Taxation

American Opportunity Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2011

American Opportunity Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 25% of a qualified equity investment in a qualified small business entity. Defines "qualified small business entity" as a domestic corporation or partnership that: (1) is a small business headquarted in the United States, (2) is engaged in a high technology trade or business, (3) has been in existence for less than five years as of the date of the qualified equity investment, and (4) employs less than 100 full-time employees, more than 50% of whom perform substantially all of their services in the United States. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $500 million for each of calendar years 2011 through 2015. Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations on the allocations of such credit to a small business entity, and (2) the Comptroller General to audit the investment tax credit program.

A bill to require the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation to use dynamic economic modeling in addition to static economic modeling in the preparation of budgetary estimates of proposed changes in Federal revenue law.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2011

Expresses the sense of Congress that it is necessary to ensure that Congress is presented with reliable information from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Joint Committee on Taxation as to the dynamic macroeconomic feedback effects to changes in federal law and the probable behavioral responses of taxpayers, businesses, and other parties to such changes. Requires the Joint Committee and CBO, using among other methods dynamic estimating techniques, to prepare fiscal estimates of each proposed change in federal revenue law on the basis of assumptions that estimate the probable behavioral responses of personal and business taxpayers and other relevant entities to such change and its dynamic macroeconomic feedback effects. Applies such requirement only to proposed changes that, pursuant to static fiscal estimates, have a fiscal impact exceeding $250 million in any fiscal year.

Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2011

Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act of 2011 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require government entities, in order to be entitled to justice system improvement grants to combat violent crimes against women under such Act, to: (1) incur the full out-of-pocket cost of forensic medical exams for victims of sexual assault (current law), and (2) coordinate with regional health care providers to notify sexual assault victims of the availability of free exams. Repeals a provision deeming a government entity to have incurred the full out-of-pocket cost of such an exam if it reimburses the victim for the cost of such exam. Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to revise the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program to: (1) require the annual reports to the Attorney General by state and local governments receiving Program grants to include a specific breakdown of the number of sexual assault cases that are in a backlog for DNA case work and the percentage of grant amounts allocated to reducing the backlog; (2) direct the Attorney General to compile and publish, annually, a list of states and local governments receiving grants that have failed to provide such information, and (3) prohibit the Attorney General from awarding to such a state or local government for the next fiscal year a grant amount greater than 50% of the amount such government would have received otherwise.

Highway Fairness and Reform Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2011

Highway Fairness and Reform Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), beginning with FY2011, to carry out a direct federal-aid highway program to permit a state governor or chief executive officer, at least 90 days before the beginning of a fiscal year, to elect to: (1) waive the state's right to receive apportioned or allocated funds under the federal-aid highway program, and (2) receive instead a prorated amount of the taxes appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund (other than from the Mass Transit Account) which are attributable to highway users in the state. Requires a pro rata reduction of such tax-equivalent amount in order to fund contract authority for programs of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Requires the Secretary to accept a state's election if: (1) the state has an interstate maintenance program; (2) it submits a plan describing the purposes, projects, and uses to which such amounts will be put and the federal-aid highway programmatic requirements the state elects to continue; (3) the state agrees to obligate program amounts exclusively for projects that would be eligible for surface transportation program funding; and (4) it continues to suballocate surface transportation program funds to urbanized and other areas using certain formulae and rules.

Recovering Missing Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2011

Recovering Missing Children Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the disclosure of tax returns and return information to officers and employees of state or local law enforcement agencies who are partnering with a federal agency in investigations of missing or exploited child cases and who are personally and directly engaged in such investigations.

CAP Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2011

Commitment to American Prosperity Act of 2011 or CAP Act of 2011 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require: (1) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to estimate the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) outlay limit for the target fiscal year at the outset of the previous fiscal year, on April 30, on August 20, and 15 days after the conclusion of the fiscal year; (2) the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide advisory reports calculating the GDP outlay limit at identical times; and (3) a sequestration by OMB within 45 calendar days after the beginning of a fiscal year to eliminate the excess outlay amount. Prescribes requirements for CBO and OMB advisory sequestration preview reports and an OMB final sequestration report, accompanied by a presidential order detailing the uniform spending reduction. Requires the House and the Senate budget committees to report a resolution directing their committees to change the existing law to achieve the goals outlined in the OMB August 20 report if it projects a sequestration. Allows total federal outlays to exceed the GDP outlay limit if during the fiscal year the excess amount is being paid to reduce the public debt or the public debt is zero. States that if, after November 15, a bill resulting in outlays for the current fiscal year is enacted that causes excess outlays, the excess outlays for the next fiscal year shall be increased by the amount or amounts of that breach. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in both chambers to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report that includes any provision that would cause the most recently reported current GDP outlay limits in the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to be exceeded. Prescribes procedures for waiver or suspension of this rule.

