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101 records in US in 2008
United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 September 2008
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Prohibits U.S. assistance for the acquisition, conversion, rehabilitation, or installation of facilities in Iraq, with exemptions for: (1) amounts made available under the Commanders' Emergency Response Program (CERP) (project amounts in excess of $1 million only to be allowed with the Secretary of Defense's approval and congressional notification); and (2) technical assistance for the government of Iraq. Directs the Secretary of State to conclude an agreement under which the government of Iraq shares with the U.S. government the costs of combined operations of the government of Iraq and the Multi-National Force in Iraq undertaken as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Veterans Mental Health Training for First Responders and Community Leaders Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a three-year pilot program to provide education and training to emergency response providers and community leaders about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury, and other mental health conditions related to deployment in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating from using a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator (LSI) for Integrated Deepwater Program (IDP) acquisitions, subject to stated exceptions. Requires the Secretary and the IDP LSI, subject to exception, to use full and open competition for any IDP acquisition for which an outside contractor is used. Requires that any IDP contract, delivery order, or task order contain certain terms, including regarding IDP certifications, technical reviews of proposed designs, design changes, and engineering changes, TEMPEST certification standards, and any contract for acquisition of an Offshore Patrol Cutter. Prohibits any IDP contract, delivery order, or task order containing provisions that either commits the Secretary without express written approval by the Secretary or that allows equitable adjustment that differs from the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Requires and regulates an early operational assessment for any major asset type acquired for the Coast Guard. Requires independent third party testing or certification regarding: (1) the assessment of operational capability of the first in class of a major cutter or aircraft acquisition; (2) all electronics on aircraft, surface, and shore assets that require TEMPEST certification and communication security (COMSEC) standards; (3) the design and construction of each National Security Cutter, subject to exception; and (4) the airworthiness of all aircraft and aircraft engines. Requires, for an IDP contract, delivery order, or task order exceeding $10 million, that the Secretary certify that: (1) appropriate market research has been conducted before technology development; (2) the technology has been demonstrated and demonstrates a high likelihood of success; (3) funding is available; and (4) the technology complies with all policies, regulations, and directives. Requires: (1) that integrated product teams be chaired by Coast Guard officers, members, or employees; (2) that the Commandant maintain or designate the authority to establish, approve, and maintain IDP technical requirements; and (3) a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the role of Coast Guard program managers. Establishes the position of Coast Guard Chief Acquisitions Officer. Directs the Secretary to revise and update the IDP's project management plan and issue new or updated acquisition plans and acquisition program baselines for each IDP asset class. Prohibits the IDP acquisition of an experimental, technically immature, or first-in-class major asset unless an alternatives analysis was conducted during the concept and technology development phase. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with the Secretary of Defense for support in IDP contracting and management of acquisitions and to seek opportunities to leverage off of contracts of appropriate agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement to obtain the assistance of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition with the oversight of Coast Guard major acquisition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Allows the Secretary of Defense to authorize a Department of Defense (DOD) law enforcement officer to: (1) execute and serve a warrant or other process; (2) make an arrest without a warrant for any offense committed in the presence of the officer, or for any felony if the officer has probable cause to believe that the person arrested has committed or is committing the felony; and (3) carry firearms.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Wounded Veteran Job Security Act - Prohibits any employment discrimination or acts of reprisal against any person who has, or who has been treated for, an injury, illness, or disability determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
National Commission on American Cybersecurity Act of 2008 - Establishes the National Commission on American Cybersecurity to analyze the cybersecuirty of American business, national infrastructure, and U.S. Government non-military and non-national security related computer systems and to recommend a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for those systems.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Combat-Related Special Compensation Technical Corrections Act of 2008 - Revises the formula for determining the payment of combat-related special compensation for certain eligible combat-related disabled members of the Armed Forces who are retired for disability.