Defence

Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2007

Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2007 or the Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2007 - States that: (1) state and local law enforcement personnel, in the course of their routine duties, have the inherent authority to investigate, apprehend, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including interstate transportation of such aliens to detention centers) in order to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws; and (2) effective two years after enactment of this Act, a state that has in effect a statute, policy, or practice prohibiting such law enforcement assistance shall not receive certain federal incarceration assistance. Provides for the listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center database. Directs states and localities to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) with specified information about apprehended aliens who are believed to be in violation of U.S. immigration laws. Provides federal reimbursement for related state and local costs. (States that such provision shall not require state or local enforcement officials to provide DHS with information related to a victim of a crime or witness to a criminal offense.) Directs the Secretary to make grants to states and political subdivisions that enforce immigration laws in the course of their routine law enforcement duties for special equipment and facilities related to arresting, detaining, or transporting illegal aliens. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct or acquire 20 additional detention facilities for aliens detained pending removal (or a decision on removal); and (2) consider the transfer of military installations under base closure laws for such purposes. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to illegal aliens apprehended by state or local authorities to provide for: (1) federal custody upon state or local request; and (2) state or local compensation for related incarceration and transportation costs. States with respect to an alien subject to removal that the Attorney General or Secretary shall ensure such alien's detention in an adequate (as defined by this Act) state or local prison, detention center, or other comparable facility prior to his or her removal examination. Directs the Secretary to establish immigration-related training for state and local personnel. Provides: (1) personal liability immunity to the same extent as corresponding federal immunity for state or local personnel enforcing immigration laws within the scope of their duties under this Act; and (2) civil rights money damage immunity for state or local agencies enforcing immigration laws unless their personnel violated criminal law in such enforcement. Continues the institutional removal program (IRP), which shall be expanded to all states. Authorizes state or local detention of an illegal alien after completion of such alien's prison sentence for: (1) up to 14 days to facilitate federal transfer; or (2) until transfer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 and subsequent fiscal years for the state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP).

Wounded Warriors Commission Implementation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2007

Wounded Warriors Commission Implementation Act of 2007 - Outlines Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) roles with respect to the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members). Eliminates the 30% required disability rating before a member may be retired for disability. Qualifies each member retired for a disability to a lifetime payment based on the member's rank and years of military service. Authorizes transition payments to members retired due to combat-related injuries. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay annual bonuses to veterans enrolled in approved rehabilitation programs. Directs the Secretary to pay to members retired due to combat-related injuries: (1) quality-of-life payments to members not receiving transition payments; and (2) earnings-loss payments to members who received, but are no longer qualified for, transition payments. Presumes post-traumatic stress disorder to be service-connected, and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation provisions. Provides extended benefits under TRICARE (a DOD managed care program) for the primary caregivers of members who incur a serious injury or illness while on active duty. Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle to 26 workweeks of leave per year an employee who is the primary caregiver of a member who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is in medical hold or holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list for a serious injury or illness.

Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force as an independent military service.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2007

Declares that Congress remembers, honors, and commends the achievements of the U.S. Air Force in serving and defending the United States on the 60th anniversary of its creation as an independent military service.

H.R. 3355, THE HOMEOWNERS DEFENSE ACT OF 2007

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 September 2007

Agent Orange Equitable Compensation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2007

Agent Orange Equitable Compensation Act - States that awards of veterans' disability compensation based on a presumption of service-connection due to exposure to certain herbicide agents during service in Vietnam (Agent Orange compensation) shall not be effective earlier than the effective date of the regulation establishing such presumption. States that, for purposes of such presumption, a veteran will be considered to have served in Vietnam only if the veteran was physically present on land in Vietnam or on its inland waterways, and not if the veteran served only on the waters offshore or in airspace above.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the eligibility criteria for special monthly pension.

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2007

Authorizes the payment of an additional special monthly pension, to a veteran already eligible for a basic pension due to service during a period of war and having a permanent and total non-service-connected disability, if such veteran either: (1) has an additional disability or disabilities rated at 60% or more; or (2) by reason of a disability or disabilities is permanently housebound but does not qualify for pension at the aid and attendance rate.