Citizen Soldier Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2011

Citizen Soldier Support Act - Amends provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 relating to the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (Program) (a program providing access to services supporting the health and well-being of members of the reserves and their families through the entire deployment cycle) to include outreach programs within such services. Includes as an additional function of the Center of Excellence in Reintegration within the Department of Defense (DOD) Office for Reintegration Programs (Office) the development and implementation of a process for identifying best practices in the delivery of information and services in outreach programs. Authorizes the Office to assist states and appropriate organizations in developing and carrying out outreach programs for members and their families under the Program.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the UnitedStates which requires (except during time of war and subject to suspension by Congress) that the total amount of money expended by the United States during any fiscal year not exceed the amount of certain revenue received by the United States during such fiscal year and not to exceed 20 per cent of the gross national product of the United States during the previous calendar year.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2011

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits, except in time of a congressionally declared war, federal fiscal year expenditures from exceeding: (1) federal revenues for that fiscal year, except revenue received from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other obligations of the United States; and (2) 20% of the gross national product for the preceding calendar year. Authorizes suspension of these prohibitions by concurrent resolution approved by a three-fifths vote of each chamber.

Innovate America Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2011

Innovate America Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise the definition of "basic research," for purposes of the research tax credit, to remove the prohibition against such research having a specific commercial objective; and (2) provide a tax credit for charitable contributions of equipment to secondary schools and technical and community colleges. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the the Innovation Technology Development Loan Guarantee Program to help small and medium-sized high growth technology companies operating in a business life cycle phase in which technological, market, or regulatory uncertainty constrains available capital, and unable to progress to the next phase because of such constraints. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to state educational agencies in order to expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) secondary schools. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide awards to four-year degree-granting educational institutions which have: (1) dramatically increased their percentage and number of students intending to major in a STEM subject and who graduate with a degree in such subject; and (2) sustained such increase for more than five years. Directs the President to ensure that not less than 10% of all federal funds available each fiscal year for undergraduate student research opportunities are used to fund research opportunities for postsecondary students during the students' first academic year or the summer following such year. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain a website that connects federally funded researchers who have ideas for technologies they believe could be commercialized with persons expressing an interest in working with such researchers. Requires the NSF Director to administer a Technology Commercialization Awards Pilot Program through which promising technology advances derived from NSF research grants shall be eligible for funding to move the technology through the prototype and demonstration phases. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a manufacturing assistance program for small and medium-sized domestic manufacturers to promote the manufacturing of goods in the United States and enable those manufacturers to be competitive in global markets. Requires a report from the Under Secretary for International Trade of the Department of Commerce on the removal of export barriers for U.S. industries. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Trade Representative for resolving disputes relating to market access barriers with certain foreign countries. Requires: (1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to devise a strategy to reduce overall government printing costs over a 10-year period; and (2) each federal department and agency to issue guidance on the appropriate use of award and incentive fees in their programs.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the manufacturer limitation on the number of new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles eligible for credit.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 200,000 to 500,000 the limit on the number of new qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles that may be manufactured for purposes of the phase-out of the tax credit for such vehicles.

Defending America's Affordable Energy and Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2011

Defending America's Affordable Energy and Jobs Act - Prohibits the President or any federal agency head from promulgating regulations providing for the control of emissions of a greenhouse gas (GHG), enforcing or implementing any law enacted as of the date of enactment of this Act that provides for the control of GHG emissions, taking action relating to or taking into consideration the climate effects of GHG emissions, considering climate effects in implementing or enforcing laws, or conditioning or denying any approval based on climate effects, unless the law, action, or consideration is: (1) determined to be necessary to protect the public health from imminent and substantial harm caused by direct human exposure to the relevant GHG in a concentration that is substantially greater than current and projected future average concentrations of that GHG gas in the global atmosphere; and (2) based solely on effects other than effects relating to atmospheric concentrations of GHG, including climate change. Excepts: (1) regulation of, action with respect to, or consideration of a GHG under the Clean Air Act (CAA) with respect to stratospheric ozone protection other than for the potential or actual effect of the GHG on climate change; or (2) voluntary incentive programs to promote the development or deployment of technologies that reduce GHG emissions. Provides that: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to prescribe average fuel economy standards for automobiles does not include any authority with respect to GHGs and is unaffected by this Act; and (2) the requirements set forth in the final rule entitled "Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards; Final Rule" remain in effect. Nullifies each other rule promulgated and action taken by the Administrator of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) before the date of enactment of this Act to regulate GHGs for effects relating to atmospheric concentrations of GHGs. Prohibits any law, regulation, or action relating to GHGs from: (1) having any impact on the regulation of stationary sources under CAA; or (2) being considered to be the regulation of pollutants under CAA for any purpose (other than for the regulation of GHG emissions for light-duty motor vehicles from model years 2012 through 2016). Prohibits the Administrator from granting any waiver that allows any state to establish GHG emission standards for new motor vehicles and emission standards for motor vehicle engines of model year 2017 or later and invalidates any waiver granted before enactment of this Act. Provides that any provision of a state implementation plan designating GHGs as pollutants that are subject to regulation or otherwise authorizing or requiring limitations on the emission of GHGs under state law is not federally enforceable and is deemed to be stricken from such plan. Prohibits the President or agency heads from examining or making findings or conclusions for purposes of promulgating or issuing policy, guidance, or regulations to address the impacts of GHG emissions on climate change, except as authorized by this Act or another Act of Congress. Prohibits any cause of action from being brought or maintained, or any liability, money damages, or injunctive relief arising from such an action from being imposed, for any contribution of a GHG to climate change or any effect of atmospheric concentrations of a GHG. Prohibits a state from having the authority to: (1) require any entity to procure, hold, or surrender allowances for the emission of GHGs that takes place outside the state; (2) regulate or tax GHG emissions produced outside of the state; or (3) limit the importation of products or electricity into the state based on GHG emissions occurring outside the state.

FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2011

FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act - Reduces the authorization of appropriations for FY2010 for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations. Increases the authorization of appropriations for FY2010 for: (1) FAA air navigation facilities and equipment, (2) civil aviation research and development, and (3) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for: (1) FAA operations, (2) FAA air navigation facilities and equipment, (3) civil aviation research and development, (4) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and programs, and (5) certain other aviation programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2011 for administrative expenses for certain airport programs. Revises procedural requirements for imposition of aircraft passenger facility charges (PFCs). Establishes an alternative PFC collection pilot program. Revises the federal share of costs for certain airport improvement projects. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot program for up to three states to participate in the airport improvement program (AIP) state block grant program. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to carry out up to six environmental mitigation demonstration projects at public-use airports. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish an airport sustainability working group. Establishes: (1) an Air Traffic Control Modernization Oversight Board, and (2) the position of Chief NextGen Officer who shall implement all Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Requires the FAA Administrator to: (1) consider whether the provision of NextGen air traffic services by nongovernment providers would promote safety and improve efficiency of the National Airspace System, and (2) make recommendations for the realignment of FAA services and facilities to assist in the transition to next generation facilities. Revises FAA personnel management system requirements with respect to the mediation, alternative resolution, and binding arbitration of disputes between the FAA Administrator and FAA employees about implementation of proposed changes to the system. Requires the FAA Administrator to report on navigation performance and area navigation operations and procedures required to maximize the efficiency and capacity of NextGen commercial operations at 35 Operational Evolution Partnership airports. Requires the FAA Administrator to report to Congress on the program and schedule for integrating automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) technology into the National Airspace System. Requires the FAA Administrator to: (1) establish and track National Airspace System performance metrics, and (2) report to Congress on financing proposals to fully fund the development and implementation of the NextGen system in a manner that does not increase the federal deficit. Requires the FAA Administrator to develop a plan to accelerate the integration of unmanned aerial systems into the National Airspace System. Directs the Air Traffic Organization evaluate the Airport Surface Detection Equipment-Model X program and airport surveillance technologies and associated collaborative surface management software for potential contributions to the NextGen initiative and surface management. Requires the FAA Administrator to establish a process for including FAA employees who are likely to be affected by the deployment of air traffic control modernization projects (including NextGen) in the planning, development, and deployment of such projects. Establishes the FAA Task Force on Air Traffic Control Facility Conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with up to five states to establish state ADS-B equipage banks. Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) provide specified California air traffic control facilities with new air traffic controller training staff and equipment, and (2) report to Congress on the strategy for accelerated implementation of the NextGen operational capabilities produced by the Greener Skies project. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to enter agreements to fund the costs of equipping aircraft for NextGen air traffic control capabilities. Requires air carriers and airport operators to propose for the Secretary's approval contingency plans for passenger service during grounded aircraft flight delays. Directs the Secretary to establish in the DOT: (1) a consumer hotline telephone number for air passenger complaints, and (2) an advisory committee for aviation consumer protection. Prescribes disclosure requirements for sellers of airline tickets. Revises requirements and increases additional funding for the Essential Air Service program. Extends the small community air service development program through FY2011. Establishes an Office of Rural Aviation within the Office of the Secretary. Repeals the Essential Air Service Local Participation Program. Authorizes the use of certain lands in the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport Environs Overlay District for transient lodging and associated facilities. Directs the FAA Administrator to issue a plan to develop a schedule for installation of systems to alert controllers and flight crews to potential runway incursions. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to access the criminal history records or databases systems of specified federal law enforcement agencies. Directs the FAA Administrator to issue regulations limiting the hours of flight and duty time for pilots to address pilot fatigue. Requires helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft certificate holders providing emergency medical services to comply with federal safety operating requirements if there is a medical crew on board, without regard to whether patients are also on board. Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) establish within the FAA a national review team to conduct periodic, unannounced, random reviews of FAA's oversight of air carriers; (2) conduct a review and evaluation of the FAA's Academy and facility training programs; and (3) develop a plan for the reduction of runway incursions. Establishes in the FAA an Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish and implement a safety assessment system for foreign repair stations that perform maintenance on U.S. aircraft. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish an electronic pilot records database of pertinent information in FAA, air carrier, and other records (including the National Driver Register) that an air carrier shall access and evaluate before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot. Requires the FAA Administrator to: (1) develop and implement a plan for reevaluation of flight crew training, testing, and certification regulations; (2) initiate rulemaking proceedings to require part 121 air carriers to establish remedial training programs for certain deficient flightcrew members, flightcrew member mentoring and leadership development programs, and methods for screening flightcrew members for qualifications and experience; (3) issue a final rule to establish safety standards for training programs for flight crew members and aircraft dispatchers; and (4) establish research grant programs to reduce civilian aircraft energy use, emissions, and noise and to develop jet fuel from natural gas, biomass, and other renewable sources, as well as clean coal. Prohibits flightcrew members from using a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer while at a duty station on a flight deck while an aircraft is being operated. Requires air carriers to provide recurring training for flight attendants and gate agents. Directs the FAA Administrator to study air quality in aircraft cabins. Establishes an Advisory Committee on the Future of Aeronautics. Reauthorizes through FY2012 the FAA Center for Excellence for Applied Research and Training in the Use of Advanced Materials in Transport Aircraft. Directs the Secretary to establish a zero emission airport vehicles and infrastructure pilot program. Directs the FAA Administrator to implement a program for research and development of equipment to clean and monitor the engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) bleed air supplied on pressurized aircraft. Extends the Secretary's authority to provide insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of a domestic or foreign aircraft. Prohibits operating certain aircraft weighing 75,000 pounds or less that do not comply with stage 3 noise levels. Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) establish a pilot program for redevelopment of airport properties; and (2) initiate a study on front line manager staffing requirements for FAA air traffic control facilities. Directs the Comptroller General to study the helicopter and fixed-wing air ambulance industry. Repeals the prohibition against approval of any Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority : (1) for an airport development project grant; or (2) to impose a passenger facility fee. Directs the FAA Administrator to study: (1) aeronautical mobile telemetry services; and (2) aviation industry best practices for flightcrew member pairing, crew resource management techniques, and pilot commuting. Directs the Comptroller General to study airline and intercity passenger rail codeshare arrangements and aviation fuel prices. Directs the Secretary to convey to Clark County, Nevada, all right, title, and interest of specified U.S. public land for development of flood mitigation infrastructure for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2013: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) authority for expenditures from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Revises the excise tax on kerosene used in aviation. Establishes within the Airport and Airway Trust Fund a separate Air Traffic Control System Modernization Account, with deposits derived from taxes on aviation-grade kerosene, which shall be available for expenditures relating to the modernization of the air traffic control system. Imposes a surtax on fuel used in aircraft which are part of a fractional ownership program. Prescribes requirements for passenger tax disclosures on airline tickets. Rescinds DOT earmarks, except in certain circumstances, when 90% of an earmark remains available for obligation at the end of the ninth fiscal year after it was first made available.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the health insurance costs tax credit, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through June 30, 2012, the increased 80% tax credit for health insurance costs (including advance payments) for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients. Makes TAA recipients who are in a break in training under a training program, or who are receiving unemployment compensation, eligible for such tax credit for the period through June 30, 2012. Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to extend through June 30, 2012, the TAA pre-certification period rule disregarding any 63-day lapse in creditable health care coverage for TAA workers. Extends the continued eligibility for the credit for qualifying family members and certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and PBGC pension recipients for COBRA premium assistance through June 30, 2012. Extends through June 30, 2012, coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association established pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court, or by agreement with an authorized representative. Expands for the two-year period beginning after the enactment of this Act the continuous tax levy on payments to vendors for goods and services leased to the federal government to include payments for all property sold or leased to the federal government.

Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2011

Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial government strategic and performance plans. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) determine the impact and feasibility of changing the definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on that definition to a two-year fiscal period with a biennial budget process based on such period; and (2) report the findings to the House and Senate Budget Committees.

THE FISCAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE HEALTH CARE LAW

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 January 2011

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the 100 percent exclusion for gain on certain small business stock.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2012 the 100% exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale of certain small business stock.

Redistribution of Unspent Earmarks Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Redistribution of Unspent Earmarks Act of 2011 - Requires unobligated highway project amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund through an earmark for FY2008 or a preceding fiscal year to be: (1) returned to the transportation department of the state in which such earmarks were directed to be used, and (2) redistributed by the state for expeditious use for other federally-approved state transportation projects.

A bill to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the taxpayer election to designate $3 of income tax liability for financing of presidential election campaigns, the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 20% of the gross domestic product for the preceding calendar year unless Congress, by a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess over such 20%. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase federal taxes from becoming law unless approved by two-thirds of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.

Bonneville Unit Clean Hydropower Facilitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Bonneville Unit Clean Hydropower Facilitation Act - Declares that, in order to facilitate hydropower development on the Diamond Fork System (Utah), a certain amount of reimbursable costs allocated to project power in the Power Appendix of the October 2004 Supplement to the 1988 Bonneville Unit Definite Plan Report shall be considered final costs, as well as specified costs in excess of the total maximum repayment obligation, subject to the same terms and conditions. States that: (1) this Act does not obligate the Western Area Power Administration to purchase or market any of the power produced by the Diamond Fork power plant; and (2) none of the costs associated with development of transmission facilities to transmit power from the Diamond Fork power plant shall be assigned to power for the purpose of Colorado River Storage Project ratemaking. Prohibits any hydroelectric power generation or transmission facility on the Diamond Fork System from being financed or refinanced with any obligation: (1) whose interest enjoys federal tax-exempt status; or (2) which enjoys certain federal tax credits. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to certain congressional committees if hydropower production on the Diamond Fork System has not commenced 24 months after enactment of this Act, stating the reasons such production has not commenced, and presenting a detailed timeline for future hydropower production. Provides that the budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to vote on passage. Prohibits the use of Western Area Power Administration borrowing authority under the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 to fund any study or construction of transmission facilities developed as a result of this Act.

