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Bill· HRH.R. 6010 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2012
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the modified adjusted gross income threshold for reducing the allowable amount of the tax deduction for interest on education loans. Makes permanent the elimination of the 60-month limitation on the tax deduction for interest on education loans and the increase in the income threshold for reducing the allowable amount of such deduction enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 700 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2012
Recognizes the 40th anniversary of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities) as landmark legislation that has: (1) allowed women to realize intellectual, cultural, and athletic opportunities throughout the United States; and (2) contributed to the overall health and well-being of women and to the advancement of women in every field including athletics, business, science, and technology.
Bill· SS. 3322 (112th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2012
Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (the Act) concerning the protection of servicemembers against default judgments to require a plaintiff, before filing an affidavit, to conduct a diligent and reasonable investigation to determine whether or not the defendant is in military service, including a search of available records of the Department of Defense (DOD) and any other available information. Provides that, for purposes of establishing residency for voting eligibility, a family member of a servicemember who is absent from a state because the servicemember is absent from the state due to military service shall not be considered to have lost residency in that state. Increases the civil penalties for violations of the Act. Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to issue and serve a civil investigative demand for the production of documentary material relevant to an investigation under the Act. Makes a private right of action for a violation of the Act retroactive to the date of enactment of the Act. Makes related changes to the Fair Housing Act with respect to the increase in civil penalties, and to the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act with respect to the authority for civil investigative demands. Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (Voting Act) to require a state to submit to the AG and the Presidential Designee, at least 55 days before any election for federal office in that state, a certification that absentee ballots are, or will be, available for transmission by 46 days before such election. Requires certification that absentee ballots requested by absent servicemember voters within 46 days before a state election are being transmitted to such voters. Repeals a provision allowing a state to request a waiver of absentee ballot requirements due to undue hardship. Provides that, in Voting Act enforcement actions brought by the AG, local election officials need not be named as defendants. Provides civil penalties for Voting Act violations, and authorizes a private right of action. Allows absentee ballot requests to be treated as requests for subsequent elections held in that state through the next regularly scheduled general election. Makes Voting Act requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Makes related changes to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Education Amendments of 1972 with respect to prohibited discrimination, private rights of action, and available relief. Allows a veteran on whose behalf a complaint of a violation of employment or reemployment rights is made by the AG to intervene in such action, and to obtain appropriate relief. Requires the AG, within 60 days after receiving a referral of an unsuccessful attempt to resolve a complaint relating to a state or private employer, to notify the person on whose behalf the complaint is submitted of either the decision to commence such an action or of when such decision is expected to be made. Requires, in the latter case, such decision to be made within an additional 30 days. Requires the AG to commence such an action when there is reasonable cause to believe that a state or private employer is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such employment and reemployment rights and benefits, and that the pattern or practice denies the full exercise of such rights and benefits. Authorizes the AG, in employment or reemployment rights investigations, to issue and serve a civil investigative demand for the production of documentary material. Makes related changes to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with respect to such civil investigative demands.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 502 (112th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2012
Celebrates the 150th anniversary of the signing of the First Morrill Act by President Abraham Lincoln. Affirms the importance of the land-grant institutions which are the product of the commitment to U.S. higher education that the First Morrill Act represents. Requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit to the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities an enrolled copy of this resolution for appropriate display.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 500 (112th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2012
Celebrates the accomplishments of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, in increasing opportunities for women and girls in all facets of education. Reaffirms the Act's commitment to and continued importance in: (1) ending discrimination against women and girls in elementary, secondary, and higher education; and (2) providing them with equal opportunities in athletics.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 694 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2012
Recognizes the 40th anniversary of title IX (prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including high school and college sports) and its groundbreaking influence for females throughout the United States. Affirms equal gender treatment of males and females. Declares that the House of Representatives strives to work towards a time when females can achieve true equality in athletics, education, and employment.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 498 (112th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2012
Designates June 20, 2012, as American Eagle Day. Applauds the issuance of bald eagle commemorative coins by the Secretary of the Treasury as a means by which to generate critical funds for the protection of bald eagles. Encourages educational entities, organizations, businesses, conservation groups, and government agencies with a shared interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate and develop educational tools for use in the public schools of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 5963 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2012
Home School Equity Act for Tax Relief of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2012 the tax deduction for expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers, and (2) expand the definition of "school" for purposes of such tax deduction to include a home school which provides elementary or secondary education if such school is treated as a home school or private school under state law.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 693 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2012
Supports the designation of National Reunification Month. Honors the efforts of those who work to advance outcomes for children in the child welfare system. Encourages child welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, media, religious institutions, and civic service organizations to recognize National Reunification Month. Recognizes that substantial progress has been made by federal, state, tribal, and local child welfare policymakers. Reaffirms the importance of title IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act and other programs that provide support to vulnerable families, and invest in prevention and reunification services.
Bill· HRH.R. 5955 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2012
Rural Energy Investment Act of 2012 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 regarding the biobased markets program to: (1) extend program funding through FY2017, (2) increase the number of categories of biobased products designated and individual biobased products eligible for preferred purchasing, and (3) provide for a program of biobased product education and promotion activities. Amends the Rural Energy for America Program to: (1) extend Program funding through FY2017; (2) make nonprofit organizations eligible for assistance; (3) provide loan guarantees and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy system purchases, with a tiered loan and grant application process that reflects project size; and (4) permit the combined amount of a grant and a loan guarantee to cover all eligible activity costs. Extends funding through FY2017 for: (1) biorefinery assistance, (2) the biodiesel fuel education program, (3) biomass research and development, (4) the Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative, (5) the biomass crop assistance program, (6) the forest biomass for energy program, and (7) the community wood energy program.
Bill· SS. 3298 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2012
Oil Spill Technology and Research Act of 2012 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to replace provisions establishing the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research with provisions establishing a Federal Oil Spill Research Committee for the same purpose. Requires the Committee to: (1) submit to Congress within 180 days and update every five years a report on the state of oil discharge prevention and response capabilities; (2) establish an oil pollution research and development program that provides for research, development, and demonstration of technologies and methods that are effective in preventing, detecting, responding to, mitigating, and restoring damage from oil discharges and that protect the environment; and (3) submit a plan for the implementation of such program to Congress within 180 days after submitting such report. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to: (1) designate a Chairperson from among committee members, and (2) manage a program of competitive grants to universities or research institutions for conducting such program. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require vessel and facility response plans for responding to a worst case discharge of oil or a hazardous substance to: (1) be updated at least every five years and resubmitted for approval upon each update; (2) require the use of the best available technology and methods to contain and remove a worst-case discharge and to mitigate or prevent a substantial threat of such a discharge; and (3) include investments in research relating to oil discharges, risk assessment, and development of technologies for oil discharge response and prevention. Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish a program for the formal evaluation and validation of oil pollution containment and removal methods and technologies, and (2) each technology and method validated to be included in the comprehensive list of discharge removal resources maintained through the Coast Guard's National Response Unit.
