Housing

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, THE JUDICIARY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2006

A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to clarify that territories and Indian tribes are eligible to receive grants for confronting the use of methamphetamine.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include territories and Indian tribes as eligible grant recipients (or reaffirm such eligibility) under the programs to: (1) address the manufacture, sale, and use of methamphetamine; (2) aid children in homes in which methamphetamine or other drugs are unlawfully manufactured, distributed, dispensed, or used; and (3) address methamphetamine use by pregnant and parenting women offenders.

Save Affordable Housing and Health Care Facilities Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Save Affordable Housing and Health Care Facilities Act of 2006 - Declares that the maximum dollar amount limitation on commitments to guarantee loans for special risk insurance fund and general insurance fund purposes under the National Housing Act shall be continued for FY2007 at a rate for operations not exceeding $45 billion. Amends the National Housing Act to increase from 275,000 to 300,000 the aggregate number of insured home equity conversion mortgages for elderly homeowners authorized under the Act.

To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C> 206(a)(1) to reflect the actual costs of living in various regions of the country and to bring the minimum to a fair wage that can support federal workers and contractors and their families.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to revise minimum wage provisions to require: (1) payment of an hourly wage (or salary equivalent) sufficient to enable a full-time worker to cover housing, food, childcare, transportation, and healthcare expenses for a family of four based on regional or municipal cost-of-living standards; (2) an additional amount to enable such worker to obtain any fringe benefits not provided by the worker's employer; (3) annual cost-of-living adjustments to such wage levels; and (4) wage increases for federal and contract workers proportionately equal to congressional pay raises. Makes these requirements applicable to wages paid in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Stormwater Enforcement and Permitting Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Stormwater Enforcement and Permitting Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide an operator a reasonable opportunity to correct a violation of a permit condition for a site with residential construction activity before initiation of an enforcement action, if such violation may be rectified by modifying, revising, or supplementing records or paperwork. Prohibits such an opportunity from being provided: (1) to the operator of any residential construction site that failed to obtain coverage under a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit; or (2) for a record or paperwork violation that resulted in a violation of a water quality standard. Prohibits more than one opportunity to correct violations of the same condition. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring a permit for stormwater runoff from such a site if: (1) the runoff enters a municipal separate storm sewer system that is covered by a permit and the operator is in compliance with runoff requirements; and (2) such site has minimal potential for soil erosion. Requires the Administrator to coordinate enforcement of stormwater discharge permits with states. Prohibits the Administrator from paying any state penalty for a violation of a permit for such a discharge. Requires the Administrator to establish a program that will develop and distribute to site operators a pamphlet that explains permitting requirements for stormwater discharges. Authorizes the Administrator or the state to issue a general permit for no more than five years on a state, regional, or nationwide basis to cover any category of discharges, sludge use, disposal practices, or facilities. Declares that the Administrator or state is not required to review, approve, or provide an opportunity for public comment on any application for a discharge under a general permit.

Emergency Gulf Coast Child Care Construction and Rebuilding Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Emergency Gulf Coast Child Care Construction and Rebuilding Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the use of community development block grants to construct and renovate child care facilities located in any major disaster area resulting from Hurricane Katrina or Rita of 2005. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure: (1) mortgages for new or substantially rehabilitated child care and development facilities; (2) loans to such facilities for fire safety equipment; and (2) mortgages executed in connection with the purchase or refinancing of existing child care facilities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the availability of secondary markets for such mortgages. Authorizes HUD grants to eligible nonprofit organizations for technical and financial assistance to assist eligible child care providers in acquiring or improving facilities or equipment.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the placed-in-service date requirement for low-income housing credit buildings and bonus depreciation property and the period for rehabilitation expenditures in the Gulf Opportunity Zone.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010: (1) the tax credit for certain low income housing property in the Gulf Opportunity Zone, the Rita GO Zone, and the Wilma GO Zone; (2) bonus depreciation for Gulf Opportunity Zone property; and (3) the increase in the tax credit for rehabilitation expenditures for Gulf Opportunity Zone property.

Gulf Coast Back to Business and Homes Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Gulf Coast Back to Business and Homes Act of 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce to make grants to appropriate state government agencies in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas for assistance to small businesses located in a disaster area that was negatively affected by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita in 2005. Amends the Small Business Act to require the deferment of payments of principal and interest on loans made by the Small Business Administration (SBA) before December 31, 2006, to a small business located in a disaster area negatively affected by such hurricanes. Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 to authorize the SBA Administrator to waive the duplication of certain benefits with respect to hurricane recovery loans made to affected small businesses in Louisiana.

