Housing

Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a plan and initiate a program to: (1) increase awareness of the dangers posed by asbestos-containing products in homes and workplaces and by asbestos-related diseases; (2) provide information to, and encourage participation in research and treatment endeavors by, asbestos-related disease patients and their families and front-line health care providers; and (3) encourage health care providers and researchers to provide to patients and their families information relating to research, diagnostic, and clinical treatments relating to asbestos. Prohibits any person from importing, manufacturing, processing, or distributing asbestos-containing products, subject to limited exemption upon petition and specified exemptions sought by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Sets forth exceptions for specified levels of asbestos with respect to: (1) chlor-alkali electrolysis installations or caustic soda produced at such installations; (2) aggregate products (extracted from stone, sand, or gravel operations) that are imported, manufactured, processed, or distributed in commerce for use as an integral part of specified cemented materials; (3) calcium carbonate, olivine, talc, vermiculite, and wollastonite; and (4) taconite pellets or iron ore that will be used to produce such pellets (but the prohibition does apply to tailings, waste material, or other byproducts of iron ore extraction). Provides that such prohibitions shall apply to any asbestos-containing calcium carbonate, olivine, talc, vermiculite, and wollastonite imported, manufactured, processed, or distributed in commerce for use in or for processing: (1) food that is intended for human consumption; (2) products used by individuals for personal health or cosmetic reasons; (3) drugs for human use; (4) consumer garden products; (5) cosmetics; (6) products designed or intended primarily for use by children 12 years old or younger; or (7) other products with such asbestos-containing materials that endanger human health or the environment. Requires the disposal of asbestos-containing products within three years after enactment of this Act. Provides for: (1) criminal penalties for violations; and (2) citizen petitions to the Administrator to initiate a proceeding for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule or order under such Act. Declares that nothing in this Act: (1) preempts state or federal law; (2) creates a cause of action or increases or diminishes the liability of persons under other laws; or (3) prohibits the importation, manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of drinking water in a manner that complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Revises the definition of "asbestos" to include winchite and richterite asbestos and asbestiform amphibole mineral.

All Bonuses Left Behind Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

All Bonuses Left Behind Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, as amended by the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008, to prohibit a golden parachute payment or indemnification payment to any executive officer or member of the board of directors of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), except pursuant to federal law that specifically: (1) names the individual to whom the payment is to be made; and (2) identifies the payment or payments.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6899) to advance the national security interests of the United States by reducing its dependency on oil through renewable and clean, alternative fuel technologies while building a bridge to the future through expanded access to Federal oil and natural gas resources, revising the relationship between the oil and gas industry and the consumers who own those resources and deserve a fair return from the development of publicly owned oil and gas, ending tax subsidies for large oil and gas companies, and facilitating energy efficiencies in the building, housing, and transportation sectors, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6899) to advance the national security interests of the United States by reducing its dependency on oil through renewable and clean, alternative fuel technologies while building a bridge to the future through expanded access to Federal oil and natural gas resources, revising the relationship between the oil and gas industry and the consumers who own those resources and deserve a fair return from the development of publicly owned oil and gas, ending tax subsidies for large oil and gas companies, and facilitating energy efficiencies in the building, housing, and transportation sectors.

Serve America Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2008

Serve America Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to create two new service-learning programs: (1) a Youth Engagement Zones to Strengthen Communities program, providing competitive grants to partnerships between local educational agencies that serve high-need, low-income communities and certain community-based or state entities to engage students and out-of-school youth in service-learning addressing specific challenges faced by their communities; and (2) a Campus of Service program, which annually grants up to 30 institutions of higher education (IHEs) with exemplary service-learning programs the funds to assist their students' pursuit of public service careers, and the right to nominate additional individuals for ServeAmerica Fellowships. Directs the Corporation for National and Community Service (Corporation) to contract for a 10-year, longitudinal service-learning impact study. Establishes the Commission on Cross-Sector Solutions to America's Problems to study ways in which the federal government and businesses can more effectively collaborate with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to address pressing national and local challenges. Creates a Community Solutions Funds Pilot program awarding competitive matching grants to grantmaking institutions or partnerships between such institutions and state or local governmental entities which will use the grants to provide competitive matching subgrants to community organizations for use in replicating or expanding proven solutions to specifically identified community challenges. Establishes an Innovation Fellowships Pilot program awarding competitive grants to individuals who are veterans, or have completed at least one period of national service, to establish innovative nonprofit organizations that address national and local challenges. Creates a ServeAmerica Corps program providing formula grants to states and awarding competitive grants to states and nonprofit organizations to fund national service in low-income communities by: (1) Clean Energy Service Corps that improve certain clean energy indicators, including energy efficiency and conservation measures; (2) Education Corps that improve certain education indicators, including student engagement, achievement, and graduation; (3) Healthy Futures Corps that improve certain health indicators, including health care access; (4) Opportunity Corps that improve certain opportunity indicators, including financial literacy and access to housing, and employment-related services; and (5) Encore programs designed to take advantage of the skills of participants age 50 and older. Creates additional incentives for national service participation by individuals age 50 and older. Makes ServeAmerica Corps participants eligible for national service educational awards. Directs the Corporation to create a Civic Health Index enabling states and communities to assess their civic health. Establishes the ServeAmerica and Encore Fellowships program providing ServeAmerica Fellowships to IHE-nominated individuals and Encore Fellowships to individuals age 50 or older who agree to be placed with nonprofit organizations to carry out projects in specified areas of national need. Makes ServeAmerica fellows eligible for national service educational awards. Creates a Volunteer Generation Fund program awarding competitive matching grants to states and nonprofit organizations to increase the availability and capacity of volunteers to address state priorities with regard to areas of national need or work with nonprofit civic entities, including faith-based organizations, to address such needs. Establishes a National Service Reserve Corps of individuals who have completed a term of national service to respond to national disasters and other emergencies. Directs the Corporation, within 180 days of this Act's enactment, to conduct a nationwide Call to Service Campaign. Requires the Office of Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to implement a VfPServe program providing skilled professionals with fixed-amount stipends to offset their costs of volunteering abroad to address specified VfP objectives aimed at ameliorating living conditions in developing countries.

