Housing

Within Our Means Budget (WOMB) Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2009

Within Our Means Budget (WOMB) Act of 2009 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to eliminate sequential and cumulative adjustments for inflation from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline projections for discretionary appropriations with respect to: (1) expiring housing contracts and social insurance administrative expenses; (2) offset pay absorption and pay annualization; (3) inflation; and (4) any accounting for changes required by law in the level of agency payments for personnel benefits other than pay. Exempts from the requirement that budgetary resources (other than unobligated balances) be at the level available in the current year any resources designated as an emergency requirement or provided in supplemental appropriations laws. Prohibits adjustments for inflation or or any other factor. Amends the Act to extend indefinitely the formula used to calculate the baseline.

Foreclosure Mandatory Mediation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2009

Foreclosure Mandatory Mediation Act of 2009 - Amends the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 to require the mortgagee of certain one- to four-family residences, as a prerequisite to a foreclosure proceeding or a sheriff sale, and at the mortgagee's expense, to conduct a one-time mediation with the affected mortgagor and a housing counseling agency.

Energy Efficiency Modernization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2009

Energy Efficiency Modernization Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make: (1) payments (green dividends) to owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects who undertake utility cost-saving measures; and (2) review HUD regulations and agreements concerning residual receipts accounts in assisted rental housing and revise HUD policy on the use of such accounts for energy efficiency items. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to Congress on the benefits of a federal statutory exemption from compliance with state and local building codes to enable and encourage the construction and installation in assisted multifamily rental housing projects of distributive energy generation and water efficiency measures. Requires owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects to report to the Secretary on consumption of electricity, water, gas, and other utilities by such projects.

Home Heating Fuels Cost Relief Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Home Heating Fuels Cost Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based refundable tax credit for up to $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return) of the cost of heating oil, natural gas, and propane to heat a principal residence. Terminates such credit after 2010. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to states to create revolving loan funds for home weatherization loans.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require contractors and subcontractors working on military construction projects to comply with licensing requirements for employees working at the project location.

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, as a condition of each contract awarded in connection with a military construction or family housing project, to require the contractor (and any appropriate subcontractor) to comply with workforce licensing requirements imposed by the state and other jurisdictions in which the project is conducted for all employees of the contractor (and any appropriate subcontractor) who work at the project location. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to waive such requirement on a case-by-case basis for national security purposes.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the deduction for qualified motor vehicle taxes for motor homes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010 the tax deduction for state and local sales or excise taxes imposed on the purchase of a motor home.

Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act of 2009 - Amends the the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to increase reimbursement rates for free, reduced price, and paid meals and snacks served under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at nonresidential child care centers and family or group day care homes. Allows such providers to be reimbursed for the service of three meals and a snack. (Currently, reimbursement is provided for two meals and a snack.) Lowers the percentage of children or school children in an area that must be eligible for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs to make family or group day care homes in the area eligible for higher CACFP reimbursement rates as tier I homes. Increases the maximum monthly administrative payment per home provided to sponsors of family or group day care homes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve the ability of the CACFP to reach low-income families by streamlining program and paperwork requirements.

Revitalizing Cities Through Parks Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Revitalizing Cities Through Parks Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to qualified community organizations to develop as open space municipally owned vacant lots in urban areas.

Nonprofit Mortgage Licensing Clarification Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Nonprofit Mortgage Licensing Clarification Act of 2009 - Amends the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to permit a state to exempt from certain registration or licensing requirements any charitable organization exempt from federal tax (including their employees and agents acting as loan originators), if the organization: (1) executes loan originations in order to promote or facilitate homeownership for certain low-income, disabled, or other disadvantaged persons or families; (2) offers loans at interest rates lower than the bank prime loan rate, or that are no-interest loans or loans with interest rates significantly below those for loans to purchase generally available single-family housing; and (3) does not otherwise engage in the business of a loan originator or mortgage broker.

Specially Adapted Housing Assistance Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Specially Adapted Housing Assistance Enhancement Act of 2009 - Requires that, during FY2011, any grant provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assist veterans in residing temporarily in housing owned by another family member shall not count against the aggregate limit on all specially adapted housing assistance provided to veterans through the VA. Includes any loss of use of an individual's extremities for which the individual is entitled to veterans' disability compensation when determining eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance.

21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps Act - Authorizes the President, in order to relieve widespread unemployment, restore depleted natural resources in the United States, and advance public works programs, to establish a Civilian Conservation Corps to employ unemployed or underemployed U.S. citizens in the construction, maintenance, and carrying on of works of a public nature, such as forestation of U.S. and state lands, prevention of forest fires, floods, and soil erosion, and construction and repair of National Park System paths and trails. Authorizes the President to extend Corps activities to state- and private- owned lands to prevent and control forest fires and floods and attacks of forest tree pests and diseases. Authorizes the President to provide housing and transportation for Corps employees. Prohibits discrimination in the hiring of Corps employees.

To amend the Homeowners Assistance Program of the Department of Defense to give the Secretary of Defense flexibility regarding setting the commencement date for homeowner assistance for members of the Armed Forces permanently reassigned during the mortgage crisis.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Amends the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 to expand access to Department of Defense (DOD) homeowners assistance for qualified members of the Armed Forces permanently reassigned during a designated mortgage crisis to allow the Secretary of Defense greater flexibility regarding the dates of the availability of such assistance. Directs the Secretary, in exercising such authority, to consult with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Treasury regarding the condition of housing markets in the area of a base or installation.

