Taxation

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to deny qualified dividend income treatment to certain foreign dividends.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny preferential tax rates (5 to 15%) for dividends paid by a foreign corporation if: (1) such dividends are allowed as a tax deduction or credit under the tax laws of the country in which such foreign corporation is established; (2) such foreign corporation is not treated as a corporation, is exempt from taxation, or is a passive foreign investment company under the laws of its foreign country; or (3) such dividends are paid with respect to an instrument which is not treated as stock under the tax laws of the foreign country from which such dividends are paid. Revises the definition of "qualified foreign corporation" for purposes of qualifying dividends paid by such a corporation for preferential tax rates to require such corporations be created or organized in a foreign country that has a comprehensive tax system (as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury).

Western Hemisphere Energy Compact

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

United States-Brazil Energy Cooperation Pact of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish the Western Hemisphere Energy Cooperation Forum which should seek to: (1) strengthen relationships between the United States and other countries of the Western Hemisphere through cooperation on energy issues; and (2) enhance cooperation between major energy producers and major energy consumers in the Western Hemisphere, particularly among the governments of Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela. Directs the U.S. government to seek to implement: (1) an energy crisis initiative that will promote national and regional measures to respond to temporary energy supply disruptions; (2) an energy sustainability initiative to facilitate long-term supply security by fostering reliable supply sources of fuels, including energy from biomass; and (3) an energy for development initiative to promote energy access for underdeveloped areas through energy policy and infrastructure development. Directs the Secretary of State to seek Western Hemisphere governments' cooperation in establishing a Western Hemisphere Energy Industry Group, which shall increase public-private partnerships and foster private investment. Directs the Secretary of Energy to facilitate the establishment of the Oil and Gas Working Group, which should strengthen oil- and natural gas-related dialogue among international oil companies, national oil companies, and civil society groups. Directs the Secretary of State to work with Brazil to coordinate efforts to promote the production and use of biofuels among all interested countries, giving preference to the countries in the Western Hemisphere that are among the poorest and most dependent on foreign sources of fuel (particularly oil). Directs: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to work with Brazil in joint agricultural biofuel extension activities; and (2) the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to finance advanced biofuels research and collaboration between academic and research institutions in the United States and Brazil. Requires each partner country (as defined by this Act) to participate in a study to determine the feasibility of increasing biofuel production and use. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) renew tax treaty negotiations with Brazil; (2) work with Western Hemisphere governments and other countries to organize regional and hemispheric carbon trading mechanisms; and (3) seek to establish a Western Hemisphere energy crisis response mechanism. Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to seek to increase U.S. foreign assistance programming in renewable energy, including activities to reduce energy import dependence through biofuel use. Authorizes the Administrator to award grants to nongovernmental organizations for sustainable energy and job creation projects in at-risk nations, such as Haiti. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to conduct ethanol and natural gas studies; and (2) the Secretary of Energy to seek to work with Mexico to conduct a technical analysis of the status of Mexican oil and gas production, future technological and investment needs, and recommendations for maintaining and increasing hydrocarbon production.

Universal Health Care Choice and Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Universal Health Care Choice and Access Act - Provides for health promotion and disease prevention activities, including requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene an interagency coordinating committee to develop a national strategic plan for prevention. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow participants in high deductible health care insurance plans an increased tax deduction for contributions to a health savings account; and (2) allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid. Requires states to establish and operate a qualified high risk pool or a state-designated alternative that ensures access to private health insurance for medically uninsurable individuals. Health Care Choice Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the laws of the primary state (as designated by the health insurance issuer) to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any secondary state if certain requirements are met. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize the Secretary to adjust the amount of the Medicare Part B premium for participation in certain healthy behaviors. Establishes in the Treasury a Medical Retirement Account Fund to distribute retirement benefits to individuals who renounce eligibility for Medicare. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to establish a Medicaid Advantage program to provide individuals a medical home where they receive a seamless continuum of medical care and care management that meets certain requirements. Allows the Secretary to award grants to states for administrative health care tribunals for the resolution of disputes concerning injuries allegedly caused by health care providers. Amends SSA title XI to create safe harbors from civil and criminal penalties in current anti-kickback laws for providing certain health information technology and training services.

