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251 records in US in 2009
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of a national day of remembrance for American nuclear weapons program workers and uranium miners, millers, and haulers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009
Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exempt members of the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and employees of the intelligence community on official extended duty service from the recapture requirements of the first-time homebuyer tax credit; (2) extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit through November 30, 2010, for individuals serving on official extended duty service outside the United States for at least 90 days in 2009; (3) exclude from gross income payments to military personnel to compensate for declines in housing values due to a base closure or realignment; and (4) increase penalties for failure to file a partnership or S corporation tax return. Amends the Corporate Estimated Tax Shift Act of 2009 to increase corporate estimated tax payments in the third quarter of 2014 by an additional 0.5%.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the main page of the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a hyperlink with a drop-down menu titled "Veterans Employment" that includes a direct hyperlink to the VetSuccess Internet website, USA Jobs Internet website, Job Central website, and any other appropriate employment Internet websites, especially those that focus on jobs for veterans. Requires the purchase of advertising in national media outlets to promote awareness of the VetSuccess Internet website to veterans. Provides for outreach to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom to inform them of the VetSuccess Internet website.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Retroactive Immunity Repeal Act - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to repeal provisions relating to retroactive immunity protection for electronic communication service providers that participated in the Terrorist Surveillance Program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Allows, and regulates the amount of, housing assistance payable to certain post-9/11 veterans (and, in some instances, those veterans' spouses, children, or both) who are pursuing distance learning.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility leases in FY2010 in specified locations in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Authorizes appropriations for such leases.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Impact Aid Fairness and Equity Act of 2009 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, with respect to the Impact Aid program (which compensates local educational agencies (LEAs) for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas), to alter the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property in their areas. Prohibits LEAs from being paid amounts that: (1) exceed their total current expenditures in the second prior fiscal year; or (2) are less than 85% of their payment for the prior fiscal year, in FYs 2010, 2011, and 2012. Requires the ratable reduction of payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property when appropriations for a fiscal year are insufficient to provide them with full compensation. Alters the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for eligible federally-connected children. Includes not only children in average daily attendance, but also those enrolled pursuant to a state open enrollment policy. Caps such payments for heavily impacted LEAs at the amount needed to raise their per-pupil expenditures to the higher of 110% of the average per-pupil expenditure of their state or the average per-pupil expenditure of three comparable LEAs. Continues a heavily impacted LEA's eligibility for such payments while activities associated with military base closures and realignments or force structure changes or relocations are ongoing. Alters the formula for determining the construction payments due LEAs that are eligible for other Impact Aid payments. Requires the Secretary of Education to use all Impact Aid construction appropriations to award: (1) emergency construction grants to LEAs that have no practical capacity, or minimal capacity, to issue bonds or are otherwise eligible for Impact Aid and have a school facility emergency; and (2) modernization grants to LEAs that are eligible for other Impact Aid payments.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Grants to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Commerce similar authority to allow members of the Public Health Service and of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps, respectively, to transfer unused benefits under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program to family members. (Currently, this benefits transfer option applies only to the Secretary of Defense [DOD] and members of the Armed Forces.) Requires such personnel, at the time their benefits transfer request is approved, to have completed: (1) six years of service in the Public Health Service or NOAA Corps and agreed to serve at least four more; or (2) the years of service determined by the appropriate Secretary. Authorizes the transfer to family members of up to 36 months of unused post-9/11 educational assistance, although the appropriate Secretary may limit such transfer to as little as 18 months of assistance.
