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51 records in US in 2010
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2010
Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2010 - Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to extend through December 31, 2012, a specified protection for servicemembers against mortgage foreclosure, maintaining through such date the stay of proceedings period of 9 months (instead of 90 days, as under previous law).
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2010
Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make competitive grants to local governments, public housing agencies (PHAs), community development corporations, assisted housing owners, and other for-profit and nonprofit entities to implement transformational programs in eligible neighborhoods with a concentration of extreme poverty, severely distressed housing, and a potential for long-term viability, once certain key problems are addressed. Requires such programs to include neighborhoods with characteristics such as proximity to educational institutions, medical centers, central business districts, major employers, effective transportation alternatives (including public transit, walking, and bicycling), and low poverty neighborhoods. Prohibits the use of such grants for construction or rehabilitation of a K-12 school building or a higher educational institution. Limits the use of grants for certain non-housing activities and supportive services. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such limitations. Exempts from specified requirements of the United States Housing Act of 1937 the demolition and disposition of severely distressed public and assisted housing pursuant to a transformation plan.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2010
Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a national energy security program to coordinate federal activities and policies to reduce oil consumption by 8 million barrels per day by calendar 2030. Directs the President to develop a national oil independence plan to meet or exceed such goal. Establishes also in the Executive Office a National Energy Security Council to assist and advise the President in setting and meeting the national oil independence goal. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate joint regulations establishing fuel efficiency standards and greenhouse gas emissions limitations to maximize reductions in oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for each class of automobiles subject to fuel economy regulations and manufactured for each of model years 2017 through 2030 and for nonroad vehicles. Establishes within the Department of Energy (DOE) a national plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment program and a targeted electric drive vehicle deployment communities program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and publish guidance for model building codes for the inclusion of separate circuits for charging infrastructure in new construction and major renovations of private residences, buildings, or other structures; and (2) award grants to institutions to provide training and education for vocational workforce development to ensure skills needed to work on and maintain plug-in electric drive vehicles and the infrastructure required to support them. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a refundable personal tax credit to a qualified deployment community taxpayer who purchases a new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle and resides in a selected deployment community; (2) revise the new qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit; and (3) extend and revise the credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property. Creates tax-exempt qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle refueling property bonds. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary to make guarantees for charging infrastructure and networks of charging infrastructure for plug-in drive electric vehicles, if the infrastructure will be operational prior to December 31, 2016. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to require each electric utility to develop a plan to support the use of plug-in electric drive vehicles. Requires the Federal Energy Management Program and the General Services Administration (GSA) to assess the conversion of federal government fleets to plug-in electric drive vehicles. Directs the GSA Administrator to acquire such vehicles and charging infrastructure and deploy them in a range of locations in the federal fleet. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Advanced Batteries for Tomorrow Prize to advance research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of a 500-mile vehicle battery. Creates in the Treasury a 500-mile Battery Fund. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a research and development funding program for advanced batteries, plug-in electric drive vehicle components, plug-in electric drive infrastructure, and other related technologies. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to Congress on: (1) the raw materials needed for the manufacture of components for plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) the infrastructure needed to support such vehicles. Establishes the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Technical Advisory Committee. Directs the President to establish the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Interagency Task Force. Requires disposal of an advanced battery from a plug-in electric drive vehicle in accordance with the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct the Secretary of Energy to guarantee loans to eligible entities for the aggregate purchase of not fewer than 200 qualified automotive batteries (designed for use in qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles but purchased for nonautomotive applications) in a calendar year with a total minimum power rating of one megawatt and advanced battery technology. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish model building codes for the inclusion of separate circuits for charging infrastructure in new construction and major renovations of private residences, buildings, or other structures; (2) model construction permitting or inspection processes that allow for the expedited installation of charging infrastructure for purchasers of plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (3) model zoning, parking rules, or other local ordinances that facilitate the installation of, and access to, charging infrastructure. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for grid-interactive plug-in vehicles. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of the data that may be collected from plug-in electric drive vehicles. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the EPA Administrator to promulgate regulations to establish: (1) national transportation-related goals for reducing oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) standardized models and related methods for states, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and air quality agencies to address oil savings and emission reduction goals. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations concerning the consideration of oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in transportation planning. Requires metropolitan planning areas and states to develop surface transportation-related oil savings and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, as well as strategies to meet those targets. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to distribute funds to states and MPOs for investing in transportation greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $230 the amount of qualified transportation fringe (commuter) benefits excluded from an employee's gross income. Makes it the goal of the United States to shift at least 10% of freight shipped by truck to rail or marine shipping by calendar 2020. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a national freight transportation options plan; and (2) make grants to states for the capital costs of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment for high priority rail corridor projects necessary to reduce congestion in freight rail transportation. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report on the benefits and costs of electrification of rail corridors. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for advanced biofuel facilities as well as grants in lieu of credits for advanced biofuel facility property (under division B of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009). Includes algae-based biofuel in the definition of cellulosic biofuel. Extends: (1) the cellulosic biofuel producer credit; (2) the special allowance for cellulosic biofuel plant property; (3) certain credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel; (4) alcohol fuels tax credits; and (5) alternative fuel excise tax credits. Allows a tax credit for qualified natural gas motor vehicles and creates tax-exempt natural gas vehicle bonds. Allows an expensing deduction for manufacturing facilities producing vehicles fueled by compressed or liquefied natural gas. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations for environmental best management practices of oil and gas operators on federal lands. Directs the GSA Administrator to study and report to Congress on means of increasing the number of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas vehicles in the federal fleet. Establishes in DOE an Energy Efficiency Improvement for Heating Oil, Propane, and Kerosene Program to fund state participation in programs operated by a national oilheat research alliance or the Propane Education and Research Council to carry out cost-effective energy efficiency programs for homes and buildings that use home heating oil, propane, and kerosene. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a renewable biomass thermal energy loan program of grants to states to support financial assistance by qualified program delivery entities to replace with certain wood or wood-pellet fired boilers any thermal energy systems in commercial or multifamily residential buildings that use heating oil or another petroleum product. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to: (1) extend the placed-in-service dates applicable to specified alternative energy property eligible for grants in lieu of tax credits; and (2) allow such grants to state utilities with service obligations and mutual or cooperative electric companies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2010