Retirement Security for Life Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Retirement Security for Life Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an exclusion from gross income for 50 percent of the amount otherwise includible in gross income as guaranteed payments from certain annuity or life insurance contracts. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $20,000 in any taxable year. Provides for an inflation adjustment of the $20,000 limitation beginning in 2009.

Workforce Health Improvement Program Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Workforce Health Improvement Program Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of employees: (1) the value of any on-premises employer-provided athletic facility; and (2) fees, dues, or membership expenses paid to an athletic or fitness facility by an employer for its employees, but not exceeding $900 per employee per year. Allows employers a tax deduction for fees, dues, or membership expenses paid to an athletic or fitness facility. Limits the amount of such deduction to $900 per employee per year.

Appropriations Transparency Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Appropriations Transparency Act of 2007 - Allows a point of order to be made by any Member in the House of Representatives or the Senate against consideration of a conference report that includes any earmark or tax earmark not committed to conference by either chamber. Defines "tax earmark" as any revenue-losing provision that provides a federal tax deduction, credit, exclusion, or preference to only one beneficiary (determined with respect to either present law or any provision of which the provision is a part) under the Internal Revenue Code in any year for which the provision is in effect.

National Park Centennial Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

National Park Centennial Act - Establishes the National Park Centennial Fund in the Treasury. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to designate overpayments and contributions for the benefit of the National Park System. Allocates such amounts to the Fund (along with necessary amounts from the General Fund to the extent that such amounts are inadequate in any fiscal year) for expenditure by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes appropriations for a public awareness campaign about the Fund and the ability of taxpayers to make tax-related contributions. Requires a specified percentage of Fund deposits to be used: (1) for the elimination of the backlog of unmet needs in the national parks as identified in the Facility Condition Index of the National Park Service (NPS); (2) to protect natural resources within the parks; and (3) to protect cultural resources within the parks. Requires a majority of such percentages to be distributed to those national parks that have completed comprehensive business plans under the Business Plan Initiative of the NPS. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) annually to submit a report on the National Park System. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to elementary and secondary schools for cooperative agreements with the NPS providing distance learning and onsite education programs. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit specified reports assessing the national parks.

Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2007

Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as five-year depreciable property. Makes this Act applicable to property placed in service after April 11, 2003.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-47]NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 March 2007

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-46]FISCAL YEAR 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT--BUDGET REQUEST ON ARMY GROUND FORCE ACQUISITION PROGRAMS STATEMENTS PRESENTED BY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 March 2007

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-48]FISCAL YEAR 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT--BUDGET REQUEST FOR MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 March 2007

A bill to exempt the natural aging process in the determination of the production period for distilled spirits under section 263A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from determination of the production period for distilled spirits any period allocated to the natural aging process for purposes of determining whether a taxpayer can expense, rather than capitalize, interest costs paid or incurred during the production period.

To modify the calculation of back pay for persons who were approved for promotion as members of the Navy and Marine Corps while interned as prisoners of war during World War II to take into account changes in the Consumer Price Index.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Amends the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 to increase the amount of back pay received by members of the Navy and Marine Corps selected for promotion while interned as prisoners of war during World War II to reflect increases in the cost of living since basic pay was paid to or for that person.

Agriculture Education Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Agriculture Education Freedom Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual any gain from the sale of any animal raised and sold by such individual as part of his or her participation in the 4-H program under the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture, the Future Farmers of America, any tax-exempt similar organization, or any program of a tax-exempt educational organization.

Research and Development Tax Credit Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Research and Development Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify the tax credit for increasing research expenses to establish a standard 20% credit rate for research expenses exceeding 50% of average expenses over the preceding three year period; (2) establish a uniform 80% reimbursement rate for all contract research expenses (100% for basic research payments); (3) make such tax credit permanent; (4) allow a tax credit for equity investments in small business innovation companies; and (5) allow the issuance of tax exempt facility bonds for research park facilities used in connection with research and experimentation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) study and report to Congress on taxpayer compliance with the substantiation requirements for claiming the tax credit for increasing research activities; and (2) issue regulations on the application of private activity bond rules to the funding of federal research agreements.

Providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 99) revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2007

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 99) revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 26 March 2007

A resolution reforming the congressional earmark process.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2007

Adds Rule XLIV (Earmarks) to the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order to consider any Senate bill or joint resolution reported, or not reported, by a committee unless a list of all its congressional earmarks, limited tax or tariff benefits, and the name of the requesting Member is made available to the general public on the Internet for at least 48 hours before its consideration. Requires, if appropriate, a statement for the Internet, or if the legislation was not reported by a committee, publication in the Congressional Record, that the legislation contains no congressional earmarks or limited tax or tariff benefits. Makes it out of order to consider a conference report on such legislation if the joint explanatory statement does not include such list or disclaimer. Defines "limited tax benefit" as any revenue provision that: (1) provides a federal tax deduction, credit, exclusion, or preference to a particular beneficiary or limited group of beneficiaries under the Internal Revenue Code, and contains eligibility criteria that are not uniform in application with respect to potential beneficiaries; or (2) any federal tax provision which provides one beneficiary temporary or permanent transition relief from a change to the Code. Defines "limited tariff benefit" as a provision modifying the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States in a manner that benefits 10 or fewer entities. Prohibits a Member from conditioning the inclusion of language to provide funding for a congressional earmark or a limited tax or tariff benefit in any measure (or accompanying report) or in any conference report (including joint explanatory statement) on any vote cast by another Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner. Requires a Member who requests such earmarks or benefits to provide a specified written statement to the chairman and ranking member of the committee of jurisdiction. Requires the chairman of the committee or subcommittee, as appropriate, to publish such statements in a searchable format on its website within 48 hours after their receipt. Makes it out of order to consider any bill, resolution, or conference report that contains an earmark included in any classified portion of a report accompanying the measure unless certain conditions are met.

Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2007

Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2008. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to replace the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security with a Directorate for Policy. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a Comprehensive Homeland Security Review. Requires the Inspector General of DHS to review Secure Border Initiative-related contracts having a value exceeding $20 million. Directs the Chief Financial Officer to establish the position of Authorization Liaison Officer to provide timely financial information to the homeland security committees. Directs: (1) the Chief Procurement Officer to provide homeland security procurement training to acquisition employees; and (2) the Secretary to establish a Council on Procurement Training. Requires Customs and Border Protection (CBP) positions to be treated the same as law enforcement officer positions for retirement purposes. Directs: (1) the Chief Human Capital Officer to transmit to the homeland security committees and the Comptroller General a plan addressing under-representation of minorities in DHS; and (2) the Secretary to conduct a DHS-wide review of security clearance and suitability review procedures. Establishes a Chief Security Officer within DHS. Designates DHS's Chief Medical Officer as Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer and expands such Officer's responsibilities. Establishes an Office of Health Affairs. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Biosurveillance Integration Center. Establishes within DHS an Office of Cybersecurity and Telecommunications. Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to: (1) support research, development, testing, evaluation, and transition of cybersecurity technology; (2) transmit to Congress a strategic plan which includes a strategy to enhance the Directorate for Science and Technology workforce; (3) contract with the National Research Council to assess DHS's university programs; and (4) establish the Science and Technology Homeland Security International Cooperative Programs Office. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit a comprehensive strategy for the biometric entry and exit data system (US-VISIT) and complete the exit portion for airports or seaports by December 31, 2008; (2) take steps to control costs of hiring, training, and deploying new Border Patrol agents; and (3) assess the personnel, infrastructure, and technology required to reduce border crossing wait times to times comparable to prior to September 11, 2001. Modifies HSA information sharing provisions to require the Secretary to establish within DHS a State and Local Fusion Center Program to facilitate information sharing between DHS and local law enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a program of privacy, civil liberties, and civil rights protection training for fusion center employees participating in the Program; and (2) a program to expand homeland security training to local and tribal governments located in rural areas Establishes a Metropolitan Medical Response System Program.

Preservation Approval Process Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2007

Preservation Approval Process Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to: (1) suspend mandatory processing of Previous Participation Certificates under the Automated Partners Performance System (APPS); and (2) permit paper filings of such certificates until the December 2006 draft of specified proposed regulations are revised and submitted for review to certain congressional committees. Instructs the Secretary also to suspend immediately all filing requirements under the Previous Participation Certificate process with respect to limited liability corporate investors who own or expect to own an interest in entities which are allowed or are expected to be allowed specified low-income housing tax credits under the Internal Revenue Code.

Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2007

Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow married couples filing a joint tax return to conduct their business activities as a qualified joint venture; (2) require the Secretary of the Treasury to notify a taxpayer of any unauthorized use of such taxpayer's identity (i.e., suspected identity theft); (3) extend from nine months to two years the period for return by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of property which has been wrongfully levied and for bringing a civil action for wrongful levy; (4) allow taxpayers to recontribute to their individual retirement accounts, without penalty or limitation, amounts that were wrongfully levied by the IRS; (5) allow the IRS to use any means of mass communication (e.g., the Internet) to publish unclaimed refund amounts; (6) prohibit the Secretary from allowing the payment of taxpayer refunds to any refund anticipation loan business whose business practices are predatory; and (7) require the Secretary to notify certain taxpayers of their eligibility for the earned income credit. Expands the prohibition against the misuse of Department of the Treasury names and symbols to the use of such names and symbols on an Internet domain address.

Blue Water Highway Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2007

Blue Water Highway Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance tax certain cargo shipped between U.S. mainland ports.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-44]FISCAL YEAR 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT--BUDGET REQUEST FOR MILITARY SPACE ACTIVITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 March 2007

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to deny qualified dividend income treatment to certain foreign dividends.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny preferential tax rates (5 to 15%) for dividends paid by a foreign corporation if: (1) such dividends are allowed as a tax deduction or credit under the tax laws of the country in which such foreign corporation is established; (2) such foreign corporation is not treated as a corporation, is exempt from taxation, or is a passive foreign investment company under the laws of its foreign country; or (3) such dividends are paid with respect to an instrument which is not treated as stock under the tax laws of the foreign country from which such dividends are paid. Revises the definition of "qualified foreign corporation" for purposes of qualifying dividends paid by such a corporation for preferential tax rates to require such corporations be created or organized in a foreign country that has a comprehensive tax system (as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury).

Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2007

Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2007. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2009-FY2012. Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2007-FY2012 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2007-FY2012. Authorizes certain reserve funds for: (1) the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); (2) alternative minimum tax revision; (3) middle-income tax relief and economic equity; (4) agriculture; (5) higher education; (6) Medicare improvements; (7) creation of long-term energy alternatives; (8) affordable housing; (9) equitable benefits for Filipino veterans of World War II; (10) reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act; (11) receipts from the Bonneville Power Administration; and (12) the Transitional Medical Assistance program extension. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations by the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax compliance; (3) the health care fraud and abuse control program; and (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews. Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except certain FY2009 or FY2010 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. States that new budget authority, outlays, and receipts resulting from adoption of legislation making appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for overseas deployments and related activities, or emergency appropriations for nondefense discretionary spending, shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA). Declares the policy of this resolution on: (1) middle-income tax relief; (2) defense priorities; and (3) college affordability. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on: (1) servicemembers' and veterans' health care and other priorities; (2) the Innovation Agenda: A Commitment to Competitiveness to Keep America #1; (3) homeland security; (4) the ongoing need to respond to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; (5) long-term sustainability of entitlements; (6) the need to maintain and build upon efforts to fight hunger; (7) affordable health coverage; (8) extension of the statutory Pay-As-You-Go rule; (9) long-term budgeting; (10) pay parity; (11) waste, fraud, and abuse; (12) child support enforcement; and (13) state veterans cemetaries. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the House Committee on Education and Labor.

THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET PROPOSAL

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 March 2007

THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION'S R&D BUDGET PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 March 2007

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 22 March 2007

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 22 March 2007

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946 (or to their survivors). Includes service in the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. Exempts from taxation benefits paid under this Act.

To prohibit the closure or relocation of any county office of the Farm Service Agency until at least one year after the enactment of an Act to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs for fiscal years after 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from closing or relocating any Farm Service Agency (FSA) county or field office until at least one year after enactment of an omnibus law to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs for fiscal years after 2007.