Bring Jobs Back to America Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Bring Jobs Back to America Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to create a comprehensive national manufacturing strategy to increase overall domestic manufacturing, create private sector jobs, identify emerging technologies, and identify a strategy for repatriating jobs to the United States. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish targets for manufacturing growth; (2) conduct biennial surveys of U.S. businesses that maintain manufacturing facilities or customer service centers outside the United States; and (3) report on survey results. Directs the Secretary to establish multiple repatriation task forces to promote repatriation (return of a job or facility from a foreign country location to a U.S. location). Establishes the American Economic Security Commission to establish and carry out a program to improve U.S. competitiveness in the global economy through technology-based planning. Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to make eligible for assistance under such Act projects to facilitate: (1) the relocation to the United States of a foreign source of employment; and (2) the growth of the U.S. manufacturing or customer service sector. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study the feasibility and potential impact of new tax provisions to encourage U.S. companies to return jobs to the United States. Amends federal patent law to revise requirements regarding the publication of patent applications. Requires abstracts (short summaries of inventions) included with patent applications (instead of the patent applications themselves, as under current law) to be published 18 months after the earliest filing date of the application. Repeals certain requirements relating to: (1) submission of a redacted copy of an application; and (2) procedures to prevent protest and pre-issuance opposition to the grant of a patent. Requires the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to give priority to the examination of a patent application by an institution of higher education or a patent holding company affiliated with such an institution.

Impact Aid Fairness and Equity Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Impact Aid Fairness and Equity Act of 2011 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, with respect to the Impact Aid program (which compensates local educational agencies (LEAs) for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas), to alter the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property in their areas. Prohibits LEAs from being paid amounts that: (1) exceed their total current expenditures in the second prior fiscal year; or (2) are less than 85% of their payment for the prior fiscal year, in FYs 2012, 2013, and 2014. Requires the ratable reduction of payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property when appropriations for a fiscal year are insufficient to provide them with full compensation. Alters the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for eligible federally-connected children. Includes not only children in average daily attendance, but also those enrolled pursuant to a state open enrollment policy. Caps such payments for heavily impacted LEAs at the amount needed to raise their per-pupil expenditures to the higher of 110% of the average per-pupil expenditure of their state or the average per-pupil expenditure of three comparable LEAs. Continues a heavily impacted LEA's eligibility for such payments while activities associated with military base closures and realignments or force structure changes or relocations are ongoing. Alters the formula for determining the construction payments due LEAs that are eligible for other Impact Aid payments. Requires the Secretary of Education to use all Impact Aid construction appropriations to award: (1) emergency construction grants to LEAs that have no practical capacity, or minimal capacity, to issue bonds or are otherwise eligible for Impact Aid and have a school facility emergency; and (2) modernization grants to LEAs that are eligible for other Impact Aid payments.

Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2011 - Requires each state educational agency, in order to be eligible to receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 in FY2013 or subsequent fiscal years, to issue regulations establishing the following minimum requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions. Requires each local educational agency in the state to develop and implement a standard plan for concussion safety and management that includes: (1) the education of students, parents, and school personnel about concussions; (2) supports for students recovering from a concussion; and (3) best practices designed to ensure the uniformity of safety standards, treatment, and management. Requires each public elementary and secondary school to post on school grounds and make publicly available on the school website information on concussions, including information on risks, responses, symptoms, and effects. Requires public school personnel who suspect that a student has sustained a concussion during a school-sponsored activity to: (1) remove the student from the activity and prohibit such student from participating in school athletic activities until the student submits a written release from a health care professional; and (2) report to the student's parent or guardian regarding such injury and the treatment provided. Prohibits a student who has sustained a concussion in a school-sponsored athletic activity from resuming participation in school-sponsored athletic or academic activities until the school receives a written release from a health care professional that: (1) states that the student is capable of resuming participation; and (2) may require the student to follow a plan designed to aid such individual in recovering and resuming participation in a manner that is coordinated with periods of cognitive and physical rest, and that reintroduces cognitive and physical demands on a progressive basis, based on the student's symptoms.

Restoring Assistance for Families' and Seniors' Health Expenses Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Restoring Assistance for Families' and Seniors' Health Expenses Act of 2011- Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that: (1) increase from 7.5% to 10% the adjusted gross income threshold for claiming the tax deduction for medical expenses; (2) restrict payments from health savings accounts, medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending arrangements for medications solely to prescription drugs or insulin; (3) increase to 20% the penalty for distributions from a health savings or Archer medical savings account not used for qualified medical expenses; and (4) limit to $2,500 the annual salary reduction contribution to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan. Amends PPACA to treat a high deductible health plan as a qualified health plan under such Act.