Veterans' Pride Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2007

Veterans' Pride Initiative Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and promote programs and activities for honoring veterans, increasing public awareness and appreciation of veterans' service, and encouraging veterans and their families to express pride in such service. Authorizes the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran to wear awards and decorations earned by the veteran during programs and activities in connection with Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day events, as well as such other patriotic observances as the Secretary may prescribe.

To modify the purposes for which the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, may operate the National Flight Academy.

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2007

Amends the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 to modify the purposes for which the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, may operate the National Flight Academy to include the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines that impact on and deal with aviation.

Northwest Florida Veterans Health Care Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2007

Northwest Florida Veterans Health Care Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into a sharing agreement with the Secretary of Defense with respect to joint Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Department of Defense (DOD) use of the inpatient medical facility at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Requires the Secretary to construct a joint VA-DOD outpatient medical facility at such Base.

Support for Injured Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2007

Support for Injured Servicemembers Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember to a total of 26 workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for the servicemember. Defines covered servicemember as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty on active duty that may render the member medically unfit to perform his or her duties. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, family leave, or medical or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Amends federal civil service law to entitle civilian federal employees to the same leave allowance. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid annual or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-86] THE ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IN PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 September 2007

Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2007

Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) design and produce an Atomic Testing Service Medal to honor members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of U.S. atomic weapons tests conducted between 1945 and 1963; and (2) issue the Medal to such individuals (or their next-of-kin).

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on the provision of traumatic brain injury care in rural areas.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a five-year pilot program, in five rural states, under which the Secretary trains and then assigns a specific Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) case manager to each veteran diagnosed with traumatic brain injury who is receiving care in a VA facility in that state.

America's Border Security Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2007

America's Border Security Act of 2007 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) use of Department of Defense (DOD) surveillance equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); (2) road and barrier construction; (3) ports of entry construction; (4) communications enhancements; (5) aerial surveillance programs; (6) personnel increases; and (7) a national border security plan.

Second Chance for America's Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2007

Second Chance for America's Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a three-year workforce reentry program for veterans who are residents of a penal institution or an institution that provides long-term care for mental illness and are at-risk for homelessness once they leave such institution absent referral and counseling services. Makes available under the program job referral, counseling, and other services deemed necessary to minimize recidivism and improve job placement. Requires the program to be carried out in at least 24 locations equitably distributed throughout the United States.

21st Century Veterans Equitable Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2007

21st Century Veterans Equitable Treatment Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish a maximum specialist referral period (the period between a veteran's referral to a specialty clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by a VA primary care physician and the actual appointment with a specialist); and (2) provide appropriate transportation to such appointments for qualified veterans. Requires the Secretary, in any case in which such period is exceeded or in which transportation was not so provided, to promptly provide for such care or transportation from a private source and to reimburse such source at an appropriate rate. Requires expedited reimbursement procedures. Directs the Secretary to include within standards of performance used for measuring VA medical care administration a standard of assessing improvements in appointment waiting times.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish epilepsy centers of excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate, establish, and operate at least six Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health-care facilities as locations for epilepsy centers of excellence. Requires the Under Secretary for Health of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to establish a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals for the designation of such centers. Requires the Secretary to designate a VHA national coordinator for epilepsy programs to: (1) supervise the operation of the centers; (2) coordinate and support throughout the VA health-care system better access to diagnosis, research, care, and education for epilepsy and traumatic brain injury; and (3) conduct regular evaluations of the centers.

A bill to provide for statewide longitudinal data systems to improve elementary and secondary education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive five-year matching grants to states to build or upgrade statewide pre- through high-school longitudinal data systems that include: (1) unique and consistent statewide student identifiers; (2) the ability to track student participation and performance over time; (3) unique and consistent statewide teacher identifiers that match student records to the appropriate teacher; and (4) the ability to link their data to data from higher education, workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, and military services information systems. Increases the state match required as a grant matures. Authorizes the Secretary to award matching grants to states to build the capacity of educators and policymakers, at the local educational agency and school level, to use data and data systems by: (1) training educational personnel to effectively collect, report, and use data; (2) developing processes to analyze and disseminate the best approaches for using the data systems to enhance teaching and learning; and (3) aligning statewide longitudinal data systems with local student information management systems and curriculum or instructional management systems. Provides such funding as is necessary to support a state education data center and state educational data coordinators.