Enhancing Livability for All Americans Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Enhancing Livability for All Americans Act of 2009 - Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation an Office of Livability. Requires the Office Director to establish a program to award competitive grants to eligible entities to assist: (1) capital investments in surface transportation projects with a significant impact on enhancing the livability in a region, metropolitan area, community, or neighborhood; and (2) communities in developing strategic growth plans that provide a vision and goals for development over a minimum 20-year period and integrate long-term innovative transportation and land use planning. Requires priority be given to: (1) investment projects that increase the number of transportation options, improve access to housing, jobs, and services, and reduce greenhouse gas; and (2) innovative planning applicants who have proposed strategic growth plans for communities with transportation systems characterized by poor access to job centers and schools, limited transportation options for residents, and significant traffic congestion. Requires the Director to: (1) develop statistical and analytical capabilities to ascertain specified transportation data; and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies to carry out activities that promote the development of livable communities, increase transportation choices, and improve the environment, public health, and quality of life.

To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to eliminate cost-sharing requirements in connection with economic adjustment grants made to assist communities that have suffered economic injury as a result of military base closures and realignments, defense contractor reductions in force, and Department of Energy defense-related funding reductions.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide that the federal share of the cost of projects assisted by economic adjustment grants made to communities that have suffered economic injury as a result of a military base closure or realignment, defense contractor reduction in force, or Department of Energy (DOE) defense-related funding reduction shall be 100%.

Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3288) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3288) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010.

Chinese Drywall Homeowners Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009

Chinese Drywall Homeowners Assistance Act - Permits the use of specified community development block grant (CDBG) funds under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, which have been given to the Road Home Program created by the Louisiana Recovery Authority, to provide any Louisiana resident, whether a participant or nonparticipant in the Road Home Program, with monetary assistance necessary to repair or replace tainted drywall that: (1) was manufactured in the People's Republic of China; (2) was imported into the United States between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008; and (3) contains elevated levels of sulphur or strontium. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to permit any state or local government receiving such CDBG funds to use them to provide homeowners with monetary assistance to repair or replace such tainted drywall.

To amend chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, to allow for increased flexibility in payments for State veterans homes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in lieu of making payments to state homes for furnishing nursing home care to veterans, to enter into agreements with such homes to furnish such care under federal provisions which allow the Secretary to transfer to non-VA homes (at the expense of the United States) veterans who have been furnished such care in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Replaces provisions providing for payment of nursing home care at the lesser of the prevailing rate or the cost of daily care with provisions providing for payment at the rate determined for a state home that is the applicable or prevailing rate payable in the geographic area in which the state home is located.

Borrowers' Right to Inspect Closing Documents Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009

Borrowers' Right to Inspect Closing Documents Act of 2009 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) to revise procedures governing the furnishing of closing documents to borrowers. Requires the lender to furnish to the settlement agent, at least four business days before the scheduled date of a real estate settlement, the completed promissory note, the mortgage instrument, and all other items needed to complete the uniform settlement statement, the final Truth-in-Lending Act disclosure, and the final closing instructions. Requires the settlement agent to furnish the borrower, at least three business days before the scheduled settlement date, with the completed documents and the completed uniform settlement statement, as long as the lender has timely provided the agent with those items. Shields the settlement agent from liability for the lender's noncompliance with this Act. Cites circumstances under which the settlement agent may correct the uniform settlement statement and related documents prior to the scheduled settlement date. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to exempt settlements from the requirements of this Act in certain circumstances.

Together We Care Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009

Together We Care Act of 2009 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a pilot program to make grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities for the training of public housing residents as home health aides and providers of home-based health services to enable them to provide covered home-based health services (i.e., services for which medical assistance is available under a state Medicaid plan or for which financial assistance is available under this Act) to residents of: (1) public housing who are elderly or disabled, or both; and (2) federally-assisted rental housing who are elderly or disabled, or both, subject to criteria that the Secretary may establish. Authorizes the use of grant funds: (1) to establish or maintain and carry out a program to train public housing residents to provide covered home-based health care services to elderly and disabled public housing residents and to elderly and disabled residents of federally-assisted rental housing; (2) for the transportation and child care expenses of public housing residents in training; and (3) for the administrative expenses of carrying out such a program. Provides that for any resident of public housing who is trained as a home health aide or as a provider of home-based health services under the program, any income received for providing covered home-based health services shall apply towards eligibility for benefits under federal housing programs as specified, based on length of time following completion of the training.

Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2009

Tax Extenders Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010 certain expiring provisions for individual taxpayers, including: (1) the taxpayer election to deduct state and local general sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (2) the standard tax deduction for state and local real property taxes; (3) the tax deduction from gross income for qualified tuition and related expenses; and (4) the tax deduction from gross income for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers. Extends through 2010 expiring provisions for business taxpayers, including: (1) the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) tax treatment of certain items affecting U.S. shareholders of controlled foreign corporation; (3) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold, restaurant, and retail property, for motorsports entertainment complexes, and for farming business machinery and equipment; (4) the tax credit for railroad track maintenance expenditures; (5) the enhanced expensing allowance for certain film and television production costs; (6) expensing of environmental remediation costs; (7) the tax credit for mine rescue team training expenses; (8) the taxpayer election to expense advanced mine safety equipment expenditures; (9) the tax credit for differential wages payments to employees who are active duty members of the Uniformed Services; (10) tax rules relating to regulated investment companies (RICs); and (11) the suspension of the taxable income limitation on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties. Extends through 2010 expiring provisions relating to charitable organizations and contributions, including: (1) the tax deduction for charitable contributions of capital gain real property by individual taxpayers and certain corporate farmers and ranchers for conservation purposes; (2) the enhanced tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory and book inventories to public schools and for corporate contributions of computer technology and equipment for educational purposes; (3) penalty-free distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for charitable purposes; and (4) special tax rules for payments to controlling exempt organizations, exclusion of gain or loss from unrelated business taxable income from the sale or exchange of certain brownfield sites, and basis adjustment to stock of S corporations making charitable contributions. Extends through 2010: (1) the tax credit for employment of members of Indian tribes; (2) accelerated depreciation of property used for business purposes on an Indian reservation; (3) extension of the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities to such activities in Puerto Rico; (4) the limitation on the amount of distilled spirits tax covered (paid over) into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and (5) the tax credit for American Samoa economic development expenditures. Extends through 2010 certain provisions relating to community development and assistance, including: (1) tax incentives in empowerment zones and renewal communities; (2) the new markets tax credit; (3) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia, the New York Liberty Zone, the Gulf Opportunity Zone, and low-income housing. Extends through 2010 tax-related disaster relief provisions, including: (1) the tax deduction for personal casualty losses attributable to federally-declared disasters; (2) expensing allowance for cleanup and other expenditures in disaster areas; (3) the five-year extended carryover period for net operating losses incurred in a disaster area; (4) waiver of mortgage revenue bond requirements for refinancing residences damaged or destroyed in a disaster area; and (5) expensing and accelerated depreciation of certain disaster assistance property. Extends through 2010 energy conservation and production provisions, including: (1) the tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel; (2) the alternative motor vehicle tax credit for large hybrid vehicles; (3) the alternative fuel excise tax credit for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas; and (4) tax rules relating to sales required to implement federal and state restructuring policy for qualified electric utilities. Revises and adds reporting and other requirements relating to income from assets held abroad, including by: (1) requiring foreign financial and nonfinancial institutions to withhold 30% of payments made to such institutions by U.S. individuals unless such institutions agree to disclose the identity of such individuals and report on their bank transactions; (2) denying a tax deduction for interest on non-registered bonds issued outside the United States; (3) requiring any individual who holds more than $50,000 in a depository or custodial account maintained by a foreign financial institution to report on such accounts; (4) imposing an enhanced tax penalty for underpayments attributable to undisclosed foreign financial assets; (5) extending the limitation period for assessment of underpayments with respect to assets held outside the United States; (6) requiring shareholders of a passive foreign investment company to file informational returns; (7) enhancing tax rules and penalties relating to foreign trusts with U.S. beneficiaries; and (8) requiring withholding of tax on dividend equivalent payments received by foreign individuals. Sets forth tax rules relating to partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services. Increases by an additional 26.5% the required estimated tax payments for certain large corporations in the third quarter of 2014. Requires the Chief of Staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation to submit to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee a report on each tax expenditure extended by this Act.

Asset Management Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2009

Asset Management Improvement Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from imposing restrictions or limitations on the amount of management and related fees for a public housing project which the public housing agency (PHA) determines reasonable, unless such restriction or limitation: (1) is determined pursuant to a negotiated rulemaking convened by the Secretary no earlier than April 1, 2010, with representatives from interested parties; and (2) is effective only on or after January 1, 2012. Allows any PHA that owns or operates fewer than 500 public housing units under the United States Housing Act of 1937 to elect to be exempt from asset management requirements imposed by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing any requirement relating to asset management restricting the use by PHAs of amounts for Capital Fund assistance for costs of any PHA central office. Requires the Secretary to ensure that PHAs encourage the reasonable efforts of residents to organize.

Military Families Affordable Homes Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009

Military Families Affordable Homes Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax-exempt facility bonds to expand the eligibility of military personnel for low-income residential rental housing financed by such bonds.

To extend certain housing-related deadlines in the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008.

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009

Amends the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 to extend through 2010 provisions of such Act allowing residents of the Midwestern disaster area to: (1) use amounts from tax-exempt retirement accounts without a tax penalty to purchase a new principal residence or repair an existing one; (2) recontribute amounts withdrawn for such purposes to such accounts; and (3) exclude from gross income income resulting from a cancellation of mortgage indebtedness incurred in such disaster area.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the protection of members of vulnerable religious and ethnic minority communities in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States remains deeply concerned about the plight of specified vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities of Iraq; (2) the U.S. government and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) should urge the government of Iraq to enhance security at places of worship in Iraq, particularly where religious minorities are known to be at risk; Urges the U.S. government to continue to work with the government of Iraq to: (1) train and deploy into the Iraqi police and security forces members of vulnerable minority communities in Iraq; and (2) ensure that members of such communities suffer no discrimination in recruitment, employment, or advancement in such forces, and be assigned to their locations of origin, rather than transferred to other areas. Urges the government of Iraq, with U.S. government assistance, to: (1) ensure that the upcoming national elections in Iraq are safe, fair, and free of intimidation and violence so that all Iraqis, including religious minorities, can participate in them; and (2) permit and facilitate election monitoring by experts from local and international nongovernmental organizations, the international community, and the United Nations, particularly in minority areas. Encourages the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan regional government to work towards a peaceful and timely resolution of disputes over territories. Encourages the U.S. government and UNAMI to urge the government of Iraq to work with minority communities and their representatives to develop measures to implement article 125 of the Iraq Constitution. Urges the government of Iraq to take affirmative measures to reverse the legal, political, and economic marginalization of religious minorities in Iraq. Urges the U.S. government to: (1) direct assistance to projects that develop the ability of ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq to organize themselves civically and politically to effectively convey their concerns to government; and (2) continue to fund capacity-building programs for the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights (IMHR), the independent national Human Rights Commission, and a new independent minorities committee whose membership is selected by minority communities of Iraq. Urges the government of Iraq to: (1) direct the IMHR to investigate and report on abuses against and the marginalization of minority communities in Iraq, making recommendations to address such abuses; and (2) help ensure that displaced Iraqis considering return to Iraq have the proper information needed to make informed decisions regarding such return. Urges the U.S. government and international organizations to continue to work with the government of Iraq to develop the legal framework necessary to address property disputes resulting when displaced Iraqis attempt to return to their homes in Iraq.