Revises the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program which guarantees veterans' loans for the purchase of residential cooperative housing to remove a provision which limits to five years after a loan is guaranteed the use of loan proceeds to purchase stock or membership in a cooperative housing corporation. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that a loan used for such purchase in a corporation that has been reviewed and approved by a lender approved by the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA, a/k/a Fannie Mae) is not denied solely because such corporation: (1) is not preapproved by FNMA; or (2) is an affordable limited equity cooperative.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2010
American Residential Housing Recovery Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to carry out a shared equity appreciation financing pilot program to analyze the effectiveness of shared equity financing methods that stimulate the flow of private equity capital into the housing sector, while mitigating risk to borrowers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for private investment in shared equity appreciation contracts. Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to: (1) treat shared equity appreciation contracts as a consumer financial product; and (2) provide for regulatory oversight of shared equity appreciation contracts by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2010
Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2011. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; (4) operation and maintenance; (5) military personnel; (6) Working Capital Funds; (7) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Defense Health Program; (12) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (13) overseas contingency operations; (14) chemical demilitarization; (15) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (16) National Guard and reserve forces facilities; (17) military base closure and realignment activities; (18) overseas contingency operations military construction; (19) environmental restoration; (20) cooperative threat reduction; and (21) Iraq and Afghanistan security forces. Improve Acquisition Act of 2010 - Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) civilian management of the defense acquisition system; (2) acquisition related functions of chiefs of the armed forces; and (3) performance assessments of the defense acquisition system. Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act - Recognizes the suffering and loyalty of Guam residents during World War II. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) payments for Guam World War II claims; (2) adjudication of claims; and (3) grants to memorialize the occupation of Guam during World War II. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for military construction, military family housing, and energy conservation projects. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy; (2) education and training; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) DOD organization and management; (5) DOD financial matters; (6) civilian personnel; (7) matters relating to foreign nations; (8) the National Defense Stockpile; (9) military construction; (10) counterterrorism; (11) Guantanamo detainees; (12) body armor; (13) counter-improvised explosive device (IED) database; (14) unmanned aerial vehicles; (15) intelligence information sharing; (16) cybersecurity; (17) missile defense; (18) nuclear weapon stockpiles; and (19) nonproliferation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2010
Former Bennett Freeze Area Development Act - Requires the Commissioner of the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (ONHIR), by request of the Navajo Nation or the Hopi Tribe by tribal resolution, to enter into a self-determination contract or contracts with the requesting Indian tribe to plan, conduct, and administer programs, functions, services, or activities, including construction programs administered by the Commissioner that pertain directly to the requesting Indian tribe. Establishes the Former Bennett Freeze Area Rehabilitation Trust Fund in the Treasury. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Navajo Nation solely for purposes which will contribute to the continuing rehabilitation and improvement of the economic, housing, infrastructure, health, educational, and social condition of families, and Navajo communities, that have been affected by the former Bennett Freeze. Authorizes the Commissioner to carry out a rehabilitation program to redress the effects of federal development restrictions (Bennett Freeze) in the western portion of the Navajo Reservation, limited to housing construction and renovation, infrastructure improvements, and economic development initiatives. Repeals requirements that: (1) the United States be reimbursed for funds appropriated to the Navajo Rehabilitation Trust Fund before its termination; and (2) the income derived by the Navajo Tribe from the surface and mineral estates of certain lands located in New Mexico acquired for the Tribe's benefit be used to reimburse the General Fund of the U.S. Treasury. Reauthorizes the Fund. Grants the Navajo Nation the right to negotiate and approve an Accommodation Agreement with the Hopi Tribe for any Navajo head of household residing on Hopi Partitioned Land that has not otherwise entered into such Agreement but intends to remain on the Land. Amends the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996 to grant any Navajo family that has entered into an Accommodation Agreement the right to: (1) relinquish that Agreement at any time up until the closure of the ONHIR; and after such relinquishment (2) receive the full relocation benefits to which the family would otherwise have been entitled had the family not signed such Agreement, including relocation housing, counseling, and other services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2010
Condemns the anti-Christian violence that has occurred in Iraq and has forced Iraqi Christians to flee their homes and communities. Calls on the government of Iraq to enhance its efforts to guarantee the protection and survival of the Iraqi Christian population and all other Iraqi religious minorities. Urges the President and the Secretary of State to make the protection of vulnerable minority groups in Iraq, including Iraqi Christians, a priority in their discussions with Iraqi leaders and a central element in U.S. efforts in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2010
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 with respect to the use of community development block grant (CDBG) funds to provide public services, including those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, energy conservation, welfare, or recreation needs. Increases from 15% to 25% for FY2011 and FY2012 the limit on the amount of CDBG assistance that may be used for such public services by a unit of general local government. Increase from 15% to 25%, also, for such fiscal years the statewide limit on the use of CDGB assistance by nonentitled communities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2010