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Air Carriage of International Mail Act - Authorizes the U.S. Postal Service to contract, through an open procurement process, for air transportation of mail between foreign points only with certificated air carriers (carriers that hold a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under specified provisions). Allows a contract to be awarded to transport mail between any foreign points the Secretary of Transportation has authorized the carrier to serve either directly or through a code-share relationship. Provides for exceptions for emergency or unanticipated conditions. Removes provisions requiring that the Secretary of Transportation set prices to be paid by the Postal Service for the transportation of mail by aircraft in foreign air transportation. Removes references to foreign air transportation from provisions relating to a duty to provide certain transportation of mail. Authorizes the Postal Service to weigh mail transported by aircraft between places in Alaska and make statistical and administrative computations necessary in the interest of mail service. (Current law does not restrict that authorization to flights between places in Alaska.) Removes a requirement that the Postal Service make a fair and equitable distribution of mail business to carriers providing similar modes of transportation. Modifies provisions regarding the mail of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and of friendly foreign nations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Afghan Freedom Support and Security Act of 2008 - Authorizes funds for assistance to Afghanistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Directs the President to: (1) implement a system to monitor assistance provided under this Act on a program-by-program basis; and (2) provide assistance to enhance the government of Afghanistan's capacity to monitor programs carried out by the national, provincial, and local governments in Afghanistan. Authorizes appropriations. Directs: (1) the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Afghanistan to oversee the programs authorized under this Act; and (2) the Office of Technical Assistance of the Department of the Treasury to conduct an annual assessment of Afghanistan's public finance system. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) supporting the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan; and (2) that the President should expand assistance programs to innocent Afghan individuals, families, and communities that suffered losses from U.S. and allied military operations. Directs the President to appoint a coordinator who shall: (1) design an overall non-military strategy to advance U.S. interests in Afghanistan; (2) ensure policy coordination among federal agencies, including the Department of Defense; (3) coordinate with other countries and international organizations, including those supporting counter-insurgency and counter-narcotics efforts; and (4) review major security and development contracts. Directs the President to appoint a special envoy who shall coordinate U.S. policy on issues relating to strengthening relations between the nations of South and Central Asia. Authorizes appropriations for daily Radio Free Afghanistan broadcasting in the Dari and Pashto languages.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Military Air Travel Fairness Act of 2008 - Requires an air carrier to waive baggage fees for up to three baggage items (except those oversize or overweight) checked by a member of the uniformed services traveling under orders on a passenger air flight.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Authorizes the burial in a national cemetery of a parent of a deceased veteran or qualified reserve member if there is no eligible spouse, minor child, or unmarried adult child of such veteran or member.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Amends federal veterans law to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase by up to $1,000 a month the rate of the Medal of Honor special pension.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Commends and expresses gratitude to: (1) the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for the service, sacrifices, and heroism that made the success of the troop surge in Iraq possible; and (2) General David H. Petraeus, General Raymond Odierno, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker for the distinguished wartime leadership that made such success possible. Recognizes the success of the troop surge in Iraq and its strategic significance in advancing U.S. vital national interests in Iraq, the Middle East, and the world, in particular as a strategic victory in a central front of the war on terrorism. Recognizes that the gains achieved as a result of the troop surge are significant but not permanent, and that it is imperative that no action be taken that jeopardizes those gains or dishonors the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made those gains possible.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for knowingly operating or embarking in any submersible or semisubmersible vessel that is without nationality and that is navigating in, or has navigated into, through, or from, waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, with the intent to evade detection. Grants extraterritorial federal jurisdiction over violations of this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this Act that a vessel operated at the time of a violation was: (1) a vessel of the Untied States or lawfully registered in a foreign nation; (2) classed by and designated in accordance with the rules of a classification society; (3) lawfully operated in a government-regulated or licensed activity; or (4) equipped with and using an operable automatic identification system, vessel monitoring system, or a long range identification and tracking system. Specifies the documents required to conclusively prove an affirmative defense. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend existing guidelines to provide adequate penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Eight Steps to Energy Sufficiency Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) take designated actions to promote advanced batteries research and development for (plug-in) electric drive vehicles, including a direct loan program for domestic production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to prescribe procedures for oil and natural gas preleasing and leasing activities in certain new producing areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, to repeal the prohibition against final regulations for a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public land. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) enter into a streamlined refinery permitting process (upon request of a state governor or Indian tribe); and (2) report to certain congressional committees regarding additional federal incentives to increase production of cellulosic ethanol. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress regarding actions to limit litigation under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for hydrogen installation, infrastructure, and fuel costs; and (2) extend and modify tax credits for renewable energy production, solar energy and fuel cell investment, residential energy efficient property, renewable energy bonds, energy efficient new and existing homes, and energy efficient appliances produced after 2007. Extends and modifies the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to declare certain large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities eligible for the federal loan guarantee program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan program for coal-to-liquid facilities. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to permit the Secretary of Energy to construct storage facilities near pipeline infrastructure and a military base and store coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Authorizes specified funds for the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue support efforts to test and procure coal-derived synthetic fuels for aviation jet use. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow specified tax incentives for coal-to-liquid production. Energy Security and Climate Enhancement Through Clean Coal Technology Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe specified clean coal technology incentives, including: (1) an investment credit for carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage equipment; and (2) a credit for carbon dioxide sequestration in the generation of electricity. Provides for the issuance of clean energy coal bonds. Withdraws specified lands from certain leasing, mining and materials sales laws, and places them under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Energy for nuclear waste access to Yucca Mountain. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to prescribe infrastructure activities related to a facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at the Yucca Mountain site. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish: (1) a nuclear power facility construction credit; and (2) a five-year accelerated depreciation for new nuclear power facilities. Prescribes a leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development and production within the Coastal Plain of Alaska (known as the 1002 Coastal Plain Area). Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Prohibits exportation of oil or gas produced under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Veterans Health Care Budget Reform Act of 2008 - Requires, beginning with FY2010, a two-fiscal-year budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Administration; 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.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Helping Those Who Serve Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a demonstration project (project) designed to: (1) increase access of members of the Armed Forces (members) returning from deployment abroad, and their families, to accessible, safe, and confidential mental health counseling; (2) reduce the stigma and career repercussions associated with seeking such services; and (3) make high-quality mental health services more user-friendly to such members and their families. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a Special Working Group to develop guidelines and recommendations to ensure the protection of confidentiality for members participating in the project; (2) establish an advisory group to oversee project implementation; (3) submit project reports to the congressional defense committees; and (4) conduct a study of reasons for attrition among military mental health professionals, and make recommendations to increase the recruitment and retention of such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Requires, beginning with FY2010, a two-fiscal-year budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Administration; 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.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
RECOVER Act (Restoring Essential Care for Our Veterans for Effective Recovery) - Provides that, 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, then the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 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.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Transparent Actions over Covert Tactics in Iran Act of 2008 or TACT in Iran Act - Prohibits any appropriated funds from being obligated or expended by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or Department of Defense (DOD) to provide covert or clandestine support for the purpose of overthrowing the government of Iran. Provides an exception in the case of a congressional declaration of war against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008
Office of Legal Counsel Reporting Act of 2008 - Amends the federal judicial code to require the Attorney General to report to Congress on certain authoritative Department of Justice legal interpretations (including those by the Office of Legal Counsel) submitted to the President, executive branch agency heads, or the Secretaries of the military departments about the constitutionality, non-application, or supersession of federal law. Requires any qualified legal opinion issued to the President, any person or entity in the executive branch, or any member of the Armed Forces to be issued in writing, except when immediate action is required. Requires the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the performance of the Office of Legal Counsel during the 25-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008
Modifies the requirement that the Secretary of Labor provide employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services to each member of the Armed Forces who is being separated from active duty (and the member's spouse). Directs the Secretary concerned (the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs), where such services are available on a routine basis, to require each member to receive such services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008
Revises TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to authorize the Secretary of Defense to provide extended health care services and treatment, by way of contract with private providers, for dependent autism-diagnosed children of military retirees not entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and not enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of such title.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008