United States · United States Senate · 24 September 2009
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 - Specifies principles that Congress declares should be the basis of the relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Pakistan to support: (1) democratic institutions; (2) efforts to expand rule of law, build the capacity, transparency, and trust in government institutions, and promote internationally recognized human rights; (3) economic freedom and development; (4) investments in people, particularly women and children; and (5) strengthen public diplomacy to combat militant extremism and promote a better understanding of the United States. Authorizes FY2010-FY2014 appropriations for assistance to Pakistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including: (1) international military education and training (IMET); and (2) foreign military financing for the purchase of defense articles and services, among other things. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an exchange program between military and civilian personnel of Pakistan and certain other countries, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries. Prohibits any security-related assistance and arms transfers to Pakistan during FY2010-FY2014 until the Secretary of State certifies that: (1) Pakistan's government is continuing to cooperate with the United States in efforts to dismantle supplier networks relating to the acquisition of nuclear weapons-related materials; (2) Pakistan's government during the preceding fiscal year has demonstrated a sustained commitment to and is making significant efforts towards combating terrorist groups; and (3) Pakistan's security forces are not materially and substantially subverting Pakistan's political or judicial processes. Provides for a national security waiver of such limits. Prescribes FY2010 requirements for the Department of State's Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund. Restricts the provision of any direct cash security-related U.S. assistance or non-assistance payments to Pakistan to civilian authorities of a civilian government. Provides for a national security waiver of such restriction. Directs the Secretary to submit a Pakistan Assistance Strategy Report to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to review and comment on the Report, and recommend any additional actions that could help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. efforts to meet the objectives of this Act. Directs the President to develop and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a comprehensive interagency regional security strategy to eliminate terrorist threats and close safe havens in Pakistan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Military Families Affordable Homes Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax-exempt facility bonds to expand the eligibility of military personnel for low-income residential rental housing financed by such bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 - Specifies principles that Congress declares should be the basis of the relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Pakistan to support: (1) democratic institutions; (2) efforts to expand rule of law, build the capacity, transparency, and trust in government institutions, and promote internationally recognized human rights; (3) economic freedom and development; (4) investments in people, particularly women and children; and (5) strengthen public diplomacy to combat militant extremism and promote a better understanding of the United States. Authorizes FY2010-FY2014 appropriations for assistance to Pakistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including: (1) international military education and training (IMET); and (2) foreign military financing for the purchase of defense articles and services, among other things. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an exchange program between military and civilian personnel of Pakistan and certain other countries, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries. Prohibits any security-related assistance and arms transfers to Pakistan during FY2010-FY2014 until the Secretary of State certifies that: (1) Pakistan's government is continuing to cooperate with the United States in efforts to dismantle supplier networks relating to the acquisition of nuclear weapons-related materials; (2) Pakistan's government during the preceding fiscal year has demonstrated a sustained commitment to and is making significant efforts towards combating terrorist groups; and (3) Pakistan's security forces are not materially and substantially subverting Pakistan's political or judicial processes. Provides for a national security waiver of such limits. Prescribes FY2010 requirements for the Department of State's Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund. Restricts the provision of any direct cash security-related U.S. assistance or non-assistance payments to Pakistan to civilian authorities of a civilian government. Provides for a national security waiver of such restriction. Directs the Secretary to submit a Pakistan Assistance Strategy Report to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to review and comment on the Report, and recommend any additional actions that could help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. efforts to meet the objectives of this Act. Directs the President to develop and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a comprehensive interagency regional security strategy to eliminate terrorist threats and close safe havens in Pakistan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Declares that the House of Representatives is committed to: (1) promoting and sustaining the spirit of unity shared by members of the United States Submarine Force; (2) paying tribute once again to the seven submariners who were awarded the Medal of Honor, including two who were awarded the medal posthumously; and (3) keeping alive the memory of the Submarine Force veterans so that the American people never forget their courage and sacrifice.
United States · United States Senate · 23 September 2009
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2009
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the Montford Point Marines, United States Marine Corps, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. (Camp Montford Point, North Carolina, was the site for the training of the first African-American Marines.) Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the Montford Point Marines. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