Manufacture Renewable Energy Systems: Make it in America Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Manufacture Renewable Energy Systems: Make it in America Act of 2011- Authorizes federal acquisition of, or the provision of federal funds to states for purchase of, only green technologies that are 100% manufactured in the United States from articles, materials, or supplies that are 100% grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States beginning in the fourth fiscal year after enactment of this Act. Provides that such percentage shall be 30% in the first fiscal year after enactment, 50% in the second fiscal year, and 80% in the third fiscal year. Defines "green technologies" to mean renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services that: (1) reduce dependence on unreliable sources of energy by encouraging the use of sustainable biomass, wind, small-scale hydroelectric, solar, geothermal, and other renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services, and (2) use hybrid fossil-renewable energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit treating any facility originally placed in service after the enactment of this Act as a qualified facility for purposes of the renewable energy production and investment tax credits unless such facility is 100% manufactured in the United States from articles, materials, or supplies that are 100% grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States. Provides that such percentage shall be 30% for a facility placed in service during 2011, 50% for a facility placed in service during 2012, and 80% for a facility placed in service during 2013.

Complete America's Great Trails Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Complete America's Great Trails Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the fair market value of any National Scenic Trail conservation contribution. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to study the efficacy of such tax credit in completing, extending, and increasing the number of National Scenic Trails.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Indian tribes to receive charitable contributions of apparently wholesome food.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify Indian tribes as eligible recipients of tax deductible contributions of "apparently wholesome food," as defined by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

Child Tax Credit Preservation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Child Tax Credit Preservation Act of 2011- Makes permanent the increases in the child tax credit enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, and the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004. Provides for an annual inflation adjustment to child tax credit amounts, beginning in 2011.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the manufacturer limitation on the number of new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles eligible for credit.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 200,000 to 500,000 the limit on the number of new qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles that may be manufactured for purposes of the phase-out of the tax credit for such vehicles.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the standard charitable mileage rate for delivery of meals to elderly, disabled, frail and at risk individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to 51 cents per mile the standard mileage rate for the tax deduction for the charitable use of a passenger automobile to deliver meals to homebound individuals who are elderly, disabled, frail, or at risk.

Save Our Medical Devices Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Save Our Medical Devices Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on medical devices.

Children's Hope Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Children's Hope Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of up to $100 ($200 for joint returns) for charitable contributions to an education investment organization that disburses 90% of its contributions to provide grants to students for elementary and secondary education expenses, if at least 50% of such disbursements go to students who qualify for free or reduced-cost school lunches. Requires a taxpayer claiming such credit, as a condition of eligibility to receive it, to first claim a state qualified scholarship tax credit.

Back to Work Extension Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Back to Work Extension Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for one year the exemption from employment and railroad retirement taxes for employers who hire certain unemployed individuals prior to January 1, 2012 (currently, January 1, 2011). Appropriates to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund under title II of the Social Security Act amounts necessary to cover any reduction in revenues resulting from the tax exemptions provided by this Act.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction of State and local general sales taxes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the taxpayer election to deduct state and local general sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the reduction in the deductible portion of expenses for business meals and entertainment.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the income tax deduction for business meals and entertainment expenses from 50 to 75% of such expenses in calendar year 2011 and 80% in 2012 and thereafter.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the deduction for the travel expenses of a taxpayer's spouse who accompanies the taxpayer on business travel.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the restrictions on the tax deduction for the travel expenses of a taxpayer's spouse, dependent, or other individual accompanying the taxpayer on business travel.

Tax Code Termination Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Tax Code Termination Act - Terminates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 after December 31, 2015, except for self-employment taxes, Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes, and railroad retirement taxes. Requires a two-thirds majority vote in Congress to change such termination date. Declares that any new federal tax system should be a simple and fair system that: (1) applies a low rate to all Americans; (2) provides tax relief for working Americans; (3) protects the rights of taxpayers and reduces tax collection abuses; (4) eliminates the bias against savings and investment; (5) promotes economic growth and job creation; and (6) does not penalize marriage or families. Requires that the new federal tax system be approved by Congress in its final form by July 4, 2015.

To authorize the United States Capitol Police to reimburse local law enforcement agencies for protective services provided at official public Congressional events, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011

Directs the Chief of the United States Capitol Police to reimburse a local law enforcement agency for the reasonable costs incurred by the agency in providing protective services at an official public congressional event pursuant to a written agreement entered into prior to the event between the agency and the office of the Member who is the sponsor of the event. Limits the aggregate amount that may be reimbursed by the Capitol Police for a fiscal year pursuant to such agreements.