Bill· SS. 3295 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2012
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2013 - Makes appropriations for FY2013 to the Department of Labor (DOL). Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2013 - Makes appropriations for FY2013 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2013 - Makes appropriations for FY2013 to the Department Education. Makes appropriations for FY2013 to: (1) the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, (2) the Corporation for National and Community Service, (3) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, (4) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), (5) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, (6) the Institute of Museum and Library Services, (7) Medicaid and SCHIP Payment and Access Commission, (8) the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (9) the National Council on Disability, (10) the National Health Care Workforce Commission, (11) the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), (12) the National Mediation Board, (13) the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, (14) the Railroad Retirement Board, and (15) the Social Security Administration (SSA). Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 493 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2012
Recognizes: (1) that prostate cancer has created a health crisis for African American men; and (2) the importance of health coverage and access to care, as well as promoting informed decision-making between men and their doctors, in screening and treatment options for prostate cancer. Urges federal agencies to support: (1) prostate cancer research and education, awareness, and early detection efforts at the grass roots levels to end such crisis; and (2) the Office of Minority Health of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in improving health and health care outcomes for African Americans at an elevated risk of prostate cancer. Urges investment by the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, other elements of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense (DOD) in research focusing on the improvement of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 491 (112th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2012
Welcomes the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad to the United States. Recognizes the need to encourage young people to pursue careers in the fields of science (including chemistry) technology, engineering, and mathematics. Commends the University of Maryland, College Park for hosting, and the American Chemical Society for organizing, the 44th Olympiad.
Bill· SS. 3282 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2012
Extends through 2014 (under current law, through 2013) the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. Requires the Committee, to the maximum extent possible, to include: (1) veterans who served on active duty and were deployed in connection with a contingency operation; (2) at least one veteran currently enrolled in and receiving assistance under a veterans' educational assistance program; and (3) at least one representative each from the American Council on Education, an organization that represents veterans, and a state approving agency. Requires the Committee, at least semiannually, to report to Congress on the administration of veterans' educational assistance benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 5944 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2012
Today's Entrepreneurs are America's Mentors Act or TEAM Act - Amends the Small Business Act to establish in the Small Business Administration (SBA) an Office of Entrepreneurial Education, headed by a Director, to develop and provide innovative entrepreneurial information, education, and resources to promote prospective entrepreneurs and successful small businesses. Directs the SBA's Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development to establish a program of grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance to primary and secondary schools for the development and implementation of curricula and mentoring programs designed to promote entrepreneurship. Requires the Director to submit to the congressional small business committees best practices of U.S. entrepreneurial education and training programs. Authorizes a small business development center to apply for an SBA grant to carry out a university and college entrepreneurial education program. Directs the SBA's Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development to establish an entrepreneurial innovators partnership program of grants to nonprofit organizations and specified SBA entities to carry out innovative programs that expand entrepreneurship, improve partnerships between nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs, and promote job creation by small businesses. Directs the Administrator to establish a program to host regional competitions and a national conference to address regional challenges through entrepreneurial research and business planning. Requires the Administrator to recommend to Congress legislation for establishing programs to forgive or defer student loan payments in order to assist youth entrepreneurship by making capital available for business formation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5933 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2012
Amends the school improvement program under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to modify the requirement that state and local funds be used to provide services to schools receiving school improvement funds that are comparable to services received by schools not receiving such funds. Conditions a local educational agency's (LEA's) receipt of school improvement funds, beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, on the LEA showing its state that combined state and local per-pupil expenditures in each of its schools served under the school improvement program are not less than the average combined state and local per-pupil expenditures for each of its schools not served under that program. Requires an LEA that serves all of its schools under the school improvement program to show its state that the average combined state and local per-pupil expenditures for its high-poverty schools were not less than those expenditures for its low-poverty schools. Allows LEAs to meet these requirements on a grade-span by grade-span or school-by-school basis. Requires LEAs to exclude from these calculations state and local funds expended in any school for capital expenditures or the excess costs of providing services to English learners or disabled children.
Bill· HRH.R. 5937 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2012
Breast Cancer Patient Education Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for the planning and implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery regarding the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses, and other options. Requires such campaign to include dissemination of the following information: (1) breast reconstruction is possible at the time of breast cancer surgery or in a delayed fashion; (2) prostheses or breast forms may be available; (3) federal law mandates that both public and private health plans include coverage of breast reconstruction and prostheses; (4) the patient has a right to choose the provider of reconstructive care, including the potential transfer of care to a surgeon that provides breast reconstructive care; and (5) the patient may opt to undergo breast reconstruction in a delayed fashion for personal reasons or after completion of all other breast cancer treatments. Prohibits such campaign from specifying, or being designed to serve as a tool to limit, the health care providers available to patients.
Bill· HRH.R. 5932 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2012
Expand Opportunity for Education Savings Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) expand the definition of "eligible educational institution" for purposes of tax-exempt qualified tuition programs (529 tuition programs) to include elementary and secondary schools, and (2) make the limitation on room and board expenses inapplicable to elementary and secondary schools.
Bill· SS. 3278 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2012
Rural Educator and American Community Housing Act of 2012 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide grants, loan guarantees, or other financial mechanisms to eligible educators, medical providers, and public safety officers to carry out a qualified project in a qualified community. Defines a "qualified project" as: (1) the construction, modernization, renovation, or repair of qualified housing for such eligible individuals; (2) the payment of interest on bonds or other financing instruments (except refinancing instruments) issued for such activities; or (3) the repayment of a loan used for such construction and so forth, or to purchase or lease real property for qualified housing purposes. Defines a "qualified community" as any open country, or any place, town, village, or city that is not part of or associated with an urban area and that has a population between 2,500 to 10,000, and is not accessible by a motor vehicle. Authorizes the State Director of Rural Development for a state to evaluate for the Secretary any application for a qualified project in the state. Requires the Secretary to take the evaluation into consideration in determining whether to provide such assistance. Requires the Secretary to give priority to: (1) a state education agency (SEA) or local educational agency (LEA), (2) a state or local housing authority, (3) an Indian tribe or tribal organization, (4) a tribally designated housing entity, (5) a local government, or (6) a consortium of any such entities.