USA PATRIOT Act Sunset Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to extend until December 31, 2013, provisions: (1) granting roving electronic surveillance authority; and (2) authorizing the production of tangible things (including books, records, papers, and documents) for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations. Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to: (1) terminate on December 31, 2013, authorities for the use of national security letters; (2) modify and expand the criteria for issuance of national security letters and orders for access to tangible things and for pen registers and trap and trace devices for foreign intelligence purposes; and (3) revise and expand public reporting requirements under such Act. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend until December 31, 2013, provisions revising the definition of an "agent of a foreign power" to include any non-U.S. person who engages in international terrorism or preparatory activities ("lone wolf" provision). Amends FISA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Right to Financial Privacy Act to revise provisions limiting disclosure by wire or electronic communication service providers, consumer reporting agencies, and financial institutions of the receipt of a national security letter by: (1) limiting the duration of nondisclosure requirements to one year at a time; (2) setting forth specific grounds for certifying the need for nondisclosure; and (3) granting judicial review of a nondisclosure requirement. Extends through 2012 audit requirements relating to orders for tangible things, pen registers and trap and trace devices, and the use of national security letters.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2010 for the Coast Guard. Authorizes FY2010 levels of Coast Guard active duty military personnel and average military training student loads. Sets forth various provisions relating to Coast Guard personnel matters. Authorizes grants to international maritime organizations. Establishes the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee. Requires the Coast Guard Commandant to establish certain programs involving minority serving institutions and their students. Sets forth various provisions, including provisions related to shipping and navigation, law enforcement (including with respect to drug law enforcement), liability limits for natural gas deepwater ports, claims against the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, ship emission reduction technology, vessels supporting oil and gas development, Arctic marine shipping, and the enhanced Loran (eLORAN) supplemental positioning system. Great Lakes Icebreaker Replacement Act - Authorizes appropriations for the design, acquisition, and construction of a combined buoy tender-icebreaker to replace icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes. Coast Guard Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 - Revises Coast Guard acquisition requirements. Maritime Workforce Development Act - Requires maritime career training loans to students and authorizes competitive grants to maritime training institutions. Coast Guard Modernization Act of 2009 - Revises provisions concerning the organization of the Coast Guard and takes a variety of steps regarding maritime safety. Maritime Safety Act of 2009 - Regulates vessel size limits, the rebuilding or replacing of vessels, fishery management in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area or the Gulf of Alaska, maritime safety, oil fuel tank protection, merchant mariners' documents, vessel staffing requirements, and the Navigation Safety Advisory Council. Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 - Establishes passenger vessel requirements for security and safety and for crew crime scene preservation training. United States Mariner and Vessel Protection Act of 2009 - Shields an owner, operator, time charterer, master, or mariner who uses force to defend a vessel of the United States against piracy from liability for any related injury or death.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Federal Exploration and Production Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to revise requirements for review and approval of outer Continental Shelf (OCS) plans for geological and geophysical exploration on any area under an oil and gas lease. Repeals the requirement that approval be denied if: (1) any proposed activity under the plan would result in serious harm or damage to life (including fish and other aquatic life), to property, to any mineral, to the national security or defense, or to the marine, coastal, or human environment; and (2) such proposed activity cannot be modified to avoid such harm or damage. Repeals the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to cancel the lease or permit if the plan is disapproved. Revises requirements for review and approval of OCS oil and gas development and production plans. Requires the Secretary to seek and accept the assistance of the Department of Defense in the review of any plan prepared for a lease containing military operating stipulations or other restrictions. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary require modification of a plan without adequate provision for safe operations on the lease area or for protection of the human, marine, or coastal environment. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise requirements for regulation of surface-disturbing activities, including preparation of exploration and development and production plans. Eliminates the requirement of an adequate bond, surety, or other financial arrangement before commencement of surface-disturbing activities on any lease to ensure reclamation of the lease tract, and restoration of any lands or surface waters adversely affected by lease operations after abandonment or cessation of oil and gas operations on the lease. Repeals the prohibition against issuance of a lease, or approval of its assignment, if reclamation requirements and other related standards have not been complied with.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 September 2009
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness Act - Designates specified wilderness areas in New Mexico and administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Designates certain BLM land as a potential wilderness area, and upon publication of a notice in the Federal Register, as wilderness and as a component of such System and incorporated into the Robledo Mountains Wilderness. Releases certain public land in Dona Ana County that was not designated as wilderness by this Act from further study for designation as wilderness. Establishes certain BLM-managed lands in the county as the Organ Mountains and Desert Peaks National Conservation Areas. Requires the development of separate management plans for such areas. Transfers administrative jurisdiction over certain land from the Secretary of Defense to the Secretary of the Interior to become part of Organ Mountains National Conservation Area. Requires the Conservation Areas and the designated wilderness areas to be administered as components of the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS). Withdraws the federal land within the Conservation Areas, the wilderness areas designated by this Act, and the land identified as parcel B from: (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. Amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to adjust the boundary of the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exempt members of the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and employees of the intelligence community on official extended duty service from the recapture requirements of the first-time homebuyer tax credit; (2) extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit through November 30, 2010, for individuals serving on official extended duty service outside the United States for at least 90 days in 2009; (3) exclude from gross income payments to military personnel to compensate for declines in housing values due to a base closure or realignment; and (4) increase penalties for failure to file a partnership or S corporation tax return. Amends the Corporate Estimated Tax Shift Act of 2009 to increase corporate estimated tax payments in the third quarter of 2014 by an additional 0.5%.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the state of Pennsylvania and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Commends the members of the 56th Brigade Combat Team (Stryker) of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard on the completion of their most-recent deployment to Iraq. Recognizes that Team's achievements and all other formerly and presently deployed Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard units and members for their exemplary service.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009