Affordable Housing Expansion and Public Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Affordable Housing Expansion and Public Safety Act - Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to provide an additional 100,000 incremental vouchers for tenant-based rental housing assistance under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in FY2007. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to direct: (1) each participating jurisdiction to use Home Investments Partnership (HOME) grant funds to provide affordable housing to individuals or families whose income is 30% or lower than the area median income (extremely low-income); and (2) direct the Secretary to allocate HOME funds to such jurisdictions on a specified pro-rata basis. Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to: (1) extend to FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for the Public and Assisted Housing Crime and Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP); (2) set aside specified amounts for the Office of Policy Development and Research; (3) identify activities eligible for grant funds; and (4) require the Office to review research to assess strategies likely to be effective in preventing and reducing violent and drug-related crimes in public and federally assisted low-income housing. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress shall create a national affordable housing trust fund to supply 1.5 million additional affordable housing units over the next 10 years, especially for extremely low-income and very low-income families. Repeals multiyear procurement authority for the F-22A Raptor Fighter Aircraft. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from implementing the advanced research program for fossil fuels. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from awarding new Advanced Technology Program grants under the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Amends the Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 to remove the requirement that, in order to qualify for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program during the period beginning on October 7, 2001, and ending on November 30, 2005, the Secretary of the military department concerned must determine that the loss was a direct result of a traumatic injury incurred in the theater of operations for Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom (thus including traumatic injury incurred while performing other types of military service during such period under such coverage).

Scott A. Keller, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Steven B. Nesmith, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 13 November 2006

Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth Act of 2006 - Reauthorizes programs for combating criminal gangs, including, after-school programs, programs for safe and drug-free schools and communities, adult and juvenile offender reentry demonstration projects, and gang resistance education and training projects. Establishes or increases funding for criminal gang-related grant programs, including: (1) innovative approaches to combat gang activity in the school and community; (2) grants to study parole or post-incarceration supervision violations and revocations; (3) substance abuse treatment; (4) mentoring programs of nonprofit organizations; (5) transition training for young offenders; (6) grants for certain at-risk youth and juvenile offenders aged 11 to 19; (7) gang activity policing grants; and (8) grants to prosecutors and law enforcement officials to combat violent crime and protect witnesses to crimes. Public and Assisted Housing Gang Elimination Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to public housing agencies and private entities to eliminate gang-related crime in low-income housing projects. Amends the federal criminal code to increase penalties for: (1) use of interstate commerce facilities to commit murder-for-hire or other crimes of violence; (2) violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity; and (3) use of firearms in crimes of violence and drug trafficking. Imposes criminal penalties for violent crimes committed in furtherance or in aid of a criminal street gang and for recruiting persons to join criminal street gangs. Extends the limitation period for prosecuting certain noncapital violent crimes. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to revise guidelines relating to violent gang-related crimes. Provides for certain studies and reports relating to criminal gangs, including the National Youth Gang Survey.

Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2006 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives, to be headed by the Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives. States that the Under Secretary shall: (1) administer all rural broadband-related grant and loan programs previously administered by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, including the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program and the community connect grant program; (2) conduct rural outreach; (3) foster development of a comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision; (4) assess relevant technologies; (5) serve as a single information source for all federal rural broadband programs and services; and (6) provide technical assistance to state, regional, and local governments to develop broadband deployment strategies. Directs the Under Secretary to submit a comprehensive rural broadband strategy report to the President and to Congress.

Tribal Economic Development and Infrastructure Support Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Tribal Economic Development and Infrastructure Support Act of 2006 - 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.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Stimulus Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Stimulus Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the time limits applicable to tax credits for: (1) electricity produced from certain renewable resources; (2) clean renewable energy bonds; (3) new energy efficient homes; (4) residential energy efficient property; (5) business solar investment; and (6) biodiesel and alternative fuels. Extends the time limit for the deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Declares inapplicable to certain qualified electric vehicles and alternative motor vehicles the depreciation limitation pertaining to luxury automobiles. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide assistance to states for consultations with respect to weatherization and energy efficiency of residences and small businesses.