Bill· SS. 3272 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2012
Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2012 - Title I: Medicare and Medicaid - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to cover dental services. Increases the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for funding under Medicaid for dental services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to states and eligibility entities to develop certain case management programs that: (1) identify eligible individuals in need of dental services, with a particular focus on pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, and older adults, and provide them with information regarding dental providers in proximity to their residence; (2) recruit licensed dental providers and coordinate their voluntary provision of medically recommended dental services at no charge; (3) provide community-level oral health education; and (4) identify and coordinate transportation necessary to overcome mobility impairments and transportation barriers. Title II: Public Health Programs - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, revise, and extend funding for grant programs for: (1) educating nondental medical and other professionals about oral health care; (2) providing dental services in hospital emergency rooms or in community settings; (3) providing scholarships and education loans for dental therapists and oral health professional students; (4) providing comprehensive oral health services to low-income individuals and individuals in underserved areas; (5) building, operating, or expanding dental clinics in schools; (6) funding research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent and manage oral health diseases; and (7) providing rural health clinics with mobile and portable, comprehensive dental services and outreach for senior-care facilities and facilities that provide federal health care and nutrition benefits for women and children. Title III: Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Matters - Removes restrictions on the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dental care to veterans (thereby requiring such care on the same basis as other VA-provided medical care and services). Authorizes such Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to train and employ alternative dental health care providers (providers) in order to increase access to dental health care services (dental services) for veterans in rural and other underserved communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to carry out a similar demonstration program to train and employ such providers in order to increase access to dental services for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents who lack ready access to such services. Title IV: Federal Bureau of Prisons - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers to increase access to dental health services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. Allows dental services provided under the demonstration program to be administered by alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provided clinical care, through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision. Title V: Indian Health Service - Authorizes the Secretary of HHS, through the Indian Health Service, to carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers to help eliminate oral health disparities and increase access to dental services through health programs operated by the Indian Health Service, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations. Allows dental services provided under the demonstration program to be administered by alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provided clinical care, through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision. Title VI: Reports to Congress - Directs the Secretary of HHS, by October 1, 2016, to submit a report that provides a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis regarding the expansion of coverage for dental services pursuant to this Act, including whether the provision of such services resulted in a reduction in total health care costs for individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO): (1) by October 1, 2015, to submit a report that provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the implementation and utilization of the expanded coverage for dental services under this Act for individuals enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, and (2) by October 1, 2016, to submit a report that provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the demonstration programs authorized by this Act for the training and employment of alternative dental health care providers. Title VII: Funding - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an 0.025% excise tax on the purchase of a security: (1) if such purchase occurs on a trading facility located in the United States, or (2) the purchaser or seller is a U.S. person. Defines "security" to include: (1) stocks, partnership interests, notes, bonds, debentures, or other evidences of indebtedness; and (2) interests in a derivative financial instrument (i.e., any option, forward contract, futures contract, notional principal contract, or any similar financial instrument). Exempts from such tax: (1) initial issues of securities; (2) any note, bond, debenture, or other evidence of indebtedness which has a fixed maturity of not more than 100 days; and (3) securities traded pursuant to certain lending arrangements.
Bill· HRH.R. 5909 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2012
Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2012 - Title I: Medicare and Medicaid - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to cover dental services. Increases the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for funding under Medicaid for dental services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to states and eligible entities to develop certain case management programs that: (1) identify eligible individuals in need of dental services, with a particular focus on pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, and older adults, and provide them with information regarding dental providers in proximity to their residence; (2) recruit licensed dental providers and coordinate their voluntary provision of medically recommended dental services at no charge; (3) provide community-level oral health education; and (4) identify and coordinate transportation necessary to overcome mobility impairments and transportation barriers. Title II: Public Health Programs - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, revise, and extend funding for grant programs for: (1) educating nondental medical and other professionals about oral health care; (2) providing dental services in hospital emergency rooms or in community settings; (3) providing scholarships and education loans for dental therapists and oral health professional students; (4) providing comprehensive oral health services to low-income individuals and individuals in underserved areas; (5) building, operating, or expanding dental clinics in schools; (6) funding research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent and manage oral health diseases; and (7) providing rural health clinics with mobile and portable, comprehensive dental services and outreach for senior-care facilities and facilities that provide federal health care and nutrition benefits for women and children. Title III: Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Matters - Removes restrictions on the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dental care to veterans (thereby requiring such care on the same basis as other VA-provided medical care and services). Authorizes such Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to train and employ alternative dental health care providers (providers) in order to increase access to dental health care services (dental services) for veterans in rural and other underserved communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to carry out a similar demonstration program to train and employ such providers in order to increase access to dental services for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents who lack ready access to such services. Title IV: Federal Bureau of Prisons - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers to increase access to dental health services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. Allows dental services provided under the demonstration program to be administered by alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provide clinical care, through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision. Title V: Indian Health Service - Authorizes the Secretary of HHS, through the Indian Health Service, to carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers to help eliminate oral health disparities and increase access to dental services through health programs operated by the Indian Health Service, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Allows dental services provided under the demonstration program to be administered by alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provide clinical care, through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision. Title VI: Reports to Congress - Directs the Secretary of HHS, by October 1, 2016, to submit a report that provides a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis regarding the expansion of coverage for dental services pursuant to this Act, including whether the provision of such services resulted in a reduction in total health care costs for individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO): (1) by October 1, 2015, to submit a report that provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the implementation and utilization of the expanded coverage for dental services under this Act for individuals enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, and (2) by October 1, 2016, to submit a report that provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the demonstration programs authorized by this Act for the training and employment of alternative dental health care providers. Title VII: Funding - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an 0.025% excise tax on the purchase of a security: (1) if such purchase occurs on a trading facility located in the United States, or (2) the purchaser or seller is a U.S. person. Defines "security" to include: (1) stocks, partnership interests, notes, bonds, debentures, or other evidences of indebtedness; and (2) interests in a derivative financial instrument (i.e., any option, forward contract, futures contract, notional principal contract, or any similar financial instrument). Exempts from such tax: (1) initial issues of securities; (2) any note, bond, debenture, or other evidence of indebtedness which has a fixed maturity of not more than 100 days; and (3) securities traded pursuant to certain lending arrangements.
Bill· HRH.R. 5927 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2012
Hudson-Mohawk River Basin Act of 2012 - Directs the President to: (1) establish the Hudson-Mohawk River Basin Commission, in cooperation with the governors of the states included in the Hudson-Mohawk River Basin (New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut), to coordinate activities being undertaken by the states, advisory committees, local governments, institutions of higher education, and nongovernmental organizations to address environmental, economic, and cultural issues associated with the management and use of resources in the Hudson-Mohawk Watershed; and (2) designate the Secretary of the Interior to serve as a member of the Commission and as coordinator of participation of relevant federal agencies in the Commission's activities. Requires the Commission to: (1) develop and implement plans, policies, and projects relating to the Basin's water resources; (2) adopt and promote uniform and coordinated policies for management and conservation of such resources; (3) coordinate and direct the development, implementation, operation, and financing of water resources projects consistent with its plans and policies; and (4) develop and adopt a comprehensive plan for the development and use of such resources, which shall address all projects and facilities required for development, conservation, use, management, and control of the Basin's water resources to meet present and future needs. Directs the Commission to adopt a water resources program on an annual basis, based upon the comprehensive plan, that identifies specific projects and facilities to be undertaken during the immediate five-year period.