A bill to provide for the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Military Eye Injuries, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to establish within the Department of Defense (DOD) the Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Military Eye Injuries to: (1) develop, implement, and oversee a registry for tracking the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for each case of eye injury incurred by a member of the Armed Forces in combat that requires surgery or other operative intervention; and (2) ensure the electronic exchange of registry information with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) include in the registry records of members who incurred eye injuries in combat in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom before the registry's establishment; and (2) report to Congress on the Center's establishment. Directs the Secretary and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a cooperative study on neuro-optometric screening and diagnosis of members with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by military medical treatment facilities and VA medical centers for purposes of vision screening, diagnosis, rehabilitative management, and vision research on visual dysfunction related to TBI.

A bill entitled "The Protect America Act of 2007".

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Protect America Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to provide that a court order is not required for the electronic surveillance of communication between persons who are not located within the United States for collecting foreign intelligence information, without respect to whether the communication passes through the United States or the surveillance device is located within the United States. Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to apply to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court) for an order, or the extension of an order, authorizing for up to one year the electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes of persons outside the United States. Allows the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and the AG to authorize the immediate electronic surveillance (without prior Court order) of persons reasonably believed to be outside the United States if: (1) the DNI and AG determine that it is in the U.S. national security interest to begin such surveillance; and (2) the AG submits to the Court, within five days after the commencement of the surveillance, a certification of and application for such surveillance. Authorizes the AG, with respect to an authorized surveillance, to issue a directive to a communications service provider, custodian, or other person to: (1) furnish all appropriate information, facilities, and assistance necessary to accomplish the surveillance; and (2) maintain under security procedures any surveillance records. Directs the Inspector General to report to the congressional intelligence and judiciary committees on surveillance conducted during the previous four-month period.

Global Climate and Ozone Layer Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Global Climate and Ozone Layer Protection Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should negotiate with the other parties to the Montreal Protocol concerning mitigating global warming impacts and accelerating the phaseout of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for developed and developing countries. Amends the Clean Air Act to allow the production and consumption of class II substances that are used as fire suppression agents for military, commercial aviation, industrial, space, or national security applications and that reduce overall risk to human health and the environment compared to alternatives. Bans the importation of any product manufactured after January 1, 2010, that contains any class II substance that has been phased out of production and consumption for any purpose other than for its transformation or destruction. Bans the production or importation of class I or class II substances unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies that the importer has offset such production or importation. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing standards and requirements regarding the sale, distribution, use, and safe disposal of substitutes for class I and class II substances. Makes it unlawful for specified persons to sell or distribute any such substitute that is suitable for use in a motor vehicle air-conditioning system and that is in a container of less than 20 pounds of such substitute. Establishes the Refrigerant Environmental Management Council as a nonprofit entity to address the emissions of fluorocarbon refrigerants in an economical, efficient, and effective manner and to lead industry in recovery, reclamation, and destruction of such refrigerants. Gives the Council authority to collect a levy on the domestic production of virgin HCFC and Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, the import of all HCFC and HFC refrigerants, and the import of such refrigerants contained in equipment. Authorizes the Council to use the funds generated by the levies to provide incentive payments to entities that document that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, and HFCs have been reclaimed or destroyed. Authorizes the EPA to carry out the mission and activities of the SunWise Program.

Reservist Access to Justice Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Reservist Access to Justice Act of 2007 - Allows a court, if it determines that a federal, state, or private employer's failure to comply with a veteran's reemployment rights was willful, to require the employer to pay the individual the greater of any loss of wages or benefits, or $20,000. Requires (current law authorizes) a court to exercise injunctive relief to fully vindicate such rights. Authorizes a court to require a state or private employer to pay punitive damages for violations found to be with malice or reckless indifference to the individual's federally-protected reemployment rights. Makes federal arbitration procedures inapplicable to claims for veterans' employment and reemployment rights and benefits.

Military Environmental Responsibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Military Environmental Responsibility Act - Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and defense-related agencies (the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Office of Naval Nuclear Reactors, and any others as designated by the President) to fully comply with designated Federal and State environmental laws, including those related to public health and safety, to the same extent as any other entities subject to such laws. Waives any immunity of the United States with respect to such laws as applied to DOD and any defense-related agency. Provides for administrative enforcement actions. Requires the Secretary of Defense , for each weapon system for which congressional budget justification is required, to ensure that all development and procurement decisions comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Repeals: (1) a Federal provision prohibiting the use of certain military appropriation accounts for the payment of fines and penalties for environmental noncompliance; and (2) a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 which prohibits the use of defense funds to conduct treatment, storage, or disposal activities at sites designated under the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Program.