STRIVE Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2007

Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007 or STRIVE Act of 2007- Prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security from implementing the New Worker Program established in title IV or grant conditional nonimmigrant classification under title VI of this Act prior to certification to the President and to Congress that specified conditions have been met respecting: (1) border security; (2) document security; and (3) first phase implementation of the electronic employment verification system. Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) personnel and asset increases and enhancements; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) border security initiatives, including biometric data enhancements and a biometric entry-exit system, and document integrity, (4) international cooperation; (5) Central American gangs; and (6) National Guard use on the southern border. Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county: (1) no more than 100 miles from a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico; or (2) more than 100 miles from any such border but which is a high impact area. Sets forth protections for asylum seekers and other immigrants who are subject to expedited removal and/or detention. Establishes within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an Office of Detention Oversight. Provides for a secure (detention) alternatives program. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to combat human smuggling. Sets forth interior enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) criminal aliens; (2) voluntary departure; (3) expedited removal; (4) background checks; (5) the state criminal alien assistance program; (6) tribal lands security; (7) state and local enforcement of immigration laws; (8) detention and alternatives; (9) passport and immigration fraud; (10) illegal entry and reentry; (11) detention and removal; (12) criminal penalties; (13) alien street gang members; and (14) alien smuggling. Makes it unlawful to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer for a fee an unauthorized alien. Sets forth verification provisions. Provides for implementation of an electronic employment verification system, which shall include required, voluntary, and excluded employer categories. Sets forth system provisions respecting: (1) procedures; (2) criminal and civil penalties; and (3) privacy and anti-discrimination safeguards. Provides for additional worksite and fraud detection personnel. Establishes a temporary guest worker program (H-2C visa) (New Worker Program) of 400,000 initial entrants. Provides for: (1) a three-year admission with one additional three-year extension; (2) issuance of H-4 nonimmigrant visas for accompanying or following spouses and children; (3) U.S. and guest worker protections; (4) implementation of an alien employment management system; (5) specified employer obligations; and (6) establishment of a Standing Commission on Immigration and Labor Markets. Provides for H-2C adjustment of status to permanent resident if the alien: (1) has been employed in H-2C status for a cumulative period of at least five years and establishes evidence of employment; (2) pays a $500 application fee; (3) is physically present in the United States; and (4) is pursuing English language and U.S. history education. Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate bilateral agreements with H-2C worker home countries. Sets forth backlog reduction provisions respecting: (1) family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant levels, including recapture of unused visas; (2) country limits; (3) immigrant visa allocations; (4) shortage occupations; (5) nurses and physical therapists; (6) Iraqi and Afghan translators; (7) aliens of extraordinary artistic ability; (8) Canadian powerline workers and boilermakers; (9) aliens in specialty occupations; (10) U.S. educated immigrants; (11) students; (12) L-visa (intracompany transfer) aliens; and (13) minor children and widows. Provides for status adjustment filing of qualifying employment based immigrants regardless of whether an immigrant visa is immediately available. Establishes a special immigrant category for certain children and women at risk of harm. Exempt sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under the Immigration Act of 1990 from worldwide or numerical limitations on immigrant visas. Provides that determinations under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 as to whether an individual is a child of a parent shall be made using the individual's age and status on October 21, 1998. Expands the S-visa (witness/informant) classification. Limits the L-visa (intracompany transfer) classification. Replaces the existing fashion model H-1B visa classification with an O-visa classification. Return of Talent Act - Directs the Secretary to establish the return of talent program to permit eligible aliens to temporarily return to their country of citizenship in order to make a material contribution if the country is engaged in post-conflict or natural disaster reconstruction activities. Major Disaster and Emergency Victims Immigration Benefits Preservation Act - Sets forth disaster- or emergency-related immigration benefit preservation provisions respecting: (1) special immigrant status; (2) filing or reentry deadline extensions; (3) surviving spouses and children, including surviving spouses and children of refugees and asylees; (4) waiver of public charge inadmissibility grounds; (5) age-out protection; (6) documents and address requirements; and (7) foreign students. Authorizes a six-year conditional nonimmigrant status for a qualifying alien (and spouse and children as conditional nonimmigrant dependents) who has been illegally and continually present and employed in the United States since before June 1, 2006 up to the present. Requires: (1) criminal and security background checks; (2) payment of a $500 fine and applicable application fees; and (3) payment of tax obligations. Prohibits such status for an alien who has: (1) participated in persecutions; or (2) been convicted of a felony or three or more misdemeanors. Permits permanent resident status adjustment. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2007 or DREAM Act of 2007 - Repeals the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Authorizes the Secretary to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her sixteenth birthday, and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds; (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education, or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; and (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. Sets forth the conditions for conditional permanent resident status. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2007 or AgJOBS Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary to confer "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) has performed agricultural employment in the United States for at least 863 hours or 150 work days during the 24-month period ending on December 31, 2006; (2) applied for such status during the 18-month application period beginning on the first day of the seventh month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act; (3) is otherwise admissible to the United States; and (4) has not been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor, an element of which involves bodily injury, threat of serious bodily injury, or harm to property in excess of $500. Directs the Secretary to adjust a blue card alien (and spouse and minor children) to permanent resident status if the alien has fulfilled specified periods of agricultural employment. Amends the Social Security Act to exempt blue card aliens from prosecution for social security-related identity or payment false statements if such conduct occurred prior to the granting of blue card status. Revises H-2A visa (agricultural labor or temporary or seasonal services) provisions. Replaces the existing labor certification requirement with a labor attestation requirement containing: (1) a description of the nature and location of the job; (2) the job's expected beginning and ending dates; (3) the number of jobs; and (4) specified labor assurances respecting job opportunities covered by collective bargaining agreements and non-covered job opportunities. Authorizes an initial entry, adjustment, and citizenship assistance grant program. Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2007 - Directs the Chief of the Office of Citizenship of DHS to provide grants to assist legal U.S. residents who declare an intent to apply for citizenship in the United States to meet naturalization requirements. Provides that a legal U.S. resident who demonstrates English fluency will satisfy the residency requirement upon the completion of four years (currently, five years) of continuous U.S. legal residency. Directs the Secretary to establish an American citizenship grant program for qualified entities to provide civics, history, and English classes to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the United States Citizenship Foundation to support the functions of the Office of Citizenship. Establishes a new citizens award program to recognize citizens who: (1) have made an outstanding contribution to the United States; and (2) were naturalized during the ten-year period ending on the date of such recognition. Authorizes the Secretary of State to award a grant to a U.S. land grant university to establish a national program for a broad, university-based Mexican rural poverty mitigation program. Provides for increases in DHS immigration attorneys and Department of Justice immigration attorneys and judges. Expresses the sense of Congress that an effective and fair immigration court system should be established. Sets forth citizenship assistance provisions for members of the Armed Forces. Provides permanent resident status adjustment or cancellation of removal and permanent resident status adjustment for a requesting alien who was on September 10, 2001, the wife, child, or dependent son or daughter of a lawful nonimmigrant alien who died as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Authorizes an alien who is under removal or ordered to depart voluntarily from the United States to apply for such status adjustment. Excludes from such provisions an alien who is: (1) inadmissible or deportable under criminal or security grounds, including September 11, 2001, terrorist activity; or (2) a family member of such an alien. Establishes: (1) the Office of Internal Corruption Investigation; (2) the State Impact Assistance Account; and (3) the New Worker Program and Conditional Nonimmigrant Fee Account; and (4) the Immigrant Entrepeneur Regional Account Center. Provide permanent resident status adjustment for certain persecuted religious minorities. Establishes grants for state courts to implement programs to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to understand court proceedings. Provides for notice and hearing if DHS intends to remove an alien to a country other than the one designated at the removal hearing. Requires that Department of State and Department of Justice immigration documents comply with specified authentication, documentation, and machine readable standards.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-40] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 March 2007

