Housing

Housing Fairness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Housing Fairness Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct, and report to Congress on, a nationwide testing program to: (1) detect and document differences in the treatment of persons seeking to rent or purchase housing or obtain or refinance a home mortgage loan; (2) measure patterns of adverse treatment because of the race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability status, or national origin of a renter, home buyer, or borrower; and (3) measure the prevalence of such discriminatory practices across housing and mortgage lending markets. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to reauthorize the fair housing initiatives program. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should: (1) fully comply with such Act's requirements to establish, design, and maintain a national education and outreach program for the development and dissemination of the fair housing rights of individuals who seek to rent, purchase, sell, or facilitate the sale of a home; (2) use all amounts appropriated for such program; and (3) promulgate regulations on the fair housing obligations of each recipient of federal housing funds to affirmatively further fair housing. Directs the Secretary to implement a competitive matching grant program to assist private nonprofit organizations in: (1) conducting comprehensive studies of specified aspects of the causes and effects of housing discrimination and segregation; and (2) implementing pilot projects that test solutions to help prevent or alleviate housing discrimination and segregation.

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 regarding project rental assistance for supportive housing for the elderly. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to adjust the annual amount of a contract for project rental assistance to provide for reasonable project costs. Directs the Secretary to delegate review and processing of selected capital advance projects to a state or local housing agency meeting specified criteria. States that owner deposits shall be used only to cover operating deficits during the first three years of operations and shall not be used to cover construction shortfalls or inadequate initial project rental assistance amounts. Allows a national private nonprofit organization that owns multiple housing projects assisted under such Act to satisfy the local governing board requirement by having a local advisory board to its national governing board. Amends the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act of 2000 to revise requirements governing: (1) prepayment of debt for project-based rental housing assistance programs; (2) use of unexpended amounts; and (3) use of project residual receipts. Sets forth requirements governing senior preservation rental assistance contracts in order to: (1) prevent displacement of elderly project residents in the case of refinancing or recapitalization; and (2) further project preservation and affordability. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to sell to state housing finance agencies portfolios of mortgages associated with loans related to supportive housing for the elderly. Expands the definition of assisted living facility with respect to grants for conversion of elderly housing to such facilities. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to rental assistance on behalf of a family that uses an assisted living facility as a principal place of residence. Provides that a family may be required at the time it initially receives such assistance to pay rent in an amount exceeding 40% of its monthly adjusted income.

National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund available to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance to states, Indian tribes, insular areas, and participating local jurisdictions to increase the supply of decent quality affordable housing, especially for low-income, extremely low-income, and very poor families.

Supporting home ownership and responsible lending.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Declares the sense of the House that specified government action should be taken that protects buyers from unscrupulous mortgage brokers and lenders.

Recognizing the month of November as "National Homeless Youth Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Supports helping vulnerable youth through current programs authorized under title IV (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act. Encourages the promotion through such programs of assistance for especially foster youth in staying off the streets, staying in school, and obtaining their high school diplomas and further education and training. Applauds the initiative of public and private organizations and individuals dedicated to helping these programs prevent homelessness among youth, and provide aid when prevention fails. Declares that the House of Representatives should recognize National Homeless Youth Awareness Month (November) to support and further encourage such efforts.

Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

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

Long-Term Care Life Safety Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Long-Term Care Life Safety Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to award grants to nursing homes, hospice facilities, assisted living facilities, residential care program facilities, board and care facilities and other appropriate facilities for the purpose of retrofitting such facilities with a professionally installed fire alarm detection system or other fire detection and prevention technology. Requires the Secretary to give priority to applicants that demonstrate a need or hardship. Allows the Secretary to consider such factors as the age and condition of the facilities, the need for facility beds in the community involved, and requirements imposed on the applicant to meet fire safety regulations under Medicare, Medicaid, other federal programs, or state or local licensing or building code standards.

Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require each state regulatory authority with ratemaking authority, and each nonregulated electric utility, to conduct a hearing, and on the basis of such hearing, adopt a net metering standard. Requires retail electric suppliers to make net metering available to retail customers on a first-come-first-served basis. Prescribes implementation requirements regarding: (1) net energy measurement; (2) billing practices; (3) ownership of credits; (4) safety and performance standards; and (5) determination of compliance. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to publish model interconnection standards for the physical connection between local distribution systems and qualified generation units and qualified electric generation units that do not exceed 2,000 kilowatts of capacity. Requires states to adopt such model standards, subject to FERC approval. Prohibits a state or nonregulated utility from adopting or enforcing any standard or requirement concerning net metering or interconnection that restricts access to the electric power transmission or local distribution system by qualified generators beyond those established under this Act. Allows states to adopt or enforce additional incentives or requirements to encourage qualified generation and net metering, including any that afford: (1) greater access to the electric power transmission and local distribution systems by qualified generators; or (2) greater compensation or credit for electricity generated by qualified generators. Authorizes a contract for renewable energy for public buildings and properties for a maximum period of 30 years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to condition receipt of certain community development block grant (CDBG) funds upon grantee certification that the cost of any permit or license, for construction or installation of any solar energy system for any structure, complies with certain requirements. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to issue regulations to prohibit any restriction impairing the ability of the owner or lessee of a one-family residential structure to install or use a solar energy system upon such property. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Center for Advanced Solar Research and Development. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations also requiring that the application for approval of such a system: (1) be processed and approved in the same manner as an application for approval of an architectural modification to the property; and (2) not be willfully avoided or delayed.

Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007

Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to allow specified uses by Louisiana of certain funds under the Road Home Program. Requires state reports, made public on the Internet, on each state grant program for household assistance programs funded with community development block grant (CDBG) disaster assistance. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to require Louisiana to make certain funds available for specified community development pilot programs in Orleans and other parishes. Authorizes additional funds for the Road Home Program. Permits a state or locality to use, as a matching requirement, share, or contribution for any other federal program, certain CDBG funds previously made available for disaster relief, long-term recovery, and infrastructure restoration in major disaster areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma. Authorizes appropriations to HUD, via FEMA, of certain Hurricane-related unobligated disaster relief funds to reimburse metropolitan cities and urban counties for amounts used to provide rental housing assistance to hurricane-evacuated families. Directs the Secretary to provide for an independent survey of public housing residents of New Orleans about returning to a repaired public housing or comparable dwelling unit. Sets a deadline for the Housing Authority of New Orleans (Authority) to make a certain number of dwelling units available for occupancy. Grants a right of return to previous public housing households. Prohibits the Authority from: (1) preventing such households from occupying a replacement dwelling unit, except as prohibited by federal law; or (2) demolishing or disposing of any public housing dwelling unit operated or administered by it (including any uninhabitable unit), except pursuant to a HUD-approved replacement plan. Requires the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees on all public housing projects in the Katrina or Rita disaster areas for which plans exist to transfer ownership to other entities or agencies. Authorizes appropriations for repair and rehabilitation of the Authority's public housing. Extends through June 30, 2008, the HUD Disaster Voucher Program and the Secretary's authority to waive specified requirements related to section 8 rental assistance. Provides for: (1) tenant replacement vouchers for all lost units; (2) voucher assistance for households receiving FEMA assistance, including residents of FEMA trailers; (3) voucher assistance for supportive housing; (4) waiver of limitations on project-basing of vouchers; (5) preservation of project-based housing assistance payments contracts for dwelling units damaged or destroyed; and (6) reimbursement to landlords for damages resulting from abrogation by FEMA of commitments entered into under the city lease program. Prohibits the HUD Secretary from denying conveyance of property title to HUD and payment of hazard or flood insurance benefits in specified circumstances. Establishes within HUD an FHA-New Orleans Homeownership Opportunities Initiative. Authorizes appropriations for the fair housing initiatives program. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on methods of improving distribution of federal housing funds to assist states with hurricane recovery. Commends the actions and efforts by individuals and organizations who contributed to the hurricane relief effort.