Bill· SS. 3266 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2012
Comprehensive Student Loan Protection Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to set the interest rate on Direct Loans, for any 12 month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, at the bond equivalent rate of 10-year Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1, plus 3%. Makes: (1) that formula applicable to Direct Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2012; and (2) the rate set on such loans applicable for the life of the loans. Requires any savings to the federal government that result from this Act's amendment to be used for deficit reduction.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 42 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012
Constitutional Amendment - States that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right. States that neither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon this right without demonstrating that its governmental interest, as applied to the person, is of the highest order and not otherwise served. Prohibits this article from being construed to apply to a parental action or decision that would end life. Declares that no treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to the rights guaranteed by this amendment.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 478 (112th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012
Commemorates the bicentennial of the chartering of Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. Honors the outstanding contributions made by the alumni, faculty, and students of Hamilton College during the past 200 years.
Bill· HRH.R. 5895 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012
Graduate Success Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to pay the interest that accrues on unsubsidized Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) and Direct Loans (DLs) that are deferred due to a student borrower's lack of full-time employment. Requires the Secretary to pay the interest that accrues on Federal Consolidation Loans that are in deferment due to a borrower's lack of full-time employment, provided the application for such a loan is received on or after this Act's enactment. Directs the Secretary to pay the interest that accrues on FFELs and DLs that are subject to income-based repayment provisions and are in deferment due to a borrower's lack of full-time employment. Limits these interest-free deferment periods to those occurring on or after this Act's enactment and covering no more than three years of full-time unemployment.
Bill· HRH.R. 5893 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012
Startup Act 2.0 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust to conditional permanent resident status up to 50,000 aliens who have earned a master's or doctorate degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field (STEM field) and permit such an alien to remain in the United States: (1) for up to one year after the expiration of the alien's student visa, if the alien is searching for STEM field employment; and (2) indefinitely if the alien remains actively engaged in a STEM field. Removes a STEM alien's conditional status after five years of maintaining eligibility during the entire five-year period. Authorizes the Secretary to issue conditional immigrant visas to up to 75,000 qualified alien entrepreneurs. Removes such conditional basis after four years of maintaining qualified entrepreneur status. Eliminates the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based visas. Increases the per country numerical limitation for family based immigrants from 7% to 15% of the total number of family-sponsored visas. Amends the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the provision requiring the reduction of annual People's Republic of China immigrant visas to offset status adjustments under such Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a permanent full tax exclusion on gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock held for more than five years, (2) repeal the minimum tax preference and the 28% capital gains rate on such stock, and (3) provide a limited tax credit for certain startup small businesses. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to use certain federal agency extramural budget funds to award grants to institutions of higher education for initiatives to improve commercialization and transfer of technology. Requires the head of any federal or independent regulatory agency, before issuing a notice of rulemaking in connection with the issuance of a proposed major rule, to complete a review that, among other things, analyzes the problem that the rule intends to address, and identifies and analyzes the rule's expected impact on state, local, and tribal governments, as well as on the ability of new businesses to form and expand. Requires a cost-benefit analysis before rule issuance. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to regularly compile: (1) information from each of the states and the District of Columbia on laws that affect the formation and growth of new businesses, and (2) quantitative and qualitative information on U.S. businesses that are not more than one year old.
Bill· HRH.R. 5894 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Education and Outreach Campaign Repeal Act of 2012 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to repeal the education and outreach campaign regarding preventive benefits. Rescinds the unobligated balance of any funds made available for carrying out such campaign, as in effect on the day before the enactment of this Act.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 110 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012
Constitutional Amendment - States that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right. States that neither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon this right without demonstrating that its governmental interest, as applied to the person, is of the highest order and not otherwise served. Prohibits this article from being construed to apply to a parental action or decision that would end life. Declares that no treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to the rights guaranteed by this amendment.
Bill· SS. 3254 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2012
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2013. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including missile defense; (3) operation and maintenance; (4) active and reserve military personnel; (5) Working Capital Funds; (6) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (7) the Defense Health Program; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the National Defense Stockpile; (12) chemical demilitarization; (13) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (14) overseas contingency operations; (15) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (16) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (17) base closure and realignment activities; and (18) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy, including sexual assault, hazing, and related matters, education, and military family readiness; (2) military pay and allowances; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs and wartime contracting; (5) DOD organization and management, including space, intelligence, and cybersecurity matters; (6) financial matters, including counter-drug activities and nuclear matters; (7) civilian personnel matters; (8) matters relating to foreign nations, including assistance and training; (9) cooperative threat reduction; and (10) matters relating to military construction and military family housing. Impact Aid Improvement Act of 2012 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 concerning the federal impact aid program and the determination of taxable value for eligible federal property, foundation payments for local educational agencies, and timely payments. Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission Act of 2012 - Establishes the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force Act of 2012 - Establishes the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2013 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for DOE national security programs. Authorizes the obligation and expenditure of amounts specified in funding tables for a DOD project, program, or activity authorized under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5888 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2012
Physician Reentry Demonstration Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a demonstration program to assist the development of innovative programs that facilitate physician reentry into clinical practice to provide required primary health services; and (2) award one grant, on a competitive basis, to an eligible entity in each of the 10 regions served by a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regional office. Includes as eligible entities: (1) a state, hospital, academic medical center, medical school, or health center; or (2) a nonprofit organization with a demonstrated history or expertise in providing physician education and with the ability to offer programs specifically targeted at reentering physicians. Requires the Secretary to use not more than 15% of funds appropriated for this Act to work with key stakeholders to: (1) conduct a national needs assessment with regard to the supply of physicians who provide primary health services, (2) develop a database that contains a directory of programs that help physicians reenter clinical practice, (3) disseminate evidence-based assessments and evaluation tools to measure the basic core competencies of physicians reentering clinical practice, and (4) assist state regulatory authorities and hospital credentialing committees to structure requirements for reentering physicians r that ensure patient safety while addressing the burdens on such physicians. Directs an entity that receives funds under this Act to use such funds to assist qualifying physicians through: (1) training to reenter clinical practice, (2) paying credentialing and other necessary fees, (3) paying salaries, or (4) providing loan repayment and other financial assistance. Requires a reentering physician who participates in a demonstration program, to be eligible to receive benefits, to provide required primary health services for at least two years at a health center, a Veterans Administration Medical Center if the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) certifies that there is a shortage of physicians at such center, or a school-based health center. Sets forth provisions regarding liability protection for reentering physicians participating in a demonstration program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5884 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2012
Homeownership Preservation Education Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness, in reducing defaults on residential mortgages, of reducing up-front premiums for mortgage insurance made available by the Secretary pursuant to the National Housing Act for first-time homebuyers who complete a homeownership counseling program providing for one-on-one prepurchase counseling. Requires reduced premiums for mortgages secured by a 1- to 4-family dwelling that is an obligation of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund for a first-time homebuyer who completes a HUD-approved program of counseling on the responsibilities and financial management involved in homeownership that provides for one-on-one prepurchase counseling of the homebuyer by a HUD-approved nonprofit housing counseling agency.
