the hostages' relatives. Reiterates that the U.S. government supports efforts to secure the hostages' safe return to the United States.

SAVE Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2007 or SAVE Act of 2007 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (7) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Border Law Enforcement Act - Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county within 25 miles of the southern border of the United States. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional district court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.

SAVE Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2007 or SAVE Act of 2007 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (7) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Border Law Enforcement Act - Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county within 25 miles of the southern border of the United States. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional district court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses, Army; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Specifies restrictions and authorities regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.

Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) perform a strategic review and assessment of the U.S. export controls system; (2) provide for specified performance requirements respecting license applications to export or import United States Munitions List items; (3) ensure that the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the Department of State has the necessary staff and resources; (4) ensure that all items on the Missile Technology Control Regime Annex are subject to stringent government control. Requires that the Directorate establish a secure Internet-based system for tracking the progress of munitions list license applications. Directs the President, under specified conditions, to waive certain licensing requirements for exports of spare and replacement parts or components and related services of defense items exported to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Sets forth Department of Commerce and Department of State export controls for civil aircraft products.

Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a Bonus Review Board which shall review proposed ratings, bonuses, and pay adjustments for covered VA employees and make recommendations with respect to the award of such ratings, bonuses, and pay adjustments.

STRONGR Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Strengthening the Transition and Reintegration of the National Guard and Reserves Act or STRONGR Act - Provides an additional 180-day period of military mental health care coverage for members of the reserves separated from service following active duty of more than 30 days in support of a contingency operation. Increases the amount of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel supporting contingency operations. Entitles a federal employee who is a member of a reserve component to receive the difference in pay between military compensation and civilian compensation during periods of active duty exceeding 30 days. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse states or local governments for 50% of the civilian compensation paid by such governments to equalize military and civilian pay. Increases the reimbursement rate to 100% if active duty extends beyond nine months. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an active-duty reserve component employee credit for employers who provide compensation to employees on active duty.

Immediate Benefits for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Immediate Benefits for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for purposes of the laws administered by the Secretary and at the request of an eligible member of the Armed Forces who has served on active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, to assign to that member a 30% temporary disability rating upon such member's separation from the Armed Forces, or in the case of an eligible member who has received a medical diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, upon receipt of such diagnosis. States that upon assignment of a permanent disability rating to a member who has received such temporary rating: (1) if the permanent rating exceeds 30% payments shall be made for such "temporary rating months" to equal the payments under the higher permanent rating; and (2) if the permanent rating is less than 30% the member shall not be required to repay such amounts. States that disability compensation payments received by a member who receives such temporary disability rating are not subject to offset even though the member also receives separation or disability severance pay.

Veterans Suicide Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Veterans Suicide Study Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs conduct a study to determine the number of veterans who have committed suicide between January 1, 1997, and the date of the enactment of this Act.