Defense Production Act Reauthorization of 2009 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 (the Act) to reauthorize through FY2014 specified provisions of the Act. Amends the Act to: (1) require standards and procedures by which contracts and orders priorities allocations are used to promote the national defense under both emergency and nonemergency conditions; (2) remove a limitation on the authority of the President to engage in the production of energy other than synthetic fuel; and (3) repeal the requirement that the President identify critical components and technology items for each item on the Critical Items List. Authorizes the President to: (1) allow a guaranteeing agency to guarantee private loans in support of production capabilities or supplies determined necessary to create, maintain, expedite, expand, protect, or restore production and deliveries or services essential to the national defense; (2) provide for loans to private businesses for activities which reduce current or projected shortfalls of industrial resources, critical technology items, or materials essential for the national defense; and (3) take certain actions to create, maintain, protect, expand, or restore domestic industrial base capabilities necessary for the national defense. Establishes in the Treasury the Defense Production Act Fund to carry out such authorities. Extends from two to five years the maximum period of voluntary agreements and plans of action entered into by business and industry leaders to help provide for the defense of the United States through the development of preparedness programs and the expansion of productive capacity and supply beyond the levels needed to meet essential civilian demand. Establishes the Defense Production Act Committee to advise the President on the effective use of authority under the Act by the departments, agencies, and independent establishments of the federal government to which the President has delegated authority. Requires an annual report from the President to the congressional finance committees on the impact of offsets on U.S. defense preparedness, industrial competitiveness, employment, and trade.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009
Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program for veterans to increase the reporting fee payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009
Revises the federal charter of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States to include the president elect of the Association on the national executive committee as a non-voting member. Specifies that the three national executive committee members on the national executive committee are a minimum of three (thus allowing for an increase in such number). Makes the president elect of the Association an officer. Specifies that the three national executive committee members who are officers of the Association are a minimum of three (thus allowing for an increase in such number). Eliminates the specific inclusion among the officers of a surgeon, a chaplain, a historian, and a public relations officer. Allows the addition as officers of any others specified in the Association's constitution (currently, as decided at the national convention). Declares that the officers shall take office at the national convention. Requires the judge advocate to be appointed by the national executive committee. Allows for appointment by the national executive committee of any other national officers specified in the Association's constitution. Revises the requirement that minutes be kept of the proceedings of the national council. Eliminates specification of the national council and replaces it with other national entities of the Association (the minutes of whose proceedings must be kept).
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009
Includes certain disclosures made by a Department of Defense (DOD) contract employee to his or her employer among those for which reprisal (discharge, demotion, or other discriminatory acts) is prohibited.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Education Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents (EARNED) Act of 2009 - Allows any former member of the Armed Forces who has 20 years of active-duty service as of any date between September 30, 2011, and ending July 31, 2009, including at least 90 days of such service after September 10, 2001, and is honorably discharged to transfer to their dependents any remaining entitlement to educational assistance under the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Respect for Marriage Act of 2009 - Amends the Defense of Marriage Act to repeal provisions allowing states, territories, possessions of the United States, or Indian tribes to give no effect to a public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other such entity respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under that entity's laws or a right or claim arising from such relationship. Amends the federal rules of construction added by such Act concerning the definitions of "marriage" and "spouse" to provide that, for purposes of any federal law in which marital status is a factor, an individual shall be considered married if that individual's marriage is valid in the state where the marriage was entered into or, in the case of a marriage entered into outside any state, if the marriage is valid in the place where entered into and the marriage could have been entered into in a state.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Increases the maximum loan guarantee amount under the veterans' mortgage life insurance program from $90,000 to $200,000.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Call to Service Homebuyer Credit Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exempt members of the Uniformed Services, the Foreign Service, or employees of the Intelligence Community who are required to serve on extended official duty away from their principal residences from the recapture requirements of the first time homebuyer tax credit; and (2) extend such credit until December 1, 2010, for members of the Armed Forces, the Foreign Service, or the Intelligence Community serving outside the United States for a period in 2009 before December 1, 2009, of not less than 90 days.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Congratulates the United States Military Academy on being named by Forbes magazine as America's Best College for 2009. Supports the Academy's mission "to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U.S. Army."