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009

Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Financial Stability Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Comptroller General to audit and report to Congress on all actions taken by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve Board) and the Federal Reserve Banks during the current economic crisis pursuant to specified authority granted under the Federal Reserve Act. Establishes a Financial Services Oversight Council, consisting of the heads of specified federal financial regulatory bodies and chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury, to: (1) resolve a dispute among two or more federal financial regulatory agencies in specified circumstances; (2) subject a financial company to stricter prudential standards; and (3) require a financial holding company to undertake one or more mitigatory actions to address any grave threat its activities pose to the financial stability or economy of the United States. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to impose stricter prudential standards on a financial holding company in certain circumstances. Authorizes the Council to subject a financial activity or practice to stricter prudential standards for financial stability purposes. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to establish a Division of Thrift Supervision within the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Abolishes the Office of Thrift Supervision and transfers its functions and personnel to the Division. Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to direct the Secretary to appoint up to five Deputy Comptrollers of the Currency, including a Senior Deputy Comptroller for National Banks and a Senior Deputy Comptroller for Thrift Supervision. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to place the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board on the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in lieu of the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prescribe requirements for the treatment of industrial loan companies, savings associations, special purpose holding companies, and certain other companies. Prohibits certain conversions of troubled banks and thrifts. Amends the FDIA to revise requirements for calculating a depository institution's assessment. Credit Risk Retention Act of 2009 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to direct the appropriate federal financial regulatory agencies to prescribe regulations to require any creditor to retain an economic interest in a material portion of the credit risk of any loan the creditor transfers, sells, or conveys to a third party, including for the purpose of including such loan in a pool of loans backing an issuance of asset-backed securities. Dissolution Authority for Large, Interconnected Financial Companies Act of 2009 - Prescribes a procedure under which the Secretary shall appoint the FDIC as receiver for one year to resolve, liquidate, or take other specified emergency stabilization actions with respect to a financial company whose imminent or actual default would have serious adverse effects on financial stability or economic conditions in the United States. Requires the FDIC Inspector General, if the Secretary appoints the FDIC as receiver for a financial company, to establish an Office of Resolution to audit and investigate the activities of the FDIC in its capacity as receiver for that company. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to prescribe requirements for financial crisis management actions by the Federal Reserve Board in the event of a liquidity event that could destabilize the U.S. financial system. Establishes a Council of Inspectors General on Financial Oversight. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to authorize the Federal Reserve Board to terminate the activities of the U.S. branch, agency, or subsidiary of a foreign bank that presents a systemic risk to the United States. Corporate and Financial Institution Compensation Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require a separate, non-binding shareholder vote to approve the compensation, including golden parachute compensation, of corporate and financial institution executives. Requires each member of the compensation committee of the board of directors of an issuer of securities to be independent. Over-the-Counter Derivatives Markets Act of 2009 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to require joint regulation of swap markets by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Requires swap repositories, swap dealers, major swap participants, and swap execution facilities to register with the CFTC. Repeals the exemption from CFTC regulation of derivatives transaction execution facilities and boards of trade. Revises requirements for foreign boards of trade. Authorizes the CFTC and the SEC to ban: (1) abusive swaps; and (2) access to the U.S. financial system of any entity domiciled in a foreign country whose regulation of swaps or security-based swaps markets in that country undermines the stability of the U.S. financial system. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to repeal the prohibition on regulation of security-based swaps and applies specified requirements to such swaps. Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009 - Establishes the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) as an independent agency to regulate the provision of consumer financial products or services. Prescribes related requirements for examination and enforcement for small insured depository institutions (with total assets of $10 billion or less) by the FDIC and credit unions (with total assets of $1.5 billion or less) by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Directs the CFPA to develop risk-based programs to supervise nondepository covered persons. Authorizes the CFPA to take actions to prohibit unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices in connection with any transaction with a consumer for, or any offering of, a consumer financial product or service. Specifies prohibited acts. Requires the CFPA Director to lead a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee to promulgate appraisal independence requirements for residential loan purposes. Specifies the preservation of the civil enforcement powers of state attorneys general. Prescribes standards for federal preemption of state law regarding national banks and subsidiaries and federal savings associations. Specifies CFPA enforcement powers. Transfers to the CFPA the consumer financial protection functions of the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the FDIC, the Federal Trade Commission, the NCUA, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Prescribes requirements for the collection and use by the CFPA of deposit account and small business data. Requires the CFPA Director to conduct an annual financial autopsy regarding bankruptcies and foreclosures, including any specific financial products or services that have caused substantial numbers of them. Private Fund Investment Advisers Registration Act of 2009 - Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to require private fund investment advisers to register with the SEC and maintain records and make reports on systemic risk data. Exempts venture capital fund advisers from the registration requirements. Directs the SEC to exempt from registration requirements any investment adviser of a private fund with assets under management in the United States of less than $150 million. Accountability and Transparency in Rating Agencies Act of 2009 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to revise requirements for regulation of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs). Requires the SEC to examine NRSRO credit ratings to review whether an NRSRO has established a system of internal controls and adhered to it. Directs the SEC to: (1) establish an office to administer SEC rules with respect to NRSRO practices; and (2) eliminate the exemption of NRSROs from the Fair Disclosure Rule. Directs the SEC to establish a Credit Ratings Agency Advisory Board. Investor Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to establish an Investor Advisory Committee to the SEC. Authorizes the SEC to engage in consumer testing. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to direct the SEC to promulgate rules to prescribe a fiduciary standard of conduct for a broker or dealer when providing personalized investment advice about securities to a retail customer. Authorizes the SEC to prohibit or limit agreements that require customers or clients of any broker, dealer, or municipal securities dealer to engage in pre-dispute arbitration. Establishes within the SEC a Capital Markets Safety Board. Directs the SEC to report to specified congressional committees on the implementation of SEC reforms in the wake of the discovery of fraud by Bernie Madoff. Authorizes the SEC and the CFTC to form and operate a joint advisory committee. Prescribes or revises prohibitions and requirements relating to: (1) securities lending; (2) lost and stolen securities; and (3) fingerprinting of personnel of registered securities information processors, national securities exchanges, and national securities associations. Declares that any condition, stipulation, or provision binding any person to waive compliance with any rule of a self-regulatory organization shall be void. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the SEC revolving door. Establishes a Financial Reporting Forum to discuss immediate and long-term issues critical to financial reporting. Directs the SEC Chairman to appoint an SEC Ombudsman. Amends the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 with respect to, among other specified items, an increased: (1) assessment paid by Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) members; (2) borrowing limit on Treasury loans; and (3) cash limit of protection. Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 with respect to: (1) the Public Company Accounting Oversight (PCAO) Board oversight of auditors of brokers and dealers; and (2) foreign regulatory information sharing, and related matters. Directs the PCAO Board to appoint an ombudsman. Directs the SEC to establish a program of grants to states for enhanced protection of seniors from misleading and fraudulent marketing of financial products. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require municipal financial advisers to register with the SEC. Federal Insurance Office Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) to: (1) monitor the insurance industry; (2) recommend to the Financial Services Oversight Council that it designate an insurer as one subject to stricter standards; (3) assist in administering the Terrorism Insurance Program; and (4) perform other related duties. Preempts a state insurance measure only to the extent it: (1) directly results in less favorable treatment of a non-U.S. insurer domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction that is subject to a covered agreement than a U.S. insurer domiciled, licensed, admitted, or otherwise authorized in that state; and (2) is inconsistent with such a covered agreement. Requires the FIO Director to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the global reinsurance market; and (2) how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the United States.

