Defence

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2008

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for FY2009. Appropriates funds to the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, for civil functions pertaining to rivers and harbors, flood and storm damage reduction, shore protection, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. Makes appropriations to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Central Utah Project; and (2) the Bureau of Reclamation, including for water and related natural resources, the Central Valley Project Restoration Fund, and the California Bay-Delta Restoration. Makes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for energy programs, including for: (1) energy efficiency and renewable energy; (2) electricity delivery and energy reliability; (3) nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal; (4) fossil energy research and development; (5) Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves; (6) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve; (7) the Energy Information Administration; (8) non-defense environment cleanup; (9) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; ; (10) expenses of science activities in carrying out the Department of Energy Organization Act; (11) nuclear waste disposal; (12) the innovative technology loan guarantee loan program; (13) the Office of the Inspector General; (14) specified atomic energy defense activities, including defense nuclear nonproliferation, naval reactors, environmental cleanup, and nuclear waste disposal activities; and (15) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Approves specified expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund. Appropriates funds for operation and maintenance of: (1) the Southeastern Power Administration; (2) the Southwestern Power Administration; (3) the Western Area Power Administration; (4) the Falcon and Amistad Dams. Makes 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 (NRC), including its Office of Inspector General; (6) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (7) the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to acquire a parcel of land adjacent to Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, South Carolina.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2008

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) acquire a specified parcel of land in Beaufort, South Carolina, to be used for expansion of the Beaufort National Cemetery; and (2) report to Congress on the acquisition.

William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2008

William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of State to establish within the Department of State an Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. (Current law authorizes such Office's establishment.) Directs the President to implement: (1) programs to prevent trafficking in persons; and (2) an anti-trafficking program monitoring system. Authorizes the President to establish the Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons. Sets forth protections for aliens who: (1) may be trafficking victims or who may testify against traffickers; (2) are domestic workers or other nonimmigrants; or (3) are employees of foreign diplomatic or other government personnel, or employees of international organization personnel. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) assistance for trafficking victims, including child victims and U.S. citizens; (2) offenses of trafficking, forced labor, enticement into slavery, sex trafficking of children, and sex tourism. Directs the Secretary to develop: (1) policies and procedures to ensure that unaccompanied alien children in the United States are safely repatriated to their country of nationality or of last habitual residence; and (2) a safe repatriation pilot program for alien children. States, with specified exceptions, that the care and custody of unaccompanied alien children in the United States shall be the responsibility of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Sets forth related provisions and authorizations of appropriations. Authorizes passport restrictions for persons convicted of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 - Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, funds for specified military and related areas from being made available to the government of a country identified by the Department as having governmental armed forces or government supported armed groups that recruit and use child soldiers. Authorizes the President to reinstate assistance upon certifying to Congress that a government is implementing: (1) compliance measures; and (2) mechanisms to prohibit future use of child soldiers. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to a country for international military education and training otherwise prohibited under this Act upon certifying to Congress that such assistance is for implementation of measures to demobilize child soldiers and for programs to support professionalization of the military.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the acquisition of a parcel of land adjacent to Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, South Carolina.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2008

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study on the acquisition of a specified parcel of land in Beaufort, South Carolina, to be used for expansion of the Beaufort National Cemetery.

A bill to prohibit the use of funds to transfer individuals detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2008

Prohibits federal funds from being used to transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), upon the conclusion of a resource-sharing agreement between the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to transfer to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the Navy ambulatory care center, parking structure, supporting facilities, and related medical personal property and equipment in Great Lakes, Illinois. Designates such facility and supporting facilities as the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (Center). Provides a reversionary interest to the Secretary if the property is not used in accordance with the resource-sharing agreement or in the event of lack of facilities integration. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the VA functions necessary for Center operation. Extends through FY2020 a joint Department of Defense (DOD)-VA program to identify, implement, and evaluate creative health care coordination and sharing initiatives at the facility, intraregional, and nationwide levels. Deems the Center a military facility for purposes of the eligibility of members of the Armed Forces to receive care and services there.

To direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make payments for certain treatments of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008

Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to: (1) each establish a process to provide payments for treatments of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) received by members of the Armed Forces or veterans in health care facilities other than Department of Defense (DOD) or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities; (2) jointly develop and maintain a patient database involving the use of a treatment under this Act; and (3) ensure that the database ensures patient confidentiality.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the authorized concurrent receipt of disability severance pay from the Department of Defense and compensation for the same disability under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover all veterans who have a combat-related disability, as defined under section 1413a of such title.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2008

Extends the authorized concurrent receipt of disability severance pay from the Department of Defense (DOD) and compensation for the same disability under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include all veterans with a combat-related disability. (Under current law, such concurrent receipt is limited to those veterans who incur a disability in the line of duty in a combat zone or during the performance of duty in combat-related operations.) Makes such amendment effective as of January 28, 2008 (the date of enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008).

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer individuals detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Naval Consolidated Brig, Charleston, South Carolina.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2008

Prohibits federal funds from being used to transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the Naval Consolidated Brig, Charleston, South Carolina.

Economic Recovery Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2008

Economic Recovery Act of 2008 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for infrastructure, energy, and economic recovery for: (1) the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Department of Commerce; (3) the Department of Justice (DOJ); (4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); (5) the Legal Services Corporation; (6) the Department of Defense (DOD) - Civil for the Department of the Army Corps of Engineer; (7) the Department of Energy (DOE); (8) the Department of the Treasury, including the Office of Inspector General; (9) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); (10) the General Services Administration (GSA); (11) the Small Business Administration (SBA); (12) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (13) the Department of the Interior; (14) the Smithsonian Institution; (15) the Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration; (16) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (17) the Department of Education; (18) DOD military construction, Navy and Marine Corps, and DOD family housing construction, Army and Air Force; (19) the Department of Transportation (DOT); and (20) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Secretary of Agriculture to provide a temporary increase in benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Farm Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 to make appropriations to the Secretary of Agriculture for emergency financial assistance to producers on a farm that incurred qualifying quantity or quality losses for the 2008 crop due a natural disaster or any related condition, particularly sugar and sugarcane crops in Florida and Louisiana. Prescribes: (1) a temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; and (2) a temporary reinstatement of authority to provide federal matching payments for state spending for child support incentive payments. Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to increase and extend emergency unemployment compensation (EUC). Exempts weeks of unemployment between enactment of this Act and December 8, 2009, from the prohibition in the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 against federal matching payments to a state for the first week in an individual's eligibility period for which extended compensation or sharable regular compensation is paid if the state law of such state provides for payment (at any time or under any circumstances) of regular compensation to an individual for his or her first week of otherwise compensable unemployment. (Thus allows temporary federal matching for the first week of extended benefits for states with no waiting period.) National Park Centennial Fund Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Park Centennial Fund. Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make emergency direct loans of up to $25 billion in the aggregate to certain automobile manufacturers and component suppliers. Requires the Secretary, in allocating loan amounts, to prioritize applications based on the magnitude of the impact of the applicant's manufacturing operations in the United States on the overall U.S. economy and other segments of the automobile industry, including the impact on levels of employment, domestic manufacturing of automobiles and automobile components, and automobile dealerships. Authorizes the automobile manufacturer or component supplier, at the Secretary's discretion, to issue to the Secretary preferred stock in lieu of receiving a loan, on analogous terms and conditions as those described for such EESA loans. Requires any applicant automobile manufacturer or component supplier to submit to the Secretary a detailed plan on how the government funds requested will: (1) be utilized to ensure the long-term financial posture of the company; and (2) stimulate U.S. automobile production and improve the company's capacity to pursue the timely and aggressive production of energy-efficient advanced technology vehicles. Declares that the costs incurred by the federal government in making such loans, including credit subsidy costs and administrative expenses, shall be covered out of proceeds from the sale of government bonds and the third tranche of the $700 billion made available under EESA. Specifies timing of loan disbursements, and terms and conditions. Directs the Secretary to require any loan recipient to meet specified standards for executive compensation and corporate governance. Applies certain EESA oversight requirements to any loans made under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer, other than a corporation, an above-the-line deduction for interest, state sales tax, or excise tax paid or accrued during the taxable year on any indebtedness incurred after November 12, 2008, and before January 1, 2010, in acquiring any qualified motor vehicle which is secured by such vehicle. Designates each amount in this Act as an emergency requirement, necessary to meet certain emergency needs in accordance with the FY2008-FY2009 congressional budget resolutions.

