Defence

Egyptian Counterterrorism and Political Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2007

Egyptian Counterterrorism and Political Reform Act - Prohibits military assistance to Egypt beginning in FY2008 unless the President determines and certifies to Congress that it is in the national security interests to provide assistance for a given fiscal year. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) funds that would have been provided for military assistance should be given in the form of economic support fund assistance and not used by the armed forces of Egypt; (2) the President should certify the establishment of procedures to ensure access by the Comptroller General to appropriate financial information in order to review the use of these funds; and (3) the agreement among the United States, Egypt, and Israel to decrease the overall amount of U.S. foreign assistance for both countries should continue.

Internet Police Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2007

Internet Police Protection Act of 2007- Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly making restricted personal information about a covered official publicly available through the Internet. Defines "covered official" to mean a federal officer or employee, a public safety officer for a public agency that receives federal financial assistance, or a U.S. court officer, juror, or magistrate judge. Makes it a defense to a prosecution that: (1) the defendant is an Internet service provider and did not knowingly participate in the offense; or (2) the covered official gave permission to make such information publicly available.

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2007

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project Completion Account and the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Department of Energy (DOE). Makes appropriations for FY2008 for: (1) specified atomic energy defense activities; and (2) defense environmental cleanup and other defense activities including defense nuclear waste disposal. Approves specified expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund. Makes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) the Southeastern Power Administration; (2) the Southwestern Power Administration; (3) the Western Area Power Administration; (4) the Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance Fund; (5) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and (6) designated DOE activities. Makes FY2008 appropriations to: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Delta Regional Authority; (4) the Denali Commission; (5) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (6) the Office of Inspector General; (7) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (8) the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.

Defense Against Regional Threats Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2007

Defense Against Regional Threats Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) provide for deployment as soon as technologically possible of missile defense systems capable of defending Israel and all North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations against ballistic missile attack from Iran; and (2) seek continued negotiated burdensharing agreements with such countries to share the costs of development and deployment of ballistic missile defense systems.

To limit the use of funds to establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq or to exercise United States economic control of the oil resources of Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Declares that it is the policy of the United States not to: (1) establish any military installation or base for providing for the permanent stationing of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq; and (2) exercise U.S. control over Iraqi oil resources. Prohibits any funds made available by any Act of Congress from being obligated or expended to: (1) establish any military installation or base for providing for the permanent stationing of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq; or (2) exercise U.S. economic control of the oil resources of Iraq.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to make a grant to the National D-Day Museum Foundation for facilities and programs of America's National World War II Museum.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Directs the Secretary of Defense to make a grant to the National D-Day Museum Foundation for facilities and programs of America's National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA.

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Virgin Islands Military and Veterans Memorial, to be located in Fredericksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park System.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the U.S. Virgin Islands Military and Veterans Memorial, to be located on ten acres in Fredericksted, St.Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park System.

VETS Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2007 or VETS Act of 2007 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require an institution of higher education, whenever a servicemember is called, activated, or ordered to military service and therefore withdraws or takes a leave of absence from such institution, to: (1) refund to the servicemember tuition and other fees paid for the portion of the program of education for which the servicemember did not receive academic credit after such withdrawal or leave; and (2) provide the servicemember an opportunity to reenroll at the institution with the same educational and academic status that the servicemember had when ordered to military service. Requires a provider of a student loan with respect to such a servicemember: (1) if the servicemember reenrolls in the program of education (or a comparable program) within 13 months following the period of military service, to disregard the entire period that the education was discontinued in determining the date on which student loan repayment is to begin; or (2) if the servicemember does not reenroll, to not require loan repayment to begin before the later of the last day of such 13-month period or the date the repayment was otherwise required to begin. Prohibits a court from granting a creditor relief from the 6% limit on interest charged against the indebtedness of a servicemember during a period of military service in the case of an obligation or liability incurred by a servicemember who is a student at an institution of higher education at the time of the call to service.

Recognizing and commending all volunteers and other persons who provide support to the families and children of members of the Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve personnel, who are deployed in service to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Recognizes and commends all volunteers and other persons who provide support to the families and children of members of the Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve personnel, who are deployed in service to the United States. Honors military families and the non-governmental organizations that support them.

VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Veterans Education Tuition Support Act or VETS Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require an institution of higher education, in the case of a servicemember who because of military service discontinues a program of education at an institution that administers a federal financial aid program, to: (1) refund to the servicemember tuition and other fees paid for the portion of the program of education for which the servicemember did not receive academic credit because of such military service; and (2) provide the servicemember an opportunity to reenroll at the institution with the same educational and academic status that the servicemember had when the program was discontinued because of the military service. Requires a provider of a student loan with respect to such a servicemember: (1) if the servicemember reenrolls in the program of education (or a comparable program) within 13 months following the period of military service, to disregard the entire period that the education was discontinued in determining the date on which student loan repayment is to begin; or (2) if the servicemember does not reenroll, to not require loan repayment to begin before the later of the last day of such 13-month period or the date the repayment was otherwise required to begin. Prohibits a court from granting a creditor relief from the 6% limit on interest charged against student loan indebtedness.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay to each individual entitled to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and pursuing a program of education with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or math a lump-sum payment of $2,000 per academic year, or fraction thereof for enrollment lasting less than a year. Makes such amount in addition to any other educational assistance to which the individual is entitled.

Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time of military enlistment to satisfy any naturalization fingerprint requirements if the individual: (1) may be naturalized under the Immigration and Nationality Act; (2) was fingerprinted in accordance with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements; and (3) submits a naturalization application within 24 months of enlistment. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a toll-free naturalization assistance telephone number available only to members of the military and their families; and (2) update the appropriate application form, instructions and guidebook, and Internet website to reflect naturalization law changes. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) report to the congressional defense and judiciary committees on the naturalization application process; and (2) conduct a study of this Act's implementation by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense.

Family Building Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Family Building Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to require a group health plan that provides coverage for obstetrical services to include coverage for non-experimental treatment of infertility that is deemed appropriate by a participant or beneficiary and the treating physician. Requires coverage for assisted reproductive technology only if certain conditions are met. Prohibits a group health plan from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this Act. Applies such requirements to health insurance coverage offered in the individual market and coverage offered through Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) plans and Department of Defense health care plans.

Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) make grants for conducting workshops in the performing arts, public speaking, writing, and culinary arts to further the readjustment of veterans; and (2) make emergency grants to repair or replace facilities used to provide care for homeless veterans. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in remote areas; (2) provide peer outreach services, peer support services, and readjustment and mental health services to veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom; (3) carry out a pilot program to assist returning war veterans who are at risk of not seeking mental health services; (4) ensure that at least one full-time employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is assigned to oversee and coordinate homeless veterans programs at the office of each of the VA regional health delivery networks; (5) annually increase the rate of payment for providing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services to homeless veterans; (6) carry out a demonstration program to prevent veterans who are at risk of homelessness after discharge or release from active military duty from becoming homeless; (7) carry out a pilot program for the provision of permanent housing for homeless veterans; and (8) provide financial assistance for the provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran families residing in permanent housing. Allows homeless veterans' comprehensive services grant funds to be used to provide funding for service center staff. Extends through FY2011 a program of referral and counseling for veterans transitioning from certain institutions who are at risk of homelessness. Repeals a provision limiting to FY2003 and FY2004 the funding for VA domiciliary care programs for homeless veterans. Requires the Secretary to ensure that such programs are adequate, with respect to capacity and safety, to meet the needs of women veterans.

STRUCTURE, PROCESS AND TOOLS FOR IMPROVING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MANAGEMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 June 2007

Expressing the sense of Congress that courts with fiduciary responsibility for a child of a deceased member of the Armed Forces who receives a death gratuity payment under section 1477 of title 10, United States Code, should take into consideration the expression of clear intent of the member regarding the distribution of funds on behalf of the child.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that courts with fiduciary responsibility for a child of a deceased member of the Armed Forces who receives a death gratuity payment from the Department of Defense (DOD) should take into consideration the expression of clear intent of the member regarding the distribution of funds on behalf of the child.

Higher Education Opportunity for Our National Guard and Reserve Soldiers Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Higher Education Opportunity for Our National Guard and Reserve Soldiers Act - Extends by an additional ten years the time limit for the use of educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel supporting contingency and certain other operations. Prohibits such extension with respect to any person discharged or released from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.

Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2007 - Prohibits assistance under this Act to an eligible developing country that does not: (1) permit World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) personnel to investigate infectious disease outbreaks within its borders; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. and international agencies and organizations. Prohibits any participating foreign national from having unsupervised access to agents that may be used in a biological weapon. Establishes a public health education and training fellowship program for eligible nationals to pursue: (1) a master of public health degree with a concentration in epidemiology; or (2) advanced public health training in epidemiology. Directs the Secretary to support short training courses in-country (not in the United States) for laboratory technicians and other public health personnel in: (1) laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks; and (2) syndrome surveillance reporting and rapid analysis of syndrome information using Geographic Information System (GIS). Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to eligible developing countries to purchase and maintain: (1) public health laboratory equipment necessary to collect, analyze, and identify pathogens which may cause disease outbreaks or may be used as a biological weapon; and (2) related communications equipment and information technology. Authorizes a federal agency head, upon the request of a U.S. chief of diplomatic mission or an international health organization, and with the Secretary's concurrence, to assign to the respective U.S. mission or organization any public health officer or employee of the agency for the purpose of enhancing disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Directs CDC and the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to their respective laboratories located in eligible developing countries that conduct infectious disease research; and (2) expand the operations of those laboratories, especially in the implementation of on-site training of foreign nationals and regional outreach efforts. Authorizes: (1) the President to provide assistance to enhance the surveillance and reporting capabilities for WHO and existing regional and international health networks, and develop new health networks; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new country or regional foreign epidemiology training programs in eligible developing countries.