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for making of block grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) on behalf of Indian tribes for carrying out affordable housing activities. Considers, for purposes of the procurement and supply of personal property and nonpersonal services for executive agencies, a tribe or tribally designated housing entity to be an executive agency when carrying out housing programs, services, functions, and activities under such tribe or entity and its employees to be eligible to have access to such supply sources as executive agency employees. Requires, with respect to any grant made under NAHASDA that is intended to benefit one tribe, the tribal employment or contract preference laws adopted by such tribe to govern the administration of the grant or grant portion. Excludes from program income any income derived from a regular developer's fee for a project assisted with a low-income housing tax credit that is initially funded with grant funds provided under NAHASDA, which fee is approved by the state housing credit agency. Permits the provision of housing or housing assistance provided through affordable housing activities assisted with grant amounts for: (1) essential (under current law, essential non-Indian) families on Indian reservations and other Indian areas; and (2) local law enforcement officers on Indian reservations or other Indian areas. Establishes reserve accounts for tribes for the purpose of accumulating funds (including from grant amounts) for affordable housing activities. Considers any income resulting from amounts in any reserve accounts to be program income. Prohibits any rules and procedures regarding competitive procurement otherwise applicable to a recipient for a tribe or tribes from applying to the recipient in the procurement of goods and services under $5,000 with grant amounts under NAHASDA. Requires the provision of information to tribes or tribal designated housing entities regarding the criminal conviction records of adult applicants for employment with the tribe in positions relating to the tribe's activities under NAHASDA or its other housing-related activities or with the tribally designated housing entity for purposes of applicant screening. Establishes self-determined housing activities for the tribal communities program under which a qualifying tribe may use a portion of its grant amounts for housing activities involving the construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation of housing to benefit the low-income community served by the tribe. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the effectiveness of NAHASDA in meeting the needs for affordable housing for low-income Indian families. Extends through FY2012 the aggregate fiscal year limitation with regard to federal guarantees for financing tribal housing activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 -FY2012 for the: (1) costs of making such guarantees; (2) provision of training and technical assistance to Indian housing authorities and tribally designated housing entities; and (3) block grants for affordable housing activities for Native Hawaiian families who are eligible to reside on the Hawaiian home lands.

CJ's Home Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007

CJ's Home Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish federal manufactured home construction and safety standards. Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to require such standards to require each manufactured home delivered for sale to be supplied with a weather radio: (1) capable of broadcasting emergency information relating to local weather conditions; (2) equipped with a tone alarm and Specific Alert Message Encoding, or SAME technology; and (3) compliant with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Standard 2009-A Performance Specification for Public Alert Receivers (or its current revision). Shields from liability the operator, owner, or employee of a mobile home community, or the mobile home manufacturer, with respect to any reminder, assistance, or instructions the community operator provides concerning the functionality of a manufactured home's weather radio or smoke detector.

Higher Education Amendments of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007

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

Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs (Secretaries) to jointly develop a comprehensive policy on the care and management of members of the Armed Forces (members) who are undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a serious injury or illness. Provides enhanced availability of medical care and related benefits for members and former members recovering from serious injuries or illnesses. Requires the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to submit plans for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities to prevent, diagnose, and treat traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder in members. Directs the Secretary to establish a Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of:: (1) Traumatic Brain Injury; and (2) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Requires the Secretaries to develop and implement a joint electronic health record for use by DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Directs the Secretary to establish a Physical Disability Board of Review to review findings of physical evaluation boards of members separated from the Armed Forces with disability ratings of 20% or less and found to be not eligible for retirement. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out pilot programs for a revised disability evaluation system for members. Requires reports on the implementation of corrective measures in response to deficiencies: (1) in the Army physical disability evaluation system; and (2) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish standards for military medical treatment facilities, specialty care medical facilities, and military quarters housing patients; and (2) develop and maintain a handbook for members concerning compensation and benefits for serious injuries and illnesses.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for veterans' mortgage life insurance to include members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2007

Makes eligible for veterans' mortgage life insurance members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2007

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) 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.

SPECIALLY ADAPTIVE HOUSING

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 June 2007

A resolution recognizing the month of November 2007 as "National Homeless Youth Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007

Supports the values and efforts of businesses, organizations, and volunteers dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless children and teens. Applauds the initiatives of businesses, organizations, and volunteers that employ time and resources to build awareness of the homeless youth problem, its causes, and potential solutions, and work to prevent homelessness among children and teens. Declares that the Senate should recognize the month of November as "National Homeless Youth Awareness Month." Encourages these businesses, organizations, and volunteers to continue to intensify their efforts during the month of November.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income gain on the sale of certain residential leased-fee interests to holders of the leasehold rights.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the sale of certain residential leased-fee interests to a holder of the leasehold right if such holder is: (1) an association of apartment owners of a multi-family residential leasehold property; or (2) a cooperative housing corporation for a residential leasehold property. Terminates such exclusion after 2012.