Cost of Living Fairness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Cost of Living Fairness Act of 2006 - Requires the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to develop and report to Congress and the Comptroller General on a methodology for determining the cost of living in each state which accounts for the costs of housing, goods, and services. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on how federal benefits provided to beneficiaries in each state under certain programs would be distributed if: (1) the cost of living in each state, as determined under the methodology, were a factor in the determination of such benefits; and (2) the methodology were applied so that federal benefits vary only to the extent that such determination would result in an increase of benefits to beneficiaries in a state. Specifies such benefit programs as all those providing vouchers, coupons, cash grants, or cash reimbursements based on the beneficiary's income.

Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2006 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing. Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy to cover the costs of federal guarantees for financing for tribal housing activities.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the credits for residential energy efficient property and new energy efficient homes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credits for expenditures for: (1) nonbusiness energy property; (2) residential energy efficient property; and (3) new energy efficient homes.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to alleviate poverty by encouraging the employment of residents by empowerment zone businesses through the employment of residents in designated areas of pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow enterprise zone businesses operating in empowerment zones (economically depressed areas) who file necessary information with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development documenting reasonable efforts to meet the residency requirement applicable to zone employees to receive an exemption from such requirement if at least 35% of their employees during the final three months of a taxable year are residents of the empowerment zone or any area within a 15-mile radius of the qualified business which has been designated by any governmental unit as an area of pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress.

Public Safety Ex-Offender Self-Sufficiency Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Public Safety Ex-Offender Self-Sufficiency Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business related tax credit for investment in residential housing units for certain low-income individuals who were convicted of a crime punishable under state or federal law by a prison term of six months or longer (ex-offenders) and who participate in a program of support services, including job and entrepreneurial training, designed to make such ex-offenders self sufficient.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to fully allow students to live in units eligible for the low-income housing credit, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain full-time students to live in housing units eligible for the low-income housing tax credit if they are: (1) single parents with children; (2) married and filing a joint return; or (3) adult students fulfilling the requirements for a high school diploma. Exempts any individual under the age of 19 years who attends kindergarten through grade 12 from classification as a full-time student for purposes of the tax credit.

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2007. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY2006 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be made available in the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (2) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House of Representatives) or the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (3) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (4) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007; (5) Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (6) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (7) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2007; (8) Military Construction, Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (9) Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); and (10) Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate), and the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate). Provides funding under this resolution until the earliest of: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) enactment of the applicable appropriations Act by both Houses without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) November 17, 2006. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date.

Pregnant Women Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Pregnant Women Support Act - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states for collecting and reporting abortion surveillance data. Requires health facilities that perform abortions to obtained informed consent from a pregnant woman seeking an abortion, except in a medical emergency. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to allow states to extend health care coverage to an unborn child. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a health insurance issuer offering individual coverage from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion or a waiting period or otherwise discriminating against a woman on the basis that she is pregnant. Allows the Secretary to make grants for the purchase of ultrasound equipment for examinations of pregnant women. Provides for the collection and dissemination of information on Down syndrome and other prenatally diagnosed conditions. Provides for services to pregnant women and mothers who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Requires states to have a pregnant "box check" on homicide death certificates. Allows the Secretary to make grants to public institutions of higher education to assist pregnant and parenting students in continuing their studies and graduating. Requires the Secretary to provide for programs to work with pregnant or parenting teens to finish high school. Requires group homes for pregnant and parenting women to provide counseling on adoption and parenting skills. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and make refundable the tax credit for adoption expenses. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the eligibility threshold for food stamps.

Gulf Coast Housing Accessibility Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Gulf Coast Housing Accessibility Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to allocate additional assistance for project-based housing vouchers for individuals and households located within the disaster areas of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma of 2005. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to set forth conditions for providing permanent and semipermanent housing units. Instructs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) enter into a mission assignment with the Secretary for a transfer of FEMA Disaster Relief Funds into the Disaster Voucher Program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (2) transfer into the Disaster Voucher Program individuals and households receiving transitional housing, rental, or other related assistance. Permits such individuals and families to opt-out of such a transfer.