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) Act - Amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or marital status in housing sales and rentals, residential real estate-related transactions, and brokerage services. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to prohibit the intimidation, interference, or injury of individuals because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or marital status. Redefines "discriminatory housing practice" to specify that the definition: (1) applies regardless of whether the discriminatory practices occur pre- or post-acquisition; and (2) includes a failure to comply with administrative requirements of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including related regulations, in a manner affirmatively to further nondiscrimination policies. Redefines "familial status" to include individuals (under age 18) residing with: (1) a foster parent or another person having physical custody of such individuals; or (2) anyone standing in loco parentis of such individuals (currently, the designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the parent's or other person's written permission). Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to grant the Attorney General pre-litigation subpoena power if there is reason to believe that any person may be in possession, custody, or control of any documentary material or information relevant to an investigation under the respective Act. States that discrimination against a person because of a handicap includes the failure, in connection with a real estate-related transaction, to make reasonable accommodations for such persons. Revises the limitations on filing complaints and commencing civil actions by certain individuals alleging discriminatory housing practices to deem that the failure to design and construct a dwelling that meets requirements for reasonable modifications for handicapped persons shall continue (and with it the alleged discriminatory housing practice) until such time as the dwelling conforms to them.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2010
Rental Housing Revitalization Act of 2010 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to allocate amounts to public housing agencies (PHAs) and other owners of eligible properties for the voluntary conversion of specified existing project-based rental housing assistance contracts through the execution of long-term, property-based assistance contracts or of project-based voucher rental assistance contracts for additional units of assistance under project-based voucher contracts with public and private owners of properties assisted under certain other federal rental supplement, rental assistance, or affordable housing programs. Establishes the Rental Assistance Conversion Trust Fund in the Treasury. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures to implement a residence choice option for housing opportunities for families in dwelling units with converted rental assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to establish uniform policies and procedures to streamline rental assistance programs for such properties. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into property-based housing assistance payment contracts for converted or replacement properties; and (2) provide funds for a PHA to administer or assist in their administration. Limits the term of a property-based contract between the Secretary and: (1) the owner of a property assisted, before conversion, to at least 20 years; and (2) the owner of any other property to the existing term remaining on the contract being converted or, as the Secretary determines, a term of up to 20 years. Allows contract renewals and extensions. Revises the limitation on the percentage of dwelling units in a project that may be assisted with PHA project-based assistance to allow up to an additional 5% of dwelling units housing homeless individuals and families to receive such assistance. Allows a PHA administering project-based assistance pursuant to a conversion to attach it to up to 40% of dwelling units. Makes conforming amendments to the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act and the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2010
Transparency and Security in Mortgage Registration Act of 2010 - Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) from purchasing, acquiring, newly lending on the security of, newly investing in securities consisting of, or otherwise newly dealing in any Mortgage Electronic Registration System, Inc. (MERS) mortgage or mortgages. Prohibits the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) from newly guaranteeing the payment of principal of or interest on any trust certificate or other security based or backed by a trust or pool that contains, or purchase or acquire, any MERS mortgage. Directs Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae to require all their current MERS mortgages to be assigned to the proper servicer, holder, or creditor. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to study and report to Congress to analyze and determine: (1) the impacts of the lack of electronic records and uniform standards found in local land title recordation systems currently used in the various states; (2) any progress states have made in developing electronic land title recordation systems containing uniform standards; (3) the current oversight role of the federal government in the transfer and recordation of land titles; and (4) the feasibility of creating a federal land title recordation system for property transfers that would maintain all previous records of the land-property without invalidating, interfering with, or preempting state real property law governing the transfer and perfection of land title.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010
Aiding Those Facing Foreclosure Act of 2010 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to use any amounts obligated under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to enable nonprofit counseling intermediaries and nonprofit legal organizations to provide legal assistance to homeowners of owner-occupied homes consisting of from one to four dwelling units whose mortgages are in default or delinquency, in danger of default or delinquency, or subject to or at risk of foreclosure (including any deed in lieu of foreclosure or short sale).
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010
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. Requires the President, based on certain criteria, to give preference to the employment of additional persons in the Corps in the following order: (1) unemployed Armed Forces veterans (including Reserve members); (2) unemployed U.S. citizens who have exhausted their unemployment compensation; (3) unemployed U.S. citizens who are eligible for unemployment compensation immediately before employment in the Corps, including any additional compensation or extended compensation; and (4) other unemployed or underemployed U.S. citizens. Authorizes the President to provide housing and transportation for Corps employees. Prohibits discrimination in the hiring of Corps employees.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Amends the Fair Housing Act to exempt any person who prints or publishes a notice seeking to enter into a shared living arrangement with a person sharing similar religious opinions or beliefs from the prohibition against notices, statements, or advertisements, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling, that indicate a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Defines "shared living arrangement" as an agreement in which occupants of a dwelling share living space within the dwelling.
United States · United States Senate · 15 November 2010
United States · United States Senate · 30 September 2010
United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 September 2010
United States · United States Senate · 29 September 2010
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Advanced Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend the tax credit for new energy efficient homes; (2) increase the rate of the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; and (3) increase capacity limitations for purposes of the energy tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Allows: (1) a new tax credit for the cost of home energy ratings; (2) a business-related tax credit for the training and certification costs of home energy performance auditors and for motor energy efficiency improvements; (3) a 50% tax credit for performance-based home energy improvements; (4) a tax credit for investment in a qualifying efficient industrial process water use project; (5) a new tax credit for chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) chiller replacement; (6) accelerated depreciation for certain alternative energy property and natural gas distribution facilities; and (7) a new tax credit for the cost of an idling reduction device installed on a heavy-duty diesel-powered on-highway vehicle. Increases the limitation on allocations for the qualifying advanced energy project tax credit. Allows a tax credit for investment in a qualifying industrial energy efficiency project (a project that reduces energy inputs for a given level of production by capital expenditures). Allows: (1) a 20% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property directly connected to the power grid: (2) financing of such property with new clean renewable energy bonds; (3) a 30% energy tax credit for investment in qualified onsite energy storage property; and (4) a 30% nonbusiness energy property tax credit for qualified residential energy storage equipment. Extends through 2012 the tax credit for producing electricity from offshore wind facilities. Increases and expands the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration. Modifies the definition of "cellulosic biofuel" for purposes of the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit and the special depreciation allowance to mean any liquid fuel that is derived solely from qualified feedstocks (defined as any lignocellulosic or hemicellulosic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis and any cultivated algae, cyanobacteria, or lemna).