OVERDUE Immigration Reform Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Optimizing Visa Entry Rules and Demanding Uniform Enforcement Immigration Reform Act of 2007 or the OVERDUE Immigration Reform Act of 2007 - Revises worldwide immigration level and visa allotment provisions, including establishment of specified new nonimmigrant classifications. Provides citizenship or nationality at birth for a person born in the United States only if such child was born to parents, one of whom is: (1) a U.S. citizen or national; or (2) a lawful permanent resident alien. Authorizes the use of the military to help secure the borders. Provides for increases of immigration and border enforcement personnel. Suspends the visa waiver program. Provides criminal penalties and forfeiture for unlawful presence in the United States. Provides for listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center Database. Increases civil and criminal penalties for document fraud, benefit fraud, and false citizenship claims. Sets forth an identification standard for federal benefits. Requires electronic fingerprinting for U.S. passports. Authorizes visa term compliance bonds. Establishes minimum birth certificate standards for federal recognition purposes. Provides for the establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Renames the basic employment verification pilot program as the Employment Authorization Status Instant Check or EASI Check system and makes such system permanent and mandatory on a phased-in basis. Increases civil and criminal penalties for employer hiring violations. Provides for temporary social security cards for non-immigrant aliens authorized to work in the United States. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to notify: (1) a U.S. employer with one or more employees whose social security account number does not match the employee's name or date of birth in Social Security Administration (SSA) records; and (2) an individual whose earnings from two or more employers are being reported under the individual's social security account number. Prohibits social security credit for work performed while unlawfully present in the United States. Makes an individual who submits a federal income tax return that relies on an individual taxpayer identification number in lieu of a social security number ineligible for any tax credit or refund (including the earned income tax credit). Revises provisions respecting: (1) adjustment of status; and (2) temporary protected status. Prohibits federal assistance to a post-secondary educational institution determined to be providing benefits in violation of the provision restricting in-state tuition to aliens unlawfully in the United States. Declares that states and state and local law enforcement personnel have the inherent authority to apprehend, arrest, detain, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, upon state request, to provide for the transfer of an illegal alien to federal custody and the reimbursement of related state costs. Authorizes assistance to Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma, for a demonstration project to assess the feasibility of establishing a nationwide e-learning training course to be used by state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers to enhance such officers' ability to assist federal immigration officers. Directs the Secretary, within two years, to complete the exit component of the entry and exit data system, (US-VISIT). Prohibits employer deduction from gross income of wages paid to unauthorized aliens. Eliminates: (1) federal reimbursement of emergency health services provided to undocumented aliens after FY2007; and (2) coverage of Mexicans with border crossing cards. Provides funding for eligible providers through FY2013.

Federal Food Donation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Federal Food Donation Act of 2007 - Revises the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require all contracts (except Department of Defense (DOD) contracts) above the simplified acquisition threshold for the provision, service, or sale of food, or for the lease or rental of federal property to a private entity for events at which food is provided to include a clause that: (1) encourages the donation of excess, apparently wholesome food to nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to food-insecure people; (2) provides that the head of an executive agency shall not assume responsibility for the costs and logistics of collecting, transporting, maintaining the safety of, or distributing such food; and (3) states that executive agencies and contractors making donations are protected from civil or criminal liability under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

Rural Veterans Health Care Access Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Rural Veterans Health Care Access Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to establish and implement a pilot program to provide mental health counseling services to eligible veterans at non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Defines "eligible veteran" as one who: (1) served on active duty in support of a contingency operation; (2) is eligible to receive hospital care and medical services; (3) has been diagnosed with a mental health condition and recommended to receive mental health counseling; and (4) resides at least 30 miles from a VA medical facility that employs a full-time mental health professional. Requires the Secretary to issue to an eligible veteran a six-month supply of vouchers to be used to pay for counseling (including family counseling) services provided by the mental health provider. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the pilot program.

Improving the Quality of Mental and Substance Use Health Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Improving the Quality of Mental and Substance Use Health Care Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a Commission for Evidence-Based Mental and Substance Use Health Care; (2) convene an interagency collaborative group to provide for the coordination of mental health and substance use services and primary care services funded through the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Justice, Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Education; (3) implement a plan for ensuring that HHS activities to promote information technology use by health care providers include promotion of technology that is accessible and pertinent to mental health and substance use health care providers and consumers; (4) establish the Council on Mental Health and Substance Use Health Care Workforce; (5) develop uniform methodologies regarding qualifications for eligibility for payment, financial auditing, and claims payment with respect to medical assistance, related services, and administrative costs furnished to individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in community-based and residential settings; and (6) establish a five-year project designed to demonstrate the impact of creating delivery and financing structures that deliver high-quality, integrated mental health and substance use health care. Requires: (1) the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to make grants to entities to fund a network of national centers of excellence in mental health and substance use health care; and (2) the Comptroller General to study the use of publicly supported mental health and addiction services by individuals who have any level of private health insurance coverage. Amends the Social Security Act to establish a Medicaid requirement that states receiving assistance prohibit the denial of covered services and benefits based on intoxication.

Regarding the readiness decline of the Army, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Reserves, and the implications for national security.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that because of serious readiness shortfalls within the Army, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Reserves, Congress should restore and maintain ground forces at the highest levels of readiness in the interest of national security and to ensure the integrity of the entire military force.