Bill· HRH.R. 5876 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2012
Increasing Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care Act - Amends the school improvement program under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require the annual report cards issued by states to include information on the academic achievement and secondary school graduation rates of foster children. Requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to reserve school improvement funds to serve children in foster care. Establishes part J (Educational Stability of Children in Foster Care) under title I of the ESEA. Requires states to develop and implement a plan to ensure that children that move to a new school attendance area due to being placed in foster care, changing their foster care placement, or leaving foster care: (1) enroll or remain in their school of origin and receive transportation to and from that school, unless it is determined to be in their best interest to attend a different school; (2) are immediately enrolled in a school once it is determined to be in their best interest to attend the school, even if they are unable to produce the records normally required for enrollment; and (3) have their school records maintained and available for immediate transfer to their new school. Gives a child who leaves foster care the right to remain in his or her school of origin only for the remainder of the school year. Requires states to ensure that foster children are able to: (1) preserve the credits or partial credits they earned at schools they previously attended, and (2) receive a secondary school diploma from one of the schools at which they were enrolled or through a state-issued secondary school diploma system. Requires LEAs and state educational agencies to each designate an individual to oversee implementation of their part J obligations and serve as a point of contact for the child welfare agencies responsible for foster children. Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to eliminate children and youths who are awaiting foster care placement from the definition of "homeless children and youths."
Bill· HRH.R. 5871 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2012
Access to Papers Leads to Uninterrupted Scholars Act or the A Plus Act - Amends provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 that prohibit the Department of Education from funding educational agencies or institutions that release student educational records (or personally identifiable information other than certain directory information) to any individual, agency, or organization without written parental consent. Expands the list of organizations exempt from such prohibitions (thereby permitting the educational agencies or institutions participating in a Department of Education program to release records or identifiable information to such organizations without parental consent) to include: (1) organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, child welfare agencies to improve educational outcomes for students in foster care; and (2) state or local child welfare agencies or tribal organizations responsible for a student's placement and care. Permits the release of such records and information without additional notice to parents and students when a parent is a party to a child welfare court proceeding and a court order has already been issued in the context of that proceeding.
Bill· HRH.R. 5878 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2012
Deductibility and Incentives to Promote Learning Opportunities and Maximize Assistance Act of 2012 or the DIPLOMA Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an unlimited tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses for taxpayers whose adjusted gross incomes do not exceed $80,000 ($160,000 for joint returns), (2) extend such deduction through 2017, (3) allow a tax deduction for principal amounts paid on education loans for the first 60 months of such loans, and (4) extend the American Opportunity tax credit through 2017.
Bill· HRH.R. 5868 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2012
Fostering Success in Education Act - Requires each state receiving school improvement funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that its foster care children have the right to: (1) continue attending the school they were in when placed in foster care or before a change in such placement (school of origin), unless it is determined to be in the child's best interest to be immediately enrolled in a different school; (2) immediate enrollment in a new school in their school attendance area; (3) well-maintained school records that are available in a timely manner; (4) equal access to the same education and opportunities as other students attending the school or school district; and (5) free transportation to and from their school. Includes preschool children as beneficiaries of such rights, with respect to preschool programs. Requires states to: (1) ensure that their state and local educational agencies (LEAs) and child welfare agencies collaborate in specified activities aimed at satisfying such rights; and (2) maintain a complaint management system, as well as an effective system for transferring and recovering a foster child's school credits. Requires an LEA serving a foster child's school of origin to make an expedited decision on whether it is in the foster child's best interest to attend such school or be immediately enrolled in a new school in the child's school attendance area, unless the state decides that the decision is to be made solely by the dependency court or state or local child welfare agency. Requires states to have fair and impartial procedures to resolve school selection disputes promptly. Allows parties who claim that their rights under this Act have been violated to bring a civil action in the appropriate U.S. district court. Directs the Secretary of Education to allot grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to public agencies, including LEAs and local child welfare agencies, to carry out this Act's requirements. Requires each state grantee to: (1) implement a Secretary-approved state foster care and education plan for satisfying this Act's requirements; and (2) establish a Stakeholder Council that monitors, and makes recommendations regarding, plan implementation. Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require state child welfare agencies to arrange for, provide, or pay the cost of the transportation necessary for foster children to remain in the school they attended at the time of their placement. Requires state and local child welfare and educational agencies to collaborate in eliminating barriers to the educational stability, enrollment, and success of foster children.
Bill· HRH.R. 5869 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2012
Studying Towards Adjusted Residency Status Act or the STARS Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional nonimmigrant status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment; (2) has earned a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States; (3) has been admitted to an accredited four-year institution of higher education in the United States; (4) is a person of good moral character; (5) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (6) has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal unless the alien has remained in the United States under color of law after such order's issuance, or received the order before attaining the age of 19; (7) was younger than 19 years old on the date of the submission of the application, except that the alien may submit an application under this section before attaining the age of 21 in the case of an alien who, before attaining the age of 19 years, was granted voluntary departure; (8) has not participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; (9) has not been convicted of certain offenses under federal or state law; and (10) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds. Authorizes the Secretary to waive specified grounds of inadmissibility or deportability for humanitarian, family unity, or public interest purposes. Provides for a $525 application surcharge (in addition to other applicable application fees). Requires prior to cancellation of removal or granting of conditional nonimmigrant status: (1) an alien to submit biometric and biographic data, and (2) completion of security and law enforcement background checks. Requires an alien applying for relief to: (1) register under the Military Selective Service Act if so required, and (2) undergo a medical examination. Prohibits the Secretary from removing an alien with a pending application who establishes prima facie eligibility for cancellation of removal and conditional nonimmigrant status. Establishes an initial five-year period of conditional nonimmigrant status which shall include employment and limited travel authorization. Terminates such status if the alien: (1) does not enroll in an accredited four-year institution of higher education in the United States within one year after the date on which the alien was granted conditional nonimmigrant status, or does not remain enrolled; (2) becomes a public charge; or (3) ceases to be a person of good moral character. Extends such conditional status for an additional five-year period if the alien: (1) has demonstrated good moral character; (2) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has not participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, and has not been convicted of certain federal or state offenses; (3) has not abandoned U.S. residency; and (4) has graduated from an accredited four-year institution of higher education in the United States. Provides for a $2,000 extension application surcharge (in addition to other applicable application fees). Authorizes a conditional nonimmigrant to file an application to adjust his or her status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Requires such application to be filed during the period beginning 3 years after the date of extension and ending on either the date that is 10 years after the date of the granting of initial conditional nonimmigrant status or any other expiration date as extended by the Secretary. Requires such application to show that the alien: (1) has demonstrated good moral character; (2) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has not participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, and has not been convicted of certain federal or state offenses; and (3) has not abandoned U.S. residency. Requires an alien, prior to adjusting from conditional to permanent resident status, to: (1) satisfy citizenship and federal tax requirements, (2) submit biometric and biographic data, and (3) have had security and law enforcement background checks completed. Authorizes an alien who adjusts to permanent resident status (and meets other specified requirements) to apply after five years in such status for naturalization. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to cancel removal and grant conditional nonimmigrant status to an alien who has satisfied the conditional status requirements prior to enactment of this Act, and (2) an alien who has met the appropriate requirements during the entire period of conditional nonimmigrant status to apply for permanent resident status. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) jurisdiction of the Secretary and the Attorney General (DOJ), (2) penalties for false application statements, (3) confidentiality of information, (4) certain tax credits and reduced health care plan cost-sharing, and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5857 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2012
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2013 - Makes FY2013 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; the Capital Investment Fund; the Office of Inspector General; educational and cultural exchange programs; representation allowances; protection of foreign missions and officials; U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; the repatriation loans program account; the American Institute in Taiwan; the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; international organizations, peacekeeping, and commissions; the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; salaries and expenses; plan preparation and construction of authorized projects; the International Joint Commission, the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission; international fisheries commissions; international broadcasting operations and capital improvements; the Asia Foundation; the United States Institute for Peace; the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; the National Endowment for Democracy; the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; and the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Makes FY2013 appropriations for: operating expenses of the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the capital investment fund, and the Office of Inspector General; expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, global health and child survival; specified development assistance; international disaster assistance; transition initiatives; development credit authority; the Economic Support Fund; promotion of democracy; migration and refugee assistance; the Peace Corps; the Millennium Challenge Corporation; the Inter-American Foundation; the African Development Foundation; the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities; international narcotics control and law enforcement; nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and demining; international peacekeeping operations; international military education and training; foreign military financing grants; international organizations and programs; the Global Environment Facility; the International Development Association; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program; the Inter-American Development Bank; the Asian Development Bank; the Asian Development Fund; the African Development Bank; the African Development Fund; the International Fund for Agricultural Development; the Export-Import Bank of the United States, including the Office of Inspector General, direct and guaranteed loans, tied-aid grants, insurance programs, and administrative expenses; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses, and for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans; and the Trade and Development Agency. Sets forth limitations on callable capital subscriptions with respect to: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the Inter-American Development Bank; the Asian Development Bank; and the African Development Bank. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.