Security Clearance Oversight and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2008

Security Clearance Oversight and Accountability Act - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to direct the President: (1) every four years, to conduct an audit of how the executive branch determines whether a security clearance is required for a particular position in the federal government, and report audit results to Congress; (2) every year, to report to Congress on the security clearance process with respect to government employees, government contractors, and intelligence community personnel; and (3) to submit a one-time report to Congress on security clearance investigations and adjudications. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report annually to Congress on security clearance determinations completed or ongoing during the preceding fiscal year that have taken longer than one year to complete.

Military and Overseas Voting Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2008

Military and Overseas Voting Enhancement Act - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require states to accept and process absentee ballots of overseas uniformed services and civilian voters submitted by the voter to a provider of express mail no later than the day before election day for transmission to the appropriate state election official, as long as the ballot is received within 10 days after the election. Requires the Presidential designee to reimburse overseas uniformed services voters for the costs of using a provider of express mail services to transmit the ballot to the official.

Directing the Secretary of the Senate to correct the enrollment of the bill S. 3001.

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2008

Directs the Secretary of the Senate to correct the enrollment of S. 3001 (Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009) by: (1) changing the amount authorized to be appropriated for the Army from $11,045,052,000 to $10,943,840,000; and (2) changing the amount of authorized funds available for the Defense Science and Technology Program from $11,799,660 to $11,799,660,000.

Harmonizing America's Energy, Economy, Environment, and National Security Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2008

Harmonizing America's Energy, Economy, Environment, and National Security Act of 2008 - Terminates all federal prohibitions on the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas, oil, oil shale, and other energy production leasing, preleasing, and related activities on federal lands. Revokes withdrawals of federal submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from leasing for natural gas and oil exploration, development, and production. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to repeal the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in specified areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) require the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to consult with the Secretary of Defense to resolve conflicts between military operation needs for the OCS and leasing under such Act; (2) provide for the allocation of sums collected by the United States under qualified leases on submerged lands made available for leasing under such Act; and (3) modify state seaward boundaries requirements. Authorizes the exploration, leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas in and from the Coastal Plain in Alaska. Instructs the Secretary to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development, and production in the Coastal Plain. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Authorizes the Secretary to designate not more than 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain (including the Sadlerochit Spring area) as a special area requiring special management and regulatory protection. Prohibits surface occupancy of land comprising the special area if the Secretary leases all or a portion of it for oil and gas exploration and development. Authorizes the Secretary to lease all or a portion of a special area under terms that permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from sites on leases located outside the special area (directional drilling). Sets forth procedures for lease sales and lease grants. Prohibits the Secretary from closing land within the Coastal Plain to oil and gas leasing, exploration, development, or production except in accordance with this Act. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) Coastal Plain environmental protection; (2) rights-of-way and easements; and (3) local government impact aid and community service assistance. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal the prohibition against using funds to: (1) promulgate regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale (and tar sands) resources on public lands pursuant to requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 with regard to a programmatic environmental impact statement for such program; or (2) conduct an oil shale lease sale. Establishes the Conservation Reserve Account and the Renewable Energy Reserve Account to offset the cost of legislation enacted after this Act for, respectively: (1) conservation programs and tax credits and deductions for energy efficiency in residential, commercial, industrial, and public sectors; and (2) accelerating the use of cleaner domestic energy resources and alternative fuels, promoting the use of energy-efficient products and practices, and increasing research, development, and deployment of clean renewable energy and efficiency technologies and job training programs. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the prohibition against federal agencies procuring alternative or synthetic fuel for mobility-related uses, other than for research or testing, unless the associated lifecycle GHG emissions will be less than or equal to emissions from fuel from conventional petroleum sources.

Military Child Care Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2008

Military Child Care Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to issue guidance to ensure access to, and affordability of, respite care with respect to children under the age of 13 for: (1) spouses of members of the Armed Forces deployed to a combat zone, and for caregivers with respect to such members; and (2) survivors of members who are killed during such deployment.

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

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2008

Requires Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations governing determinations of ineligibility for appointment to a position in an executive agency because of deliberate failure to register with the selective service to provide an exception for the appointment of an individual who was discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions. Requires the Director of the Selective Service System to prescribe procedures: (1) for the adjudication of determinations of whether a failure to register was knowing and willful; and (2) under which such a determination may not be made if the individual concerned shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the failure to register was neither knowing nor willful. Allows any individual whose case was adjudicated under the earlier regulations from February 21, 2007, through the effective date of regulations prescribed under this Act to have his or her case readjudicated.