Guard and Reserve Early Retirement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Guard and Reserve Early Retirement Act of 2007 - Revises provisions concerning eligibility for military retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service to: (1) remove the requirement that the person be at least 60 years of age; and (2) provide an additional qualifier in the case of a combination of minimum age and earned duty points (requiring 4500 points with a minimum age of 55, descending to 1000 points with a minimum age of 60). Continues 60 as the minimum eligibility age for such retirees for health care furnished through the Department of Defense (DOD).

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act - Deems service of a person as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 15, 1945 (qualified service), to be active military service for purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge to each person whose qualified service warrants one; and (2) the discharge to be issued before the end of the one-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act. Prohibits benefits from being paid to persons as a result of such enactment for any period before the enactment date.

Hire a Hero Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Hire a Hero Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should support private sector employment initiatives for military personnel to help ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces have access to gainful employment. Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Chief) to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist the following individuals in securing employment in the private sector: (1) a member of the National Guard or reserve; (2) a member of the Armed Forces who is nearing separation, discharge, or release; and (3) a former member of the Armed Forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Chief, in awarding such grants, should consider organizations that partner with private entities and associations involved in construction, energy, transportation, aerospace, domestic security, and other areas in which the employment of individuals having past military service would be of particular utility. Requires the Chief to establish fiscal control, accountability, and program performance measures for grantees.

Veterans Upward Bound Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Veterans Upward Bound Improvement Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit members of the Armed Forces Reserves who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after September 11, 2001, from being deemed ineligible for participation in federal TRIO programs due to age. (TRIO programs prepare disadvantaged students for, and support their pursuit of, postsecondary education.)

Improving Foreign Intelligence Surveillance to Defend the Nation and the Constitution Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Improving Foreign Intelligence Surveillance to Defend the Nation and the Constitution Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to provide that a court order is not required for the acquisition of communication between non-U.S. persons who are not located within the United States for collecting foreign intelligence information, whether or not the communication passes through the United States or the surveillance device is located within the United States. Allows the Attorney General (AG), upon authorization of the President, to apply to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court) for an order, or the extension of an order, authorizing for up to one year the acquisition of communications of persons outside the United States who are non-U.S. persons. Allows the AG to authorize such surveillance without a court order for up to 15 days if the AG determines that an emergency situation exists with respect to obtaining such information before an order authorizing the surveillance can be obtained. Authorizes the AG, in either case, to direct a communications service provider, custodian, or other person who has access to such information to furnish the AG with the required information and to maintain appropriate records concerning acquisition of the information.

Defense Contracting Ethics Oversight Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Defense Contracting Ethics Oversight Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe in regulations a requirement that a Department of Defense (DOD) contracting officer may not determine a contractor to be responsible for the award of a covered contract for DOD (one in excess of $5 million) unless the contracting entity has in place, within 30 days after contract award, an internal ethics compliance program to facilitate the timely detection and disclosure of improper conduct in connection with the award or performance of the contract, and to ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken with respect to such conduct. Allows for the suspension or debarment of contractors determined not to have reported suspected improper conduct. Requires a report from the Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy to Congress on personal financial conflicts of interests of contractor employees and employees of federally funded research and development centers.

Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007 - Declares that the purposes of this Act is to provide a federal backstop for state-sponsored insurance programs to help homeowners prepare for and recover from the damages caused by natural catastrophes. Establishes a nonprofit National Catastrophe Risk Consortium, which shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government, to: (1) gather an inventory of catastrophe risk obligations held by participating states' reinsurance funds, risk pools, or primary insurance corporations; (2) issue securities and other financial instruments linked to the catastrophe risk in the capital markets; (3) enter into reinsurance contracts with private parties, on a conduit basis; (4) act as a centralized repository of state risk information accessible by private-market participants interested in underwriting risk-linked securities or entering into reinsurance contracts; and (5) use an acquired catastrophe risk database to perform research and analysis that encourages standardization of the risk-linked securities market. Makes the Consortium eligible for discretionary federal grants, contracts, gifts, contributions, or technical assistance. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to carry out a national homeowners' insurance stabilization program to make liquidity loans and catastrophic loans to state and regional reinsurance programs to: (1) ensure their solvency; (2) improve the availability and affordability of homeowners' insurance; and (3) spread the risk of catastrophic financial loss resulting from natural disasters and catastrophic events. Authorizes the Secretary to establish and collect a reasonable fee from precertified qualified reinsurance programs to offset stabilization program expenses. Prescribes requirements for qualified reinsurance programs.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the placement in a national cemetery of memorial markers for the purpose of commemorating servicemembers or other persons whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish for placement a memorial headstone or marker in a national cemetery to commemorate veterans and their spouses whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery.

Fair Pay for America's Troops Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Fair Pay for America's Troops Act - Prohibits the suspension of military active-duty deployment limits by the President for national security purposes from being used to deny the payment of a high-deployment allowance to a member of the Armed Forces if the member is otherwise qualified. Sets such such allowance at $1,000 per month. (Current law allows an amount at the discretion of the Secretary of the military department concerned, not to exceed $1,000.) Repeals the authority to exclude from eligibility for such allowance specified duty assignments approved by the Secretary of Defense. Allows for the payment of such allowance in the case of excess active-duty rotation frequencies for reserve personnel.

Military Family and Medical Leave Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Military Family and Medical Leave Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee to up to 26 workweeks of leave during a 12-month period to care for a covered service member who is the employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent. Defines covered service member as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, or is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, for a serious injury or illness. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, or family leave for any part of the 26-week period. Limits a husband and wife both working for the same employer to such 26 weeks altogether during a single 12-month period.

To provide compensation for United States citizens taken hostage by terrorists or state sponsors of terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Authorizes the President to compensate a U.S. national, or his or her estate, who: (1) has a claim pending in U.S. court against a foreign state seeking compensation for injuries caused by an act of hostage-taking, or has obtained a judgment on such a claim that has not been fully satisfied; (2) on or after August 2, 1990, and while not serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken hostage by a terrorist party; or (3) was a representative plaintiff or class member in Case Number 1:00CV03110 (EGS) or a plaintiff in Case Number 1:00CV00716 (HHK) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Limits an award to $500,000, adjusted to reflect the annual change in the Consumer Price Index. Bars a person who has accepted compensation under this Act from commencing or maintaining a U.S. civil action seeking compensation for such injuries or damages associated with such hostage taking against a foreign state or its agencies or instrumentalities. Funds compensation under this Act from the Hostage Victims Fund (as provided by this Act) into which the President shall direct deposits from: (1) blocked assets of terrorist parties; (2) amounts received against any person in connection with the U.N. Oil for Food Program; or (3) amounts received as a result of any fine or forfeiture in connection with a violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trading With the Enemy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Bank Secrecy Act, or the Export Administration Act. Provides additional compensation for victims of the 1979 Iranian hostage taking in Tehran, including spouses and children of persons taken captive. Authorizes the return of a country's funds deposited into the Hostage Victims Fund upon termination of the country's terrorist party designation.

To amend title 4, United States Code, to prescribe that members of the Armed Forces and veterans out of uniform may render the military salute during hoisting, lowering, or passing of flag.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Allows members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are out of uniform to render the military salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the flag.

Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Waives a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) to allow consideration of the following measures on the same day they are presented to the House: (1) H.R. 3222 (Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2008); and (2) a bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain electronic surveillance.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Turkey should end its military occupation of the Republic of Cyprus, particularly because Turkey's pretext has been refuted by over 13,000,000 crossings by Turkish-Cypriots and Greek-Cypriots into each other's communities without incident.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Calls on the U.S. government to initiate a new effort to help Turkey understand the benefits it will accrue by ending its military occupation of Cyprus. Urges the government of Turkey to begin withdrawing its military occupation forces from Cyprus.