Wounded Heroes' Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Wounded Heroes' Bill of Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide prompt emergency cash assistance to a member of the Armed Forces or veteran who, on or after September 11, 2001, was or is severely injured while serving on active duty (to be known as a Wounded Hero) and, due to such injury, is undergoing significant financial difficulty. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a business tax credit for employers hiring Wounded Heroes. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide increased protections under such Act for Wounded Heroes and persons in military service. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to ensure the provision of sufficient services to meet the needs of Wounded Heroes without regard to residential geographic location with respect to the following: (1) adult day health care; (2) home health care; (3) respite care; (4) home-based primary care; (5) hospice; and (6) such other noninstitutional extended care services as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to operate and maintain a program in caregiver education, training, and certification for family members of Wounded Heroes. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to furnish care to a Wounded Hero, under certain conditions. Establishes: (1) in the VA an Office for Wounded Heroes Advocate; (2) in the Executive Office of the President an Office for Wounded Heroes; and (3) the Wounded Heroes Independent Review Board. Requires the Board to, among other things, review VA or other federal agency determinations with respect to the scope and intensity of benefits, especially health care or vocational rehabilitation, provided to Wounded Heroes.

Servicemembers' Healthcare Benefits and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2007

Servicemembers' Healthcare Benefits and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) assign a medical care manager and a caseworker to each member of the Armed Forces who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, or is otherwise in a medical hold or holdover status, for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active duty (recovering member); and (2) undertake efforts to improve the speed and efficiency of the Department of Defense (DOD) physical disability evaluation system. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to the congressional defense and veterans' committees a plan to update the disability ratings schedule of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reflect the effects on the modern workforce of mental health disorders, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) establish a system for the prioritization of processing the separation of members; (2) establish a medical record database to track and record the medical status of all members (and make such system accessible to the VA); (3) assess, both before and after, the mental health of each member who is deployed, or is expected to be deployed, to a combat theater; and (4) report, along with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, on plans to increase the role of private providers in the provision of rehabilitation to members and former members with TBI or PTSD when the VA is unable to provide such services. Requires the: (1) Secretary of the military department concerned to notify the appropriate Members of Congress of the hospitalization of any recovering member evacuated from a theater of combat; and (2) recovering member to consent to such notification.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate condemning the military junta in Burma for its continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2007

Honors Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi for her courage and devotion to the people of the Union of Burma and their struggle for democracy. Calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners by the State Peace and Development Council.

To amend titles 28 and 10, United States Code, to restore habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2007

Amends the federal judicial code to allow an alien detained by the United States as an enemy combatant to apply for a writ of habeas corpus, including an application challenging transfer, or bring an action solely for prospective injunctive relief against transfer, except for an alien in a zone of active combat involving U.S. Armed Forces. Limits the review of prosecutions, trials, or judgments of a military commission to that provided by the Code of Military Justice or by a habeas corpus proceeding.

Insular Areas Energy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2007

Insular Areas Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to make loan guarantees for target ocean thermal energy conversion systems projects. Authorizes such guarantees for any specified eligible innovative energy projects, including ocean thermal energy conversion systems, which are located in Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau, as well as any U.S. government installation worldwide (including military bases, embassies, other federally owned or leased facilities, and all territorial waters, seabed, and subsoil of submarine areas adjacent to such installations).

To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and title 18, United States Code, to combat the crime of alien smuggling and related activities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2007

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Coast Guard. Authorizes FY2008 levels of Coast Guard active duty military personnel and average military training student loads. Sets forth various provisions relating to Coast Guard personnel matters. Provides for grants to international maritime organizations. Establishes the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee. Sets forth various provisions, including provisions related to shipping and navigation, vessel size limits, maritime drug law enforcement, fishing vessel safety, liability limits for natural gas deepwater ports, claims against the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, dry bulk cargo residue, merchant mariner matters, and security. Ballast Water Treatment Act of 2007 - Regulates ballast water treatment.

John J. Young, Jr., of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, vice Kenneth J. Krieg.

United States · United States Senate · 21 June 2007

VA Vision Scholars Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007

VA Vision Scholars Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and carry out a scholarship program of financial assistance for individuals who: (1) are accepted for, or currently enrolled in, a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility, or both; and (2) enter into an agreement to serve, after program completion, as a full-time Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee for three years within the first six years after program completion. Sets maximum assistance amounts of $15,000 per academic year and $45,000 total. Requires pro rate repayment for failure to satisfy education or service requirements, while allowing the Secretary to waive or suspend such repayment whenever noncompliance is due to circumstances beyond the control of the participant, or when waiver or suspension is in the best interests of the United States.