Energy Independence and Investment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Energy Independence and Investment Act of 2008 - Amends and extends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to energy production, transportation and domestic fuel security, energy conservation and efficiency, and nuclear power. Extends through 2011 the tax credit for production of electricity from specified renewable resources, including wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy, refined coal, and hydropower. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2016 the energy tax credit for solar, fuel cell, and microturbine property and the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Allows a residential energy efficient tax credit for 30% of expenditures for wind turbines used to generate electricity in a residence and for geothermal heat pumps. Allows a new tax credit for investment in new clean renewable energy bonds for capital expenditures for renewable energy facilities. Allows an energy tax credit for wind turbines to generate electricity and for geothermal heat pumps. Allows a 30% investment tax credit rate for advanced coal-based generation technology projects and increases the maximum credit amount allocable for such projects to $3.3 billion. Increases to 30% the investment tax credit rate for coal gasification projects. Extends the excise tax on coal until the earlier of December 31, 2018, or the day after the first December 31st after December 31, 2007, on which there is no balance of repayable advances made to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund and no unpaid interest on such advances. Sets forth a special rule for refund claims of coal excise tax by certain coal producers and exporters. Allows a new tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to undertake a comprehensive review of Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to provide an estimate of the magnitude of such effects. Includes cellulosic biofuel within the definition of "biomass ethanol plant property" for purposes of bonus depreciation. Extends through 2011 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel. Increases the rates of such credits. Disqualifies foreign-produced fuel that is used or sold for use outside the United States from the income and excise tax credits for alcohol, biodiesel, and alternative fuel production. Allows a new tax credit for the production of qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Extends the tax credits for investment in alternative motor vehicles and alternative fuel. Allows an exclusion from the heavy truck excise tax for idling reduction devices and advanced insulation used in certain heavy trucks and trailers. Extends through 2012 the tax credit for alternative fuel refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2011 the income and excise tax credits for alcohol used as fuel. Allows a new tax credit for small fossil free alcohol production. Extends through 2013 the election to expense the cost of certain refinery property. Extends through 2010: (1) the suspension of the taxable income limit on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties; and (2) the tax credit for new energy efficient homes. Allows a tax credit for investment in qualified energy conservation bonds for capital expenditures for energy conservation projects. Extends the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures through 2008. Includes energy-efficient biomass fuel stoves as property eligible for such tax credit. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Modifies tax credit amounts for energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Allows accelerated depreciation of qualified smart electric meters and smart electric grid systems and reuse and recycling property. Modifies requirements for the tax credit for production from advanced nuclear power facilities. Allows individuals who receive a settlement from Exxon Valdez oil spill litigation to average any settlement or judgment-related income over a three-year period or contribute such income to a tax-exempt retirement account. Provides for revenue enhancements by: (1) limiting the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities for taxpayers with gross receipts derived from oil, gas, or any primary products thereof; (2) imposing an excise tax on crude oil and natural gas produced from the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico; (3) conforming the tax treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit; (4) requiring investment brokers to report information relating to customer basis in securities transactions; and (5) increasing and extending through 2017 the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to modify and extend such Act through FY2011. Modifies the definition of "qualifying child" for purposes of the income tax exemption for dependents.

Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the H-2A nonimmigrant visa category (temporary agricultural workers) an alien coming temporarily to the United States to work as a sheepherder or dairy worker. Provides for a three-year initial period of admission with additional three-year extensions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue housing regulations for workers engaged in the range production of livestock.

To prohibit golden parachute payments for former executives and directors of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2008

Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, as amended by the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008, to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to prohibit any golden parachute payment on or after enactment of this Act with respect to any executive officer or member of the board of directors of: (1) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and any affiliate; (2) Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and any affiliate; and (3) any Federal Home Loan Bank.

A bill to prohibit golden parachute payments for former executives and directors of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008

Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, as amended by the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008, to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to prohibit any golden parachute payment on or after enactment of this Act with respect to any executive officer or director of: (1) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and any affiliate; (2) Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and any affiliate; and (3) any Federal Home Loan Bank.

Veterans' Programs Extension and Construction Authorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008

Veterans' Programs Extension and Construction Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes specified major medical facility projects and leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY2009. Revises amounts of certain previously-authorized projects. Requires reports from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on VA facilities administration and outpatient clinics. Extends for specified periods, or makes permanent, certain VA programs and activities, including: (1) recovery audit authority; (2) health care for veterans who participated in certain chemical and biological tests conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD); (3) third-party insurance provider collection authority; (4) required nursing home care for veterans with certain service-connected disabilities; (5) income verification for benefits eligibility purposes; (6) research corporations; (7) veterans' home loan guaranty programs; (8) specified committee reports and committee duration; and (9) a temporary increase in the maximum guaranty amount for certain housing loans guaranteed by the VA. Increases: (1) the number of veterans authorized to participate in the independent living program; and (2) the maximum percentage of home loan value authorized to be guaranteed by the VA upon refinancing.