Veterans Combat Stress Healthcare Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Veterans Combat Stress Healthcare Improvement Act - Revises the veterans' health professionals educational assistance program to provide a selection priority under various program components for those seeking to obtain the specialized training necessary to treat combat stress. Provides a similar priority for individuals who have completed the degree requirements necessary for qualification as a licensed mental health professional, are employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in positions related to the treatment of combat stress, and owe any principal or interest on loans used to pay costs related to earning the degree. Reauthorizes the program's scholarship program for FY2009-FY2011.

Human Costs in Iraq Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Human Costs in Iraq Act of 2008 - Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2008 to require, in a report concerning Department of Defense (DOD) progress toward military and political stability in Iraq, additional information concerning: (1) the total number of Iraqis killed by violence; (2) best efforts to distinguish between combatants, noncombatants, and official Iraqi Security Force personnel killed; and (3) details of the incidents involving each casualty.

Honoring the Wings Over Houston Airshow for advancing the appreciation and understanding of the United States Armed Forces, the City of Houston, Texas, and Ellington Field.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Honors the Wings Over Houston Airshow for advancing the appreciation and understanding of the U.S. Armed Forces, the city of Houston, Texas, and Ellington Field.

Honoring the important work of journalists covering the war in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Honors the important work of journalists in providing the public with information regarding the war in Iraq. Pays tribute to the journalists who have been killed in Iraq. Encourages the media to honor the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who continue to serve bravely in Iraq.

Drill Now Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Drill Now Act of 2008 - Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal its prohibitions against oil and natural gas preleasing and leasing activities in specified offshore areas, including the North Atlantic, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic planning areas. Declares that the United States reserves the right to designate national defense areas on the outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to conduct leasing, preleasing, and related activities for any opened area before June 30, 2012. Requires any lease issued by the Secretary for submerged land of the OCS in any opened area lying within 25 miles of the coastline of any state to include a prohibition against permanent surface occupancy. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit revenues from tracts leased under this Act into: (1) the general fund of the Treasury; and (2) a special account in the Treasury, for allocation among the states in accordance with prescribed guidelines. Repeals the prohibition against the use of funds to prepare or publish final regulations regarding a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public lands or to conduct an oil shale lease sale.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate concerning the conflict between Russia and Georgia.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Russian Federation's disproportionate military response on the sovereign territory of Georgia, including the South Ossetian Autonomous Region and the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, is in violation of international law and commitments of the Russian Federation; (2) the United States recognizes significant common interests with the Russian Federation which can serve as the basis for improved long-term relations; (3) the Russian Federation should comply with the cease-fire agreement; (4) the Russian Federation and Georgia should refrain from the future use of force to resolve the status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and work with interested countries and international organizations to reach a political settlement; and (5) the United States should provide humanitarian and economic assistance to Georgia, continue to support democracy in Georgia, and work to support the free flow of energy to Europe and the operation of communication and trade routes.

Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2008 - Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to the enforcement of uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). Makes unenforceable agreements between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of disputes arising under USERRA. Provides exceptions. Requires the validity and enforceability of such an agreement to be determined by a court (as opposed to the arbitrator). Provides increased liquidated damages, and authorizes punitive damages, against state or private employer violations of USERRA. Provides a right to a jury trial in such cases. Requires (current law authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA. Defines "successor in interest" for USERRA purposes. Prohibits: (1) any statute of limitations from applying to USERRA proceedings; and (2) wage discrimination against members covered under USERRA. Requires (current law authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations.

Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President to transfer certain excess naval vessels on a grant basis to Pakistan, Chile, and Peru. Terminates such authority two years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the President to: (1) carry out an ongoing assessment of the extent to which Israel possesses a qualitative military edge over military threats; and (2) use such assessment in reviewing applications to sell defense articles and services to a Middle Eastern country other than Israel. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to require any certification relating to a proposed sale or export of defense articles or services to a Middle Eastern country other than Israel to include a determination that such sale or export will not adversely affect Israel's qualitative military edge over military threats. Makes specified foreign military financing program funds for FY2009 available on a grant basis for Israel. Authorizes funding in FY2009 for the procurement of advanced weapons systems by Israel. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to provide special foreign military sales status for the Republic of Korea.