Condemning the kidnapping and hostage-taking of 3 United States citizens for over 4 years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and demanding their immediate and unconditional release.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Condemns: (1) the kidnappings of Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Marc Gonsalves by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and calls for their immediate release; (2) FARC for the murder of Tom Janis and for its use of kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and drug trafficking, and for supporting and spreading terror within Colombia. Expresses sympathy to the hostages' relatives. Reiterates that the U.S. government supports efforts to secure the hostages' safe return to the United States.

A resolution recognizing and thanking all military families for the tremendous sacrifices and contributions they have made to the Nation.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007

Honors the families of members of the Armed Forces. Urges the people of the United States to thank military families for their sacrifices. Recognizes the contributions made by military families in providing support to such members.

A resolution remembering and commemorating the lives and work of Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, and Cleveland Lay Mission Team Member Jean Donovan, who were executed by members of the Armed Forces of El Salvador on December 2, 1980.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007

Remembers and commemorates the lives and work of Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kazel and lay missionary Jean Donovan, and extends sympathy and support for the families, friends, and religious communities of the four U.S. churchwomen. Calls upon the people of the United States and religious congregations to participate in local, national, and international events commemorating the 27th anniversary of their martyrdom. Calls upon the President, the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the heads of other U.S. agencies to support the government of El Salvador and private sector, nongovernmental, and religious organizations to reduce poverty and to promote educational opportunity, health care, and social equity for the people of El Salvador.

Clarifying that the use of force against Iran is not authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002, any resolution previously adopted, or any other provision of law.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007

States that nothing in the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq of 2002 (P.L. 107-243), any act that serves as the statutory authority for Executive Order 13382 or Executive Order 13224, any resolution previously adopted, or any other provision of law including Executive Order 13382 or Executive Order 13224 shall be construed to authorize, encourage, or in any way address the use of the U.S. Armed Forces against Iran.

Condemning the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007

Condemns the imposition of a state of emergency in Pakistan by General Pervez Musharraf. Calls on General Musharraf to restore the Constitution, restore the removed judges to their positions, and release arrested opposition members. Commends members of the legal profession in Pakistan, opposition politicians, human rights activists, and independent journalists for their opposition to the state of emergency. Expects General Musharraf to step down as Chief of Army Staff. Urges that free elections be held before January 15, 2008, as previously scheduled. Urges President George W. Bush to suspend all military assistance to Pakistan until such conditions have been met.

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, 2008 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008 for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (4) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (5) the Iraq Security Forces Fund; (6) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (7) procurement; (8) Defense Working Capital Funds; (9) the Defense Health Program; and (10) defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of funds appropriated in this Act. Makes funds available to fund the Commander's Emergency Response (urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction assistance in Iraq and Afghanistan). Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress a comprehensive set of performance indicators and measures for progress toward military and political stability in Iraq.

A joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Requires a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber for final adoption of any bill to increase the internal revenue. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.

A resolution amending Senate Resolution 400, 94th Congress, and Senate Resolution 445, 108th Congress, to improve congressional oversight of the intelligence activities of the United States, to provide a strong, stable, and capable congressional committee structure to provide the intelligence community appropriate oversight, support, and leadership, and to implement a key recommendation of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

Requires referral to the Select Committee on Intelligence of all proposed legislation and other matters relating to appropriations (currently, only authorizations of appropriations), both direct and indirect, for: (1) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ONI) and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (DCI); (3) the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (4) the National Security Agency (NSA); (5) the intelligence activities of other agencies and subdivisions of the Department of Defense, of the Department of State, and of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (6) any successor departments, agencies, or agency subdivisions, and their activities. Abolishes the Subcommittee on Intelligence of the Committee on Appropriations.

American Braille Flag Memorial Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery an American Braille tactile flag honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans. Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to approve an appropriate design and site within Arlington National Cemetery for the memorial.

Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act, 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the war in Iraq should end as safely and quickly as possible, and our troops should be brought home; (2) the performance of U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan should be commended, and their service should be appropriately recognized; and (3) the primary purpose of funds from this Act should be to transition the mission of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq and undertake their redeployment, and not to extend or prolong the war. Prohibits any person in the custody or control of the U.S. government from being subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by and listed in the U.S. Army Field Manual of Human Intelligence Collector Operations. Prohibits funds from being used: (1) in contravention of specified laws implementing the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; or (2) to deploy any U.S. military unit to Iraq unless the President has certified such unit as "fully mission capable." Makes funds from this Act immediately available to plan and execute a safe and orderly redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq. Directs the President to commence such redeployment within 30 days after this Act's enactment. Sets as a goal to realize a limited presence and missions (protection of diplomatic facilities and American citizens, limited training and support of Iraqi Security Forces, and engaging in counterterrorism operations against al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Iraq) by December 15, 2008. Requires the President to submit to Congress a regional stability plan for the Middle East. Makes supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (4) the Iraq Security Forces Fund; (5) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (6) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (7) procurement; and (8) the Defense Health Program. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress a comprehensive set of performance indicators and measures for progress toward military and political stability in Iraq. Prohibits any funds from being used to: (1) establish any military installation or base for providing for the permanent stationing of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq; or (2) exercise U.S. control over any oil resource of Iraq.

College Cost Reduction and Access Act Technical Amendments of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

College Cost Reduction and Access Act Technical Amendments of 2007 - Makes technical changes to amendments the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (the Act) made to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Ensures that mandatory Pell grant funding made available for any fiscal year by such Act remains available for the succeeding fiscal year (thus, for the full Pell grant award year). Specifies the untaxed income and benefits which the Act excluded from the list of untaxed income and benefits considered in federal student need analyses (thereby, specifically excluding them from such analyses). Clarifies that students who were orphans, wards of the court, or in foster care when they were 13 or older are independent for federal student aid purposes. Provides that, for married borrowers who file separate tax returns, income-based loan repayments under the HEA shall be determined solely on the basis of their individual student loan debt and adjusted gross income. Ensures that National Guard members who serve full-time are eligible for the student loan deferment the Act provides to other military personnel for 13 months after the conclusion of active duty service. Moves the Act's funding program for minority-serving institutions from title IV (Student Assistance) to title III (Institutional Aid) of the HEA.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4156) making emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4156) making emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.

National Guard and Reserve Active Duty Higher Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

National Guard and Reserve Active Duty Higher Education Act - Revises eligibility requirements for educational assistance to members of the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces supporting contingency operations to require such assistance to be based on the members' cumulative days of active duty service. (Currently, such assistance is based on the members' consecutive days of active duty service).

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the availability of emergency medical care for veterans in non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

Requires the determination of whether a veteran can be transferred to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility after receiving emergency medical treatment in a non-Department facility to be based both on the condition of the veteran and on the availability of a bed in a Department facility that is not geographically inaccessible to the veteran.

To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a major medical facility project in Atlanta, Georgia.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