David Ray Ritcheson Hate Crime Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

David Ray Ritcheson Hate Crime Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow victims of hate crimes to claim unemployment insurance for loss of employment directly resulting from their experience as victims of such crimes. Prohibits health care insurers from taking into account whether a person is or has been a victim of a hate crime when making a determination as to eligibility for insurance coverage, the rate or premium of an insurance plan or policy, and the amount of insurance coverage provided. Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow a victim of a hate crime to take family and medical leave. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to provide housing to victims of a hate crime, homeless individuals who require housing assistance as a result of being a victim of a hate crime, and individuals for whom emergency shelter services are unavailable or insufficient. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to: (1) provide counseling and related assistance to victims of hate crimes and their dependents; (2) establish and operate a national clearinghouse and resource center for information and statistics relating to the incidence and prevention of hate crimes; and (3) establish and operate a national, toll-free telephone hotline and a website to provide information and assistance to victims of hate crimes. Requires the head of each federal agency to establish prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs and services relating to hate crimes for employees. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies and institutions of higher education to improve and provide programs relating to hate crimes.

LEAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Loophole Elimination and Verification Enforcement Act or the LEAVE Act - Revises immigration- and alien-related provisions regarding: (1) alien smuggling and related offenses; (2) identity security; (3) birthright citizenship; (4) housing and homeownership; (5) taxes and social security; (6) employee verification; (7) financial services; (8) border and law enforcement; (9) state and local government authority; and (10) in-state tuition.

Real Estate Assessment Center Inspection Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Real Estate Assessment Center Inspection Improvement Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to take necessary actions to improve the activities of the Real Estate Assessment Center of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for physical assessment and inspection of public housing and federally assisted multifamily housing, including developing a detailed process to improve planning and preparation for such inspections. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make the three-day Real Estate Assessment Center physical inspection training for non-inspectors, held in Washington, DC, available to personnel of all public housing agencies throughout the nation, by use of the Web or other electronic means; and (2) convene an advisory committee to review and make recommendations for revising, as necessary, the Center's scoring system.

MEGA

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Metro Economies Green Act or MEGA - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a metro area green zone grant program to make grants to local government units to support and establish green job programs that: (1) target low-income, difficult-to-employ, and formerly incarcerated persons; and (2) involve local business, academia, trade associations, nonprofits, and other stakeholders in energy-efficient economic development and green job training and creation. Authorizes the Secretary also to establish competitive programs to make grants to local government units to support and establish: (1) a similar mini-metro green program that engages smaller communities in green economic and workforce development; and (2) an alternative green academies program that provides green job training, employment opportunities, and other life skills to high school dropouts, formerly incarcerated youth, and individuals unable to attend traditional institutions of higher education. Directs the Secretary to select one unit of general local government or nonprofit organization designated by such a unit to establish and operate a Metro Area Green Institute to serve as a national resource center to support municipally based, green economic and workforce development efforts.

No One Strike Eviction Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

No One Strike Eviction Act of 2008 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise the requirement that a public housing agency (PHA) establish administrative grievance procedures for one strike evictions of tenants from public and federally assisted housing for violent or drug-related criminal activity on or off such premises, or any activity resulting in a felony conviction. Requires the PHA or other reviewing body, during such procedures, to consider all mitigating circumstances and the impact of such actions upon the family and dependents of that person. Exempts a tenant from eviction or denial or termination of a tenancy based solely upon such individual's familial relationship to a person who has been convicted of a criminal offense. Amends the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 to modify tenant requirements for PHA programs or federally assisted housing to make only an individual ineligible (currently, the entire household with the individual) if such individual is an illegal drug user or alcohol abuser. Authorizes a PHA or owner to deny criminal offenders admission to such programs or housing, but not other members of the offender's household. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exempt a tenant in public housing or housing assisted under the voucher program or any other section 8 rental assistance program from eviction for criminal or drug-related activity engaged in by a member of a tenant's household, or any guest or other person under the tenant's control, if: (1) the tenant did not know and should not have known of the activity; or (2) the tenant, a member of the tenant's household, or any guest or other person under the tenant's control was the victim of criminal activity.

Duncan Plaza Homeless Disaster Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Duncan Plaza Homeless Disaster Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an enhanced low-income housing tax credit for low-income housing projects providing temporary living accommodations for homeless individuals located in areas determined by the President to warrant individual or individual and public assistance due to a disaster declaration.

Expanding Access to Foreclosure Counseling Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Expanding Access to Foreclosure Counseling Act of 2008 - Amends the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008, Division B of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, with regard to priority consideration the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (NRC) is required to give when making grants to Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved counseling intermediaries which target loss mitigation counseling services to minority and low-income homeowners or provide such services in neighborhoods with high concentrations of minority and low-income homeowners. Revises the requirement that the NRC give priority consideration to counseling intermediaries and legal organizations that provide legal assistance in the 100 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with the highest home foreclosure rates. Requires the NRC, in the case of any of such MSAs which do not have adequate counseling intermediaries and legal organizations providing such legal assistance, to give priority consideration to counseling intermediaries and legal organizations that: (1) do provide such legal assistance in areas near such MSA; and (2) have the capacity to provide it also in such MSA.

GI Bill Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

GI Bill Fairness Act - Revises the amount payable to veterans for pursuit of a program of education under the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to make such amount the highest amount charged by an institution of higher education in the appropriate state for tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students for full-time pursuit of such programs of education. Provides a monthly housing stipend for an individual pursuing a program of education through distance learning equal to the basic allowance for housing for a member residing in military housing in that area.

FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 - Amends the National Housing Act to make exceptions to the prohibition against mortgage insurance for mortgages involving a downpayment using funds furnished by: (1) the seller or any party that benefits financially from the transaction (seller-financed downpayment); or (2) any third party that is reimbursed by the seller or any such party. Makes eligible for mortgage insurance, in spite of a seller-financed downpayment, any mortagors with credit scores equivalent to a FICO score of: (1) 680 or more; (2) at least 620 but less than 680; or (3) 619 or less. Prescribes conditions for mortgage insurance in the latter two situations. Amends the FHA Modernization Act of 2008 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to implement a risk-based premium product for borrowers with lower credit or FICO scores through the establishment and collection of adequate mortgage insurance premiums to cover the risks of such loans. Requires the Secretary to provide for a refund of a portion or all of the higher risk-based premiums paid at the time of insurance by such borrowers as a result of risk-based pricing, but only those borrowers with a history of on-time mortgage payments. Requires payment of such refund upon payment in full of the underlying mortgage obligation.