Economic Recovery Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Economic Recovery Act, 2008 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2008 for infrastructure, energy, and economic recovery to: (1) the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Department of Commerce; (3) the Department of Justice (DOJ); (4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); (5) the Legal Services Corporation; (6) the Department of Defense (DOD) - Civil Corps of Engineers; (7) the Department of the Interior; (8) the Department of Energy (DOE); (9) the Department of the Treasury, including the Office of Inspector General; (10) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); (11) the General Services Administration (GSA); (12) the Small Business Administration (SBA); (13) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (14) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (15) the Department of Labor (DOL); (16) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (17) the Department of Education; (18) the legislative branch; (19) the Department of Transportation (DOT); and (20) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2008 to provide a temporary increase in benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2008 to provide a temporary: (1) increase in the Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) under the Social Security Act; and (2) reinstatement of authority to provide federal matching payments for state spending of child support incentive payments. Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2008 to extend the period of emergency unemployment compensation (EUC). Exempts weeks of unemployment between enactment of this Act and December 8, 2009, from the prohibition in the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 against federal matching payments to a state for the first week in an individual's eligibility period for which extended compensation or sharable regular compensation is paid if the state law of such state provides for payment (at any time or under any circumstances) of regular compensation to an individual for his or her first week of otherwise compensable unemployment. (Thus allows temporary federal matching for the first week of extended benefits for states with no waiting period.) National Park Centennial Fund Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Park Centennial Fund. Designates each amount in the Economic Recovery Act, 2008 as: (1) an emergency requirement and necessary to meet emergency needs; and (2) a supplemental appropriation for FY2008, or, if enacted after FY2008, for FY2009.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize extended benefits for certain autistic dependents of certain retirees.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Revises TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to authorize the Secretary of Defense to provide extended health care services and treatment, by way of contract with private providers, for dependent autism-diagnosed children of military retirees not entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and not enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of such title.

Fairness and Accountability in Defense Contracting Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Fairness and Accountability in Defense Contracting Act - Requires each solicitation of offers by the Department of Defense (DOD) for a covered contract to include a requirement that the offeror include with the contract bid or proposal a written statement concerning compensation paid by the offeror during the previous year to former DOD officers or employees or former or retired members of the Armed Forces. Includes as a covered contract a contract for the procurement of goods or services in excess of $1 million, other than a contract for the procurement of commercial items.

SERV Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act or the SERV Act - Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to delegate to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the authority to administer the veteran's treatment courts program established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states and other entities: (1) to develop, implement, or enhance veteran's treatment courts or to expand operational drug courts to serve veterans; and (2) for programs that involve continuing judicial supervision over nonviolent offenders with substance abuse or mental health problems who have served in the U.S. military. Requires such programs to include mandatory periodic testing for the use of drugs, substance abuse and mental health treatment, opportunities for diversion, probation, or supervised release, and programmatic, offender management, and aftercare services. Directs the National Drug Court Institute to conduct national training programs for state and local communities to improve the professional skills of drug court practitioners and provide comprehensive technical assistance to adult, juvenile, and family dependency drug courts.

CAN DO Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Communities in Action Neighborhood Defense and Opportunity Act of 2008 or the CAN DO Act of 2008 - Directs the Attorney General, through the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice (DOJ), to establish a five-year program of grants to six communities to establish and maintain pilot programs for Communities in Action Neighborhood Defense and Opportunity Centers (CAN DO Centers) to establish, administer, and coordinate: (1) the CAN DO Safer Streets Strategy Group Program and Guns off Our Streets Program; (2) the CAN DO Operation Community Patrol Program; (3) the CAN DO Street Monitoring Program; and (4) the CAN DO Services Providers Network.

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should use diplomatic and economic measures to resolve the Iranian nuclear problem. Declares nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the use force against Iran. Subjects Iran to specified economic sanctions, including import and export prohibitions. Subjects a U.S. person to penalties for violations of certain sanctions committed by a subsidiary established by such person outside of the United States that would be subject to prohibitions if committed inside the United States or by a U.S. person. Authorizes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence and for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Urges the President to impose sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and any other Iranian banks engaged in the support of terrorist groups. Increases temporarily the fee for processing machine readable nonimmigrant visas and border crossing identification cards. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit investment of assets in, persons that have direct or indirect investments in Iran's energy sector of more than $20 million. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to shield any registered investment company from civil, criminal, or administrative action based upon its divesting from, or avoiding investing in, securities issued by companies with such investments in the energy sector of Iran. Requires the Director of National Intelligence to report to the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and appropriate congressional committees on all countries of concern with respect to the transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of certain export controlled items to Iran. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to designate a country as a Destination of Possible Diversion Concern if appropriate to carry out activities to strengthen that country's export control systems. Requires the United States to initiate such activities on a government-to-government basis. Defines a Destination of Diversion Concern as any country whose government is directly involved in the transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of U.S.-originating controlled items to unverifiable end users or to Iran, or that has failed to strengthen adequately its export control systems. Requires a license to export to a country designated a Destination of Diversion Concern any controlled items that could contribute to Iran's obtaining nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, or its support for acts of international terrorism. Requires the Director to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) any country that may be transshipping, reexporting, or diverting controlled items to a country other than Iran if such other country is seeking to obtain nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, defense technologies, components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or other defense items, or provides support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) the feasibility and advisability of including such countries in the system for designating countries as Destinations of Possible Diversion Concern and Destinations of Diversion Concern.