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-41]FISCAL YEAR 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT--BUDGET REQUEST ON THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COUNTERPROLIFERATION, COUNTERTERRORISM, AND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PRIORITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 March 2007

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 21 March 2007

FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 21 March 2007

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 21 March 2007

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for the purchase of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 10% of the cost of a qualified plug-in hybrid vehicle. Limits the amount of such credit to $4,000 for vehicles with a 4kWh traction battery, and $250 for each additional kWh of traction battery capacity as exceeds 4kWh but does not exceed 50kWh. Defines "qualified plug-in hybrid vehicle" as a passenger motor vehicle which has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act and which has not less than two onboard sources of stored energy, one of which is energized by plugging into an external source of electric power. Terminates such credit after 2014.

Federal Land Compensation Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2007

Federal Land Compensation Act - Provides for the phasing-in of permanent funding for the following programs: (1) Bureau of Land Management Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT); and (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's refuge revenue sharing program.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1591) making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2007

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1591) making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007.

[H.A.S.C. No. 110-37]HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 March 2007

ORGANIZATIONAL AND POLICY PROPOSALS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2008 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION:

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 March 2007

FEDERAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006: FISCAL OUTLOOK, MANAGEMENT WEAKNESSES AND CONSEQUENCES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 March 2007

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 20 March 2007

Fair Elections Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Fair Elections Now Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to: (1) eligibility and qualifying contribution requirements, seed money limits, and benefits of fair elections financing of Senate election campaigns; (2) establishment of a Senate Fair Elections Fund; (3) eligibility for Fund allocations as well as such allocations; (4) a seed money contribution requirement; (5) contribution and expenditure requirements; (6) certification of whether or not a federal election candidate is a participating candidate; (7) benefits for participating candidates; (8) payment of fair fight funds; (9) administration of the Senate Fair Elections System; (10) reporting requirements for nonparticipating candidates; (11) modification of electioneering communication reporting requirements; and (12) the limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees with participating candidates. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 with respect to the deposit of proceeds from recovered spectrum auctions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit for voluntary donations to the Senate Fair Elections Fund. Establishes the Fair Elections Review Commission. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) entitle participating candidates to receive specified reduced broadcast rates in certain circumstances; and (2) provide for political advertisement vouchers for them. Directs the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to charge non-public broadcast stations a spectrum use fee, which shall be deposited into the Senate Fair Elections Fund. Amends federal postal law to prohibit franked mass mailings by Members of Congress (except notices of public meetings) during the 90 days before primary and general election periods, unless they are not candidates for re-election. Amends FECA to: (1) empower the FEC to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a proceeding on certiorari; (2) revise requirements for filing with the FEC by Senate candidates; and (3) reduce from 48 to 24 hours the deadline for electronic filing with the FEC of reports by each political committee of contributions received within 90 days before an election.

Policyholder Disaster Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Policyholder Disaster Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow insurance companies (other than life insurance companies) to make tax deductible contributions to a tax-exempt policyholder disaster protection fund established by this Act for the payment of policyholders' claims arising from certain catastrophic events, such as windstorms, earthquakes, fires, or floods.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the period for which the designation of an area as an empowerment zone is in effect.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to to extend until December 31, 2016, the designation period for certain tax-favored empowerment zones.

Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2007 - Prohibits any state other than the home state of an insured from requiring a premium tax payment for nonadmitted insurance. Authorizes states to enter into procedures to allocate among themselves the premium taxes paid to an insured's home state. Allows an insured's home state to require surplus lines brokers and certain insureds to file annually tax allocation reports detailing the portion of the nonadmitted insurance premiums attributable to properties, risks, or exposures located in each state. Declares that Congress intends that each state adopt a nationwide or uniform procedure that provides for the reporting, payment, collection, and allocation of premium taxes for nonadmitted insurance. Subjects nonadmitted insurance solely to the regulatory requirements of the insured's home state. Declares that only an insured's home state may require a surplus lines broker to be licensed to conduct nonadmitted insurance business with respect to such insured. Prohibits a state from collecting fees relating to licensure of a surplus lines broker unless it has a regulatory mechanism for participation in the national insurance producer database of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), or any other equivalent uniform national database. Prohibits a state from: (1) establishing eligibility criteria for nonadmitted insurers domiciled in a U.S. jurisdiction except in conformance with the Non-Admitted Insurance Model Act; or (2) prohibiting a surplus lines broker from placing nonadmitted insurance with, or procuring nonadmitted insurance from, a nonadmitted insurer domiciled outside the United States and listed on the NAIC International Insurers Department Quarterly Listing of Alien Insurers. Prohibits a state from denying credit for reinsurance if the state of domicile of an insurer purchasing reinsurance recognizes credit for reinsurance for the insurer's ceded risk and: (1) is either an NAIC-accredited state; or (2) has financial solvency requirements substantially similar to NAIC accreditation requirements. Reserves to the state of domicile of a reinsurer sole responsibility for regulating the reinsurer's financial solvency if the state is NAIC-accredited, or has financial solvency requirements substantially similar to NAIC accreditation requirements. Prohibits a state from requiring a reinsurer to provide financial information other than that required to file with its NAIC-compliant domiciliary state.

Catastrophe Savings Accounts Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Catastrophe Savings Accounts Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create tax-exempt catastrophe savings accounts (CSAs). Allows tax-free distributions from CSAs to pay expenses resulting from a presidentially declared major disaster. Limits CSA balances to: (1) $2,000 (for individuals with homeowner insurance deductibles of not more than $1,000); and (2) the lesser of $15,000 or twice a homeowner's insurance deductible (for individuals with deductibles of more than $1,000).

A bill to modify the boundaries for a certain empowerment zone designation.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2007

Includes all of Aroostook County, Maine, within the Aroostook County Empowerment Zone (for Department of Agriculture empowerment zone purposes).