Gulf Coast Multifamily and Assisted Housing Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Gulf Coast Multifamily and Assisted Housing Recovery Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to authorize additional appropriations to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for low-income elderly persons meeting certain criteria relating to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize additional appropriations to the Secretary to provide the same kind of assistance for low-income persons with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for the redevelopment (rebuilding or replacement) of housing authorized under the Housing Act of 1959 which was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and in the Parish of St. Bernard. Requires the Secretary to adjust the rent levels annually on a budget-based basis for eligible projects in a designated disaster area receiving rental assistance under the Housing Act of 1959 and the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the number of project-based assistance contracts and units which were terminated in the designated disaster area after September 30, 2005; and (2) the specific developer, project name, location, number of units, and project description for each such project-based assistance contract. Prohibits a project-based assistance payments contract for a covered assisted multifamily housing project from expiring or being terminated because of the damage or destruction of dwelling units in the project by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Deems the expiration date of such a contract to be the later of the date: (1) specified in the contract; or (2) that is not less than three months after the dwelling units in such project, or in a replacement project, are first made habitable. Requires the Secretary to develop and report to specified congressional committees on a written disaster response plan for federally assisted properties that receive assistance pursuant to such Acts.

Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Extension Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Extension Act of 2008 - Extends through FY2019 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) demonstration projects on the guaranteeing of veterans' adjustable rate and hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans in a manner similar to which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development insures such mortgages under the National Housing Act. Increases, from 2500 to 2600, the cap on the number of veterans for which programs of independent living services and assistance may be annually initiated.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to limit the application of tax exempt bond financing relating to newly included counties in the Gulf Opportunity Zone to property, neither the acquisition of which occurred, nor the construction, reconstruction, or renovations began, prior to the enactment of the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of tax-exempt bond financing for properties located in the Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) counties of Colbert and Dallas, Alabama, for which neither the acquisition occurred, nor the construction, reconstruction, or renovation was begun, before the enactment of the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 (i.e., July 30, 2008).

Second Amendment Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Second Amendment Enforcement Act - Amends specified law prohibiting the killing of wild birds and wild animals in the District of Columbia to declare that nothing in it or any other provision of law shall authorize or be construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or regulatory authority of the District to prohibit, constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law from acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, or using for sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither prohibited by federal law nor subject to the National Firearms Act. Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms. Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 (FCRA) to repeal the definition of a machine gun as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily converted or restored to shoot semiautomatically, more than 12 shots without manual reloading. (Thus repeals the ban on semiautomatic weapons.) Redefines "machine gun" as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or is readily restored to shoot automatically, more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. Includes the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person. Repeals the District's: (1) registration requirement for possession of firearms; (2) requirement that licensed firearms dealers keep records of ammunition received into inventory and ammunition sold or transferred; and (3) requirement that, under certain conditions, firearms in the possession of certain individuals must be kept unloaded, disassembled, or with the trigger locked. Maintains the current ban on the possession and control of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or short-barreled rifle. Amends FCRA to allow an individual to possess ammunition in the District if the individual owns (currently, holds the valid registration certificate for) a firearm of the same guage or caliber as such ammunition. Eliminates criminal penalties for possessing an unregistered firearm. Amends federal law to eliminate criminal penalties for carrying a pistol whether loaded or unloaded in one's dwelling house, place of business, or on land possessed by such person. Amends the federal criminal code to make it lawful for any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to sell or deliver a handgun to a District resident if such individual is licensed in Maryland or Virginia to do so.

PLANNING FOR POST-CATASTROPHE HOUSING NEEDS: HAS FEMA DEVELOPED AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR HOUSING LARGE NUMBERS OF CITIZENS DISPLACED BY DISASTER?

United States · United States Senate · 30 July 2008

Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) implement administrative and procedural changes to expedite the application approval process for transferring ownership of Section 515 rural multifamily housing projects for which a loan is either made or insured for a project's preservation, continued use restriction, and rehabilitation; and (2) actively facilitate such transfers. Grants final regulatory authority over such property transfers to the Office of Rental Housing Preservation of the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture. Sets forth deadlines for the processing of transfer applications.

Duncan Plaza Homeless Disaster Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Duncan Plaza Homeless Disaster Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an enhanced low-income housing tax credit for low-income housing projects providing temporary living accommodations for homeless individuals located in areas determined by the President to warrant public assistance due to an incident of national significance.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN WEST VIRGINIA: CHALLENGES IN THE EASTERN PANHANDLE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 July 2008

New Clean Energy Tax Extenders Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2008

New Clean Energy Tax Extenders Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various energy production and conservation provisions. Extends through 2012: (1) the tax credits for producing electricity from certain renewable resources (e.g., for wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower facilities), for residential energy efficient property, and for investment in clean renewable energy bonds; and (2) the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Expands the tax credit for production of electricity from renewable resources to include marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource. Extends through 2016 the energy tax credits for solar, fuel cell, and microturbine property and the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Repeals the dollar per kilowatt limitation on the energy tax credit for fuel cell property. Extends through 2011 the tax credit for energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. Makes biomass fuel burning stoves eligible for such credit. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Denies major integrated oil companies a tax deduction for income attributable to the domestic production of oil, gas, or any primary product thereof. Revises the treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit.