REAUTHORIZATION OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND SELF-DETERMINATION ACT

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

A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to reauthorize the provision of telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to reauthorize appropriations through FY2012 to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance for the construction of facilities and systems to provide telemedicine services and distance learning services in rural areas.

Inactive Reservists Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Inactive Reservists Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement a mortgage assistance program through grants and loans for direct mortgage payments for the primary residential property of designated eligible households. Requires such mortgage assistance to be paid monthly directly to the mortgage servicer during the period that a member of the eligible household is serving on active duty for a period of more than 30 days in the Armed Forces, including extensions in the period of such active duty. Sets forth requirements governing: (1) grant assistance, repayment, and repayment in cases of foreclosure; and (2) application procedures.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) and the Secretaries of each military department to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes each department Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and each military department for fiscal years after 2007 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of authorized construction projects. Modifies certain prior-year construction projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2007 for such Program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2007 for: (1) National Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities; (2) base closure and realignment activities funded through the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005; and (3) war-related military construction. Terminates all authorizations contained in this Act on October 1, 2010, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY2011, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Authorizes specified military land conveyances.

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of home infusion therapy and home infusion drugs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement the Medicare home infusion therapy benefit in a manner that ensures that: (1) Medicare beneficiaries have timely and appropriate access to infusion therapy in their homes; and (2) there is rapid and seamless coordination between drug coverage under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) and home infusion therapy services coverage under Medicare part B (Supplemental Security Income).

TAX INCENTIVES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 May 2007

Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act of 2007 - Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (the Act) to state as the mission of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to develop and coordinate the implementation of a national strategy to prevent and end homelessness while maximizing federal government contributions toward such end. Adds to the membership of such Council the Commissioner of Social Security, the U.S. Attorney General, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Directs the Council to develop and submit to the President and Congress a National Strategic Plan to End Homelessness. Requires a collaborative applicant (a representative community homeless assistance planning body) to be established for a geographic area by its relevant parties to design a collaborative process for developing an application for homeless assistance funds. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make technical assistance available to such applicants. Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants for specified activities in community homeless assistance programs. Converts the rural homelessness grant program into a rural housing stability assistance program. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to state or local governments or nonprofit organizations to implement programs to prevent homelessness and to stabilize housing for precariously housed individuals and families.

HOPE VI Green Building and Technical Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

HOPE VI Green Building and Technical Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prescribe green communities requirements for grant applicants regarding revitalization programs for severely distressed public housing. Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from making a grant unless the applicant's revitalization plan complies with both the mandatory and some of the nonmandatory green communities affordable housing design, development, and operation criteria as they appear on the national Green Communities program checklist. Adds to such criteria specified requirements for nonresidential structures covered by the plan. Directs the Secretary to establish verification procedures. Repeals current technical assistance and program oversight funding authority, including those for assistance in connection with establishment and operation of computer centers in public housing through the Neighborhoods Networks initiative. Replaces it with mandatory funding for additional grants to assist: (1) potential and actual revitalization grant applicants in developing and planning revitalization programs; or (2) revitalization grant recipients in obtaining technical assistance in carrying out such programs.

Tribal Economic Development and Infrastructure Support Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Tribal Economic Development and Infrastructure Support Act of 2007 - Amends the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) authorize Indian tribes to issue notes and other obligations (guarantee loans) to finance community and economic development activities; and (2) require at least 70% of the aggregate funds received by an Indian tribe or tribally designated housing entity as a result of a guarantee under such Act to be used for the support of activities that benefit low-income Indian families on Indian reservations and other Indian areas.

Nursing Facility Fire Safety Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Nursing Facility Fire Safety Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish programs of direct loans and grants for retrofitting nursing facilities with automatic fire sprinkler systems. Gives priority to grant applications that demonstrate a need or hardship. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to determine if there are loan programs or other funds available for such retrofitting. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate where a nursing facility may not have an adequate structure to retrofit the entire facility within a reasonable timeframe and work with the facility to identify other remedial actions.

Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007

Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial assistance to the Housing Assistance Council to develop the capacity of community-based housing development organizations to undertake community development and affordable housing projects and programs in rural areas. Authorizes the Council to use such assistance for rural community-based housing development organizations to acquire: (1) technical assistance, training, support, and advice to develop business and administrative capabilities; and (2) loans, grants, or other financial assistance to carry out community development and affordable housing activities for low- and moderate-income families.

State Veterans Home Modernization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007

State Veterans Home Modernization Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from approving any application for financial assistance for a construction project at a state veterans' home that is submitted 730 days after the enactment of this Act if the Secretary determines that the construction would result in an increase in the total number of beds in such state for which the Secretary makes per diem payments for the care of veterans residing in such homes. Expands the state home grant program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to authorize grants for noninstitutional care programs. Requires, for fiscal years after 2007, that not less than 10% of sums appropriated for VA home construction grants be used for grants to states which have submitted applications for noninstitutional care projects.

Southern Empowerment and Economic Development Act to authorize the Delta Black Belt Regional Authority

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007

Southern Empowerment and Economic Development Act to authorize the Delta Black Belt Regional Authority - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to rename the Delta Regional Authority as the Delta/Black Belt Regional Authority. Extends the Authority's termination date. Directs the Authority to establish a Constituency Representation Board which shall: (1) ascertain state and congressional district community strategic planning efforts; and (2) evaluate and fund programs. Amends the Delta Development Act to revise the definition of the "Lower Mississippi" region.

Violence Against Immigrant Women Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Violence Against Immigrant Women Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act Act of 2005, with respect to T-visa (victims of severe form of trafficking in persons) and U-visa (victims of certain crimes) nonimmigrant aliens. Revises provisions with respect to: (1) victims of crime; (2) self-petitioning and self-petitioning by fiance(e)s and children; (3) access to health, housing, and other public benefits, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and food stamps; (4) removal, deportation, and detention; (5) parole; (6) naturalization; and (7) admissibility. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Homeland Security for related: (1) nonimmigrant status adjustment applications and petitions; (2) employment authorizations; and (3) naturalization applications.

Services to Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Services To Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance to eligible entities (private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives) to provide and coordinate the provision of various supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. Requires: (1) equitable geographic distribution of such assistance; and (2) the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to participating entities regarding the planning, development, and provision of such services.

Balancing Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007

Family and Workplace Balancing Act of 2007, or Balancing Act of 2007 - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make five-year grants to a state or local government to pay for the federal share of projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, especially those related to the birth or adoption of a child. Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and federal civil service law to allow employees covered by FMLA and civil servants to take specified additional leave for: (1) parental involvement in their children's or grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities; and (2) routine family medical care needs. Amends FMLA to revise criteria for covered employees. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize additional funds for expanding child care activities for young children under age three. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Secretary of Education, to make grants to enable states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to establish or expand quality programs of early childhood home visitation. Establishes: (1) the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program; and (2) the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Healthy Early Education Workforce Grant Program Act - Authorizes the HHS Secretary to allot funds to eligible states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to pay the federal share of providing access to affordable health benefits coverage for: (1) eligible child care providers; and (2) at state option, the spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of such providers. Child Care Construction and Renovation Incentive Grants Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide for use of community development block grants to establish child care facilities. Amends the National Housing Act to provide for related mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make technical and financial assistance grants for acquiring or improving such facilities or related equipment. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a business child care incentive grant program. Universal Prekindergarten Act - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to state agencies to develop full-day, full-year universal prekindergarten programs for all children three, four, and five years old. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a universal free school breakfast program without regard to family incomes. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program of healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants. Afterschool Education Enhancement Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require state educational agencies to give priority to 21st century community learning centers program grant applications submitted jointly by eligible entities consisting of at least: (1) one local educational agency receiving funds under ESEA provisions for disadvantaged students; and (2) at least one community-based organization or other public or private entity. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for treatment of employees working at less than full-time under participation, vesting, and accrual rules governing pension plans and under group health plans, including certain individuals whose services are leased or contracted for. United States Business Telework Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct a pilot program in up to five states to raise awareness about telework among employers and to encourage them to offer telework options to employees.