Bill· SS. 3240 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 - Repeals, but continues for crop year 2012: (1) direct payments, (2) countercyclical payments, and (3) the average crop revenue election program (ACRE). Establishes the agriculture risk coverage program through crop year 2017 for covered crops to make payments to producers for each planted crop when actual farm or county-wide crop revenue is below the agriculture risk coverage guarantee (89% of historical revenue). Requires producers to choose individual or county coverage. Authorizes: (1) nonrecourse marketing assistance loans, (2) loan deficiency payments, (3) payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage, (4) programs for upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, (5) assistance for peanuts, (6) recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton, and (7) programs for sugar and sugar beets. Establishes a dairy production margin protection program under which participating dairy operations are paid: (1) basic production margin protection program payments when production margins are less than threshold levels, and (2) supplemental production margin protection program payments if purchased by a participating dairy operation. Provides for a transition period under which the dairy production margin protection program and the milk income loss program shall both be in existence and producers may participate in either program. Establishes a dairy market stabilization program to assist in balancing the supply of milk with demand when participating dairy operations are experiencing low or negative operating margins. Terminates the production margin protection and stabilization programs on December 31, 2017. Repeals: (1) the dairy products price support program, (2) the milk income loss contract program, and (3) the dairy export incentive program. Extends: (1) the dairy indemnity program, (2) the dairy forward pricing program, and (3) the dairy promotion and research program. Provides assistance for livestock losses caused by: (1) adverse weather or attacks by federally reintroduced animals, including wolves; and (2) drought or fire. Provides assistance for orchardists and nursery tree growers for commercial losses caused by natural disasters. Suspends permanent price supports for covered commodities, cotton, sugar, and milk through 2017. Revises payment limitation provisions. Extends the conservation reserve program and the farmable wetland program through FY2017. Revises the conservation stewardship program. Extends the environmental quality incentives program through FY2017. Establishes the agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (Combines the purposes and coordinates the functions of the wetlands reserve program, the grassland reserve program, and the farmland protection program.) Extends through FY2017: (1) the conservation of private grazing land program, (2) the grass roots source water protection program, (3) the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program, and (4) the small watershed rehabilitation program. Establishes a terminal lakes assistance program (in lieu of the desert lakes program) for the purchase of eligible land impacted by flooded or terminal lakes and their associated watershed or riparian resources. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for: (1) the conservation reserve program, (2) the agricultural conservation easement program, (3) the conservation stewardship program, and (4) the environmental quality incentives program. Repeals: (1) the conservation enhancement program, (2) the emergency forestry conservation reserve program, (3) the wetlands reserve program, (3) the farmland protection program, (4) the grassland reserve program, (5) the agricultural water enhancement program, (6) the wildlife habitat incentive program, (7) the Great Lakes Basin program, (8) the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, (9) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative, and (10) the environmental easement program. Extends specified programs under the Food for Peace Act and the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 through FY2017. Extends through FY2017: (1) the food for progress program, (2) the Bill Emerson humanitarian trust, and (3) the McGovern-Dole international food for education and child nutrition program. Establishes the Donald Payne Horn of Africa food resilience program. Extends the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) through FY2017. Revises provisions regarding participant eligibility, retail stores, and food assistance security. Extends through FY2017: (1) the food distribution program on Indian reservations, and (2) commodity purchases for emergency food assistance. Extends through FY2017: (1) the commodity distribution program, (2) the commodity supplemental food program, (3) distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects, (4) purchases of fresh fruit and vegetables for schools and service institutions, and (5) the senior farmers' market nutrition program. Revises the hunger-free communities program. Establishes the healthy food financing initiative. Restructures agricultural credit program provisions under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Extends through FY2017: (1) guarantee authority for rural electrification or telephone bonds and notes, and (2) expansion of 911 access. Extends the distance learning and telemedicine program through FY2017. Establishes a rural energy savings plan to provide consumer loans to implement energy efficiency measures. Extends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board until September 30, 2017. Establishes a grant program to develop and sustain veterinary services. Authorizes appropriations for agricultural and food policy research centers. Extends through FY2017: (1) grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education, (2) education grants to Native Alaska Native Hawaiian serving institutions, (3) the nutrition education program, (4) animal heath and disease research programs, (5) grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, (6) grants for Hispanic-serving institutions, (7) grants for international agricultural science and education, and (8) assistance for extension, aquaculture, rangeland, and biosecurity programs. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for: (1) sustainable agriculture technology, (2) the genetics resource program, (3) the agricultural weather information system, (3) high priority and organic agriculture research, (4) farm business management, and (5) assistive technology for farmers with disabilities. Establishes a comprehensive food safety training network. Authorizes the prioritization of regional centers of excellence for specialized agricultural commodities. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for: (1) wheat disease research, (2) youth organizations, (3) specialty crop research, and (4) the Office of Pest Management Policy. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for activities under the Critical Agricultural Materials Act. Revises "1994 Institutions" (Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994) provisions. Establishes four regional integrated pest management centers. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for: (1) the Agricultural Biosecurity Communication Center and agricultural biosecurity grants and local capacity development, (2) activities under the National Aquaculture Act of 1990, (3) activities under the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978, and (4) the beginning farmer and rancher development program. Extends the grazing lands research laboratory through September 30, 2017. Revises budget submission and funding provisions under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for: (1) the natural products research program, and (2) the sun grant program. Establishes the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. Repeals: (1) the forest land enhancement program, (2) the watershed forestry assistance program, (3) the Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land leadership program, and (4) the tribal watershed forestry assistance program. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for: (1) the forest stewardship program, (2) the forest legacy program, (3) the community forest and open space conservation program, (4) urban and community forestry assistance, (5) rural revitalization technologies, (6) the Office of International Forestry, (7) insect infestation treatment areas, and (8) the healthy forests reserve program. Authorizes stewardship contracting projects with private persons or other public or private entities to perform land management services for national forests and public lands. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for: (1) the biobased marketing program, (2) the bioenergy program for advanced biofuels, (3) the biodiesel fuel education program, (4) the rural energy for America program, (5) biomass research and development, (6) the feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers, (7) the biomass crop assistance program, and (8) the community wood energy program. Repeals: (1) the forest biomass for energy program, and (2) the program encouraging biorefineries to replace fossil fuel operating systems with renewable biomass systems. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for: (1) the specialty crop market news program, (2) the farmers market and local food promotion program, (3) organic production and market initiatives, (4) national organic program upgrades, (5) food safety initiatives, and (6) specialty crop block grants. Repeals the specialty crop movement-to-market program. Establishes the national clean plant network for pathogen elimination services. Amends federal crop insurance provisions regarding: (1) a supplemental crop insurance coverage option, (2) catastrophic risk protection premiums, (3) enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops, (4) stacked income protection for upland cotton producers, (5) revenue crop insurance for peanuts, (6) administrative provisions, (7) research and development, (8) whole farm risk management insurance, (9) swine protection, (10) margin coverage for catfish, (11) a weather insurance pilot program, (12) beginning farmers and ranchers, and (13) crop protection on native sod. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers. Establishes: (1) the wildlife reservoir zoonotic disease initiative, and (2) a program to improve the U.S. sheep industry. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for: (1) the national aquatic animal health plan, and (2) the trichinae certification program. Authorizes a feral swine eradication pilot program. Establishes the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Authorizes appropriations through FY2017 for grants to improve agricultural labor force supply, stability, safety, and training.