Jobs, Energy, Families, and Disaster Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Jobs, Energy, Families, and Disaster Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various provisions relating to energy production and conservation and to individual and business-related activities. Extends the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities through 2009 and the tax credit for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, and trash combustion facilities through 2011. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends the energy tax credit for solar energy and the residential energy efficient property tax credit through 2016. Extends the energy tax credits for fuel cell and microturbine property through 2017. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Provides funding for new clean renewable energy bonds to finance electricity production from certain renewable resources and for qualified energy conservation bonds. Allows tax credits for investment in advanced coal electricity and coal gasification projects. Extends through 2018 the temporary increase in coal excise taxes. Sets forth special rules for refunds of coal excise taxes to certain producers or exporters. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to estimate the magnitude of those effects. Allows accelerated depreciation for certain property used to produce cellulosic biofuel. Extends through 2009 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel. Allows a tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Exempts from the heavy truck excise tax idling reduction devices and certain insulation. Excludes from gross income reimbursements for bicycle commuting expenses. Increases and extends through 2010 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient appliances produced after 2007. Allows accelerated depreciation for smart electric meters, electric grid systems, and certain reuse and recycling property. Extends through FY2012 tax-exempt bond financing for qualified green building and sustainable design projects. Extends through 2008: (1) the increased exemption amounts for the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and related AMT provisions; (2) the election to deduct state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (3) the tax deductions for qualified tuition and related expenses and for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (4) tax rules for treatment of stock and dividends of regulated investment companies and for qualified investment entities; (5) tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for charitable purposes; and (6) the tax exclusion for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans. Extends through 2008 various business-related tax provisions, including: (1) the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) the tax credits for Indian employment and railroad track maintenance; (3) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for improvements to retail space, for motorsports racing track facilities, and for business property on Indian reservations; (4) the expensing allowance for environmental remediation costs; (5) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico; (6) the special rule for the tax treatment of certain payments to tax-exempt organizations by a controlled subsidiary; (7) issuance authority for qualified zone academy bonds; (8) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (9) the economic development credit for American Samoa; (10) the special rule for charitable contributions of food and book inventories; (11) the increased tax deduction for corporate contributions of computer equipment and technology for educational purposes; (12) the special rule for the reduction in the basis of S corporation stock for charitable contributions of property; (13) work opportunity tax credit eligibility for Hurricane Katrina employees (through August 28, 2008); (14) increases in alcohol excise taxes payable to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and (15) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Extends through 2009: (1) the new markets tax credit; (2) the tax credit for mine rescue team training expenses; (3) the expensing allowance for advanced mine safety equipment; (4) the subpart F exemption for active financing income earned on business operations overseas; (5) special rules for the tax treatment of payments between related controlled foreign corporations; and (6) expensing of costs of certain film and television productions. Extends through 2014: (1) the suspension of tariff duties on certain wool products; and (2) the Wool Research Trust Fund. Makes permanent the authorities for: (1) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) disclosure of tax information relating to terrorist activities; and (2) IRS undercover operations. Lowers in 2008 the earned income threshold amount for determining the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Allows individuals who receive a settlement from Exxon Valdez oil spill litigation to average any settlement or judgment-related income over a three-year period or contribute such income to a tax-exempt retirement account. Allows an excise tax exemption for certain wooden arrow shafts. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health insurance plans to provide equal benefits for mental health or substance use disorders. Modifies criteria for penalties on tax return preparers who understate tax liabilities. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to extend such Act through FY2011. Transfers from the Treasury $8.017 billion to the Highway Trust Fund. Provides special tax benefits for individuals and businesses in federally-declared disaster areas, including: (1) expensing of business-related disaster expenses; (2) extended net operating loss carryover periods; (3) waiver of certain requirements for mortgage revenue bond eligibility; (4) income averaging; (5) additional tax exemptions for providing housing for individuals displaced by disasters; (6) employer tax credits for retention of employees; (7) extension of the replacement period for nonrecognition of gain for property; and (8) suspension of limitations on the tax deduction for charitable contributions; and (9) increased mileage rates for the use of a personal vehicle for charitable purposes. Revises the program of tax incentives for investment in the New York Liberty Zone. Sets forth revenue provisions relating to: (1) the inclusion in gross income of deferred compensation paid by certain foreign entities; and (2) increases in estimated tax payments of certain large corporations. Requires brokers who are required to report gross proceeds from the sale of any publicly-traded security to report the holder's adjusted basis in such security and whether any gain or loss with respect to such security is long or short term. Delays until 2019 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit.

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2008

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Appropriates funds for FY2009 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) the Homeowners Assistance Fund; (6) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) DOD cemeterial expenses; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Specifies restrictions and authorities regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.

Midwestern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Midwestern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits to individuals affected by presidentially-declared natural disasters (i.e., severe storms, tornadoes, or flooding) in the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin on or after May 20, 2008, and before August 1, 2008 (Midwestern disaster area). Makes specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently apply only to residents of the Gulf Opportunity Zone and the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, applicable to the Midwestern disaster area, including: (1) tax-exempt bond financing, the low-income housing tax credit, accelerated depreciation and increased expensing of business assets, an increase in the rehabilitation tax credit, extended carryback of net operating losses, and investment in tax credit bonds; (2) increased tax deductions for tuition and related educational expenses; (3) expensing of environmental remediation costs and demolition and cleanup costs; (4) tax incentives for employer-provided housing; (5) tax-free withdrawals from retirement accounts and recontributions for home purchases; (6) employer tax credits for retention of employees; (7) suspension of limitations on tax deductions for charitable contributions and personal casualty losses; (8) mortgage revenue bonds for owner-occupied residences; (9) tax exemptions for cancellation of indebtedness; and (10) nonrecognition of gain for homes and businesses destroyed in a disaster. Allows taxpayers in the Midwestern disaster area who claimed a tax deduction for a casualty loss to a principal residence and later received a grant under any federal or state program for reimbursement of such loss to file an amended tax return, without incurring tax penalties. Extends through 2009 the additional tax exemption for housing displaced individuals in the Midwestern disaster area. Excludes from gross income, through December 31, 2008, reimbursements to volunteers in the Midwestern disaster area for the use of a personal vehicle for charitable work. Increases the standard mileage rate for the charitable use of personal vehicles. Extends through 2009 the enhanced tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventories and of book inventories to public schools. Requires tax-exempt charitable organizations to provide the Secretary of the Treasury with specified information, on an annual basis, relating to their disaster relief activities.