Veterans' Epilepsy Treatment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 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 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.

To repeal the prohibitions on United States assistance to countries that are parties to the International Criminal Court.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007

Amends the American Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2002 to repeal the prohibition on military assistance to a country that is a party to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 and the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2006 to repeal limitations on Economic Support Fund assistance to a country that is a party to the ICC and has not entered into an agreement with the United States preventing ICC proceedings against U.S. personnel present in such country, including limitations on FY2007 funds that are unobligated and unexpended as of the date of enactment of this Act.

ORGANIZING THE ROLES, MISSIONS, AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 June 2007

Servicemembers' Healthcare Benefits and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007

Servicemembers' Healthcare Benefits and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) assign a medical care manager and a caseworker to each member of the Armed Forces who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, or is otherwise in a medical hold or holdover status, for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active duty (recovering member); and (2) undertake efforts to improve the speed and efficiency of the Department of Defense (DOD) physical disability evaluation system. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to the congressional defense and veterans' committees a plan to update the disability ratings schedule of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reflect the effects on the modern workforce of mental health disorders, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) establish a system for the prioritization of processing the separation of members; (2) establish a medical record database to track and record the medical status of all members (and make such system accessible to the VA); (3) assess, both before and after, the mental health of each member who is deployed, or is expected to be deployed, to a combat theater; and (4) report, along with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, on plans to increase the role of private providers in the provision of rehabilitation to members and former members with TBI or PTSD when the VA is unable to provide such services. Requires the: (1) Secretary of the military department concerned to notify the appropriate Members of Congress of the hospitalization of any recovering member evacuated from a theater of combat; and (2) recovering member to consent to such notification.

Reasonable Rates for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007

Reasonable Rates for Veterans Act - Sets at 21 cents per mile the rate of reimbursement for private motor vehicle travel under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiary travel program.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007

Establishes within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services, who shall report to the VHA's Under Secretary for Health on all matters relating to the education and training, employment, appropriate utilization, and optimal participation of physician assistants within VHA programs and initiatives.

Strategic Communication Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007

Strategic Communication Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State to solicit from tax-exempt national security and foreign policy research organizations offers to establish a Center for Strategic Communication, and select one organization to establish such Center. Includes among Center duties: (1) provision of information and analysis to the Department of State, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence on U.S. security and foreign policy issues; (2) development of U.S. communications strategies and monitoring techniques; (3) support of government-wide strategic communication through services provided on a cost-recovery basis; (4) contracting with private sector and academic entities; and (5) mobilization of nongovernment initiatives.

A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide protection for child custody arrangements for parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007

Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members deployed in support of a contingency operation. States that if a motion for change of custody of a child of such a member is filed while the member is so deployed, no court may enter an order modifying or amending a previous child custody judgment, except if there is clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child. Prohibits any court from considering a member's absence due to deployment in support of a contingency operation in determining the best interest of the child.

Military Family Support Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007

Military Family Support Act of 2007 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a program to authorize a caregiver (a federal employee at least 21 years of age capable of providing care to a child or other dependent family member of a member of the Armed Forces) to use: (1) any available sick leave for the provision of such care in the same manner as annual leave is used; and (2) any federal leave available to that caregiver as though that period of caregiving is a medical emergency. Requires the service member for whom the caregiving is provided to be performing service in support of a contingency operation or in situations for which hostile fire or imminent danger pay is authorized and to designate the caregiver for his or her family. Terminates the program on December 31, 2012. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) establish a program to authorize employees of private businesses to use sick or any other leave for caregiving in the same manner as above; and (2) solicit businesses to voluntarily participate in the program. Requires caregiver designation. Terminates the program on December 31, 2012. Provides for an offsetting reduction in FY2008 appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for research, development, test and evaluation.

A bill to limit the simultaneous deployment to combat zones of dual-military couples who have minor dependents.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007

Provides that, in the case of a member with minor dependents who has a spouse who is also a member and that spouse is deployed in an area for which imminent danger pay is authorized, the member may request a deployment deferment from such an area until the spouse returns from such deployment.

A bill to require studies on support services for families of members of the National Guard and Reserve who are undergoing deployment.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007

Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of: (1) contracting with a private entity with expertise in the health and well-being of families and children in order to enhance and develop support services for the children of members of the National Guard and reserve who are deployed; and (2) establishing a pilot program on family-to-family support for families of deployed members of the National Guard and reserve.

Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007

Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish an technology transfer center to make information available on research, development, and commercial application of technologies related to biofuels and biorefineries, including: (1) biochemical and thermochemical conversion technologies to make fuels from lignocellulosic feedstocks; (2) biotechnology processes that emphasize enzyme-based processing systems; and (3) other advances to enable biofuel development. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary to implement a research, development, and demonstration program relating to: (1) existing transportation fuel distribution infrastructure and new alternative distribution infrastructure, focusing on the physical and chemical properties of biofuels and prevention of or mitigation against certain adverse impacts; (2) bioresearch centers located in Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts, with a focus on biofuels; and (3) increased energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption in biorefinery facilities. Directs the Secretary to make grants for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of biofuel production technologies in states with low rates of ethanol production and of cellulosic biomass ethanol. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) research and development challenges in increasing to 5% biodiesel fuel sold in the United States; (2) the feasibility of increasing domestic consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline with specified levels of ethanol; (3) whether optimizing flexible fueled vehicles to use E-85 fuel would increase their fuel efficiency; and (4) the effects of biodiesel upon engine durability.

To recognize the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the official national museum of Navy SEALS and their predecessors.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007

Recognizes the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the official national museum of Navy SEALs and their predecessors, including the Underwater Demolition Teams, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Office of Strategic Services Maritime Units, and Amphibious Scouts and Raiders.

Utah National Guard Lands Consolidation Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007

Utah National Guard Lands Consolidation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to accept ownership of certain lands owned by the State of Utah and located within the boundaries of the public lands currently withdrawn for military use by the Utah National Guard as "Camp Williams", if such lands are offered to the Secretary by the State, in exchange for conveyance to the State by the Secretary of public lands within the boundaries of Camp Williams of substantially equal value to the acquired lands.

Higher Education Amendments of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007

Higher Education Amendments of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize various programs. Allows proprietary institutions of higher education (IHEs), for student aid eligibility purposes, to enroll students who are also enrolled in secondary schools. Establishes new college cost and assistance information resources for students, parents, and the public. Establishes a new Teacher Quality Partnership grant program under title II for high-need local educational agencies, high-need schools, and IHEs, replacing the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships program. Revises title III Institutional Aid programs providing grants to IHEs serving high percentages of minority and low-income students, establishing a new grant program for Native American-serving non-tribal institutions. Revises and reauthorizes title IV Student Assistance programs. Alters the Pell grant minimum and maximum, allows year-round grants, and eliminates tuition-sensitivity. Broadens the array of students eligible for Academic Competitiveness grants. Eliminates the 21st Century Scholar Certificates, Academic Achievement Incentive Scholarships, and Learning Anytime Anywhere Partnerships programs. Increases the information to be provided to federal student loan borrowers by IHEs, lenders, and guaranty agencies. Prohibits certain business arrangements and inducements between lenders, guaranty agencies, and IHEs. Increases the loan origination fee charged lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan program. Prohibits IHEs from serving as lenders or lenders from serving as school trustees under such program after a specified date. Expands the types of public service occupations for which Perkins loans may be canceled. Excludes certain military housing benefits from title IV need analyses. Requires the development of simplified and electronic student aid application forms and a system providing students and parents with early aid information and eligibility estimates. Revises the title V Developing Institutions grant program for Hispanic-serving institutions. Establishes a new grant program for graduate programs at such institutions. Revises and reauthorizes title VI International Education programs and title VII Graduate and Post-Secondary Improvement programs. Establishes new Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education programs. Eliminates the Urban Community Service grant program. Establishes programs relating to: (1) mathematics and science scholars; (2) assessment of postsecondary education costs; (3) job skill training in high-growth occupations or industries; (4) additional capacity for registered nursing students or graduate-level nursing students; (5) knowledge of American history, free institutions, and Western civilization; (6) Teach for America, the national teacher corps; (7) Patsy T. Mink graduate fellowships; (8) college enrollment rates of secondary schools; (9) Predominantly Black Institutions; (10) Early Childhood Education Professional Development and Career Task Forces; (11) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, especially for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students; (12) the persistence in community college of low-income students with dependent children; and (13) student safety and campus emergency management. Revises and reauthorizes various programs under the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986, the United States Institute of Peace Act, the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, and the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Creates: (1) a cultural experiences grant program for deaf and hard-of-hearing children under the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986; and (2) a grant program for two tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Repeals certain programs under the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. Navajo Nation Higher Education Act of 2006 - Reauthorizes appropriations for the Navajo Community College Act.