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2009 - Makes technical and clerical corrections to the Internal Revenue Code, including corrections to provisions enacted by: (1) the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009; (2) the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008; (3) the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008; (4) the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008; (5) the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008; (6) the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008; (7) the Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007; and (8) the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005.

A bill to extend certain housing-related deadlines in the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2009

Amends the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 to extend through 2010 provisions of such Act allowing residents of the Midwestern disaster area to: (1) use amounts from tax-exempt retirement accounts without a tax penalty to purchase a new principal residence or repair an existing one; (2) recontribute amounts withdrawn for such purposes to such accounts; and (3) exclude from gross income income resulting from a cancellation of mortgage indebtedness incurred in such disaster area.

ADAPTIVE HOUSING GRANTS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 November 2009

Educational Success for Children and Youth Without Homes Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009

Educational Success for Children and Youth Without Homes Act of 2009 - Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act's program of grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the education of homeless youths to: (1) raise the minimum allotment for each state; (2) elaborate on the functions of each state's Office of the Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths; (3) elaborate on required state procedures for resolving disputes regarding the educational placement of homeless youth; (4) ensure that homeless youth do not lose credits earned in other schools and are not segregated into separate schools or programs within schools; (5) require states, LEAs, and schools to promote success for homeless youth by holding them to the same achievement standards as other students and removing barriers to their full participation in all classes and school activities; (6) list student-centered factors to be considered before an LEA places a homeless youth in a school; (7) require such schools to immediately enroll homeless youth despite unpaid fees or missed application or enrollment deadlines; (8) protect the privacy of information about a homeless youth's living situation; (9) require LEAs to coordinate services provided to homeless and disabled youth; (10) add to the duties of, and funding available to, LEA liaisons for homeless youth; (11) provide for the enrollment of homeless children in preschool programs; (12) require the Secretary of Education to establish or designate a Federal Office of the Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths; (13) authorize the Secretary to award grants or enter into contracts for evaluation, dissemination, and technical assistance activities for educational programs for homeless youth; and (14) triple authorized FY2010 appropriations from those authorized for FY2009.

Increasing Housing Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009

Increasing Housing Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide assistance to for-profit developers to expand the supply of supportive housing for veteran families, such assistance coming in the form of zero interest loans and project rental assistance. Requires: (1) not less than 75% of the units in such housing to be made available for occupancy only by veteran families; (2) rent contribution limits for low-income veterans; and (3) owners of assisted housing to ensure that veterans and their families are provided a range of supportive services tailored to their needs. Provides housing development cost limitations. Directs the HUD Secretary to provide information concerning the availability of such housing to the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Labor. Requires the repayment of housing assistance and the prevention of undue benefits with respect to housing that fails or ceases to be used for veterans' purposes. Provides funding for such assistance from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to include veterans service agencies as entities authorized to submit state and local housing strategies for housing assistance provided under such Act. Requires a study by the Comptroller General on the availability of credit for veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Directs the HUD Secretary to carry out a program to provide mortgage assistance through the provision of grants and loans for direct mortgage payments on behalf of eligible households (households containing a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty for more than 30 days). Outlines assistance requirements and limitations. Requires assistance repayment when the annual income of the household exceeds 200% of the poverty level applicable to that family size. Provides TARP funding for such assistance.

Supporting the goals and ideals of World AIDS Day, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009

Recognizes the ninth anniversary of observing World AIDS Day. Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of such Day; (2) the development of a national AIDS strategy with clear goals and objectives to reduce new HIV infections, especially among vulnerable communities; (3) effective and comprehensive HIV prevention education programs to promote the early identification of HIV through voluntary routine testing and to connect those in need to treatment and care as early as possible; and (4) appropriate funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment, and housing.