Bill· SS. 3244 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Understanding the True Cost of College Act of 2012 - Amends the Higher Education Opportunity Act to refer to the Secretary of Education's model institution of higher eduction (IHE) financial aid offer form as the standard form. Requires the standard form to include certain additional items, such as: (1) information concerning work study assistance, including its dependence on the availability of employment opportunities; (2) the disclosure that federal student loans offer generally more favorable terms and repayment options than private education loans; (3) the deadline for and a summary of the financial aid acceptance process; (4) the academic period covered by the offer and whether the aid is based on full-time or part-time enrollment; and (5) the IHE's most recent cohort default rate compared to the national average cohort default rate, if more than 30% of the school's students take out student loans. Requires more detailed information to be included on the form. Includes among those details, with respect to federal education loans, information: (1) identifying the type and amount of loan recommended for the applicable student; (2) clearly indicating that such loans need to be repaid; (3) disclosing the student's right to borrow less than the recommended amount; and (4) detailing the interest rates, fees, expected monthly repayment amounts, and sums to be paid over the life of such loans. Requires that certain steps be taken to improve the clarity of the form and provide recipients with access to additional information. Directs the Secretary, before finalizing the standard form, to submit it to consumer testing among students, their families, IHEs, secondary school and postsecondary counselors, and nonprofit consumer groups. Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each IHE receiving federal financial assistance under the Act to use the standard form in providing written or electronic financial aid offers to students enrolled in, or accepted for enrollment in, the IHE.
Bill· SS. 3241 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2013 - Makes FY2013 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) salaries and expenses; (15) plan preparation and construction of authorized projects; (16) the International Joint Commission, the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission; (17) international fisheries commissions; (18) international broadcasting operations and capital improvements; (19) the Asia Foundation; (20) the United States Institute for Peace; (21) the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; (22) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (23) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (24) the East-West Center; (25) the National Endowment for Democracy; (26) the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (27) the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; (28) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (29) the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; and (30) the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Makes FY2013 appropriations for: (1) operating expenses of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the capital investment fund, and the Office of Inspector General; (2) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (3) global health and child survival; (4) specified development assistance; (5) international disaster assistance; (6) transition initiatives; (7) the Complex Crisis Fund; (8) development credit authority; (9) the Economic Support Fund; (10) promotion of democracy; (11) the Middle East and North Africa Incentive Fund; (12) migration and refugee assistance; (13) the Peace Corps; (14) the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (15) the Inter-American Foundation; (16) the African Development Foundation; and (17) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities. Makes FY2013 appropriations for: (1) international narcotics control and law enforcement, (2) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and demining, (3) international peacekeeping operations, (4) international military education and training, (5) foreign military financing grants; (6) the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund, and (7) the Global Security Contingency Fund. Makes FY2013 appropriations for: (1) international organizations and programs, (2) the Global Environment Facility, (3) the International Development Association, (4) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, (5) the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, (6) the Inter-American Development Bank, (7) the Asian Development Bank, (8) the Asian Development Fund, (9) the African Development Bank, (10) the African Development Fund, (11) the International Fund for Agricultural Development, (12) the Clean Technology Fund, (13) the Strategic Climate Fund, and (14) the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund. Sets forth limitations on callable capital subscriptions with respect to: (1) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, (2) the Inter-American Development Bank, (3) the Asian Development Bank, and (4) the African Development Bank. Makes FY2013 appropriations for: (1) the Export-Import Bank of the United States, including the Office of Inspector General, direct and guaranteed loans, tied-aid grants, insurance programs, and administrative expenses; (2) the 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. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.
Bill· SS. 3234 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2012
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the period in which death gratuities (less amounts contributed to a Coverdell education savings account) and insurance proceeds payable to survivors of members of the Armed Forces or the Uniformed Services may be contributed to a Roth individual retirement account (Roth IRA) from one to three years after receipt of such gratuities or proceeds.
Bill· SS. 3233 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2012
Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2012 - 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 (under current law, authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA. Requires (under current law, authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations. Requires federal procurement contracts to include a notice that the contractor may have USERRA obligations. Requires a Comptroller General study on the effectiveness of federal education and outreach programs on employer obligations under USERRA.
Bill· SS. 3227 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2012
Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue orders applicable to manufacturers of concrete masonry products (concrete) and to concrete importers, if such imports are subject assessment under the orders. Requires any such order to provide for the establishment of a Concrete Masonry Products Board, which shall carry out a program of promotion, research, and information regarding concrete products. Requires any such order to provide that assessments shall be paid by concrete manufacturers with respect to concrete manufactured and marketed in the United States. Allows any such order to provide that assessments shall be paid by concrete products importers. Provides assessment rates. Requires at least 50% of the assessments paid by a manufacturer to be used to support research, education, and promotion plans and projects in support of the geographic region of the manufacturer. Directs the Secretary, during the 60-day period preceding the proposed effective date of an order, to conduct a referendum for order approval among the manufacturers and importers required to pay assessments under the order. Outlines referendum procedures. Provides for petition and review of an order, and order enforcement through U.S. district courts. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct appropriate investigations in order to administer this Act (with power of subpoena). Directs the Secretary to suspend or terminate any order or provision that obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purposes of this Act, or that is not favored by persons voting in a referendum.