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2009
National Guard Education Equality Act - Includes certain full-time active duty service in the Army or Air National Guard (including service such as part of an airport security mission or counterdrug activity) as qualifying service for veterans educational assistance purposes (Post-9/11 Educational Assistance).
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2009
Requires that an appointee to the position of Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corps be of a rank not less than lieutenant colonel. (Current minimum rank is captain.) Requires an appointee to such position holding a lower grade to be appointed in the regular grade of major general.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2009
Increases the amount of educational assistance provided to certain veterans for flight training from 60% to 75% of tuition and fees which similarly circumstanced nonveterans enrolled in the same flight course are required to pay.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
Designates September 16, 2009, as The American Legion Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009
National Guard Education Equality Act - Includes as qualifying service for veterans educational assistance purposes (Post-9/11 Educational Assistance): (1) certain active duty service in the reserve components (including service such as part of an airport security mission or counterdrug activity); and (2) discharge from active duty service in the reserve components because of a service connected disability.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2009
National Cemeteries Expansion Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in selecting a location for the establishment of a new national cemetery, to give priority to a location where at least 110,000 veterans reside within a 75-mile radius. Requires the Secretary, in conducting an annual performance measure of the percentage of veterans served by a cemetery, to: (1) use census tracts, rather than counties, to test and identify potential cemetery locations and to determine the percentage of veterans served; (2) use methods to avoid the double counting of veterans in overlapping service areas; and (3) count veterans who reside in counties bisected by a service area using a proportional overlay method.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2009
Recognizes September 11 as both a day to mourn and remember those taken from their loved ones and fellow citizens, and a day for the people of the United States to recommit to the nation and to each other. Extends once again deepest sympathies to friends, families, and loved ones of the innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Honors the heroic service 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 and health. Expresses gratitude to foreign leaders and citizens who have assisted and continue to assist the United States against the international scourge of terrorism. Asserts that the fight against 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 to defend their country against terrorists. Vows to continue to identify, intercept, and defeat terrorists. Calls on all Americans to renew their devotion to the universal ideals that make the nation great: freedom, pluralism, equality, and the rule of law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Reserve Officers Association Modernization Act of 2009 - Revises the federal charter of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States to include the president elect of the Association on the national executive committee as a non-voting member. Specifies that there shall be a minimum of three national executive committee members on the Association's national executive committee. (Under current law, the limit for such members on the committee is three.) Makes the president elect of the Association an officer. Specifies that there shall be a minimum of three national executive committee members who are officers of the Association. (Under current law, the limit for such members on the committee is three.) Eliminates the specific inclusion among the officers of a surgeon, a chaplain, a historian, and a public relations officer. Allows the addition as officers of any others specified in the Association's constitution (currently, as decided at the national convention). Declares that the officers shall take office at the national convention. Requires the judge advocate to be appointed by the national executive committee. Allows for appointment by the national executive committee of any other national officers specified in the Association's constitution. Revises the requirement that minutes be kept of the proceedings of the national council. Eliminates specification of the national council and replaces it with other national entities of the Association (the minutes of whose proceedings must be kept).
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to establish a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade. Requires the composition of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations to include representatives from nonprofit nongovernmental public health organizations or coalitions that promote the public health, increase access to affordable health-related services or products, or prevent and reduce major disease, illness, or a public health problem. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, Defense, or other executive departments to seek written advisory opinions from the advisory committees established under such Act throughout the trade agreement negotiation process. Requires such committees, each appropriate policy committee, and each appropriate sectoral or functional committee, before the President's notification to Congress of an intention to enter into a trade agreement, to report to the President, Congress, and the USTR on the effects of the trade agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2009 or the VETS Act of 2009 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to refund to students the tuition and fees paid for education they will not receive due to their withdrawal from school to serve in the Armed Forces. Waives the application of any requirement that students return title IV funds upon withdrawing from school to students whose withdrawal is necessitated by service in the Armed Forces. Provides loan forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, and Perkins Loan programs to students whose withdrawal from school is necessitated by service in the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Wounded Veteran Job Security Act of 2009 - Entitles a person who is absent from employment by reason of the receipt of medical treatment for a service-connected disability (absent employee) to: (1) be retained by the person's employer; (2) the seniority and other rights and benefits determined by seniority that the person had on the commencement of such treatment plus the additional seniority and rights and benefits that the person would have attained if the person had remained continuously employed; and (3) be considered on