Mark-to-Market Extension Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Mark-to-Market Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 to reauthorize to October 1, 2011: (1) the Mark-to-Market program; and (2) provisions of the FHA-insured Multifamily Housing Mortgage and Housing Assistance Restructuring program regarding projects and programs for which binding commitments have been entered into under such Act. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to waive rent level limits for up to 9% (currently 5%) of all units subject to restructured mortgages in any fiscal year, based on certain findings of special need. Revises requirements for an approved mortgage restructuring and rental assistance sufficiency plan with respect to modification or forgiveness of all or part of a second mortgage held by the Secretary (debt relief) if the project concerned is acquired by a tenant organization or tenant-endorsed community-based nonprofit or public agency. Sets forth requirements for alternative periods of eligibility for such nonprofit debt relief. Declares disaster-damaged eligible projects eligible without regard to the relationship between rent level for the assisted units and comparable market rents. Requires each mortgage restructuring and rental assistance sufficiency plan to determine adjusted rent levels, according to certain formulae, for units assisted with project-based assistance in eligible multifamily housing projects. States that, with respect to a disaster-damaged eligible project, the owner contribution toward rehabilitation needs shall be determined in accordance with specified requirements.

To provide for the distribution of excess manufactured housing units located at Hope Municipal Airport, Arkansas, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish and carry out a program to designate and distribute excess manufactured housing units located at Hope Municipal Airport, Arkansas, to eligible government entities to provide affordable rental housing. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to to revise procedures for the disposal of temporary housing units purchased by the President for housing disaster victims to require, as an alternative method of disposal, the transfer of such units to the General Services Administration (GSA) for disposal as excess property.

A resolution calling on the United States Government and the international community to support the successful transition from conflict to sustainable peace in Uganda.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Commends the delegates from the government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army for agreeing to a cessation of hostilities. Recognizes the government of Southern Sudan's leadership in mediating the cessation of hostilities and establishing a framework for peace. Expresses the support of the citizens of the United States for the people of Uganda who have endured decades of violence resulting from that conflict. Entreats all parties to address issues of accountability and impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity and to support national reconciliation efforts. Encourages the government of Uganda to improve the professionalism of its military personnel, with an emphasis on enhancing respect for human rights, accountability for abuses, and effective protection of civilians. Urges the government of Uganda to augment its resettlement plan by: (1) expanding social services; (2) deploying professional civil servants; and (3) developing the legal, political, and security infrastructure necessary to facilitate the freedom of movement of civilians to their homes, land, and areas within and around camps, and essential to fulfill the needs of returnees and former combatants. Calls on the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as the international community to: (1) provide humanitarian assistance through nongovernmental organizations; (2) pay particular attention to victimized women and children; and (3) provide assistance for the demobilization and reintegration of rebel combatants and abductees, and diplomatic and logistical support for the cessation of hostilities agreement and progress towards peace in Uganda.

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Monument Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2006

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Monument Act of 2006 - Adjusts the boundary of the Minidoka Internment National Monument located in Idaho to include the Nidoto Nai Yoni ("Let it not happen again") memorial that commemorates the Japanese Americans of Bainbridge Island, Washington, who were the first to be forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to internment camps during World War II . Authorizes the Secretary, for the purposes of developing the Nidoto Nai Yoni Memorial, to enter into agreements with: (1) the city of Bainbridge Island; (2) the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park Camp Recreational District; (3) the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community Memorial Committee; (4) the Bainbridge Island Historical Society; and (5) successor and other appropriate individuals or entities. Requires the Secretary to coordinate the development of interpretive and educational materials and programs for the Memorial and the Monument with the Manzanar National Historic Site in California.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to alleviate poverty by encouraging the employment of residents by empowerment zone businesses through the employment of residents in designated areas of pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow enterprise zone businesses operating in empowerment zones (economically depressed areas) who file necessary information with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development documenting reasonable efforts to meet the residency requirement applicable to zone employees to receive an exemption from such requirement if at least 35% of their employees during the final three months of a taxable year are residents of the empowerment zone or any area within a 15-mile radius of the qualified business which has been designated by any governmental unit as an area of pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress.

THE HOUSING BUBBLE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ECONOMY

United States · United States Senate · 13 September 2006

Community Development Investment Enhancements Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Community Development Investment Enhancements Act of 2006 - Amends the Revised Statues of the United States and the Federal Reserve Act to increase from 10% to 15% of its capital stock actually paid in and unimpaired, and from 10% to 15% of its unimpaired surplus fund, the maximum aggregate community development investments of a national banking association or a state member bank, including its subsidiaries. Applies such limits to each such investment. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize a federal savings association to make investments designed primarily to promote the public welfare, including the welfare of low- and moderate-income communities or families through the provision of housing, services, and jobs (community development investments). Requires the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision to establish: (1) the amount any savings association may invest in any one project; and (2) the aggregate amount of investment of any savings association. Declares that the maximum aggregate amount of investments of any savings association is limited to the same 15% of capital stock actually paid in and unimpaired and 15% of unimpaired surplus fund as imposed by this Act on national banking associations and state member banks.

Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies. Provides for: (1) grants to prevent teen pregnancy; and (2) a national center for parents of adolescents to support parents in preventing teen pregnancy. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of Social Security Act to expand coverage of family planning services. Sets forth requirements for primary care clinics that receive federal financial assistance and provide abortion services. Expands state options to provide health care coverage to low-income pregnant women. Title X Family Planning Services Act of 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for voluntary family planning projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit individual health insurance coverage from excluding pregnancy as a preexisting condition. Provides for: (1) grants for ultrasound equipment and prenatal testing for pregnant women; and (2) programs to better identify and treat pregnant women and mothers who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Allows the Secretary to make grants to public institutions of higher education to assist students who have decided to carry their pregnancies to term and parenting students in continuing their studies and graduating. Requires the Secretary to require that federally funded group homes for pregnant and parenting women provide, upon request, adoption counseling and counseling on parenting skills. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the tax credit for adoption expenses; (2) make such tax credit refundable; and (3) increase the exclusion from gross income for employer-paid adoption expenses. Provides for: (1) education of teen and first-time mothers through home visits by registered nurses; and (2) the collection and reporting of abortion surveillance data.

Rural Energy for America Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006

Rural Energy for America Act of 2006 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to rename the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program as the rural energy for America program (REAP). Makes rural school districts eligible for REAP. Authorizes: (1) production-based incentives in lieu of grants for electricity production from renewable energy systems contingent upon third-party sales; and (2) matching assistance for feasibility studies. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible entities to provide rebates for farmers, ranchers, rural school districts, and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Defines eligible entities as: (1) a state energy or agriculture office; (2) a nonprofit state-based energy efficiency or renewable energy organization that uses public funds provided directly or under contract with a state agency; (3) any other nonprofit organization with a demonstrated ability to administer a statewide energy efficiency or renewable energy rebate program; or (4) a consortium of such entities. Limits rebates to the lower of $10,000 or 50% of the cost to purchase a renewable energy system or an energy efficiency improvement. Extends REAP funding through FY 2012 with set-asides for the rebate program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should implement a direct loan program to complement REAP grants.

Gulf Coast Housing Accessibility Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006

Gulf Coast Housing Accessibility Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to allocate additional assistance for project-based housing vouchers for individuals and households located within the disaster areas of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma of 2005. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to set forth conditions for providing permanent and semipermanent housing units. Instructs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) enter into a mission assignment with the Secretary for a transfer of FEMA Disaster Relief Funds into the Disaster Voucher Program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (2) transfer into the Disaster Voucher Program individuals and households receiving transitional housing, rental, or other related assistance. Permits such individuals and families to opt-out of such a transfer.

Rural Housing and Economic Development Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

Rural Housing and Economic Development Improvement Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, through the Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development, to implement an assistance program to support innovative housing and economic development activities in rural areas by: (1) Indian tribes; (2) state housing finance agencies; (3) state community or economic development agencies; (4) local nonprofit organizations; and (5) community development corporations.

Meningitis Immunization Awareness Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Meningitis Immunization Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to day care centers, camps, educational entities, prisons, and other entities that provide dorm-like housing, information concerning bacterial meningitis and the meningitis vaccine.

MEETING THE HOUSING NEEDS OF VETERANS

United States · United States Senate · 2 August 2006

Homeless Veterans Assistance Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Homeless Veterans Assistance Act of 2006 - Extends through: (1) FY2011 the homeless veterans comprehensive services program; (2) 2011 the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans; (3) 2011 the authority of the Secretary to transfer to homeless veterans' housing programs real property obtained by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through foreclosure of home mortgages; (4) FY2011 a VA grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; (5) FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for the VA technical assistance grant program; and (6) FY2011 the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency grants to entities providing care to homeless veterans for repairing or replacing facilities damaged or destroyed by a disaster. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible entities to provide supportive services for very low income veteran families residing in permanent housing. Requires the equitable distribution of such assistance across geographic regions, including rural communities and tribal lands. Requires the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program on preventing homelessness of veterans who are at risk of homelessness after they are discharged or released from active military service. Makes permanent and extends to at least 12 (currently, six) locations a VA demonstration program of referral and counseling services for veterans transitioning from certain institutions (including penal and mental illness institutions) who are at-risk for homelessness.