Bill· SS. 3220 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2012
Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends the portion of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) known as the Equal Pay Act to revise remedies for, enforcement of, and exceptions to prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages. Revises the exception to the prohibition for a wage rate differential based on any other factor other than sex. Limits such factors to bona fide factors, such as education, training, or experience. States that the bona fide factor defense shall apply only if the employer demonstrates that such factor: (1) is not based upon or derived from a sex-based differential in compensation, (2) is job-related with respect to the position in question, and (3) is consistent with business necessity. Makes such defense inapplicable where the employee demonstrates that: (1) an alternative employment practice exists that would serve the same business purpose without producing such differential, and (2) the employer has refused to adopt such alternative practice. Revises the prohibition against employer retaliation for employee complaints. Prohibits retaliation for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing the wages of the employee or another employee in response to a complaint or charge, or in furtherance of a sex discrimination investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, or an investigation conducted by the employer. Makes employers who violate sex discrimination prohibitions liable in a civil action for either compensatory or (except for the federal government) punitive damages. States that any action brought to enforce the prohibition against sex discrimination may be maintained as a class action in which individuals may be joined as party plaintiffs without their written consent. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages in a sex discrimination action. Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities for negotiation skills training programs for girls and women. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Education to issue regulations or policy guidance to integrate such training into certain programs under their Departments. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and provide information to employers, labor organizations, and the general public regarding the means available to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. Establishes the Secretary of Labor's National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect from employers pay information data regarding the sex, race, and national origin of employees for use in the enforcement of federal laws prohibiting pay discrimination. Directs: (1) the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to continue to collect data on women workers in the Current Employment Statistics survey, (2) the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to use specified types of methods in investigating compensation discrimination and in enforcing pay equity, and (3) the Secretary to make accurate information on compensation discrimination readily available to the public. Directs the Secretary and the Commissioner [ sic ] of the EEOC jointly to develop technical assistance material to assist small businesses to comply with the requirements of this Act.
Bill· SS. 3217 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2012
Startup Act 2.0 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust to conditional permanent resident status up to 50,000 aliens who have earned a master's or doctorate degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field (STEM field) and permit such an alien to remain in the United States: (1) for up to one year after the expiration of the alien's student visa, if the alien is searching for STEM field employment; and (2) indefinitely if the alien remains actively engaged in a STEM field. Removes a STEM alien's conditional status after five years of maintaining eligibility during the entire five-year period. Authorizes the Secretary to issue conditional immigrant visas to up to 75,000 qualified alien entrepreneurs. Removes such conditional basis after four years of maintaining qualified entrepreneur status. Eliminates the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based visas. Increases the per country numerical limitation for family based immigrants from 7% to 15% of the total number of family-sponsored visas. Amends the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the provision requiring the reduction of annual People's Republic of China immigrant visas to offset status adjustments under such Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a permanent full tax exclusion on gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock held for more than five years, (2) repeal the minimum tax preference and the 28% capital gains rate on such stock, and (3) provide a limited tax credit for certain startup small businesses. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to use certain federal agency extramural budget funds to award grants to institutions of higher education for initiatives to improve commercialization and transfer of technology. Requires the head of any federal or independent regulatory agency, before issuing a notice of rulemaking in connection with the issuance of a proposed major rule, to complete a review that, among other things, analyzes the problem that the rule intends to address, and identifies and analyzes the rule's expected impact on state, local, and tribal governments, as well as on the ability of new businesses to form and expand. Requires a cost-benefit analysis before rule issuance. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to regularly compile: (1) information from each of the states and the District of Columbia on laws that affect the formation and growth of new businesses, and (2) quantitative and qualitative information on U.S. businesses that are not more than one year old.
Bill· SS. 3214 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2012
Today's Entrepreneurs are America's Mentors Act or TEAM Act - Amends the Small Business Act to establish in the Small Business Administration (SBA) an Office of Entrepreneurial Education, headed by a Director, to develop and provide innovative entrepreneurial information, education, and resources to promote prospective entrepreneurs and successful small businesses. Directs the SBA's Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development to establish a program of grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance to primary and secondary schools for the development and implementation of curricula and mentoring programs designed to promote entrepreneurship. Requires the Director to submit to the congressional small business committees best practices of U.S. entrepreneurial education and training programs. Authorizes the SBA Administrator to award up to 100 scholarships per year to students pursuing a Masters of Business Administration degree. Requires each student, in return for such scholarship, to provide, on a full-time basis for one to two weeks, free technical assistance, counseling, and related assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Directs the Administrator to establish a program to host regional competitions and a national conference to address regional challenges through entrepreneurial research and business planning. Requires the Administrator to recommend to Congress legislation for establishing programs to forgive or defer student loan payments in order to assist youth entrepreneurship by making capital available for business formation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5844 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2012
Protecting Victims on Campus Act of 2012 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise provisions that require each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in a title IV (Student Assistance) program to comply with certain crime reporting requirements. Requires IHEs to provide students and employees with a list of the titles, in each department of the IHE, of each individual who is a campus security authority to whom they should report specified criminal offenses. Includes criminal offenses involving minors that are reported to campus security authorities or the local police among the criminal offenses that are to be included in: (1) the annual campus security report provided to current and prospective students and employees, and (2) the timely reports to the campus community on crimes considered to be a threat to the community. Requires the personally identifiable information of victims to be kept confidential when IHEs are making timely reports to the campus community on crimes considered to be a threat to the community. Requires IHEs, in carrying out their obligation to make such timely reports, to: (1) designate an individual to serve as campus security authority coordinator, and (2) provide for the training of that coordinator and the campus security authorities. Directs the Secretary of Education, when imposing civil penalties on IHEs for substantial violations of the crime reporting requirements, to distinguish between IHEs that intentionally violated those requirements and those whose violations are attributable to institutional neglect. Requires the Secretary to provide each IHE that is to be investigated for violating such reporting requirements with a timeline of the investigation and a preliminary report that includes the reasons for the investigation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5836 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2012
Veterans and Service Members Educational Benefits Safety Act - Makes institutions of higher education that have a cohort default rate equal to or greater than 30% for each of the three most recent fiscal years ineligible to participate in military and veterans' educational assistance programs. (The cohort default rate represents the percentage of a school's current and former students who begin to repay Federal Family Education Loans [FFELs] in a fiscal year, but default on those loans before the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year they began repaying them.) Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require proprietary institutions of higher education to derive not less than 10% of their revenue from sources other than veterans' education benefits or, as under current law, title IV, or become ineligible for title IV funding (90/10 rule).