Recalls with sadness the October 23, 1983, terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon. Extends prayers and sympathies to the families of the 241 members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died, and others who were wounded, in the bombing. Calls upon the people of the United States to remember such members' bravery and service. Honors the dedication and courage of all members of the Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
American Innovation Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Innovation Prize program to award cash prizes to eligible contestants to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of alternative fuel vehicles, including: (1) a $10 billion grand prize for the production of a prototype alternative fuel vehicle meeting fuel efficiency, emissions, cost, and commercial application criteria; and (2) $100 million in additional prizes for substantial advancements in specific areas of alternative vehicle technologies, components, or systems or for transformational changes in technology. Establishes the Innovation Trust Fund in the Treasury, to be funded with amounts attributable to the exploration for, development of, or production of oil, natural gas, or oil shale located on federal lands in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) or in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer amounts in the Fund that are not required to carry out this Act to the account for public debt reduction. Declares without force or effect all existing federal law prohibiting spending appropriated funds to conduct oil or natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of OCS. Revokes all presidential: (1) withdrawals from leasing under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of areas for exploration for, and development and production of, oil or natural gas; and (2) authorities to withdraw from disposition any unleased OCS lands, except in the interest of natural security or military operations. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal provisions: (1) withdrawing public lands within the coastal plain of ANWR from entry or appropriation under U.S. mining laws and from operation of U.S. mineral leasing laws; and (2) prohibiting production, or development leading to production, of oil and gas from ANWR.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008
Supports: (1) efforts made by Serbian leaders to form a coalition government; (2) continued fostering of pro-western cooperation; and (3) increased defense, economic, and academic cooperation between the United States and Serbia.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a plan and initiate a program to: (1) increase awareness of the dangers posed by asbestos-containing products in homes and workplaces and by asbestos-related diseases; (2) provide information to, and encourage participation in research and treatment endeavors by, asbestos-related disease patients and their families and front-line health care providers; and (3) encourage health care providers and researchers to provide to patients and their families information relating to research, diagnostic, and clinical treatments relating to asbestos. Prohibits any person from importing, manufacturing, processing, or distributing asbestos-containing products, subject to limited exemption upon petition and specified exemptions sought by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Sets forth exceptions for specified levels of asbestos with respect to: (1) chlor-alkali electrolysis installations or caustic soda produced at such installations; (2) aggregate products (extracted from stone, sand, or gravel operations) that are imported, manufactured, processed, or distributed in commerce for use as an integral part of specified cemented materials; (3) calcium carbonate, olivine, talc, vermiculite, and wollastonite; and (4) taconite pellets or iron ore that will be used to produce such pellets (but the prohibition does apply to tailings, waste material, or other byproducts of iron ore extraction). Provides that such prohibitions shall apply to any asbestos-containing calcium carbonate, olivine, talc, vermiculite, and wollastonite imported, manufactured, processed, or distributed in commerce for use in or for processing: (1) food that is intended for human consumption; (2) products used by individuals for personal health or cosmetic reasons; (3) drugs for human use; (4) consumer garden products; (5) cosmetics; (6) products designed or intended primarily for use by children 12 years old or younger; or (7) other products with such asbestos-containing materials that endanger human health or the environment. Requires the disposal of asbestos-containing products within three years after enactment of this Act. Provides for: (1) criminal penalties for violations; and (2) citizen petitions to the Administrator to initiate a proceeding for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule or order under such Act. Declares that nothing in this Act: (1) preempts state or federal law; (2) creates a cause of action or increases or diminishes the liability of persons under other laws; or (3) prohibits the importation, manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of drinking water in a manner that complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Revises the definition of "asbestos" to include winchite and richterite asbestos and asbestiform amphibole mineral.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Defense Production Act Extension and Reauthorization of 2008 - Extends and reauthorizes the Defense Production Act of 1950 through FY2009.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Amends the Hurricane Education Recovery Act, title IV of division B of the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006, with respect to elementary and secondary education hurricane recovery relief. Extends through FY2009 the authority of the Secretary of Education, in providing any grant or other assistance to an entity in a state which in 2005 suffered a major disaster related to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita, to waive or modify, in order to ease fiscal burdens, any elementary and secondary education assistance requirement relating to: (1) maintenance of effort; (2) use of federal funds to supplement, not supplant, non-federal funds; or (3) any non-federal share or capital contribution required to match federal funds.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Treasury the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, whose amounts shall be available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs without fiscal year limitation to make payments to specified eligible persons who served: (1) before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, while in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States; or (2) in the Philippine Scouts. Sets the payment amounts at $15,000 for U.S. citizens and $9,000 for non-U.S. citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6842) to require the District of Columbia to revise its laws regarding the use and possession of firearms as necessary to comply with the requirements of the desicion of the Supreme Court in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller, in a manner that protects the security interests of the Federal government and the people who work in, reside in, or visit the District of Columbia and does not undermine the efforts of law enforcement, homeland security, and military officials to protect the Nation's capital from crime and terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008