furlough or leave of absence during such treatment and therefore entitled to other rights and benefits not determined by seniority as are other persons of similar seniority, status, and pay who are on furlough or leave of absence. Terminates such entitlement when a person knowingly provides written notice of the intent not to return to such position following treatment. Allows the absent employee to use any vacation, annual, medical, or similar leave with pay accrued before the commencement of the treatment. Provides that an employer shall not be required to comply with the requirements of this Act if: (1) the employer's circumstances have so changed as to make such compliance impossible or unreasonable; (2) such compliance would pose an undue hardship on the employer; or (3) the employment in question is for a brief, nonrecurring period without a reasonable expectation of continuing indefinitely or for a significant period. Applies health insurance continuation requirements to absences from employment described in this Act. Prohibits any employer discrimination or acts of reprisal against an absent employee.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Honors Captain Michael Scott Speicher for his service and sacrifice, and for giving his life fighting for the nation in Operation Desert Storm. Honors Captain Speicher's family for their love and undying strength and determination to bring him home. Encourages the Department of Defense (DOD) to continue the nation's efforts in providing clear and accurate information about what happened to our fallen heroes, to determine the nature and cause of Captain Speicher's death, and to continue accounting for all who remain missing in action. Honors the U.S. navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the DOD for their efforts in bringing Captain Speicher home.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009
Designates August 2009 as Agent Orange Awareness Month. Recognizes the sacrifices made by our veterans and service-members, especially those who were exposed to Agent Orange. Calls attention to the adverse effects that such exposure has had on their health.
United States · United States Senate · 5 August 2009
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2009
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity by covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees). Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims. Prohibits related retaliation. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; and (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the Armed Forces. Declares that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran. Provides for the construction of this Act regarding: (1) enforcement by employers of rules and policies; (2) sexual harassment; (3) certain shared facilities such as showers or dressing facilities; (4) construction of new or additional facilities; (5) dress and grooming standards; and (6) provision of employee benefits to married vs. unmarried couples. Declares that, in this Act, "married" refers to a legal union between one man and one woman. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or compelling the collection by covered entities of such statistics. Provides for enforcement, including giving the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress, the Attorney General, and U.S. courts the same enforcement powers as they have under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and other specified laws. Allows actions and proceedings, subject to exception, against the United States and the states.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2009
Recognizes the sacrifices made by Blue Star Families as members of military families and as an organization dedicated to all military families and improving the welfare of the United States. Commends the patriotic efforts of Blue Star Families. Commends and offers sincere thanks to all service members and military families. Urges the people of the United States to acknowledge the inspirational sacrifices of military families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2009
Veteran Voting Support Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide mail voter registration application forms to each veteran who: (1) seeks to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system at the time of such enrollment; and (2) is already enrolled in such system when there is a change in the veteran's enrollment status or when there is a change in the veteran's address. Requires the Secretary to accept completed application forms for transmittal to appropriate state election officials. Instructs that forms accepted at VA medical centers, community living centers, community-based outpatient centers, and domiciliaries be transmitted within ten days of acceptance, unless a completed form is accepted within five days before the last day for registration to vote in an election in which case the application shall be transmitted to the appropriate state election official within five days of acceptance. Prohibits any information relating to registering to vote or a declination to register to vote under this Act from being used for any purpose other than voter registration. Requires each Director of a VA community living center, domiciliary, or medical center to provide assistance in voting by absentee ballot to resident veterans. Requires such assistance to include: (1) providing information relating to the opportunity to request an absentee ballot; (2) making available absentee ballot applications upon request, as well as assisting in completing such applications and ballots; and (3) working with local election administration officials to ensure the proper transmission of the applications and ballots. Directs the Secretary to permit nonpartisan organizations to provide voter registration information and assistance at facilities of the VA health care system. Prohibits the Secretary from banning any election administration official, whether state or local, party-affiliated or non-party affiliated, or elected or appointed, from providing voting information to veterans at any VA facility. Directs the Secretary to provide reasonable access to facilities of the VA health care system to state and local election officials for the purpose of providing nonpartisan voter registration services to individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2009
Travel Reimbursement for Inactive Duty Training Personnel (TRIP) Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse a member of the reserves for transportation expenses incurred in connection with: (1) round-trip travel in excess of 100 miles to an inactive duty training location, regardless of the method of transportation; and (2) round-trip travel of any distance to an inactive duty training location, if such travel requires a commercial method of transportation other than ground transportation. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of the allowance or reimbursement, to use the reimbursement rate for the use of privately-owned vehicles by government employees on official business.