A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007

Establishes specified benchmarks which must be met before the guest worker and legalization programs under this Act may be initiated respecting: (1) operational control of the the border with Mexico; (2) Border Patrol increases; (3) border barriers, including vehicle barriers, fencing, radar, and aerial vehicles; (4) detention capacity for illegal aliens apprehended crossing the U.S.-Mexico border; (5) workplace enforcement, including an electronic employment verification system; and (6) Z-visa (as established by this Act) alien processing. Establishes in the Treasury the Immigration Security Account to assist the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in meeting benchmark requirements. Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) personnel and asset increases and enhancements, including Shadow Wolves units; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security and a National Land Border Security Plan; (3) border security initiatives, including biometric data enhancements, document integrity, and additional ports of entry; (4) a biometric entry-exit system; (5) cooperation with Mexico; (6) forfeiture of conveyances; (7) border security on federal lands; (8) a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a border-proximate or high-impact area county; and (9) increased federal detention space. Northern Border Prosecution Initiative Reimbursement Act - Directs the Attorney General to carry out the Northern Border Prosecution Initiative to reimburse northern border entities for costs incurred for handling case dispositions of criminal cases that are federally initiated but federally declined-referred. Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act - Sets forth detention procedures and standards. Establishes: (1) an Office of Detention Oversight; and (2) a detention alternatives program. Sets forth interior enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) additional immigration personnel; (2) detention and removal; (3) alien sex offenders and protection of immigrants from convicted sex offenders; (4) alien street gang members; (5) illegal entry and reentry; (6) passport and immigration fraud; (7) criminal aliens, including continuation of the Institutional Removal Program (IRP); (8) voluntary departure; (9) detention and alternatives; (10) criminal penalties; (11) alien smuggling; (12) tribal lands security; (13) state and local enforcement of immigration laws; (14) expedited removal; and (15) the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transfer System. Makes it unlawful to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer for a fee an unauthorized alien. Sets forth employment eligibility verification system provisions. Provides for: (1) disclosure of certain taxpayer identity information to DHS; (2) establishment of the state records improvement grant program which may be used to help states comply with REAL ID requirements; and (3) establishment of the voluntary advanced verification program to verify employee identity. Sets forth Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) immigration-related enforcement provisions. Establishes a temporary Y-visa program for non-seasonal (Y-1) and seasonal workers (Y-2) (which replaces the H-2B category). Provides for: (1) a two-year Y-1 admission with two additional two-year extensions (must be outside the United States for 12 months after working in the United States for two years), and a 10-month Y-2 admission; (2) issuance of Y-3 nonimmigrant visas for accompanying or following spouse and children; (3) three-year Y-1 commuter workers; (4) establishment in the Treasury of a State Impact Assistance Account and a state impact assistance grant program; (5) U.S. worker protection; (6) employer requirements; (7) specified annual admissions caps; and (8) bilateral agreements with countries of Y-visa nonimmigrants as a condition of making such visas available. Establishes the Standing Commission on Immigration and Labor Markets. Requires the Department of Labor to establish a publicly available electronic job registry link to state job registries. Replaces the seasonal agricultural nonimmigrant temporary worker (H-2A visa) labor certification requirement with a labor condition application filing. Revises work condition provisions. Establishes the Commission on Agricultural Wage Standards. Provides for a 10-month period of admission with a dairy worker exception. Revises student visa provisions respecting: (1) off campus work; (2) distance learning; (3) dual intent; and (4) graduate students in mathematics, engineering, natural sciences, or information technology. Revises H-1B visa (specialty occupation) provisions, including: (1) annual admissions cap increases; (2) employer requirements; (3) degree requirements; (4) merit-based extension of stay; and (5) government requirements. Revises L-visa (intracompany transfer) provisions, including limitations on start-up company petition approvals. Provides L-visa and H-1B visa whistleblower protections. Makes the Conrad J-1 visa (foreign physicians in medically underserved areas) waiver program permanent. Increases family-sponsored immigrant visas until backlogs are adjudicated. Establishes a merit-based immigrant evaluation system. Redefines "immediate relative." Eliminates specified family categories. Creates a new: (1) preference category for parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old; and (2) hardship category for persons who would have met eliminated categories. Eliminates the diversity visa program. Creates a new special visitor visa for parents of U.S. citizens and for spouses and minor children of Y-1 visa holders. Increases per-country-limits for family-based and employment-based immigrants. Establishes a nonimmigrant Z-visa category for illegal aliens who have been continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2007, and are: (1) employed and seek to continue working or studying (Z-1); (2) spouses, ex-spouses who were victims of domestic abuse, and parents over 65 years old of such workers (Z-2); or (3) children under 18 years old on the date of application who are the natural born or legally adopted child of the working Z-visa holder (Z-3). Prohibits nonimmigrant status adjustment. Permits permanent resident status adjustment under a specified earned adjustment process, including: (1) a probationary period; (2) filing at a U.S. consulate abroad; and (3) payment of penalty. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) ineligibility; (2) fees and penalties; (3) security and law enforcement checks; (4) tax liability; (5) four-year admission and four-year extensions; (6) benefits termination; (7) employment; (8) administrative and judicial review; and (9) information disclosure. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2007 or DREAM Act of 2007 - Authorizes adjustment to permanent resident status for certain Z-visa long-term U.S. residents who entered the United States before reaching 16 years old. Exempts Z-visa aliens from the provision denying an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2007, or AgJOBS Act of 2007 - Establishes a nonimmigrant Z-A visa category for agricultural workers and their dependents who have performed qualifying periods of agricultural work in the United States during the two-year period ending December 31, 2006. Permits permanent resident status adjustment under a specified earned adjustment process, including: (1) a probationary period; (2) filing at a U.S. consulate abroad; and (3) payment of penalty. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) admissibility; (2) security and background checks; (3) application requirements; (4) Z-visa caps; (5) five-year ineligibility for certain federal benefits; (6) visa termination; and (7) fines and penalties. Establishes in the Treasury the Agricultural Worker Immigration Status Adjustment Account. Provides that fingerprints provided by a qualifying individual at the time of military enlistment shall satisfy naturalization fingerprint requirements. S.I. Hayakawa National Language Amendment Act of 2007 - Makes English the national language of the U.S. government. Directs the U.S. government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the U.S. national language. Renames the Office of Citizenship as the Office of Citizenship and Integration. Directs the Office to provide grants to states and municipalities for creation of New Americans Integration Councils. Establishes the Presidential Award for Business Leadership in Promoting American Citizenship. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Education to develop an electronic English learning program; (2) the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish an American competitiveness scholarship program; and (3) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study of the immigration appeals appellate process. Unaccompanied Alien Child Protection Act of 2007 - Addresses the care and custody of unaccompanied alien children with no lawful immigration status and no parent or legal guardian in the United States who is available to provide care and physical custody. Directs immigration officers who find such children at U.S. land borders or ports of entry to permit them to withdraw their applications for admission and return to their country of nationality or last habitual residence. Gives the Office of Refugee Resettlement jurisdiction over the care and custody of all unaccompanied alien children with specified exceptions. Requires federal departments or agencies to transfer such children in their custody to the Office. Specifies the order of preference for placing released children, including custody rights of parents and legal guardians. Requires the Office to protect such children from smugglers and traffickers. Prohibits the placement of such children in adult detention facilities or in facilities housing delinquent children unless they exhibit violent or criminal behavior. Expresses the sense of Congress that children should not be repatriated into threatening settings. Requires the Executive Office for Immigration Review to implement model guidelines for the legal representation of alien children in immigration proceedings. Revise special immigrant juvenile visa provisions. Requires such children apprehended by DHS, except those subject to contiguous country rules, to be placed in removal proceedings. Exempts such children from certain bars to asylum. Makes the Office responsible for: (1) placement suitability assessments; and (2) ensuring that minimum standards of care are met for residential alternatives to detention. Wartime Treatment Study Act - Establishes: (1) the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans; and (2) the Commission on Wartime Treatment of Jewish Refugees.