Commends the Korean Constabulary for their bravery and honorable service and recognizes members of the Constabulary for their 1946-1948 service. Urges the government of the Republic of Korea to reevaluate its military benefits program, including the benefits provided to Constabulary veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008
Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2008- Repeals death penalty provisions for a wide range of homicide-related offenses under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the federal criminal code, the Controlled Substances Act, and other statutes relating to aircraft hijacking, espionage and treason, and offenses punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Prohibits the sentencing to death or execution of any person for any violation of federal law after the enactment of this Act. Commutes death penalties imposed prior to the enactment of this Act to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008
Congratulates General David Howell Petraeus on his appointment as Commander of the United States Central Command. Appreciates the impact General Petraeus's counterinsurgency strategy and tactics had in providing security in Iraq, facilitating Iraqi construction, and advancing our country's cause there. Commends General Petraeus for his leadership of the surge of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq. Commends and expresses gratitude to the members of the Armed Forces on their success and service with respect to Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State should withhold funds for any new reconstruction projects in Iraq until the Iraqi government reimburses the United States for previous reconstruction projects; and (2) any future reconstruction assistance to Iraq should be provided only if the Iraqi government agrees to match such assistance on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
United States · United States Senate · 10 September 2008
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008
Calls for the Secretary of Defense to develop a comprehensive strategy to increase and encourage investigation and prosecution of sexual assault and rape cases in the military. Sets forth elements to be included in such strategy, including: (1) requiring commanders to be held accountable for sexual assaults and rapes in their units and for disposition of such cases; (2) developing prevention and response programs to create a culture that prevents sexual assault and rape in the military and encourages more reporting by victims; (3) reviewing the capacity of the legal infrastructure in the Armed Forces to investigate and prosecute effectively sexual assault cases; (4) examining any barriers on military facilities to conducting effective investigations of sexual assault and rape cases; and (5) ensuring that the command affords an alleged sexual assault victim an opportunity for a transfer if a military protection order is issued.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008
Iraq Security Agreement Act of 2008 - Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees respecting U.S. security commitments to, and arrangements with, other countries. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to consult with the appropriate congressional committees respecting negotiations pursuant to the Declaration of Principles between the United States and Iraq. Prohibits any agreement (or the obligation of implementing funds) containing a security commitment to, or security arrangement with, the Republic of Iraq, from entering into force except pursuant to Article II, section 2, clause 2 (relating to treaties) or Article I, section 7, clause 2 (relating to enactment of laws) of the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008
National Capital Security and Safety Act - Requires the District of Columbia to revise its firearms laws and regulations as necessary to comply with the requirements of the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller . Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 (FCRA) to direct the District Mayor and Council to ensure that such Act and its related regulations are consistent with the requirements of District of Columbia v. Heller and the criteria of this Act. Specifies as such criteria the need to ensure that nothing in the revisions to FCRA will: (1) place at risk the safety and security of federal buildings, other federal interests in the District, federal employees, or the people who reside in or visit the District; (2) interfere with the operations of federal law enforcement officials, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other local law enforcement officials; or (3) compromise the ability of local and federal homeland security and military officials to carry out their duties to protect the Nation's capital from terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008
Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Business Benefit Act - Allows a veteran who is eligible to receive financial educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to elect to use (with the approval of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) any such assistance to establish and operate a business that the veteran will own and operate as his or her primary source of income.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008
Honors and remembers the service and sacrifice of the victims on the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Joins family and friends in mourning the victims who lost their lives in the tragic bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008