Empowering America Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Empowering America Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and extend through 2015: (1) the tax credit for residential energy efficient property; (2) the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property; and (3) the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Extends through 2015 the energy tax credit for equipment which uses solar energy. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to extend through FY2015 funding of energy efficient appliance rebate programs. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require that states, counties, and Indian tribes which receive community development block grants limit the cost of permits or licenses for the construction or installation of solar energy systems in residential and nonresidential structures. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to issue regulations to prohibit restrictions on the installation, construction, maintenance, or use of a solar energy system in a single family residence. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) study the effectiveness of the conservation and energy efficiency tax incentives enacted by the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 and report to Congress on such study; and (2) establish a Center for Advanced Solar Research and Development.

Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006

Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2006 - 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.

Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006

Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the Act) to replace the Federal Emergency Management Agency and provisions establishing a Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response with provisions establishing the United States Emergency Management Authority (USEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Provides that USEMA shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall be the President's principal emergency preparedness and response advisor. Requires: (1) the Administrator to develop a National Emergency Management System and establish 10 Regional Offices; (2) USEMA to be maintained as a distinct entity within DHS and to include a Director for Preparedness and a Director for Response and Recovery; (3) each Regional Administrator to establish multi-agency strike teams; and (4) the DHS Secretary to establish the National Advisory Council on Emergency Preparedness and Response. Establishes within USEMA a National Incident Management System Integration Center, a Chief Medical Officer, a National Search and Rescue Response System, and an Office of Emergency Communications. Continues the Metropolitan Medical Response System and the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center. Establishes within DHS a National Operations Center, a System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders Program, an Office for the Prevention of Terrorism, and an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Telecommunications. Authorizes grants for administering and improving the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Provides for the credentialing of DHS personnel and assets likely to be used to respond to major disasters. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, in a major disaster, to: (1) provide accelerated federal support and expanded assistance to state and local governments in recovery; and (2) provide catastrophic damage assistance, including mortgage or rental payments and unemployment assistance. Authorizes making semi-permanent housing units a part of Stafford Act assistance. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop a National Disaster Recovery Strategy; (2) develop a National Disaster Housing Strategy; (3) appoint a Disability Coordinator; and (4) establish a National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a national study regarding the accessibility of emergency shelters to individuals with disabilities. Authorizes specified mental health services, unemployment and transportation assistance, and training programs. Directs the Administrator to develop a strategic plan to shape and improve USEMA's workforce. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a National Homeland Security Academy; (2) a Surge Capacity Force; and (3) a Homeland Security Rotation Program for DHS employees. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to: (1) employ the National Incident Management System and the National Response Plan (NRP) as the framework for emergency response and domestic incident management; (2) conduct a comprehensive review of the NRP; (3) develop a unified system of strategic and operational plans to respond effectively to disasters; and (4) ensure the development of an inventory of federal resources and of pre-scripted mission assignments. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a national training and exercise program to prepare for a fully coordinated and effective national response to disasters. Sets forth requirements and deadlines for compliance for each agency or entity designated as a primary or support organization for any emergency support function under the NRP. Requires: (1) the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to prohibit excessive pass-through charges on contracts and subcontracts; (2) the Comptroller General to report on the use of such contracts to carry out the Stafford Act or relating to Hurricane Katrina; and (3) the Secretary to report on DHS fraud prevention programs and to conduct fraud awareness training for key DHS personnel. Provides for the establishment of: (1) a Contingency Contracting Corps of temporary volunteers to assist agencies with contracting activities during emergencies; and (2) a preference for the use of local firms and individuals in the expenditure of federal funds for major disaster or emergency assistance activities. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish an identity verification process for Individuals and Households Program registrants; (2) create a registry of contractors capable of performing emergency relief activities; and (3) report on the use of advance contracts. Authorizes appropriations.

Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2006 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing. Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy to cover the costs of federal guarantees for financing for tribal housing activities.

A bill to make technical corrections to the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006

Makes technical and other amendments to the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 and other related federal legislation relating to grant conditions for violence against women programs, law enforcement, sexual assault services programs, violence on college campuses, housing for victims of domestic violence, aliens and Indian women who are victims of domestic violence, and Department of Justice crime control programs. Establishes as new short titles for specified provisions of such Act: (1) the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2005; and (2) the Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act of 2005.