Midwestern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Midwestern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits to individuals affected by presidentially-declared natural disasters (i.e., severe storms, tornadoes, or flooding) in the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin on or after May 20, 2008, and before August 1, 2008 (Midwestern disaster area). Makes specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently apply only to residents of the Gulf Opportunity Zone and the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, applicable to the Midwestern disaster area, including: (1) tax-exempt bond financing, the low-income housing tax credit, accelerated depreciation and increased expensing of business assets, an increase in the rehabilitation tax credit, extended carryback of net operating losses, and investment in tax credit bonds; (2) increased tax deductions for tuition and related educational expenses; (3) expensing of environmental remediation costs and demolition and cleanup costs; (4) tax incentives for employer-provided housing; (5) tax-free withdrawals from retirement accounts and recontributions for home purchases; (6) employer tax credits for retention of employees; (7) suspension of limitations on tax deductions for charitable contributions and personal casualty losses; (8) mortgage revenue bonds for owner-occupied residences; (9) tax exemptions for cancellation of indebtedness; and (10) nonrecognition of gain for homes and businesses destroyed in a disaster. Allows taxpayers in the Midwestern disaster area who claimed a tax deduction for a casualty loss to a principal residence and later received a grant under any federal or state program for reimbursement of such loss to file an amended tax return, without incurring tax penalties. Extends through 2009 the additional tax exemption for housing displaced individuals in the Midwestern disaster area. Excludes from gross income, through December 31, 2008, reimbursements to volunteers in the Midwestern disaster area for the use of a personal vehicle for charitable work. Increases the standard mileage rate for the charitable use of personal vehicles. Extends through 2009 the enhanced tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventories and of book inventories to public schools. Requires tax-exempt charitable organizations to provide the Secretary of the Treasury with specified information, on an annual basis, relating to their disaster relief activities.

Hubbard Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision of the following benefits to a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged at the member's request pursuant to a Department of Defense (DOD) policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled: (1) continued payment, through the original agreed-upon service period, of any bonus, incentive, or similar benefit to which the member was entitled during service; (2) separation pay, even though the member has completed less than six years of active service before discharge; (3) transitional health care, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for 180 days after discharge; (4) transitional commissary and exchange benefits, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for two years after discharge; (5) veterans' housing loan, employment and training, and basic educational assistance; (6) federal unemployment compensation; and (7) veteran's preference for federal employment purposes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the limitation on contributions to funeral trusts. Makes this Act effective with respect to any such discharge granted after September 11, 2001.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the demonstration project on adjustable rate mortgages and the demonstration project on hybrid adjustable rate mortgages.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008

Extends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) demonstration projects on the guaranteeing of veterans' adjustable rate and hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans in a manner similar to which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development insures such mortgages under the National Housing Act.

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Appropriates funds for FY2009 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) the Homeowners Assistance Fund: (6) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses, Army; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Specifies restrictions and authorities regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.

Community Assistance Act for Persons with Mental Illness

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008

Community Assistance Act for Persons with Mental Illness - Authorizes the use of specified funds, by state and local governments under the community development, mental health services, and substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant programs of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act, to provide housing counseling and financial counseling for individuals before their release from institutions for individuals with mental illness. Amends the Public Health Service Act to include in a state plan for comprehensive community-based mental health systems: (1) housing counseling; (2) financial counseling; and (3) support services for individuals released from inpatient or residential institutions.

Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendments to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 3221) to provide needed housing reform and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendments to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 3221) to provide needed housing reform.

Relief Now on the Road to Renewable Energy Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Relief Now on the Road to Renewable Energy Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate certain tax regulations relating to election to expense certain refineries. Provides for tax-exempt financing of domestic use oil refinery facilities. Instructs the President to designate sites for oil or natural gas refineries on federal lands, including closed military installations. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from denying an application for a license or permit based upon either insufficient capacity or nonavailability for disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify the business-related credit for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) nuclear component certification; (2) apply the tax credit for producing fuel from nonconventional sources to gas produced onshore from formations more than 15,000 feet deep; and (3) grant a tax credit for carbon dioxide captured from industrial sources and used as tertiary injectant in enhanced oil and natural gas recovery. Terminates congressional moratoria on oil and gas development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). American-Made Energy and Good Jobs Act - Sets forth an oil and gas leasing program on the Arctic Coastal Plain, that includes: (1) federal and state distribution of revenues; (2) rights-of-way across the Coastal Plain; and (3) local government impact aid and community service assistance. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) a tax deduction for certain commuting expenses of individuals; and (2) a tax credit for fuel expenses of truckers. Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2008 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to establish a coal-to-liquid facilities loan program. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to: (1) construct storage facilities in the vicinity of pipeline infrastructure and at least one military base; and (2) acquire coal-to-liquid products for storage, transport, or exchange. Authorizes appropriations for the Air Force Research Laboratory to test and procure synthetic fuels developed from coal for aviation jet use. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to enter into agreements to develop and operate coal-to-liquid facilities on or near military installations. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement a program to evaluate emissions of Fischer-Tropsch products used as transportation fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a tax credit for investment in coal-to-liquid fuels projects; (2) authorize taxpayer election to expense certain coal-to-liquid fuels facilities; (3) extend the alternative fuel credit for fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process; (4) provide enhanced credit for projects using qualified carbon dioxide; (5) prescribe special rules for enhanced oil, natural gas, and coalbed methane recovery, and the capture and sequestration credit against the alternative minimum tax; and (6) modify the tax credit for energy efficient vehicles. Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the tax credit for: (1) renewable energy production, including solar energy and fuel cell investment; (2) residential energy efficient property; (3) clean renewable energy bonds; and (4) wind production. Extends and modifies the tax credit for: (1) energy efficiency improvements to existing homes; (2) energy efficient new homes; (3) certain energy efficient appliances; and (4) energy efficient commercial buildings. Sets forth an investment tax credit for oil shale extraction and processing using in-situ conversion technology. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain public lands for production of renewable biomass for biofuels.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the demonstration project on adjustable rate mortgages and the demonstration project on hybrid adjustable rate mortgages.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Extends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) demonstration projects on the guaranteeing of veterans' adjustable rate and hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans in a manner similar to which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development insures such mortgages under the National Housing Act.