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

Higher Education Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize various programs. Revises the definition of institutions of higher education (IHEs) to include schools that enroll students who are also enrolled in secondary school. Establishes new college cost and assistance information resources for students, parents, and the public. Bars certain business arrangements, inducements, and conflicts of interests between IHEs and student loan providers. Establishes a new Teacher Quality Partnership grant program under title II for high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), high-need schools, and IHEs, replacing the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships program. Creates a new Part C (Enhancing Teacher Education) to title II providing grants for: (1) a Recruiting Teachers With Math, Science, or Language Majors program; (2) a Community Colleges as Partners in Teacher Education Grants program; (3) a Centers of Excellence program for teacher education at certain minority-serving institutions; (4) a Teach For America program; and (5) the establishment of State Early Childhood Education Professional Development and Career Task Forces. Revises title III Institutional Aid programs providing grants to IHEs serving high percentages of minority and low-income students to establish new grant programs for Predominantly Black Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, and Native American-serving nontribal institutions. Establishes a YES Partnerships grant program to engage minority youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Revises and reauthorizes title IV Student Assistance programs. Alters the Pell grant maximum and allows year-round grants. Broadens the array of students eligible for Academic Competitiveness grants and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) grants. Eliminates Academic Achievement Incentive Scholarships and Learning Anytime Anywhere Partnerships programs. Turns the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship program into: (1) scholarship and loan forgiveness programs for mathematics and science students; and (2) a program providing grants to partnerships between IHEs and LEAs to improve the teaching and learning of critical foreign languages. Increases the information to be provided to federal student loan borrowers by IHEs, lenders, and guaranty agencies. Expands the child care provider loan forgiveness program under the Federal Family Education Loan and Direct Loan programs to include individuals employed in certain areas of national need. Expands the types of public service occupations for which Perkins loans may be canceled. Excludes certain military housing benefits from title IV need analyses. Requires the development of simplified and electronic student aid application forms and a system providing students and parents with early aid information and eligibility estimates. Establishes a program to encourage the development of articulation agreements among IHEs within states and across state lines. Establishes an Accreditation Ombudsman to address the grievances of those involved in the accreditation process. Revises the title V Developing Institutions grant program for Hispanic-serving institutions. Establishes a new grant program for graduate programs at such institutions. Revises and reauthorizes title VI International Education programs. Establishes a new: (1) Preparing for Early Foreign Language Instruction program providing grants to partnerships between IHE foreign language departments and LEAs; and (2) Science and Technology Advanced Foreign Language Education grant program for IHEs. Revises and reauthorizes title VII Graduate and Post-Secondary Improvement programs. Establishes Patsy T. Mink graduate fellowships for women and minorities studying to enter the professoriate. Establishes new Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education programs. Replaces the Urban Community Service grant program with an Urban-Serving Research Institutions grant program. Establishes programs to support disabled students' access and transition to postsecondary education. Creates grant programs to increase nursing school capacity and provide nurses with the scholarships and release time needed to qualify as nursing school faculty. Establishes a new title VIII creating additional HEA programs to: (1) reward IHEs that make no more than inflationary adjustments to their tuition; (2) provide students with work experiences related to their educational objectives; (3) assist IHEs in implementing articulation agreements; (4) help low-income students complete postsecondary education and training; (5) help students move from developmental studies into, and through, occupational studies; (6) assist Project Grad USA implement education reform services; (7) improve the college enrollment rates of secondary schools; (8) thwart diploma mills; (9) enhance student safety and emergency management at IHEs, and provide IHEs with disaster loans; (10) promote rural development through partnerships between rural IHEs and other rural entities; (11) improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, especially for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students; (12) create a national database on financial assistance for STEM studies; (13) promote the training and job placement of real time writers; (14) assist IHEs in implementing model programs to address veterans' needs in postsecondary education; (15) support IHE sustainablity programs; and (16) promote the study of modeling and simulation. Revises and reauthorizes various programs under the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986, the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978, and the Navajo Community College Act. Creates a grant program for two tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Repeals certain programs under the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a loan forgiveness program for prosecutors and public defenders. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish a Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity program at the Department of Commerce. Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to impose specified consumer protection and disclosure requirements on private educational lenders.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a plot allowance for spouses and children of certain veterans who are buried in State cemeteries.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a $300 plot allowance to a state for spouses and children of certain veterans who are buried in state cemeteries.

Improving Medication Access for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

Improving Medication Access for Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish certain prescribed drugs and medicines (i.e., only drugs and medicines included on the National Prescription Drug Formulary of the Department of Veterans Affairs) as specific therapy in the treatment of any illness or injury suffered by each veteran who is receiving additional compensation or allowance due to a service-connected disability, or an increased pension as a veteran of a period of war, by reason of being permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Allows any Medicare-eligible veteran to elect to be furnished by the Secretary, on an outpatient basis, such drugs and medicines as specific therapy for any illness or injury suffered by the veteran. Requires such election to last for a calendar year and be irrevocable. Allows for election renewal. Requires appropriate information to be furnished to each veteran prior to making an election. Authorizes the Secretary to administer immunizations to veterans who voluntarily request such immunizations in connection with care for a disability in a Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility. Provides for appropriate copayments for the drugs and medicines received by veterans under this Act.

Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement of 2007 - Authorizes certain members of the Armed Forces to make an irrevocable election during the one-year period beginning on enactment of this Act to become entitled to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. Requires a reduction in basic pay of those members electing such educational assistance or, if the member is discharged or released from active duty prior to such reduction, the collection of specified amounts from the member or an equivalent reduction in retired or retainer pay. Provides for notice of the opportunity created by this Act to elect educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill.

Hispanic American Heroes Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007

Hispanic American Heroes Resolution - Recognizes Hispanic Americans who have served and continue to serve as members of the U.S. Armed Forces for their courage on the battlefield, as well as their determination, discipline, selfless service, and patriotism.

Mary Beth Long, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Peter W. Rodman, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 8 November 2007

A resolution encouraging all employers to target veterans for recruitment and to provide preference in hiring to qualified veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007

Urges all employers, private sector as well as state, county, and local government, to target veterans for recruitment and to afford qualified veterans hiring preference similar to the benefits provided with respect to federal civilian employment to preference eligibles.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007

Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the decision by President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to declare a state of emergency in Pakistan and calling on President Musharraf to revoke the state of emergency; (2) calling upon President Musharraf to honor his commitment to relinquish his position as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan and allow free parliamentary elections in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan; (3) that the U.S. government should provide assistance to facilitate such elections; (4) calling upon the government of Pakistan to conduct a full investigation into the attempted assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto; and (5) that U.S. military assistance to Pakistan should be subjected to careful review, and that assistance for certain weapons systems not directly related to the fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban should be suspended if President Musharraf does not revoke the state of emergency and restore the Constitution of Pakistan, relinquish his position as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, and allow for free elections.

American Anti-Torture Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007

American Anti-Torture Act of 2007 - Amends the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 to prohibit any person in the custody or control of the United States (under current law, the Department of Defense) from being subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by and listed in the U.S. Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable with respect to any person in the custody or control of the United States (under current law, the Department of Defense) pursuant to a U.S. criminal or immigration law.

To amend section 3328 of title 5, United States Code, relating to Selective Service registration.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

Requires Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations governing determinations of ineligibility for appointment to a position in an executive agency because of deliberate failure to register with the selective service to provide exceptions for: (1) the appointment of an individual who was discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions; and (2) the continued employment of an individual, notwithstanding an appointment for which such individual was ineligible, if such individual has performed at least 10 years of civilian service in executive agencies, such individual's most recent performance rating was at least fully successful, and the employing agency determines that such individual's continued employment would be in the best interests of the government.

Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct a long-term epidemiological study on the health of women veterans who served on active duty in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) assess barriers encountered by women veterans to the provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of comprehensive health care; (3) assess all health care services and programs provided by the VA for women veterans; (4) provide training for mental health professionals who provide counseling to women veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (5) develop a plan for the identification, development, and dissemination of treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions attributable to combat or sexual trauma that are proven effective for women veterans; (6) conduct a study of the provision of readjustment counseling and related mental health services for women veterans at vet centers; (7) carry out a pilot program for child care for certain women veterans receiving health care from VA facilities; and (8) carry out a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of providing counseling and transition adjustment assistance for women veterans who are newly separated from active duty service. Requires women veterans recently separated from active duty service to be included on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.

Stop Outsourcing Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

Stop Outsourcing Security Act - Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that only government personnel provide security services at U.S. diplomatic or consular missions in Iraq. Requires the President to report to Congress on the status of planning for the use of Government and military personnel instead of private contractors for mission critical or emergency essential functions by January 1, 2009, in all conflict zones where Congress has authorized the use of force. Authorizes Congress access to contracts and task orders in excess of $5 million entered into by the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, the Department of the Interior, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the period beginning October 1, 2001, and ending on the last day of the month during which this Act is enacted for work to be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Requires certain reports to Congress regarding such contracts.

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses, Army; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Specifies restrictions and authorities regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.

Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3222) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3222) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.

Compensation for Combat Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Compensation for Combat Veterans Act - Provides that, for a veteran claiming disability benefits related to combat, service in a combat zone that is recognized as such service under the Internal Revenue Code shall be considered proof that the veteran engaged in combat.