YouthBuild Transfer Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006

YouthBuild Transfer Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish a revised YouthBuild program under the authority of the Secretary of Labor (Secretary). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to carry out certain activities under the YouthBuild program, including: (1) education and workforce investment; (2) supervision and training for participants in the rehabilitation or construction of housing (including residential housing for homeless individuals or low-income families), transitional housing for homeless individuals, and community and other public facilities; (3) adult mentoring; and (4) follow-up services. Repeals authority for the YouthBuild program under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Transfers the YouthBuild program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the Department of Labor.

PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE 21ST CENTURY: HUD'S VIEW ON THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE UNITED STATES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 July 2006

To make Celina, Ohio, eligible for certain rural development loans and grants.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006

Considers Celina, Ohio, to be an eligible rural area (until the city's population exceeds 150% of the greatest population an area could have and, in the absence of this section, still be considered an eligible rural area) under the following Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act programs: (1) water and waste facility loans and grants; (2) emergency and imminent community water assistance grants; and (3) the rural community advancement program.

Condemning the recent attacks against the State of Israel, holding terrorists and their state-sponsors accountable for such attacks, supporting Israel's right to defend itself, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006

Reaffirms steadfast support for Israel. Condemns Hamas and Hezbollah for: (1) engaging in unprovoked and reprehensible attacks against Israel on undisputed Israeli territory, for taking hostages, for killing Israeli soldiers, and for indiscriminately targeting Israeli civilian populations with rockets and missiles; and (2) exploiting civilian populations as shields, locating their equipment and bases of operation, including rockets and other armaments, amidst civilian populations, including in homes and mosques. Recognizes Israel's commitment to minimizing civilian loss and welcomes Israel's efforts to prevent civilian casualties. Demands that Iran and Syria direct Hamas and Hezbollah to immediately and unconditionally release the captive Israeli soldiers. Affirms that all governments that have provided continued support to Hamas or Hezbollah share responsibility for the hostage-taking and attacks against Israel and should be held accountable for their actions. Condemns the governments of Iran and Syria for their continued support for Hezbollah and Hamas in their attacks against Israelis and other terrorist activities. Supports Israel's right to defend itself, including to conduct operations both in Israel and in the territory of threatening nations in accordance with international law, including Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Commends the President of the United States for fully supporting Israel as it responds to attacks by terrorist organizations and their state sponsors. Urges the President to bring the full force of U.S. political, diplomatic, and economic sanctions against the governments Syria and Iran. Demands that the government of Lebanon do everything in its power to free the kidnapped Israeli soldiers held in Lebanon. Calls on the U.N. Security Council to: (1) condemn these unprovoked acts; and (2) ensure full implementation of Security Council 1559, which requires that Hezbollah be dismantled and all Syrian personnel and Iranian Revolutionary Guards leave Lebanon. Expresses condolences to all families of innocent victims of recent violence. Declares a continued commitment to working with Israel and other U.S. allies to fight terrorism.

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Monument Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2006

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Monument Act of 2006 - Adjusts the boundary of the Minidoka Internment National Monument located in Idaho to include the Nidoto Nai Yoni ("Let it not happen again") memorial that commemorates the Japanese Americans of Bainbridge Island, Washington, who were the first to be forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to internment camps during World War II . Authorizes the Secretary, for the purposes of developing, interpreting, operating, and maintaining the Nidoto Nai Yoni Memorial, in partnership with other public and private entities, to enter into agreements with: (1) the City of Bainbridge Island; (2) the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park Camp Recreational District; (3) the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community Memorial Committee; (4) the Bainbridge Island Historical Society; (5) successor entities to all such named entities; and (6) other appropriate individuals or entities. Requires the Secretary to coordinate the development of interpretive and educational materials and programs for the Nidoto Nai Yoni Memorial and the Minidoka Internment National Monument with the Manzanar National Historic Site in California.

To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish a strategic plan for long-term care, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish a strategic plan for veterans' long-term care which includes policies and strategies for the delivery of care in domiciliaries, residential treatment facilities, and nursing homes, and for seriously mentally ill veterans.

Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make competitive grants only to eligible public entities and Indian tribes for carrying out projects and activities to assist the development and redevelopment of brownfield sites, including mine-scarred lands.