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Suburban Core Opportunity, Restoration, and Enhancement (SCORE) Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to designate one or more SCORE project areas. Conditions such a designation on whether: (1) the area is nominated by one or more local governments, including municipal and county authorities; and (2) the local government provides written assurances that it convened a SCORE advisory committee to enter into a collaborative community planning process to determine the SCORE project area to be nominated, and meets other related criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to local governments to: (1) create strategic plans for SCORE project areas; and (2) fund activities to revitalize such areas. Requires a local government receiving a revitalization grant to establish a separate SCORE Reinvestment Fund. Requires such a grant to be used to: (1) acquire real, commercial, or industrial property and existing structures within a SCORE project area; (2) pay for engineers to develop or redevelop the property and structures; and (3) pay for property and structure construction, reconstruction, alteration, or rehabilitation, or to make substantial improvements to them. Deems a business located within a SCORE project area and receiving community block grant funds under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (HCDA) to have met specified requirements for any job creation or job retention effort undertaken with such funds, including the one that assisted activities benefit persons of low and moderate income. Exempts any economic development project located within a SCORE project area receiving HCDA funds from HCDA public benefit standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a three-year work opportunity tax credit for the hiring of employees who perform services for a trade or business located in a SCORE project area; and (2) an additional depreciation allowance for business or investment property located in such an area.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Helping Agriculture Receive Verifiable Employees Securely and Temporarily Act of 2010 or the HARVEST Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to redefine "H-2A worker" to include a nonimmigrant who: (1) is seeking to perform agricultural labor in the United States in a job for which U.S. workers are not available and willing to perform such service or labor; and (2) commutes each day across the U.S. border and returns to his or her foreign residence and place of abode at the end of each business day. Defines "Level 2 H-2A worker" as an H-2A worker who has been employed as an H-2A worker for at least 30 months, has not violated a material term of H-2A employment, and works in a supervisory capacity. Sets forth employer and employee association petition and attestation requirements. Requires H-2A employers to participate in the the E-Verify program. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Labor to conduct investigations and random audits of employer work sites; and (2) the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide each H-2A worker with a single machine-readable, counterfeit-resistant document that authorizes the alien's U.S. entry, serves as an employment eligibility document, and has at least one biometric identifier. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) penalties; (2) working conditions, wages, transportation, and housing; (3) admissions and extensions of stay; and (4) worker replacement. Amends the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act to: (1) limit the conditions under which the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) may provide legal assistance for any alien, or provide financial assistance to any person or entity that provides legal assistance for any alien; (2) require a good faith mediation attempt prior to bringing a civil action for damages on behalf of an H-2A worker; (3) require an H-2A employer to post LSC contact information in the dwelling and at the work site of each nonimmigrant employee in a language in which all employees can understand; and (4) require that the LSC pay a prevailing defendant's costs. Authorizes appropriations to adjudicate H-2A petitions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Bed Bug Prevention and Mitigation Pilot Program Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make a grant to the state of Ohio to support a pilot program under which its political subdivisions and housing authorities use grant funds to supplement ongoing bed bug prevention and mitigation activities. Conditions receipt of such grant on the state directing the Ohio Department of Agriculture, working in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health, to distribute the funds to such subdivisions and authorities that are addressing persistent bed bug infestations and whose residents lack the financial resources to adequately mitigate them. Permits the use of grant funds to: (1) retain commercial applicators of pesticides to perform bed bug prevention and mitigation activities; (2) purchase and distribute mattress covers; (3) dispose of and replace infested material; (4) conduct monitoring activities; and (5) treat used mattresses and furniture using methods proven to control all life stages of bed bugs. Directs the Administrator: (1) after the end of FY2012, to collect data on the number of grant fund recipients and the funds awarded to each, the criteria used to award funds, the success achieved, and documented results of intervention efforts on infestation rates; and (2) to report to Congress by September 30, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Assets for Independence Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the Assets for Independence Act, which provides for demonstration projects designed to provide individuals and families of limited means with an incentive to save a portion of their earned income and thereby accumulate assets, increase their economic self-sufficiency, and stabilize such families and the communities in which they live. Expresses the sense of Congress that a qualified entity conducting a demonstration project under the Act should, to the maximum extent practicable, increase: (1) the rate at which it matches contributions by participating individuals; or (2) the number of such participating individuals. States that multiple households may share a single residence. Specifies public housing agencies and tribally designated housing entities as entities qualified to participate in a demonstration project. Repeals the requirement that state or local government or other public agencies apply jointly with a tax-exempt not-for-profit charitable organization or collaborate with certain kinds of local community-based organizations. Includes among postsecondary educational expenses any expenses for preparatory courses, room and board, and transportation. Revises requirements for: (1) applications for new and renewals of existing projects; (2) limitations on uses of the Reserve Fund; and (3) the adjusted gross household income eligibility test, requiring regulations for transfers from one project to another for individuals who move because of major disasters or emergencies, to find employment, or to a community where no project is available. Revises requirements for deposits by qualified entities in the individual development accounts (IDAs) of participating individuals to: (1) increase maximum deposits per individual and per household; (2) facilitate withdrawal of funds from an IDA, with formal approval, during the year following the end of a demonstration project; and (3) require disposal of funds remaining in an IDA at the end of that year. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of Community Services, to make every effort, 90 days after terminating the authority of one qualified entity to operate a demonstration project, to identify another qualified entity (or entities), in the same or a different community, willing and able to conduct one or more demonstration projects. Specifies criteria for giving priority consideration to candidate entities. Revises requirements for contracting with independent research organizations to evaluate demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) use certain funds to cover the necessary costs of training for a qualified entity conducting a demonstration project, including costs of travel, accommodations, and meals; and (2) waive any requirement of the Act in certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Office of the Homeowner Advocate Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Office of the Homeowner Advocate to assist homeowners, housing counselors, and housing lawyers in resolving problems with the Home Affordable Modification Program of the Making Home Affordable initiative of the Secretary of the Treasury, authorized under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Rural Energy Communities Development Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make water and waste facility loans to an eligible city, town, or incorporated area with a population of less than 20,000 that has, from January 1999 through December 2009, experienced energy sector job growth of not less than 20%. Makes such loans available for: (1) essential community facilities, including water conservation, waste disposal facilities, transportation facilities, and affordable housing; (2) land acquisition; (3) staff; and (4) comprehensive community or housing plan updates. Prohibits the Secretary from making or entering into a loan commitment after September 30, 2012. Directs the Secretary to waive income limitations for FY2011-FY2016 for certain: (1) rural housing loans, including Doug Bereuter single-family housing loan guarantees; (2) low- and moderate-income rural housing loans; and (3) multifamily rural rental housing loan guarantees.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Strengthening FHA Through Shared Equity Homeownership Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a shared equity homeownership pilot program to analyze the effectiveness of providing mortgage insurance under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance program for mortgages for the acquisition or refinancing of 1- to 4-primary family residences that are financed in part through a shared equity arrangement under which independent, private sector investors invest, together with the mortgagors, equity funds for such residences and thereby share in their ownership. Requires the Secretary to select up to 8 financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, housing associations, investment pools, and other appropriate individuals and entities to participate in the pilot. Requires a mortgagor to: (1) make a downpayment of at least 3.5% of the appraised value of the residence involved; and (2) retain a minimum equity in the residence under the shared equity arrangement of at least 60%.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Homebuyer Enhanced Fee Disclosure Act of 2010 - Deems a transfer fee covenant recorded on or after the date of the enactment of this Act as void and unenforceable unless, at the time the document containing the covenant is submitted for recording, a notice described in this Act is contemporaneously submitted for recording in the office of the applicable county recorder. Requires such notice to include statements containing owner names, a legal description of the affected property, amounts constituting the transfer fee to be paid, the method and manner of payment, dollar-cost examples in the case of residential property, and the date or circumstances under which the covenant expires (if applicable). Provides a presumption of validity of a transfer fee covenant that imposes a fee of not more than 1 percent of the gross sales price for the affected property, is effective for a term of not more than 99 years, and complies with the notice requirements of this Act. Defines a "transfer fee covenant" as a covenant, restriction, or agreement filed with the office of the applicable county recorder that: (1) affects real property; and (2) obligates a future buyer or seller of the affected real property (other than a person who is a party to such a document) to pay a fee, charge, or payment imposed by the document and required to be paid in connection with or as a result of a transfer of title to the property.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Homeowner Equity Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prohibit any person from demanding or accepting a transfer fee pursuant to a transfer fee covenant recorded in any state if the transfer for which such fee is imposed involves a federally related mortgage loan and the transfer occurs after the expiration of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. Prohibits enforcement of a lien purporting to secure the payment of such a fee. Defines a "transfer fee covenant" as a provision in a document relating to the transfer of specified residential real property designed principally for the occupancy of from one to four families, whether recorded or not and however denominated, that: (1) purports to run with the land or bind current owners of, or successors in title to such real property; and (2) obligates a transferee or transferor of all or part of the property to pay a fee or charge to a third person upon transfer of an interest in all or part of the property, or in consideration for permitting any such transfer. Imposes civil and criminal penalties, including liability for treble damages, for violation of this Act. Allows an action pursuant to this Act to be brought in the U.S. district court, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, for the district in which the property involved is located.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Recognizes the City of Fresno, California, as it celebrates its 125th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Calls on the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to recognize the Rohingya people as full citizens of Burma and to lift restrictions on movement, marriage, and access to education. Calls on the government of Bangladesh to: (1) desist from forcing unregistered Rohingya to return to Burma; and (2) address, in cooperation with international agencies, the dire humanitarian conditions in the camps housing the unregistered Rohingya. Calls on the government of Thailand to: (1) allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) access to detained Rohingya rescued at sea and to allow refugees status determinations; and (2) provide Rohingya refugees with adequate protection. Calls on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to allow Rohingya access to education and livelihoods. Calls on the U.S. government to: (1) provide increased humanitarian assistance in northern Arakan State; (2) provide support for education for Rohingya refugees outside Burma; (3) raise the plight of the Rohingya in bilateral and international fora; (4) pressure the SPDC to release all political prisoners, including Rohingya Member of Parliament U Kyaw Min and his family; and (5) engage with the government of Bangladesh in the economic development of the Cox's Bazar region in which the majority of the Rohingya refugee population lives.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. Recognizes and reaffirms the nation's commitment to ending homelessness by promoting a comprehensive national response that addresses the housing, health care, income, and civil rights causal factors and consequences of extreme poverty.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Housing Opportunity and Mortgage Equity Act of 2010 - Directs the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government-sponsored enterprises or GSEs) each to carry out a one-year program providing for the refinancing of qualified single-family housing mortgages it owns through a refinancing mortgage (and for the purchase of and securitization of such refinancing mortgages) in accordance with this Act and the policies and procedures of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Defines a qualified mortgage as one, regardless of whether the mortgagor is current on payments due or in default, that: (1) is an existing first mortgage for purchase of, or refinancing another first mortgage on, a one- to four-family dwelling, including a condominium or a share in a cooperative ownership housing association, that is occupied by the mortgagor as principal residence; (2) is owned or guaranteed by the particular GSE; and (3) was originated on or before enactment of this Act. Specifies the terms and conditions of a refinancing mortgage, including a 40-year term to maturity and a prohibition on borrower fees. Requires waiver or forgiveness of all fees and penalties related to any default or delinquency on the original mortgage. Requires a GSE to pay a fee of up to $1,000 to the servicer of a qualified mortgage refinance. Prohibits any requirement of a property appraisal.