Cut Federal Spending Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Cut Federal Spending Act of 2011 - Reduces FY2011 appropriations by specified amounts for: (1) the legislative branch; (2) the judicial branch; (3) the Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the Forest Service; (4) the Department of Commerce, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); (5) the Department of Defense (DOD) military personnel, procurement, operations and maintenance, research and development, and War funding/Overseas Contingency; (6) the Department of Energy (DOE); (7) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Indian Health Service, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration; (8) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); (9) the Department of Interior, including Land and Mineral Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service (NPS); and (10) the Department of Justice (DOJ). Reduces FY2011 appropriations for: (1) the Department of Labor, except for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and the Employment and Training Administration (including all unemployment compensation); (2) the Department of State; (3) the Department of Transportation (DOT); (4) the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; (5) the Environment Protection Agency (EPA); (6) the General Services Administration (GSA); (7) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); (8) the National Science Foundation (NSF); (9) the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM); and (10) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Defunds entirely: (1) the Government Printing Office (GPO); (2) the Agriculture Research Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Resources Conservation Service, and the Foreign Agricultural Service of the USDA; (3) all Department of Education programs, except the Pell grant program, which is capped; (4) all Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, except Veteran housing programs, which are transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (5) all Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) accounts and programs of the Department of the Interior; (6) the DOJ Office of Justice Programs accounts and programs; (7) International Organizations and Conferences and International Commissions of the State Department; (8) Amtrak federal subsidies; (9) the Affordable Housing Program; (10) the Commission on Fine Arts; (11) the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); (12) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (13) the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA); (14) the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH); and (15) the State Justice Institute. Transfers: (1) all DOE accounts to DOD, and (2) the U.S. Coast Guard funds and accounts from DHS to DOD. Excludes the VA and the Social Security Administration from funding cuts for FY2011. Specifies FY2011 savings with respect to: (1) collection of delinquent taxes from federal employees, (2) a freeze on federal employee pay, (3) federal government travel, (4) a prohibition against union labor project agreements, (5) sale of unused federal assets, and (6) the federal government vehicle budget. Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act and the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), with specified resulting savings.

Spending Reduction Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Spending Reduction Act of 2011 - Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (CAA of 2011) to reduce FY2011 appropriations for nonsecurity discretionary spending to FY2008 levels. Requires funding at the lower amount of any project or activity whose FY2008 level is higher than the amount provided in appropriations Acts for FY2010. Continues discretionary spending at the current rate for operations specified in the security-related appropriations Acts for FY2010 listed in the CAA of 2011, including the rate specified in Division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985(Gramm-Rudman-Hollings) to: (1) modify the formula used to estimate the baseline, (2) eliminate automatic increases for inflation, and (3) extend through FY2021 the spending limits (spending caps) for the nondefense discretionary category in new budget authority. Rescinds all unobligated balances of the discretionary appropriations made available by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Repeals ARRA stimulus authority with respect to: (1) assistance for unemployed workers and struggling families, (2) premium assistance for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) benefits, (3) Medicare and Medicaid health information technology, (4) state fiscal relief, (5) broadband communications, and (6) limits on executive compensation. Amends the CAA of 2011 to extend the federal employee pay freeze through calendar year 2015. Limits the number of civilian employees in the executive branch. Makes persons having serious delinquent tax debts ineligible for federal employment. Bars the obligation or expenditure of funds for specified programs or purposes, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to terminate the national organic certification cost-share program. Prohibits: (1) unauthorized payments to the District of Columbia, or (2) payment of gratuities to survivors of Members of Congress. Davis-Bacon Repeal Act - Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics working under federally-financed or federally-assisted contracts for construction, alteration, and repair of public buildings or public works). Priorities in Education Spending Act - Repeals provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to prioritize educational spending with respect to specified elementary and secondary programs. Amends the ARRA to repeal the temporary increase of Medicaid FMAP. Bans the construction or leasing of new federal buildings in the District of Columbia until January 2013, unless it is in the interest of national security. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to repeal the sugar loan program, and the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to repeal the feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal authority for sugar marketing allotments, the Agricultural Act of 1949 to repeal the sugar price support program, and the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal the market access program. Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to terminate the availability of marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments for mohair producers. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to conduct a Federal Real Property Disposal Pilot Program for the expedited disposal of real property not meeting federal government needs. GSE Bailout Elimination and Taxpayer Protection Act - Requires the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to: (1) terminate the conservatorship of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and/or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) if such government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) is found financially viable, or (2) appoint the FHFA immediately as receiver of either GSE if it is found not to be financially viable. Prescribes requirements to: (1) limit government printing costs, (2) deposit Internal Revenue Service users fees in the Treasury as general receipts, (3) limit government travel costs, and (4) reduce federal vehicle costs. Repeals specified federal laws that prohibit public-private competitions for conversion to contractor performance of functions performed by federal employees pursuant to OMB Circular A-76. Deauthorizes appropriations to carry out the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (HCERA), or any amendments made by them. Rescinds the unobligated balance of HCERA funds made available for the Health Insurance Reform Implementation Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require every individual, regardless of income tax liability for the taxable year, to designate a specified overpayment amount to reduce the federal deficit. Amends the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to require a taxpayer-generated sequestration of federal spending to reduce the deficit. Amends the CAA of 2011 to prohibit the use of appropriations or funds made available or authority granted pursuant to this Act to carry out any program under, promulgate any regulation pursuant to, or defend against any lawsuit challenging any provision of the PPACA or the HCERA or any amendment made by them.