To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act with respect to the qualification of the director of food services of a Medicare skilled nursing facility or a Medicaid nursing facility.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the full-time director of food services at a Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) or a Medicaid nursing facility, if not a qualified dietitian, to be a Certified Dietary Manager meeting the requirements of the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers or have equivalent military or academic qualifications.

Expanding Availability of VA Health Care Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Expanding Availability of VA Health Care Act of 2008 - Makes eligible for health care under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system veterans with incomes not exceeding 200% of the maximum for treatment as a low-income family. (Currently, only veterans with incomes not exceeding the maximum for treatment as a low-income family are so eligible.)

To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate the Honor and Remember Flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc., as an official symbol to recognize and honor members of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Designates the Honor and Remember Flag, created by Honor and Remember, Inc., as the official symbol of our country's concern and commitment to honoring and remembering all members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. Provides days of the year, and memorials and other locations, on or at which the Flag shall be displayed.

Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act of 2008 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for infrastructure investments for: (1) transportation to the Department of Transportation (DOT); (2) clean water to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (3) flood control and water resources to the Department of Defense (DOD) - Civil for the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation; (4) for 21st century green high-performing public school facilities to the Department of Education; (5) for public and Indian housing and the Public Housing Capital Fund to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); (7) energy development to the Department of Energy (DOE); and (8) the Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration, for job training and employment services, as well as state unemployment insurance and employment service operations. Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to increase and extend unemployment compensation (UC). Prescribes: (1) a temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; and (2) an adjustment in computation of Medicaid FMAP to disregard an extraordinary employer pension contribution. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Secretary of Agriculture to provide a temporary increase in benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Considering the Russian military deployments in the Western Hemisphere as reckless, provocative, and in violation of the Monroe Doctrine.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Considers the Russian military deployments in the Western Hemisphere as provocative and in violation of the Monroe Doctrine. Regards Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez's attainment of a nuclear energy program or nuclear weapons as a grave danger to peace and U.S. national interests. Applauds and recognizes the necessity of the July 12, 2008, re-establishment of the U.S. Fourth Fleet.

ADDRESSING COST GROWTH OF MAJOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WEAPONS SYSTEMS

United States · United States Senate · 25 September 2008

A bill to establish a commission to assess the nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Establishes the Commission To Assess the Nuclear Activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran which shall assess the status of, the relationship between, and the intentions behind the military and the civilian nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of the report required under this Act.

Ensuring Defense Support to Catastrophic Incident Response Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Ensuring Defense Support to Catastrophic Incident Response Act of 2008 - Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to undertake civil support operations in response to catastrophic incidents in the United States. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to develop comprehensive plans for such operations, including strategies for the use of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserve) and civilian personnel and contractors of DOD; (2) the annual DOD budget to include a separate funding request for carrying out such operations; and (3) the first national security strategy and national defense strategy prepared after the enactment of this Act to include, among other things, DOD roles and responsibilities in responding to catastrophic incidents.

Ensuring Safe Facilities and Equipment for American Troops Overseas Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Ensuring Safe Facilities and Equipment for American Troops Overseas Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, in order to assure the safe utilization by the Armed Forces of expeditionary facilities, infrastructure, and equipment supporting U.S. military operations overseas, to certify to the congressional defense committees that: (1) generally accepted industry safety standards are incorporated into military regulations establishing requirements for such facilities, infrastructure, and equipment; (2) each contract or task or delivery order for the construction, installation, repair, maintenance, or operation of overseas expeditionary facilities incorporates such industry standards; and (3) such standards apply in all current and future U.S. military operations overseas.