Recognizing and honoring the Cathedral Square Corporation on its 30th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007

Recognizes and honors the tremendous accomplishments and dedication of Cathedral Square Corporation, a Vermont nonprofit housing development organization, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1427) to reform the regulation of certain housing-related Government-sponsored enterprises, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2007

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1427) to reform the regulation of certain housing-related Government-sponsored enterprises.

Homeownership Protection and Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2007

Homeownership Protection and Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to reauthorize and revise requirements for assistance with respect to housing for low- and moderate-income families. Specifies additional circumstances making a homeowner eligible for homeownership counseling from an organization that has received a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide it. Requires a proposed mortgagee to notify any eligible mortgage applicant of the availability of pre-purchase homeownership counseling, homeownership counseling, and homeownership protection center services. Requires a proposed mortgagee, also, to notify a homeowner at closing of the availability of counseling upon delinquency and of the services of State Homeownership Protection Centers. Requires specified mortgagee notices to homeowners in the event of mortgage payment delinquencies. Directs the Secretary of HUD to award competitive grants to enable state housing finance agencies to establish State Homeownership Protection Centers. Requires any State Homeownership Protection Center to provide a centralized location for information on, and referral to, public services for assisting a homeowner in default on a home loan. Requires the Secretary also to award competitive grants to enable state housing finance agencies in states with such Centers to provide one-time emergency grants or subsidized home preservation loans to assist eligible homeowners in satisfying any amounts past due on their home loans. Requires mortgagees to engage in reasonable loss mitigation activities to provide an alternative to foreclosure. Prohibits a mortgagee from initiating or continuing a foreclosure upon written confirmation that the homeowner has applied for a home preservation loan. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to monitor the mortgage industry in order to predict likely future trends in foreclosures. Requires the Secretary to develop recommendations for a national database on mortgage defaults and foreclosures. Directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council to create such a database.

Denali Commission Act Amendments Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2007

Denali Commission Act Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Denali Commission Act of 1998 to provide that no member of the Commission, other than the Federal Co-chairperson, shall be considered to be a federal employee. Authorizes the Commission to accept, use, and dispose of matching funds provided by public and private sources for projects approved by the Commission. Provides that each Commission member who is not a federal employee may elect to waive compensation. Authorizes (current law requires) the Federal Co-chairperson to appoint an Economic Development Committee consisting of specified representatives. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make direct lump sum payments to the Commission to be used to carry out a training program on careers associated with infrastructure development and long-term stability in rural Alaska. Requires the program to focus on: (1) training for construction, operations, and maintenance of Commission projects; (2) management training relating to the operation of Commission projects; (3) initiatives for Alaskan youths to encourage careers that support Commission projects; and (4) training for construction, operations, and maintenance for public infrastructure projects. Directs the Commission to provide assistance to address the housing needs of teachers in rural Alaska. Authorizes the Commission to assist in housing development activities. Authorizes appropriations through FY2014.

Clean Energy Investment Assurance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2007

Clean Energy Investment Assurance Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources to: (1) extend such credit through 2013; (2) allow a credit for the production of thermal energy; (3) allow a credit for investment in resources that produce electricity without carbon emissions; and (4) modify the definition of "closed-loop biomass" and "nonhydroelectric dams" for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2013 the tax credit for holders of clean renewable energy bonds. Increases the annual national limitation for such bonds to $5 billion between 2009 and 2014. Extends through 2016 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Eliminates the 30% limitation on solar electric property expenditures. Allows such credit for energy storage air conditioner property used in a principal residence. Calculates the maximum allowable amounts of such credit for solar property based upon kilowatt capacity. Extends through 2016 the energy investment tax credit. Extends through 2012 the tax credits for: (1) nonbusiness energy property expenditures; and (2) new energy efficient homes. Extends through 2014 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Increases the rate of such deduction to $2.25 per square foot. Assigns a five-year recovery period for the depreciation of any qualified energy management device ("smart meter") that is placed in service before 2012 and that measures and records electricity usage data on a time-differentiated basis of at least 10 minutes.

TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 10 May 2007

Treatment and Prevention of Methamphetamine Abuse Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Treatment and Prevention of Methamphetamine Abuse Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (the Administrator), to award grants to provide residential substance abuse treatment to pregnant and postpartum women. Directs the Secretary to award grants to states to provide recovery support services for parents and families transitioning out of treatment. Requires the Secretary, jointly with the Attorney General, to assist local jails and detention facilities in providing substance abuse treatment services as alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenses. Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide for recovery-based housing support activities. Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to require the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to provide for the establishment of a National Court Teams Resource Center to promote the well-being of maltreated infants and toddlers and their families. Requires the Secretary to award scholarships to individuals who agree to provide substance abuse treatment services in rural or underserved areas. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to provide for methamphetamine prevention activities in schools and communities. Requires the Secretary to provide for a national telephone helpline and online resource center to assist parents and family members in receiving support, information about preventing drug abuse, and treatment referral information. Provides for: (1) examinations of the long-term effects of methamphetamine use on drug endangered children; and (2) evaluations to determine the effectiveness of methamphetamine prevention programs.

Responsibility to Iraqi Refugees Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Responsibility to Iraqi Refugees Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide special immigrant status to an Iraqi national (and spouse or child of such alien) who: (1) worked directly with the U.S. government, the United Nations, certified government or U.N. contractor or subcontractor, or U.S.-based nongovernmental organization for at least one year; and (2) has a not manifestly unfounded fear of persecution, violence, or harm to the alien or the alien's family because of such work. Sets forth annual entry limits through FY2011 for such aliens. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) provide such aliens who are in imminent danger with protection, including temporary housing on U.S. military bases or at provincial reconstruction team offices or immediate removal from Iraq; and (2) establish at least five alien processing facilities in Iraq. Establishes in the Department of State a Special Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, to be based at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. States that the Special Coordinator shall be responsible for the development and implementation of policies and programs for Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons, and shall establish a related inter-agency task force. Directs the Secretary of State to seek to negotiate a bilateral refugee resettlement agreement with each country containing a significant population of displaced Iraqis, including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon. Increases FY2007-FY2008 refugee admissions for persons who are not not firmly settled in a foreign country and who are of humanitarian concern to the United States in order to admit Iraqi refugees. Sets forth priority groups. Revises the authority of the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security to determine that security and related grounds for inadmissibility shall not apply to an individual or a group. Waives the FY2008-FY2009 funding cap for the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund. Authorizes appropriations to specified entities and agencies for Iraqi refugee-related assistance.

RURAL HOUSING PROGRAMS: REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET AND PENDING RURAL HOUSING LEGISLATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 May 2007

Comprehensive Veterans Benefits Improvements Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

Comprehensive Veterans Benefits Improvements Act of 2007 - Makes various changes or additions to veterans' compensation, pension, health care, housing, burial, and other benefits, including: (1) a report on veterans who were misclassified as not being catastrophically disabled; (2) a pilot program on veterans' lung cancer screening; (3) a repeal of the prohibition against the concurrent receipt of veterans' disability compensation or pension and military retired pay; (4) an increase in the rates of veterans' disability compensation; (5) a repeal of the reduction of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities by the amount of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) received; (6) a report on the adequacy of DIC for survivors of veterans who die from service-connected disabilities; (7) a reduction in premiums under the service-disabled veterans life insurance program; (8) an increase in the veterans' burial plot allowance; (9) an FY2008 authorization of appropriations for the state cemetery grants program; (10) an increase in grant amounts for specially adapted housing for veterans; (11) an increased coverage amount under the veterans' mortgage life insurance program; (12) adjusted veterans' home loan fees; (13) judicial review of the adoption or revision of veterans' disability ratings; (14) establishment of the DOD/VA Clinical Information Data Exchange Bureau; (15) a study and report concerning the disability ratings systems of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (16) a report on the provision of assisted living benefits for veterans.