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the low income housing tax credit, to increase the offset of such credit against regular income tax liability and permit a five-year carryback of credit amounts.

Energy Efficiency Modernization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009

Energy Efficiency Modernization Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make: (1) payments (green dividends) to owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects who undertake utility cost-saving measures; and (2) loans funded from residual receipts to owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects for undertaking green retrofit measures for such projects. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to Congress on the benefits of a federal statutory exemption from compliance with state and local building codes to enable and encourage the construction and installation in assisted multifamily rental housing projects of distributive energy generation and water efficiency measures. Requires owners of assisted multifamily rental housing projects to report to the Secretary on consumption of electricity, water, gas, and other utilities by such projects.

Green Affordable Housing Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009

Green Affordable Housing Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a program of grants and loans to owners of specified eligible federally assisted housing projects for making eligible green retrofit improvements to such projects. Conditions such grants or loans on a HUD approved retrofit plan by the owners of such projects.

Drywall Victims Insurance Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2009

Drywall Victims Insurance Protection Act of 2009 - Declares it is unlawful for an insurer to cancel, or decline to renew, any coverage for homeowners' insurance for any single-family housing based on the presence, or possibility of presence, of any drywall that: (1) was imported from, or originated in, China at any time during calendar years 2004 through 2007; or (2) contains elevated levels of sulphur or strontium. Prohibits an insurer from issuing discriminatory terms in any renewal of homeowners' coverage based on the presence, or possibility of presence, in the structure of such drywall. Permits an insured adversely affected by a violation of this Act by an insurer to bring a civil action for relief against such insurer in federal or state court. Directs the court to allow a prevailing plaintiff reasonable attorneys' fee as part of the costs, including any expert fees.

Douglas A. Criscitello, of Virginia, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development, vice John W. Cox, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 10 November 2009

Post-9/11 Veterans' Job Training Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2009

Post-9/11 Veterans' Job Training Act of 2009 - Amends requirements for the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program to entitle an eligible veteran of the Armed Forces (including eligible dependents) pursuing a full-time educational program of apprenticeship or other on-job training to a monthly benefit payment equal to: (1) 75% of the monthly benefit payment otherwise payable to such individual for each of the first six months of the program; (2) 55% of such payment for each of the second six months of the program; and (3) 35% of such payment for each of the months following the first 12 months of the program. Reduces the payment an individual receives in any month in which the individual fails to complete 120 hours of training under the program of education. Entitles an eligible veteran of the Armed Forces receiving such monthly benefit to receive also a monthly housing stipend equal to the basic allowance for housing payable for an Armed Forces member with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the military housing area that encompasses the ZIP code area in which the individual resides. Requires an individual's entitlement for each monthly benefit payment to be charged at the rate of: (1) 75% of a month for each of the first six months of the program; (2) 55% of a month for each of the second six months of the program; and (3) 35% of a month for each of the months following the first 12 months of the program.

A resolution encouraging banks and mortgage servicers to work with families affected by contaminated drywall to allow temporary forbearance without penalty on payments on their home mortgages.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2009

Encourages banks and mortgage servicers to work with families affected by contaminated drywall to allow temporary forbearance without penalty on payments on their home mortgages.

To make certain improvements in the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2009

Extends eligibility for the transfer of educational assistance entitlement under the Post-9/11 educational assistance program to those former members of the Armed Forces who: (1) retired on or after September 10, 2001, and on or before July 31, 2009; or (2) medically retired or separated on or after September 10, 2001, due to a disability determined to be service-connected. Provides special rules for individuals entitled to Post-9/11 educational assistance as well as to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program due to service on or before September 10, 2011. Establishes the authorized monthly housing stipend amount for individuals who receive Post-9/11 educational assistance and pursue an approved program of education offered in whole or in part through distance learning.

Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009

Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act of 2009 - Amends the the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to increase reimbursement rates for free, reduced price, and paid meals and snacks served under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at nonresidential child care centers and family or group day care homes. Allows such providers to be reimbursed for the service of three meals and a snack. (Currently, reimbursement is provided for two meals and a snack.) Lowers the percentage of children or school children in an area that must be eligible for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs to make family or group day care homes in the area eligible for higher CACFP reimbursement rates as tier I homes. Increases the maximum monthly administrative payment per home provided to sponsors of family or group day care homes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve the ability of the CACFP to reach low-income families by streamlining program and paperwork requirements.

A bill to extend temporarily the duty on plastic lamp-holder housing containing sockets.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2009

Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend temporarily the duty on plastic lamp-holder housing containing sockets.

MODERNIZING AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

United States · United States Senate · 29 October 2009

Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009

Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2009 - Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to extend through December 31, 2015, specified protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures.

Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009

Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 - Revises or adds provisions concerning veterans' caregiver support, including: (1) the waiver of charges for humanitarian care provided to family members accompanying severely injured veterans receiving medical care; (2) lodging and subsistence for attendants; and (3) a survey of informal caregivers. Revises or adds provisions concerning women veterans' health care, including: (1) reports, studies, and pilot programs; (2) care for women veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (3) counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service; (4) child care subsidies; and (5) care for newborn children of women veterans receiving maternity care. Revises or adds provisions concerning rural veterans' health care, including: (1) a visual impairment and orientation and mobility professionals education assistance program; (2) the use of teleconsultation and telemedicine; (3) demonstration projects on alternatives for expanding veterans' rural health care; (4) pilot programs and reports; (5) an Office of Rural Health five-year strategic plan; (6) the enhancement of Vet Centers to meet the needs of veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (7) centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; and (8) transportation grants for rural veterans service organizations. Revises or adds provisions concerning veterans' mental health care, including: (1) Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans' eligibility for counseling and services through the Readjustment Counseling Service; and (2) a study on suicides among veterans. Revises or adds provisions concerning other veterans' health care matters, including: (1) disclosures from medical records; (2) health care quality management; (3) pilot programs, studies, and reports; (4) the use of non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities for the rehabilitation of veterans with traumatic brain injury; (5) the inclusion of federally-recognized tribal organizations in certain programs for state veterans homes; and (6) a prohibition on the collection of copayments from catastrophically disabled veterans. Revises or adds provisions concerning VA personnel matters, including: (1) authorities for the retention of medical professionals; (2) limitations on overtime and weekend duty, and alternative work schedules, for nurses; and (3) standards for appointment and practice of physicians in VA medical facilities. Revises or adds provisions concerning homeless veterans, including pilot programs on financial support for entities that: (1) coordinate the provision of supportive services to formerly homeless veterans residing on military property and other permanent housing; and (2) provide outreach to inform certain veterans about pension benefits. Revises or adds provisions concerning general authorities, purposes, powers, and accountability and oversight of nonprofit research and education corporations. Designates certain VA medical facilities. Provides expanded authority of, and a uniform allowance for, VA police officers.

To provide an extension of the low-income housing credit placed-in-service date requirement for certain disaster areas.

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2012 the period for placing in service buildings located in a disaster area that are eligible for allocations of low-income housing tax credit amounts.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs program to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing.

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009

Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY2012 and thereafter for a program of financial assistance to provide supportive services (outreach, case management, assistance in obtaining benefits) for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. (Under current law, such program's authorization terminates at the end of FY2011.)

Safe and Healthy Housing Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009

Safe and Healthy Housing Act of 2009 - Directs the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the health effects of housing-related health hazards for which limited research or understanding of causes or associations exists. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), acting through the Director of the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (Director), to implement studies of the assessment, prevention, and control of housing-related health hazards. Directs the Administrator of the EPA to study how sustainable building features in existing housing affect the quality of the indoor environment, the prevalence of housing-related health hazards, and the health of occupants. Directs the Secretary of HUD, acting through the Director, to complete the analysis of data collected for the National Survey on Lead and Allergens in Housing and the American Healthy Housing Survey. Directs the Administrator of the EPA to expand current indoor environmental monitoring efforts to establish baseline levels of indoor chemical pollutants and their sources. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the data and resources needed to establish a healthy housing data collection system. Directs the Secretary of HUD, acting through the Director, to: (1) develop improved methods for evaluating, reducing, and preventing health hazards in housing; (2) support development of objective measures for a healthy residential environment; (3) promote the incorporation of healthy housing principles in post-disaster environments as well as ongoing practices and systems, and of health considerations into green and energy-efficient construction and rehabilitation; (4) improve the dissemination of healthy housing information; and (5) promote state and local level healthy housing efforts. Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to the CDC Program Capacity on Housing-Related Health Hazard. Directs the Administrator of the EPA, acting through the director of the Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education (OCHPEE), to address health hazards in the home environment, with particular attention to children, the elderly, and families with limited resources. Directs the Secretary of HUD, acting through the Director, to award health hazard reduction grants to reduce significant structural, health, and safety hazards in the home. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, to establish a competitive grant program to promote education and outreach on housing-related health hazards. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 with respect to enforcement of the lead disclosure rule. Establishes within the EPA voluntary products and materials and housing labeling programs. Specifies the duties of the EPA Administrator with respect to the Healthy Home Seal of Approval. Directs the EPA Administrator, acting through the OCHPEE, to provide public education and outreach on environmental health risks experienced by the elderly, and low-cost methods for addressing them. Directs the Secretary of HUD, acting through the Director, to award funds for a Health Hazards Outreach competitive grant program. Directs the Secretary of HUD (acting through the Director), the Director of the CDC, and the Administrator of the EPA to establish a national healthy housing media campaign.

Removing Reward for Section 8 Fraud Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2009

Removing Reward for Section 8 Fraud Act of 2009 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to apply to a family residing in a dwelling unit covered by a contract for project-based rental (voucher) assistance under section 8 certain requirements for treatment of families whose welfare or public assistance benefits are reduced under a federal, state, or local law because of: (1) the failure of a family member to comply with requirements to participate in an economic self-sufficiency program or engage in work activities; or (2) an act of fraud by a family member.

THE STATE OF THE NATION'S HOUSING MARKET

United States · United States Senate · 20 October 2009

America's Healthy Future Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2009