Recognizing the disparities that are associated with predatory lending abuses in minority communities and expressing the sense of the Congress that as new abuses continue to emerge, such laws should ensure that all those responsible for representing and protecting families have the authority to act to address these new problems.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Declares that Congress recognizes that: (1) for most types of subprime mortgages, borrowers of color are more likely to receive higher rate loans; (2) there are many factors that have played roles in making these mortgages more costly to these borrowers; and (3) policymakers should review whether lower cost lenders need additional incentives to help meet the credit needs of communities of color. Encourages: (1) fair pricing of home mortgages based only on legitimate risk factors and facilitates economic progress for all borrowers; and (2) lenders to eliminate discretionary pricing in the subprime mortgage market, and to adopt transparent, market-driven prices for mortgages representing similar risks. Encourages more transparency by: (1) addressing yield-spread premiums in laws designed to protect homeowners from abusive lending practices; (2) prohibiting yield-spread premiums subprime and nontraditional home loans; (3) improving transparency of yield-spread premiums by requiring brokers to explain to applicants what the rate, payment, and fees on the loan could be with and without such premium; (4) following the trends of the securities industry, holding lenders and brokers responsible for providing loans that are suitable for a given borrower; and (5) prohibiting prepayment penalties in subprime loans. Encourages preventing pricing discrimination by requiring subprime lenders to disclose more detailed pricing and underwriting information in their Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. Encourages: (1) regulators to report annually on the number of fair lending examinations performed and for each examination provide certain publicly available information; and (2) public and private partnerships to ensure that responsible investments are made in underserved communities. Upholds the laws and regulations that prohibit predatory, irresponsible subprime lending and have proven effective in reducing the number of abusive loans while maintaining a vibrant market for subprime home loans. Urges policymakers to: (1) endorse legislation that builds on the proven methods for protecting families from abusive lending while retaining access to subprime credit; and (2) oppose preemption of state and local laws designed to protect homeowners.

Supporting the goal of increased and sustainable homeownership in the United States and recognizing the importance of homeownership programs, fair lending laws, and fair housing laws in achieving that goal.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Supports: (1) the goal of increasing U.S. homeownership; and (2) first-time homeownership programs, including the With Ownership, Wealth Initiative of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute National Housing Initiative, and initiatives of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development. Recognizes homeownership's importance in establishing financial independence. Urges federal, state, and local governments to: (1) take appropriate actions to encourage homeownership and fair housing practices; (2) confront all forms of predatory lending with swift legislative action; and (3) fund private fair housing organizations to protect and educate the public. Recommits Congress to making fair housing and homeownership a 110th Congress priority.

Affordable Housing Preservation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008

Affordable Housing Preservation Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a pilot program under which funds in the residual receipts account of an eligible multifamily housing property are transferred, at the time of a qualified sale or exchange, to preservation entities to facilitate the transfer of multifamily housing projects with expiring section 8 housing assistance payments contracts under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Defines "preservation entity" as a HUD-approved housing agency, organization, or entity (for profit or nonprofit) that has the capacity and commitment to successfully acquire and preserve an eligible multifamily housing property. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine whether the preservation entity's plan for rehabilitation and operation maintains and restores the decent, safe, and sanitary condition of the eligible multifamily housing property, and is viable for at least 30 years; and (2) monitor the affordability and use restrictions for the property. Imposes penalties on preservation entities for noncompliance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to designate at least three states to participate in the pilot program. States that grants shall be used to: (1) pay for rehabilitation costs approved by the housing agency; (2) deposit funds into the property's replacement reserve account; and (3) pay for social and other services that directly benefit the tenants of such property, its associated acquisition costs, and any other costs that have been approved by the housing agency and will directly benefit such tenants.

Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008

Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to replace the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (Agency), headed by a Director with regulatory authority over the following entities: (1) the Office of Finance; and (2) the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs); (3) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae); and (4) the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Establishes the Federal Housing Finance Oversight Board to advise the Director. Authorizes the Director to require such entities to submit regular reports of condition. Establishes within the Agency: (1) an Office of Inspector General; and (2) Office of the Ombudsman. Requires the Director to: (1) collect from such entities assessments to provide for Agency expenses; (2) establish criteria to ensure that entity portfolios are backed by sufficient capital; and (3) establish risk-based capital requirements to maintain sufficient capital and reserves to support risks in enterprise operations and management. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to set forth entity registration requirements. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to: (1) cite factors pertinent to prohibitions and withholding of executive compensation, including golden parachutes and indemnification payments; and (2) require reporting of fraudulent loans transactions. Requires the Director to assume additional HUD responsibilities, including prior Director approval of entity products. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to increase conforming loan limitations for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively. Expresses the sense of Congress to encourage Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to securitize mortgages acquired under the increased conforming loan limits established by this Act. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to instruct the Director to establish annual housing goals for mortgage purchases by the entities, including: (1) single-family housing and refinance goals; and (2) multifamily special affordable housing goals. Requires each enterprise to increase the liquidity of mortgage investments and improve the distribution of investment capital available for mortgage financing for underserved markets and rural markets by purchasing or securitizing mortgage investments. Prescribes a prompt corrective action program, including: (1) critical capital levels for the FHLBs; and (2) capital classifications for the entities, including restrictions on capital distributions. Prescribes supervisory actions over undercapitalized regulated entities. Empowers the Agency to serve as conservator or receiver of critically undercapitalized regulated entities. Sets forth enforcement actions. Requires the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) to establish housing goals related to the purchase of mortgages by the FHLBs. Includes community development financial institutions within the FHLB system. Requires the OTS Director to: (1) share information with FHLBs regarding the condition of another FHLB; and (2) establish a public use database incorporating census tract level data regarding mortgages purchased. Exempts the FHLBs from compliance with specified SEC regulations. Authorizes voluntary mergers among the FHLBs, including reduction of FHLB districts. Instructs the OTS Director to study and report to Congress on: (1) securitization of home mortgage loans purchased from member financial institutions under the Acquired Member Assets programs; and (2) the extent to which loans and securities used as collateral to support FHLB advances are consistent with interagency guidance on nontraditional mortgage products. Establishes FHLB refinancing authority for specified residential mortgage loans. Abolishes: (1) the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of HUD; and (2) the Federal Housing Finance Board.

Transportation and Housing Choices for Gas Price Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2008

Transportation and Housing Choices for Gas Price Relief Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) carry out a competitive grant program that supports community efforts to invest in transportation alternatives and travel demand management strategies; and (2) award grants to eligible entities, giving priority to activity proposals for reducing single occupancy vehicle trips. Provides certain formula grant funding for specified improvement activities to increase use of public transportation. Requires the Secretary to award grants for a national consumer awareness program on the environmental, energy, and economic benefits of transportation alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle, including carpooling, vanpooling, transit, and bicycles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a telework tax credit of up to $400 per year; (2) include a qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement as a qualified transportation fringe benefit, excludable from gross income; (3) equalize and increase to $200, with a modified cost-of-living adjustment, the tax exclusion for both transportation and parking fringe benefits; (4) make self-employed individuals eligible for transit pass fringe benefits; (5) include employer-established parking cash-out programs as qualified transportation fringe benefits; and (6) allow a vanpool (general business) tax credit. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) incorporate transportation costs associated with location of housing into affordability standards for allocating low-income housing tax credits related to rental assistance vouchers or other affordable housing programs; and (2) develop a model transportation cost field for Multiple Listing Services to measure transportation costs associated with the location of a home. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) Act to include the use of location-efficient mortgages among their purposes. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to establish graduated annual goals for the purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac of location-efficient mortgages for single-family, owner-occupied homes. Requires the Secretary of HUD to make grants to states to construct or acquire affordable housing that is location-efficient. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to include high schools in the safe routes to school program.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2008

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Transportation. Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; (2) the Federal Maritime Commission; (3) the National Transportation Safety Board; (4) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (5) the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Supporting America's Volunteer Emergency Services Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008

Supporting America's Volunteer Emergency Services Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to determine the average annual price per gallon for gasoline and diesel fuel for each of the five Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts for 2007. Requires: (1) the average annual price per gallon to be based solely on data reported by the Energy Information Administration; and (2) that price to serve as the baseline fuel cost for each District. Requires the Secretary to reimburse a qualified volunteer fire department for 75% of the difference between: (1) the actual expenditures of the department for gasoline and diesel fuel for a year; and (2) the amount that such expenditures would have been using the baseline fuel costs. Directs each qualified volunteer fire department seeking reimbursement to submit to the Secretary at the end of each year: (1) all of its receipts and bills of sales documenting the amounts of gasoline and diesel fuel purchased during that year; and (2) a sum total of the aggregate number of gallons and the costs of gasoline and diesel fuel purchased.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the demonstration project on adjustable rate mortgages and the demonstration project on hybrid adjustable rate mortgages.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008

Extends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) demonstration projects on the guaranteeing of veterans' adjustable rate and hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans in a manner similar to which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development insures such mortgages under the National Housing Act.

Celebrating the 120-year partnership between the Government and State veterans homes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008

Commends the extraordinary contributions of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Recognizes: (1) that the United States has an affirmative duty to care for the men and women who have so served; and (2) the efforts of the National Association of State Veterans Homes in providing veterans with high-quality care. Commends efforts made by state veterans homes for the past 120 years in ensuring that veterans receive the highest quality of care worthy of their sacrifices.

FEDERAL SPENDING REQUIREMENTS IN HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS: CHALLENGES IN 2008 AND BEYOND

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 July 2008

ECO Fund Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2008

Energy Conservation Opportunity Fund Act of 2008 or the ECO Fund Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Treasury an Alternative Energy Sources State Revolving Fund. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to use amounts in the Fund to provide loans to states and Indian tribes to provide incentives to owners of single family and multifamily housing, commercial properties, and public buildings to provide: (1) renewable energy sources, such as wind, wave, solar, biomass, or geothermal energy, for such structures; (2) energy efficiency and energy conserving improvements and features for such structures; or (3) infrastructure related to the delivery of electricity and hot water for structures lacking such amenities.

Commending the firefighters from California and throughout the United States for their courageous actions and sacrifices in fighting the California wildfires.

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2008

Commends firefighters for their courageous actions and sacrifices in fighting wildfires on National Forest System land and other public lands in California. Acknowledges their continued work to protect public lands and private property from further damage. Praises the people of California for their courage in this time of crisis. Extends sympathies to the families of those who have lost loved ones or their homes, businesses, or other property in the wildfires.