United States · United States Senate · 23 September 2010
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2010
Amends the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to include in the definition of small business lending under such Act loans secured by real estate: (1) that are made to finance land development that is preparatory to erecting new structures, including improving land, laying sewers, and laying water pipes, or the on-site construction of industrial, commercial, residential, or farm buildings; (2) that is vacant land, except land known to be used or usable for agricultural purposes; (3) the proceeds of which are to be used to acquire and improve developed or undeveloped property; or (4) that are made under title I or title X of the National Housing Act. Makes such inclusion applicable only to loans extended to small businesses in the construction industry.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2010
Adult Day Achievement Center Enhancement Act - Requires the Assistant Secretary for Aging to initiate a comprehensive survey of current adult day programs that provide care and support to individuals living with multiple sclerosis, to include: (1) identifying ongoing successful multiple sclerosis adult day programs (MSADPs) and other similar adult day programs; and (2) developing a set of best practices to help guide the establishment and replication of additional successful MSADPs and other similar adult day programs. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish a competitive grant program for awarding grants annually to fund MSADPs and other similar adult day programs. Defines an MSADP as an adult day program that provides comprehensive and effective care and support services to individuals living with multiple sclerosis and their family caregivers and that may assist participants in ways that: (1) maintain or improve their functional abilities or otherwise help them adjust to their changing functional abilities; (2) prevent the onset of complications associated with severe forms of the disease; (3) promote alternatives to placement in nursing homes; (4) reduce the strain on family caregivers taking care of a family member with multiple sclerosis; or (5) focus on supporting the emotional, social, and intellectual needs of a younger adult population.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Veterans' Homelessness Prevention and Early Warning Act of 2010 - Revises federal provisions relating to default procedures for loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, within seven days after receiving notification from a veteran of a defaulted loan so guaranteed, to: (1) provide the veteran with specified financial counseling and advice relating to such foreclosure; (2) notify a VA homelessness case manager of the default; and (3) ensure that such case manager develops a plan to provide alternate housing for the veteran in case of loss of the home.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Community Awareness Act of 2010 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, with respect to supportive housing for persons with disabilities, to prohibit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD) from providing assistance to an applicant for such supportive housing unless the applicant has held at least one local public open community meeting regarding the application that meets specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Recognizes the centennial of the City of Lilburn, Georgia. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of a City of Lilburn Day.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Job Creation and Tax Cuts Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend expiring tax expenditure provisions relating to infrastructure financing, energy, individuals, housing, businesses, health care, and disaster relief. Requires a report to Congress on each tax expenditure extended by this Act. Makes technical corrections and other amendments to laws relating to pension funding. Sets forth tax rules for the treatment of partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services. Treats as ordinary income or loss net income or loss from an investment services partnership interest. Extends through 2020 the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate and increases such rate to 78 cents a barrel. Increases from $1 billion to $5 billion the per incident limitation on expenditures from such Trust Fund. Denies a tax deduction for the payment of punitive damages. Includes in taxpayer gross income punitive damages paid by an insurer. Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Social Security Act, and other statutes relating to health care assistance to individuals. Provides additional funding for: (1) grants to states for youth activities, including summer employment; and (2) the Housing Trust Fund for low-income housing programs. Individual Indian Money Account Litigation Settlement Act of 2010 - Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Class Action Settlement Agreement dated December 7, 2009, in the case entitled Elouise Cobell et al. v. Ken Salazar . Establishes in the Treasury the Trust Land Consolidation Fund and the Indian Education Scholarship Holding Fund to carry out terms of the Settlement Agreement. Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to carry out the terms of a settlement agreement to resolve claims raised in the cases consolidated in In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation , including Pigford claims (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture). Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010 to authorize expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund for allocations of infrastructure funding to states. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend through 2013 duty suspensions on certain cotton fabrics. Authorizes transfers from the Treasury to restore payment levels from the Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund. Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 to extend through 2012 trade adjustment assistance programs. Extends through FY2011, and makes appropriations for, activities authorized by part A of title IV (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA), other than the Emergency Contingency Fund for State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs, in the manner authorized for FY2010, subject to the amendments made by this Act. Increases and extends through FY2011 grant funding to state courts to assess and improve handling of proceedings relating to foster care and adoption. Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to unemployment compensation program integrity. Extends: (1) through December 31, 2019, fees for customs services in connection with processing of merchandise; and (2) through September 30, 2019, fees for custom services in connection with commercial vehicles. Foreign-Held Debt Transparency and Threat Assessment Act - Requires: (1) the President to report to Congress quarterly on the risks posed by foreign holdings of debt instruments of the United States; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually on such risks; and (3) the Comptroller General to report annually on risks to the United States posed by the federal debt. Requires the President to formulate and implement a plan of action to reduce the risk posed by foreign holdings of debt instruments to U.S. long-term national security or economic stability. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Office of the Homeowner Advocate to assist homeowners, housing counselors, and housing lawyers in resolving problems with the Home Affordable Modification Program. Provides for compliance of the budgetary effects of this Act with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 September 2010
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010
Prompt Decision for Qualification of Short Sale Act of 2010 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to consider approved a mortgagor's written request to a mortgage loan servicer for a short sale of a dwelling or residential real property if the mortgagor has not received, within 45 days after the servicer's receipt of the request, a written notification of whether the request has been approved, specified changes are required, or additional information is required. Declares this Act inapplicable to certain residential mortgages entered into before enactment of this Act which explicitly provide a procedure or terms for a short sale approval.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 2010
Extends, for those separated or released on or after June 15, 2005, the termination of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage for totally disabled veterans to two years after their separation or release from active duty or active duty for training of at least 30 days. Allows a veteran under age 60 and insured under Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) for less than the maximum SGLI amount ($400,000) to increase at renewal the VGLI coverage by up to $25,000 at the time of renewal. Entitles a surviving spouse to a benefit for the month of a veteran's death if, at the time of the veteran's death: (1) the veteran was receiving veterans' disability compensation or veteran's pension; or (2) the veteran was not receiving such compensation or pension but had a claim pending for the month of the veteran's death for which benefits would have been payable had the veteran not died. Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from requesting the return of a check or payment made to a surviving spouse, in the month in which the veteran's death occurs, as additional compensation for a dependent or additional pension as a married veteran. Includes under the VA's presidential memorial certificate program (a program presenting a presidential certificate of appreciation for service in the Armed Forces) an individual who dies during active service. Deems as satisfying occupancy requirements necessary for a veteran's housing loan the occupancy by a veteran's dependent child, when the veteran is in active duty status and therefore unable to occupy the property. Allows the Secretary, in determining whether a VA-guaranteed housing loan is secured by a first lien, to either disregard or allow for subordination to a superior lien created by a recorded covenant in favor of a public entity that has provided or will provide assistance in response to a major disaster as declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Requires the VA to adjudicate appeals for relief from findings of mental incompetence made under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) within 180 days after their receipt. Deems granted any appeals not processed within such period.