To prohibit the closure of Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, notwithstanding the recommendations of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Prohibits the Secretaries of Defense and the Army from closing or reducing the personnel, functions, or operations of Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, notwithstanding the 2005 recommendations of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission pursuant to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990.

Pathway to Nuclear Power Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Pathway to Nuclear Power Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) revise terms and conditions governing federal loan guarantees for innovative technology projects; (2) modify the contract authority of the Secretary of Energy; (3) convert the Nuclear Energy Research Initiative into the Nuclear Power 2010 Program; and (4) instruct the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations to implement workforce training programs for the nuclear industries. Creates an interagency working group to make recommendations to coordinate federal actions and programs to promote domestic manufacture and export of nuclear energy products and services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe: (1) a qualifying nuclear power manufacturing credit; (2) a nuclear power facility construction credit; (3) a five-year accelerated depreciation for new nuclear power facilities; and (4) a special rule for the allocation of credit among public-private partnerships that own an advanced nuclear power facility. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 revise administrative procedures for licensing new nuclear power plants. Establishes a Joint Committee on Nuclear Energy to make recommendations to promote domestic nuclear energy. States that, for the period following the licensed operation of any facility for the treatment or storage of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste, no consideration of the public health and safety, common defense and security, or environmental impacts of such storage is required regarding the development, construction, and operation of, or any permit, license, or siting approval for, a civilian nuclear power reactor or any facility for nuclear fuel or waste treatment or storage. United States High Level Nuclear Waste Management Corporation Act - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to establish the United States High Level Nuclear Waste Management Corporation. Terminates the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Requires the Secretary of Energy, in specified circumstances, to propose an adjustment to the fee for electricity generated from civilian nuclear power reactors. Replaces the Nuclear Waste Fund with a Nuclear Waste Revolving Fund and a Nuclear Waste Legacy Fund. Revises contract requirements with respect to such Funds following issuance of a license to construct and operate facilities to receive and store spent nuclear fuel at the Yucca Mountain site, Nevada.

Ensuring Safe Facilities and Equipment for American Troops Overseas Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Ensuring Safe Facilities and Equipment for American Troops Overseas Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, in order to assure the safe utilization by the Armed Forces of expeditionary facilities, infrastructure, and equipment supporting U.S. military operations overseas, to certify to the congressional defense committees that: (1) generally accepted industry safety standards are incorporated into military regulations establishing requirements for such facilities, infrastructure, and equipment; (2) each contract or task or delivery order for the construction, installation, repair, maintenance, or operation of overseas expeditionary facilities incorporates such industry standards; and (3) such standards apply in all current and future U.S. military operations overseas.

To require, as a condition of participation in the programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, public institutions of higher education to charge dependent children of members of the Armed Forces a rate of tuition equal to the rate of tuition charged to in-State residents.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions of higher education participating in student aid programs to charge dependent children of members of the Armed Forces a tuition rate equal to the rate for in-state residents. Applies such tuition rate throughout the program of study for which a student is enrolled, even if the student's parent becomes a former member of the Armed Forces before the completion of studies.

Stop Trial Lawyer Pork Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008

Stop Trial Lawyer Pork Act - Declares that certain federal laws that benefit trial lawyers to the detriment of consumers shall have no force or effect, whether enacted before, on, or after the enactment of this Act. Includes among such laws: (1) the Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2008; (2) the Medical Device Safety Act of 2008; (3) the Protecting Americans from Unsafe Foreign Products Act; (4) the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007; (5) the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007; and (6) the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. Clarity and Transparency in Lawsuits Act or CATLA - Requires any federal law creating a private right of action to include express language providing for such a right. Prohibits any federal or state court from construing any federal law to imply a private right of action in absence of such an express provision. Prohibits any attorney at law, in any litigation in or affecting commerce among the states or with foreign nations, from prosecuting or counseling any action, or asserting any claim or defense, which is false, frivolous, or wholly insubstantial. Establishes sanctions for violation of such prohibition. Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act - Amends Rule 11 (Signing Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to the Court; Sanctions) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Gives an attorney a right to appeal such a sanction. Prohibits a person from bringing a personal injury claim in the court of a state if the person is not a resident of that state (interstate forum-shopping), unless all or a substantial part of the acts or omissions giving rise to the claim asserted occurred in that state.