A bill to establish uniform standards for interrogation techniques applicable to individuals under the custody or physical control of the United States Government.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Prohibits an individual in the custody or control of the U.S. government, regardless of nationality or physical location, from being subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by specified sections of the U.S. Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations. Specifically prohibits the following treatment or techniques: (1) forcing an individual to be naked, perform sexual acts, or pose in a sexual manner; (2) placing a hood or sack over an individual's head, or duct tape over the eyes; (3) beating, electrical shock, burns, or other forms of physical pain; (4) the procedure known as "waterboarding"; (5) threats or attack from a military working dog; (6) inducing hypothermia or heat injury; (7) conducting a mock execution of an individual; and (8) deprivation of necessary food, water, or medical care.

Justice for Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Justice for Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act - Amends the federal judicial code to expand the rights of victims of state-sponsored terrorism by: (1) denying foreign states that support terrorism immunity from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts for cases involving personal injury or death related to the terrorist activities of its officials, employees, or agents; (2) allowing certain nationals of the United States, members of the Armed Forces, and federal employees or contractors a private cause of action against a foreign state designated as a state sponsor of terrorism; (3) making foreign states vicariously liable for the actions of their officials, employees, or agents; (4) limiting appeals in cases against foreign states involving terrorist-related injuries; and (5) establishing a pending lien against property of a foreign state sponsor of terrorism upon the initiation of legal action in the United States against such state.

Support for Injured Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Support for Injured Servicemembers Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember to a total of 26 workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for the servicemember. Defines covered servicemember as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty on active duty that may render the member medically unfit to perform his or her duties. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, family leave, or medical or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Amends federal civil service law to entitle civilian federal employees to the same leave allowance. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid annual or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period.

Reinforce FREEDOM Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Reinforce First Responders and Emergency Employees Deployed Overseas in the Military Act of 2007 or the Reinforce FREEDOM Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make a grant to a first responder agency (a law enforcement or fire agency of a state or local government or an ambulance service) an employee of which (or a significant portion of the voluntary staff of which) is: (1) a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces; and (2) on active duty or has received orders to begin active duty. Authorizes the use of grant funds for: (1) the salary of an individual hired to replace such employee or volunteer; (2) overtime expenses for an employee performing tasks that would have been performed by such employee or volunteer; and (3) the cost of equipment, maintenance, or other activities that a first responder agency was unable to acquire or perform because of the costs of replacing such employee or volunteer or the need for which was caused by such employee's or volunteer's deployment.

Hire a Hero Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Hire a Hero Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should support private sector employment initiatives for military personnel to help ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces have access to gainful employment. Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Chief) to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist the following individuals in securing employment in the private sector: (1) a member of the National Guard or reserve; (2) a member of the Armed Forces who is nearing separation, discharge, or release; and (3) a former member of the Armed Forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Chief, in awarding such grants, should consider organizations that partner with private entities and associations involved in construction, energy, transportation, aerospace, domestic security, and other areas in which the employment of individuals having past military service would be of particular utility. Requires the Chief to establish fiscal control, accountability, and program performance measures for grantees.

A bill to require a report on contingency planning for the redeployment of United States forces from Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on contingency planning for the redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq. Requires the report to include: (1) specified elements; and (2) contingency planning for each of the specified scenarios.

A resolution commending the founder and members of Project Compassion.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) members of Project Compassion (a project to provide to family members portraits of members of the Armed Forces who have died while serving on active duty since September 11, 2001) have demonstrated extraordinary patriotism and support to members of the Armed Forces who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan; (2) the United States owes its gratitude to the Project's members; and (3) the Senate commends the Project's professional portrait artists and the entire organization for their tireless work in paying tribute to fallen members of the Armed Forces.

To provide compensation for United States citizens taken hostage by terrorists or state sponsors of terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Authorizes the President to compensate a U.S. national, or his or her estate, who: (1) has a claim pending in U.S. court against a foreign state seeking compensation for injuries caused by an act of hostage-taking, or has obtained a judgment on such a claim that has not been fully satisfied; (2) on or after August 2, 1990, and while not serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken hostage by a terrorist party; or (3) was a representative plaintiff or class member in Case Number 1:00CV03110 (EGS) or a plaintiff in Case Number 1:00CV00716 (HHK) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Limits an award to $500,000, adjusted to reflect the annual change in the Consumer Price Index. Bars a person who has accepted compensation under this Act from commencing or maintaining a U.S. civil action seeking compensation for such injuries or damages associated with such hostage taking against a foreign state or its agencies or instrumentalities. Funds compensation under this Act from the Hostage Victims Fund (as provided by this Act) into which the President shall direct deposits from: (1) blocked assets of terrorist parties; (2) amounts received against any person in connection with the U.N. Oil for Food Program; or (3) amounts received as a result of any fine or forfeiture in connection with a violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trading With the Enemy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Bank Secrecy Act, or the Export Administration Act. Provides additional compensation for victims of the 1979 Iranian hostage taking in Tehran, including spouses and children of persons taken captive. Authorizes the return of a country's funds deposited into the Hostage Victims Fund upon termination of the country's terrorist party designation.

Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine, and notify Congress, whether the needs of veterans in southern New Jersey (the counties of Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May) for full-service medical care shall be met through a project for: (1) inpatient and outpatient services and long-term care to veterans at an existing facility in southern New Jersey; or (2) construction of a new full-service, Department of Veterans Affairs medical center to provide inpatient and outpatient services and long-term care to veterans in southern New Jersey. Directs the Secretary: (1) if the existing facility option is chosen, to enter into an appropriate agreement for the provision of such care and services; or (2) if the new construction option is chosen, to carry out an appropriate major medical facility construction project for such purpose.

Homes for Heroes Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Homes for Heroes Act of 2007 - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure veteran access to HUD housing and homeless assistance programs; (2) coordinate all HUD programs and activities relating to veterans; and (3) serve as a HUD liaison with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directs the HUD Secretary to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for very low-income veteran families (that is, families with incomes not exceeding 50% of the area median income). Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) make housing rental vouchers available to homeless veterans; and (2) include veterans in public housing planning. Excludes veterans' benefits from income for purposes of HUD assisted housing rental determinations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make grants to nonprofit entities for technical assistance in sponsoring HUD housing projects for veterans; and (2) report annually to specified congressional committees and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on HUD activities relating to veterans.

To update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to state that nothing in the FISA definition of "electronic surveillance" shall be construed to encompass surveillance directed at a person located outside the United States. Authorizes the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and the Attorney General (AG), for periods up to one year, to acquire foreign intelligence information concerning persons outside the United States under specified procedures subject to review by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court). Allows the DNI and AG to issue a directive to require a person to: (1) provide appropriate information to accomplish an acquisition while protecting the secrecy of the information acquired and producing a minimum of interference with services provided to the acquisition target; and (2) maintain appropriate records concerning the acquisition. Outlines procedures to be followed in the case of a failure to comply with a directive. Directs the: (1) AG to submit to the Court the procedures by which the government determines that acquisitions conducted pursuant to the above authority do not constitute electronic surveillance; and (2) Court to assess such procedures. Requires the AG to report semiannually to the congressional intelligence and judiciary committees on incidents of noncompliance with directives issues by the DNI and AG.

Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct studies and report on the health effects of non-asbestiform minerals and elongated mineral particles. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a plan to: (1) increase awareness of the dangers posed by asbestos-containing materials and products and contaminants 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. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations that prohibit the importing, manufacturing, processing, or distributing of asbestos-containing materials, subject to limited exemption upon petition and specified exemptions sought by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). States that such prohibitions do not apply to specified diaphragm electrolysis installations. Requires the disposal of asbestos-containing materials within two years. Exempts products that are no longer in the stream of commerce or that are in the possession of an end user. Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand and coordinate research programs on diseases caused by asbestos exposure, particularly mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural injuries; (2) provide for establishment of a national clearinghouse for data and specimens relating to asbestos-related diseases; (3) require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish an asbestos-related disease research and treatment network; and (4) direct the Secretary to support research on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases that is directly relevant to the health of the Armed Forces.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the severely deteriorating human rights situation in Burma.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. policy should continue to call upon: (1) the military regime in Burma to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other detained political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, cease attacks against ethnic minority civilians, and begin the process of dialogue; and (2) the People's Republic of China (PRC) and other countries that provide support to Burma's military junta to utilize their influence to urge Burma's generals to take such actions. States that Congress: (1) urges the U.N. Security Council to take appropriate action to respond to the junta's growing threat in Burma; and (2) expresses support for the restoration of democracy in Burma.