United States · United States Senate · 25 August 2010
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 2010
Workforce Housing Opportunity Simplification Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), to purchase, service, sell, lend on the security of, and otherwise deal in affordable workforce housing mortgages for one-family residences: (1) that shall be used as the mortgagor's residence at least 8 of any 12 months and 240 days of any 365 days; (2) located within, or are part of, a multifamily housing development meeting certain requirements; and (3) located in a resort county. Exempts such mortgages from any requirements and guidelines of such government sponsored entities (also known as GSEs) that are inconsistent with such authority and with the GSEs' duty under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to serve the market for affordable workforce housing mortgages. Limits the application of this Act to such mortgages in Colorado resort counties (Eagle County, Grand County, and Summit County). Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to require the GSEs to develop loan products and flexible underwriting guidelines to facilitate a secondary market for affordable workforce housing mortgages under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Clean Energy Technology Leadership Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2014 the tax credit for investment in a qualifying advanced energy project; (2) increase and extend the tax credit for energy-efficient appliances; (3) allow an enhanced tax deduction between 2011 and 2014 for income attributable to the domestic production of advanced alternative energy technology; (4) allow an elective payment for certain energy property placed in service before January 1, 2013; (5) increase the amount of the national limitation on the issuance of new clean renewable energy bonds; (6) increase in 2011 and 2012 the tax credit for energy research expenses; (7) extend through 2012 the tax credits for new energy efficient homes and the nonbusiness energy credit; (8) increase the rate of the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building property installed on or in a certified historic structure; (9) allow a new tax credit for qualified natural gas motor vehicles; (10) allow the issuance of tax-exempt natural gas vehicle bonds; (11) allow expensing of the cost of any qualified natural gas vehicle manufacturing facility property; (12) extend through 2012 the parity provisions for transit and parking transportation fringe benefits; (13) extend the tax deduction for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; (14) extend through 2012 the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel; and (15) include within the definition of "cellulosic biofuel," for purposes of the income tax credit for alcohol used as fuel, algae-based biofuel. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress by January 1, 2013, evaluating all temporary and permanent energy tax incentives in effect on the date of the report.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2010
Indian Energy Parity Act of 2010 - Authorizes an Indian tribe or tribal energy development organization to submit to the Secretary of the Interior, and to applicable federal agencies, a plan to fully integrate into a single, coordinated, comprehensive program federally funded energy-related activities and programs, including programs for employment training, energy planning, financing, construction, and related physical infrastructure and equipment. Requires a plan to meet specified requirements and prohibits an agency from imposing additional requirements. Prohibits any other federal funding from being reduced, denied, or withheld as a result of plan participation by an Indian tribe or tribal energy development organization. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 with respect to: (1) Indian tribal energy resource development, including to direct the Secretary to provide assistance to interested Indian tribes or tribal energy resource development organizations in developing an energy resource development program; and (2) tribal energy resource agreements. Amends the Federal Power Act to include Indian tribes, along with states and municipalities, as having preference for the receipt of preliminary hydroelectric licenses. Amends the Indian Land Consolidation Act: (1) to revise the definition of "parcel of highly fractionated Indian land"; (2) with respect the purchase of trust, restricted, or controlled lands at no less than fair market value and the partition of highly fractioned Indian lands; (3) with respect to tribal authority to apply revenue against liens; and (4) to revise provisions concerning owner-managed interests. Amends the Indian Financing Act of 1974 concerning loan guarantees and insurance to direct the Secretary to consider more favorable equity terms or allow an increase in loan guarantees from 90% up to 95% of the unpaid principal and interest due on any loan made for energy development or manufacturing carried out on Indian land or within a tribal service area recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Amends provisions concerning leases on Indian land with respect to: (1) access, including access under the Indian Mineral leasing Act of 1938; (2) the Long-Term Leasing Act; and (3) leases on restricted land, including concerning tribal approval of leases. Amends provisions concerning oil and gas leases on Indian land, including to prohibit the collection of any oil or gas inspection fees. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to conduct at least 10 distributed energy demonstration projects to increase the energy resources available to Indian tribes for use in homes and community or government buildings. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for: (1) a competitive process for making grants for an Indian energy efficiency program; and (2) direct grants to Indian tribes for the weatherization of Indian homes. Amends the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 to provide for at least four demonstration projects to promote biomass energy production on Indian forest land and in nearby communities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2010
FHA Reform Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to require specified mortgagees to indemnify HUD for payment of a mortgage insurance claim if the mortgage was not materially originated or underwritten in accordance with HUD requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to require a mortgagee to indemnify HUD for loss regardless of when an insurance claim is paid if fraud or misrepresentation was involved in connection with the mortgage origination or underwriting. Directs the Secretary to: (1) take any actions required to seek indemnification for any early term default (of a loan that becomes delinquent or is in default within two years after origination) and claim on a mortgage which is an obligation of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMI Fund), and, as of the mortgage origination date, was not in material compliance with any pertinent requirement; (2) establish a program to review the cause of each early term default and claim on such mortgages; and (3) require indemnification of an early term default that did not meet requirements existing before the date of origination. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate approval to originate or underwrite single-family mortgages of any mortgagee with an excessive rate of early defaults and claims. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish within the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs responsible for all matters relating to managing and mitigating the risk to HUD mortgage insurance funds and for ensuring the performance of HUD-insured mortgages. Abolishes the position of the FHA chief risk officer. Authorizes the Secretary to use outside sources to: (1) analyze credit risk models and practices employed by HUD in connection with mortgages; (2) evaluate underwriting standards; and (3) analyze lender compliance with, and HUD enforcement of, underwriting standards. Directs the Secretary to review and identify to Congress mortgagees with a significant or rapid increase in early defaults and claims with respect to all mortgages they have originated on housing located in any particular geographic area or areas. Authorizes the Secretary to require a mortgagee to: (1) use the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry; (2) obtain unique company identifiers for all mortgagee officers or owners. Directs the Secretary to require mortgagees of HUD-insured single-family or multifamily housing to notify HUD if they terminate or discontinue mortgage purchases from another mortgagee based upon any determination, evidence, or report of fraud or material misrepresentation in connection with the origination of such mortgages. Requires the annual independent actuarial study of the MMI Fund to review and evaluate any: (1) changes to the current or projected safety and soundness of the Fund since the most recent report; and (2) risks to the Fund. Requires the Secretary's quarterly and annual reports to Congress to include specified information on defaults. Prescribes conditions compelling the Secretary to review and reduce certain cash investment (down payment) requirements binding upon mortgages or mortgagors. Revises eligibility requirements for mortgage insurance, including insurance for a home equity conversion mortgage (reverse mortgage) for elderly homeowners. Revises requirements for early mortgage default and foreclosure information collected by the Secretary for mortgage lender analysis. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse servicers of certain HUD-insured residential mortgages for the costs of obtaining the services of specified independent third parties, including a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, to make in-person contact, at no charge, with mortgagors whose payments are 60 or more days past due, solely to provide specified information. Directs the Secretary to give reimbursement priority to independent third parties serving mortgagors in areas experiencing a mortgage foreclosure rate and unemployment rate higher than the national average. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on single-family mortgage insurance programs of HUD and the MMI Fund. Revises the down payment requirement for mortgage insurance eligibility to authorize the Secretary to establish a higher minimum cash investment requirement for all mortgagors, or a certain class or classes of mortgagors, which may be based on criteria related to borrowers' credit scores or other industry standards related to borrowers' financial soundness. Directs the Secretary to provide refunds of unearned premium charges paid at the time of insurance for mortgage insurance to or on behalf of mortgagors under certain mortgages on one- to four-family dwellings. Revises maximum mortgage amount limits for multifamily housing that includes elevator-type structures with sound standards of construction and design. Applies through FY2011 HUD Mortgagee Letter 2002-17 (regarding "Special Forbearance: Program Changes and Updates"), relating to Type I Special Forbearance, with respect to mortgagees of certain insured mortgages secured by one- to four-family dwellings that have problem or damaging drywall products. Exempts HUD insurance of mortgages on condominiums from the conditions of, or review under, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or any other related law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2010
Amends the National Housing Act to revise the maximum mortgage loan principal amounts the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may insure for elevator-type multifamily structures for: (1) rental housing; (2) cooperative housing; (3) rehabilitation and neighborhood conservation housing; (4) housing for moderate income and displaced families; (5) housing for elderly persons; and (6) condominiums. Replaces the current specific dollar amount limitations per family unit by which the insurable mortgage principal obligation for elevator-type multifamily structures may be increased. Prescribes instead an increase limitation per family unit of up to 50% higher than the corresponding limitations for non-elevator-type multifamily structures. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe a higher maximum (up to 50%) for the principal obligation of mortgages insured for multifamily projects located in an extremely high-cost area (similar to that for mortgage insurance for property in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands).
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2010
Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) make grants to public and nonprofit private entities (including faith-based organizations) for projects involving innovative approaches to combat gang activity; (2) make grants to states and other entities to increase police presence and expand and improve cooperative efforts to address gang activity problems; and (3) designate high-intensity interstate gang activity areas. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to: (1) reauthorize programs for combating criminal gangs, including after-school programs and programs for safe and drug-free schools and communities; and (2) expand the grant program for workplace and community transition training for incarcerated youth offenders (30 years of age or younger). Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to add provisions entitled the Public and Assisted Housing Gang Elimination Act of 2010 which authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to public housing agencies and private, for-profit, and nonprofit owners of federally assisted low-income housing for use in eliminating gang-related crime. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to: (1) authorize the Attorney General to award grants to assist communities located in a high-intensity interstate gang activity area in developing and carrying out programs that target certain at-risk youth and juvenile offenders; (2) reauthorize the gang resistance education and training projects program; and (3) increase funding for the National Youth Gang Survey. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reauthorize and expand adult and juvenile offender state and local reentry demonstration projects. Directs the Attorney General to modify existing procedures and policies to improve the transition of federal prisoners into local communities. Reauthorizes the National and Community Grant Service Program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 40% to 50% the amount of wages eligible for the work opportunity tax credit. Amends the USA PATRIOT Act to provide funding to hire additional forensic examiners to fight gang activity. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) expand the definition of "criminal street gang"; (2) prohibit the recruitment or solicitation of persons to participate in a criminal street gang; (3) impose enhanced penalties for committing violent crimes in furtherance or in aid of a criminal street gang and for use of firearms by felons with multiple felony convictions for violent crimes and drug offenses; (4) increase penalties for use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire or other felony crimes of violence; and (5) increase penalties for violent crimes in aid of racketeering activities. Requires the United States Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend guidelines relating to violent gang-related crimes. Amends the Uniform Federal Crime Reporting Act of 1988 to require the Attorney General to create a separate category in the United Crime Reports to distinguish criminal offenses committed by juveniles.