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) veterans benefits programs; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; (12) grants for the construction of extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries; and (13) information technology systems. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses, Army; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Specifies restrictions and authorities regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007

Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes FY2008 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the Capital Investment Fund; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) educational and cultural exchange programs; (5) representation allowances; (6) protection of foreign missions and officials; (7) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (8) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (9) the repatriation loans program account; (10) the American Institute in Taiwan; (11) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (12) international organizations, peacekeeping, and commissions; (13) the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; (14) plan preparation and construction of authorized projects; (15) the International Joint Commission and the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada; (16) international fisheries commissions; (17) the Asia Foundation; (18) the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; (19) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (20) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (21) the National Endowment for Democracy; (22) the Broadcasting Board of Governors; (23) the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (24) the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; (25) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (26) the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; and (27) the United States Institute of Peace. Makes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) the Export-Import Bank, including the Office of Inspector General, direct and guaranteed loan and insurance programs, and administrative expenses; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses, and for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Makes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for child survival and disease programs; (3) specified development assistance; (4) international disaster and famine assistance; (5) democracy transition and long-term development of countries in crisis; (6) direct loans and guaranteed loans for micro and small enterprise development and urban programs; (7) operating expenses of USAID, and the USAID Office of Inspector General; (8) the Capital Investment Fund; (9) the Economic Support Fund (ESF); (10) the International Fund for Ireland; (11) assistance for the new Independent States of the former Soviet Union; (12) the Inter-American Foundation, the African Development Foundation, the Peace Corps, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (13) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (14) counterdrug activities in the Andean region of South America; (15) migration and refugee assistance; (16) the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; (17) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs and activities; (18) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities; and (19) debt restructuring of concessional loans, guarantees, and credits made to, and the canceling of amounts owed to, the United States by foreign countries. Makes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) international military education and training; (2) foreign military financing grants; and (3) international peacekeeping operations. Makes FY2008 appropriations for the US contribution to: (1) the Global Environment Facility of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) the International Development Association (IDA); (3) the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund; (4) the Asian Development Fund; (5) the African Development Bank; (6) the African Development Fund; (7) the International Fund for Agricultural Development; and (8) other international programs. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.

Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007

Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an information center on research, development, and commercial application of technologies related to biofuels and biorefineries, including: (1) biochemical and thermochemical conversion technologies to make fuels from lignocellulosic feedstocks; (2) biotechnology processes that emphasize enzyme-based processing systems; and (3) other advanced processes and technologies that will enable biofuel development. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary to implement a research, development, and demonstration program relating to: (1) existing transportation fuel distribution infrastructure and new alternative distribution infrastructure, focusing on the physical and chemical properties of biofuels and prevention of or mitigation against certain adverse impacts; (2) bioresearch centers located in Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts, with a focus on biofuels; and (3) increased energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption in biorefinery facilities. Directs the Secretary to make grants for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of biofuel production technologies in states with low rates of ethanol production and of cellulosic biomass ethanol. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) research and development challenges in increasing to 5% biodiesel fuel sold in the United States; (2) the feasibility of increasing domestic consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline with specified levels of ethanol; (3) whether optimizing flexible fueled vehicles to use E-85 fuel would increase their fuel efficiency; and (4) the effects of biodiesel upon engine durability.

TRICARE Mental Health Services Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2007

TRICARE Mental Health Services Enhancement Act - Amends the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed health care program) to authorize the provision of mental health counseling for TRICARE participants. Authorizes the provision of mental health services in DOD clinical trials. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into personal service contracts with mental health counselors. Includes mental health counselors within DOD licensure requirements for health-care professionals.

Military Affiliate Radio System Emergency Communication Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2007

Military Affiliate Radio System Emergency Communication Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) require that high frequency (short-wave) transmitters, receivers, and related data and interface equipment that meet standards of service established for the Amateur Radio Service by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the frequency range of 2-30 megahertz are also approved for routine training functions and emergency communication service on any federal government Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) or National Communication System Shared Resources High Frequency Radio Program (SHARES) channel within that frequency range; and (2) encourage and utilize MARS personnel, facilities, capabilities, and radio equipment to connect to the Internet in their emergency communication planning.. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) requiring the discontinuance of the use in the radio service bands assigned to MARS or SHARES of any communications equipment that has been approved by the FCC for operation within the Amateur Radio Service; or (2) adding, or permitting any agency of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to add, any technical requirements for MARS stations. Authorizes the Secretary to add new transmitters and receivers to the MARS and SHARES networks provided the equipment meets FCC standards for operation in the Amateur Radio Service and is equipped with frequency stabilization modules.

MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2007

MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007 - Provides that persons who, while employed under a federal agency contract in a region outside the United States in which the Armed Forces are conducting a contingency operation, engage in conduct that would constitute an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year if engaged in within U.S. jurisdiction shall be punished as provided for that offense. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report to Congress on the status of the Department's investigations of abuses alleged to have been committed by contract personnel and findings and recommendations about the Department's capacity and effectiveness in prosecuting misconduct by contract personnel. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to establish a Theater Investigative Unit for each theater of operations established in connection with a contingency operation in which contract personnel are carrying out work under a covered contract, to be responsible for investigating allegations of criminal misconduct by such personnel.

Leveraging Innovative Gains in High-efficiency Technology (LIGHT) Bulbs Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2007

Leveraging Innovative Gains in High-efficiency Technology (LIGHT) Bulbs Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to issue regulations prohibiting the sale of light bulbs that emit less than: (1) 25 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2010; and (2) 60 lumens per watt, effective January 1, 2015. Requires such regulations to include: (1) procedures for the Secretary to provide exemptions to the prohibition where the Secretary finds that it is not technically feasible to serve a specialized lighting application, such as a military, medical, or public safety application; and (2) civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress a plan for encouraging and providing incentives for the domestic production of more efficient light bulbs by U.S. manufacturers.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop, and the Secretary of Defense to distribute to members of the Armed Forces upon their discharge or release from active duty, information in a compact disk read-only memory format that lists and explains the health, education, and other benefits for which veterans are eligible under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2007

Directs: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to develop and maintain, in a compact disk (CD) read-only memory format, information that lists and explains the health, education, and other benefits for which veterans are eligible through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (2) that a copy of such CD be included as part of the preseparation counseling provided to each member of the Armed Forces being discharged or released from duty; and (3) the Secretary, Secretary of Defense, and head of any other relevant government agency to each maintain an Internet website containing an explanation of the benefits administered by that Secretary or agency head to which veterans are entitled, and how veterans can secure those benefits.