America's Healthy Future Act of 2009 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Health Insurance Coverage) to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and essential health benefits coverage. Requires all health benefits plans offered to individuals and employers in the individual and small group market to be qualified health benefits plans (QHBPs). Prohibits QHBPs from excluding coverage for preexisting conditions, or otherwise limiting or conditioning coverage based on any health status-related factors. Requires QHBPs to offer coverage in the individual and small group markets on a guaranteed issue and guaranteed renewal basis. Requires states to: (1) establish rating areas; (2) adopt a specified risk adjustment model; and (3) establish transitional reinsurance programs for individual markets. Requires QHBP offerors in the individual and small group markets to consider all enrollees in a plan to be members of a single risk pool. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish: (1) risk corridors for certain plan years; (2) high risk pools for individuals with preexisting conditions; (3) a temporary reinsurance program for retirees covered by employer-based plans; and (4) a program under which a state establishes one or more QHBPs to provide at least an essential benefits package to eligible individuals in lieu of offering coverage through an exchange. Entitles a qualified individual to the choice to enroll or not to enroll in a QHBP offered through an exchange covering the individual's state as well as QHBPs in the individual market. Requires such individuals to be U.S. citizens or lawful residents. Requires each state to establish: (1) an exchange designed to facilitate enrollment in QHBPs in the individual market; and (2) a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange designed to assist qualified small employers in facilitating the enrollment of their employees in QHBPs in either the individual or the small group market. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a system allowing state residents to participate in state health subsidy programs; and (2) study methods exchange QHBPs can employ to encourage health care providers to make increased meaningful use of electronic health records. Prescribes the contents of an essential benefits package, including little or no cost-sharing, no annual or lifetime limits on coverage, and preventive services. Declares that nothing in this Act requires health care benefits plans to provide coverage for abortions. Requires the plan offeror to determine whether or not the plan provides coverage of abortion services for which federal funding: (1) is prohibited; or (2) is allowed. Requires the Secretary to assure that: (1) at least one QHBP covers abortion services for which federal funding is prohibited or allowed; and (2) at least one QHBP that does not cover abortion services for which federal funding is allowed. Prohibits the use of premium credits and cost-sharing subsidies for QHBPs covering abortion services for which federal funding is prohibited. Prohibits QHBPs from discriminating against any individual health care provider or health care facility because of its willingness or unwillingness to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Continues application of state and federal laws regarding abortion. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow tax credits related to the purchase of health insurance through the state exchanges; and (2) impose an excise tax on individuals without essential health benefits coverage and on employers who fail to meet health insurance coverage requirements with respect to their full-time employees. Requires the President to: (1) certify annually in the President's Budget whether or not the provisions in this Act will increase the budget deficit in the coming fiscal year; and (2) instruct the HHS Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury to make required reductions in exchange credits and subsidies. Establishes a new mandatory eligibility category under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) for all non-elderly, nonpregnant individuals who are otherwise ineligible for Medicaid. Revises Medicaid benefits. Rescinds funds available in the Medicaid Improvement Fund for FY2014-2018. Makes appropriations for Aging and Disability Resource Center initiatives. Increases the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for states to offer home and community-based services as a long-term care (LTC) alternative to nursing homes. Creates a Community First Choice Option. Adds a new optional categorically needy eligibility group to Medicaid for individuals: (1) with income that exceeds 133% of the poverty line; and (2) certain other individuals, but only for benefits limited to family planning services and supplies. Directs the Secretary to establish a grants program to support school-based health centers. Removes smoking cessation drugs, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines from Medicaid's excluded drug list. Revises requirements for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal Coordinated Health Care Office within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMMS). Directs the Secretary to establish a Medicaid Quality Measurement Program. Revises requirements for the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). (CHIP refers to SSA title XXI [Children's Health Insurance Program].) Sets forth special rules relating to American Indians and Alaska Indians. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for sharing data collected under a federal health care program on race, ethnicity, sex, primary language, type of disability, and related measures and data analyses. Amends SSA title V with respect to the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) block grant program. Provides funding for abstinence education. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to codify and revise the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) wellness program regulations. Elder Justice Act of 2009 - Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) with respect to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and their prevention. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Elder Justice Coordinating Council. Directs the Secretary to establish a hospital value-based purchasing program under Medicare. Extends Physician Quality Reporting Initiative program (PQRI) incentive payments beyond 2010. Modifies the Physician Feedback Program. Requires the Secretary to develop a plan to implement a Medicare value-based purchasing program for home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to direct the Secretary to establish a national strategy to improve the delivery of health care services, patient health outcomes, and population health. Directs the President to convene an Interagency Working Group on Health Care Quality. Amends SSA title XI (General Provisions) to provide for the establishment of a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation within CMMS. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to establish a shared savings program that promotes accountability for a patient population and coordinates items and services under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Creates a Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. Directs the Secretary to establish a Community-Based Care Transitions Program Revises requirements with respect to residents in teaching hospitals. Increases the Medicare physician payment update. Directs the Secretary to establish a Working Group on Access to Emergency Medical Care. Extends the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 with respect to the hospital wage index. Establishes a Medicare prescription drug discount program for brand-name drugs for beneficiaries who enroll in Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) and have drug spending that falls into the coverage gap. Establishes an independent Medicare Commission to reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending. Amends SSA title XI to add a new part D (Comparative Effectiveness Research) under which is established a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Establishes in the Treasury the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund. Establishes a nationwide program for national and state background checks on direct patient access employees of LTC facilities and providers. Directs the Secretary to establish new procedures for screening providers of medical or other items or services and suppliers under the Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs. Directs the Secretary to establish a self-referral disclosure protocol to enable health care service providers and suppliers to disclose violations. Requires the Secretary to expand the number of areas included in Round Two of the durable medical equipment (DME) competitive bidding program. Extends the period for collection of overpayments due to fraud. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to: (1) an excise tax on the excess benefit of high cost employer-sponsored health coverage; (2) distributions from health savings accounts for drugs and insulin that are prescribed drugs and insulin only; (3) a limitation on salary reduction contributions by employers to a health flexible spending arrangement; (4) expanded information reporting requirements; (5) additional qualifying requirements for charitable hospital organizations; and (6) a qualifying therapeutic discovery project tax credit. Imposes annual fees on: (1) manufacturers and importers of branded prescription pharmaceuticals or of medical devices; and (2) health insurance providers. Increases the threshold for the itemized income tax deduction for medical expenses. Prescribes a special rule to limit excessive remuneration by certain health insurance providers. Excludes from an individual's gross income the value of any qualified Indian health care benefit. Prescribes treatment of small business employers maintaining a simple cafeteria plan.