Security Assistance Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Security Assistance Act of 2008 - Authorizes FY2009-FY2010 appropriations for military and related assistance. Revises provisions regarding: (1) arms export controls; (2) nuclear cooperation; and (3) specified reporting provisions. Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008 - Authorizes the transfer of specified naval vessels to Pakistan, Greece, Chile, and Peru. Authorizes FY2009-FY2010 appropriations for nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs. Authorizes FY2009 appropriations for international organizations. Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish a global pathogen security program. Nuclear Safeguards and Supply Act of 2008 - Authorizes additional appropriations for the refurbishment or possible replacement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Analytical Laboratory. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) pursue a program to strengthen technical safeguards research and development and improve interagency coordination on safeguards technology; and (2) develop a safeguards cadre program. Authorizes the President to create mechanisms to provide a reliable supply of nuclear fuel to those countries and groups of countries that adhere to policies to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation and that decide to forgo a national uranium enrichment program and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities. Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2008 - Prohibits assistance 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. Directs the Secretary to support in-country training courses for public health personnel. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to eligible developing countries for public health laboratory equipment and supplies. Directs CDC and the Department of Defense (DOD) to increase the number of laboratory personnel in eligible developing countries that conduct infectious disease research expand such laboratories' operations. 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. Authorizes FY2009-FY2010 appropriations. International Space Station Payments Act of 2008 - Exempts from the prohibition on extraordinary payments U.S. government payments made between January 1, 2012, and reentry into Earth's atmosphere of the International Space Station (ISS) at its end of life for work or services necessary to meet U.S. obligations under the Agreement Concerning Cooperation on the Civil International Space Station. (Extraordinary payments are, generally, those made for work on the ISS which the Russian government pledged to provide at its expense and those for work on the ISS, or for the purchase of goods or services relating to human space flight, that are not required to be made under the terms of a contract or other agreement that was in effect on January 1, 1999, as the terms were in effect on that date.) Specifies that such exemption shall not permit payments for certain cargo or crew transportation or rescue services.

Interrogation and Detention Reform Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Interrogation and Detention Reform Act of 2008 - Requires a head of an element of the intelligence community who has custody or effective control of an detained individual to notify the International Committee of the Red Cross of such custody or control and allow such Committee physical and repeat access to such individual. Repeals: (1) the Military Commissions Act of 2006; (2) additional punitive provisions relating to conspiracy to commit crimes against the law of war and additional prohibitions against cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; (3) prohibitions against the issuance of writs of habeas corpus for enemy combatants; and (4) the authority to conduct combatant status review tribunals. Directs the President to: (1) close the Department of Defense detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; (2) remove from such facility each individual designated as an enemy combatant or unlawful enemy combatant; and (3) submit a plan to Congress for the prosecution, transfer, release, or other disposition of such combatants. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the investigation and prosecution of international terrorism. Directs the President to: (1) establish uniform standards for the interrogation of individuals in U.S. custody or under U.S. control; (2) establish the U.S. Center for Excellence in Human Intelligence Collection to train members of the Armed Forces and personnel of the intelligence community to conduct research and examine doctrine and policy related to human intelligence collection; and (3) submit to Congress a strategy for the detention of terrorist suspects and convicts. Prohibits the use of private contractors for activities relating to the capture, custody, control, or other pertinent interaction with a detainee or prisoner in U.S. custody. Establishes requirements for recording strategic intelligence interrogations of individuals held in U.S. custody or under detention in a U.S. facility. Expresses the sense of Congress relating to international cooperation on human intelligence collection. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop incentives for the improvement of human intelligence collection capabilities.

To grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the award of a congressional gold medal to the Army's 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a new community-based outpatient clinic at Ord Military Community, California.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a new community-based outpatient clinic at the Ord Military Community, California. Makes such construction subject to: (1) the completion of a feasibility study; and (2) the availability of appropriations.

To require the sale of certain defense articles and defense services to Taiwan.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Requires the sale of certain defense articles and defense services to Taiwan.

Military Personnel Citizenship Processing Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Military Personnel Citizenship Processing Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an Office of the FBI Liaison in United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which shall monitor and assist with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) functions related to expeditiously processing naturalization applications filed by members and former members of the Armed Forces. Amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that USCIS, within six months of receipt of a naturalization application filed by a member of the Armed Forces: (1) process and adjudicate the application; or (2) provide the applicant with an explanation for the inability to meet such deadline and an estimate of the adjudication date. Repeals the provisions of this Act five years after the date of enactment of this Act.