Recognizes September 11 as a day of solemn commemoration. Extends deepest condolences to friends, families, and loved ones of the innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Honors the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of first responders, law enforcement personnel, state and local officials, volunteers and others who aided the victims and, in doing so, risked and often sacrificed their own lives. Expresses gratitude to foreign leaders and citizens who have assisted and continue to assist the United States against terrorism. Asserts that the war on terrorism is not a war on any nation, people, or faith. Recognizes the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of U.S. Armed Forces and civilian personnel in the defense against terrorists and their supporters. Vows to continue to identify, intercept, and defeat terrorists. Reaffirms that the American people will never forget the sacrifices made on and since September 11, 2001, and will defeat those who attacked the United States through our shared determination, spirit, and embrace of democratic values.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008
Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to adjust to permanent resident status certain alien family members of specified Armed Forces members or veterans who are serving or have served honorably on or after October 7, 2001, in the National Guard, the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or in active-duty status.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008
Strengthening Our Economy Through Small Business Innovation Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to extend: (1) the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program through FY2022; and (2) the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program through FY2023. Increases, for FY2009 and thereafter, the percentage allocation of a federal agency's annual extramural research and development budget that may be allocated to SBIR and STTR programs. Increases, for both the SBIR and STTR programs, the individual small business award levels for program participation at phase one and two levels. Includes energy, security, transportation, and water related research topics as "special consideration" SBIR research topics. Directs the Secretary of Defense to terminate the Airborne Laser program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008
Veterans' Programs Extension and Construction Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes specified major medical facility projects and leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY2009. Revises amounts of certain previously-authorized projects. Requires reports from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on VA facilities administration and outpatient clinics. Extends for specified periods, or makes permanent, certain VA programs and activities, including: (1) recovery audit authority; (2) health care for veterans who participated in certain chemical and biological tests conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD); (3) third-party insurance provider collection authority; (4) required nursing home care for veterans with certain service-connected disabilities; (5) income verification for benefits eligibility purposes; (6) research corporations; (7) veterans' home loan guaranty programs; (8) specified committee reports and committee duration; and (9) a temporary increase in the maximum guaranty amount for certain housing loans guaranteed by the VA. Increases: (1) the number of veterans authorized to participate in the independent living program; and (2) the maximum percentage of home loan value authorized to be guaranteed by the VA upon refinancing.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
Iraq Security Agreement Act of 2008 - Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees respecting U.S. security commitments to, and arrangements with, other countries. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to consult with the appropriate congressional committees respecting negotiations pursuant to the Declaration of Principles between the United States and Iraq. Prohibits any agreement (or the obligation of implementing funds) containing a security commitment to, or security arrangement with, the Republic of Iraq, from entering into force except pursuant to Article II, section 2, clause 2 (relating to treaties) or Article I, section 7, clause 2 (relating to enactment of laws) of the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) ensure that each member and unit of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserve) that has served since March 20, 2003, is awarded each decoration, medal, citation, commendation, or other military award (award) to which such member or unit is entitled by reason of service since that date; and (2) conduct an audit to determine whether any such award has yet to be awarded. Directs each military department Secretary to establish procedures for the expedited review by general or flag officers of awards for service in combat or under hostile fire. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on progress made in authorized awards.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
Directs the Secretary of the Army to transfer specified Army National Guard military construction funds appropriated under the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 to the Department of the Interior for the Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service, to be used for restoration, rehabilitation, and historic preservation activities at Jackson Barracks, Louisiana.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008
Restoring America's Integrity Act - Prohibits any individual in the custody or control of personnel of the intelligence community (IC) or element or instrumentality thereof, regardless of nationality or physical location, from being subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by the U.S. Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations. Requires the head of an IC element or instrumentality who detains or has control of such an individual to notify the International Committee of the Red Cross and provide access to such individual in a manner consistent with practices of the Armed Forces. Prohibits the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from permitting a CIA contractor or subcontractor to carry out an interrogation (instead requiring a CIA employee to do so).