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2007 appropriations for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as specified activities, including international and security-related activities, of the Departments of Defense (Military, including funds for Iraqi and Afghan security forces), of Justice, of Energy, of Homeland Security, of Defense (military construction and base closure), of State (including international peacekeeping operations), related agencies, and the House of Representatives and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Provides funds to enable military commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan to respond to urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction requirements. Requires the Secretary of Defense to inspect annually military medical treatment facilities, including military quarters housing medical hold or holdover personnel, to insure that they meet acceptable standards for their maintenance and operation. Requires additional inspections of identified deficiencies. Provides funds to the Government of Iraq to support the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of militias and illegal armed groups. Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Woodrow W. Keeble for valor during the Korean War. Provides funds to local education agencies (LEAs) in districts adversely affected by significant changes in the military population. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) as battalions of the Iraqi security forces achieve a level of combat proficiency to conduct independent combat operations without support from Iraqi Coalition forces, U.S. Armed Forces units should be redeployed from Iraq; and (2) regular, accurate accounts of the combat proficiency of Iraqi battalions security forces are necessary for the American public to gauge the development of them. Prohibits the use of funds to deploy or redeploy any unit of the Armed Forces to Iraq unless the President has certified to the congressional appropriations committees in advance that the unit is fully mission capable. Sets a maximum number of days for deployment or redeployment in Iraq for military units. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition and deployment or redeployment limits on a unit-by-unit basis for reasons of national security. Provides that such limitations shall not be construed to require force levels in Iraq to be decreased below total U.S. force levels before January 10, 2007. Prohibits the use of funds to close Walter Reed Army Medical Center until equivalent medical facilities at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, and/or the Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Community Hospital have been constructed and equipped. Specifies conditions for assistance to Lebanon. Provides funds to assist Liberia in retiring its debt arrearages. Requires the Department of State to provide GAO staff members the country clearances, life support, and logistical and security support necessary for them to establish a presence in Iraq for at least 45 days. Makes additional appropriations for disaster relief and recovery related to Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, Dennis, and Rita to the Departments of Agriculture, of Justice, of Commerce, of Defense (Civil), of Homeland Security, of the Interior, of Education, of Transportation, of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Small Business Administration (SBA). Makes other emergency appropriations for specified purposes to the Departments of Defense (Civil), of the Interior, of Agriculture, of Health and Human Services (for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and for response to an influenza pandemic), of Veterans Affairs (particularly veterans' health programs), of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the legislative branch. Makes appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to eliminate the FY2007 shortfall in funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.55 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and (3) $7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day. Applies federal minimum wage requirements to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and to American Samoa. Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend and revise certain tax provisions affecting small business owners, including the work opportunity tax credit and expensing of small business assets; (2) extend and expand certain tax incentives for investment in the Gulf Opportunity (GO) Zone; (3) revise requirements relating to subchapter S corporations; and (4) modify certain miscellaneous tax administration requirements.

Affordable Housing Preservation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Affordable Housing Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of certain multifamily housing property to a housing agency or related organization (preservation entity) that agrees to maintain certain affordability and use restrictions for such property. Limits the excludable amount of such gain to the depreciation adjustments for such property.

Kinship Caregiver Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Kinship Caregiver Support Act - Authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the federal share of the cost of carrying out kinship navigator programs. Amends part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize all states to opt to enter agreements to provide kinship guardianship assistance payments on behalf of children to grandparents and other relatives who have assumed legal guardianship of children for whom they have cared as foster parents and have committed to care for on a permanent basis. Provides that adoptive parents of children with special needs remain eligible for adoption assistance, even if they receive kinship guardianship assistance. Authorizes the use of foster care independence program funds to provide independent living services and education and training vouchers for children who exit foster care to kinship guardianship or adoption after age 14. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with eligible entities to conduct demonstration kinship guardianship assistance projects. Requires states to: (1) notify all adult grandparents and other adult relatives (with exceptions due to family or domestic violence) when a child is removed from custody of a parent or parents; and (2) explain the options the relative has to participate in the child's care and placement. Allows state agencies to establish separate standards for foster family homes in which a foster parent is a relative of the foster child. Expands the definition of family support services to include assisting kinship caregivers or guardians in locating and accessing needed services. Requires that states inform case workers and families considering guardianship of all permanency options and service eligibility.

Katrina Recovery Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Katrina Recovery Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2007 appropriations for disaster relief and recovery related to Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, Dennis, and Rita to the Departments of Agriculture, of Justice, of Commerce, of Defense (Civil), of Homeland Security, of Interior, of Education, of Transportation, of Housing and Urban Development, and the Small Business Administration (SBA).