HeLP America Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention America Act or the HeLP America Act - Establishes or expands programs regarding children's nutrition and physical activity in schools and with child care providers, including expanding the free fruit fruit program and promoting equal opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in schools and colleges. Sets forth provisions to expand healthy activities in the community, including permitting use of schools for recreational and nutritional purposes during nonschool hours, awarding grants for sports and athletic programs for individuals with disabilities, awarding grants to establish community gardens, requiring physical activity guidelines for the general public, and promoting breastfeeding among working mothers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase taxes on tobacco products, allow a wellness program credit for employers, exclude from an employee's income the fees paid by an employer to an athletic or fitness facility on the employee's behalf, and disallow a deduction for expenses relating to advertising or marketing of any tobacco product. Establishes a program to assist federal departments and agencies in integrating health goals into their activities. Establishes requirements for federal buildings, including requirements for: (1) application of menu labeling requirements to food establishments and nutritional standards for food provided in such buildings, (2) prompts encouraging individuals to use stairs, and (3) installation of bicycle storage areas. Sets forth provisions to reduce the sodium content of processed food and restaurant food, expand nutritional labeling requirements, establish a front-label food guidance system, and strengthen health literacy. Authorizes the FTC to regulate children’s advertising as an unfair act or practice in or affecting commerce. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to: (1) impose an industry-wide penalty on manufacturers of cigarettes for failure to achieve youth tobacco use reduction goals; and (2) make grants to eligible entities to analyze body mass index measurements of children Expands coverage of preventive services through Medicaid and the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. Establishes a training program for health professionals related to the prevention, identification, and treatment of overweight patients, obesity, and eating disorders.

Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Extension Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Extension Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify the tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory by limiting the reduction in such deduction to the amount by which the fair market valuation of the contributed food exceeds twice the basis of such food; and (2) make such deduction permanent.

Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011- Repeals the provision of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 requiring federal, state, and local governmental entities to withhold 3% of payments due to vendors providing goods and services to such entities. Rescinds permanently $39 billion of appropriated but unobligated discretionary funds. Exempts unobligated funds of the Department of Defense (DOD) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine and identify from which appropriation accounts such rescissions shall apply and report to the Secretary of the Treasury and Congress on such rescissions.

Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless there is potential for serious harm to the public interest, the detection of criminal activity would be impaired, the violation is not corrected within six months, the violation is a violation of internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt, or the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after receipt by the small business owner of notification of the violation. Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business previously violated any requirement concerning the collection of information by that agency.

America Invents Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Patent Reform Act of 2011 - Defines the "effective filing date" of a claimed invention as the actual filing date of the patent or the application for patent containing a claim to the invention (thus replacing the current first-to-invent system), except as specified. Requires the effective filing date for a claimed invention in an application for reissue or reissued patent to be determined by deeming the claim to the invention to have been contained in the patent for which reissue was sought. Amends federal patent law to rewrite provisions concerning: (1) the conditions for patentability, including a one-year grace period (a prior art exception) for inventors to file an application after certain disclosures of the claimed invention by the inventor or another who obtained the subject matter from the inventor; and (2) false marking actions. Sets forth derived patent provisions. Replaces interference proceedings with derivation proceedings. Replaces the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Amends damages provisions to: (1) require court-identified determination factors and methodologies, (2) provide willful infringement standards, and (3) revise specified defenses and evidentiary requirements. Revises and adds various other rights and requirements related to patents, including regarding: (1) post-grant procedures, (2) inter partes review, (3) reexaminations, (4) citation of prior art, (5) U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) fee setting authority, (6) preissuance submissions by third parties, and (7) venue. Allows appeals of specified Board decisions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Establishes supplemental examinations to consider, reconsider, and correct information. Revises provisions concerning the residency of federal circuit judges and the facilities and administrative support which must be provided to them. Defines the term "micro entity" for both an assigned and unassigned application, including specifying for both that an entity qualifies as a small entity if it is so defined in regulations issued by the USPTO Director and has not been named on five or more previously filed patent applications. Deems any strategy for reducing, avoiding, or deferring tax liability insufficient to differentiate a claimed invention from the prior art when evaluating specified conditions of patentability. Prohibits using a failure to disclose the best mode as a basis on which any claim of a patent may be canceled or held invalid or otherwise unenforceable.

Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011- Repeals provisions of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 requiring federal, state, and local governmental entities to withhold 3% of payments due to vendors providing goods and services to such entities.

A bill to reduce the amount of financial assistance provided to the Government of Mexico in response to the illegal border crossings from Mexico into the United States, which serve to dissipate the political discontent with the higher unemployment rate within Mexico.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) annually estimate the number of illegal border crossings along the southern U.S. land border, and (2) reduce financial assistance to the government of Mexico by a total of $1,000 for each illegal border crossing from Mexico to the United States during the previous fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to not reduce appropriations for the government of Mexico from the International Military Education and Training Fund, the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Fund, and the fund to carry out nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs and activities.

Right Start Child Care and Education Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Right Start Child Care and Education Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rates and maximum allowable amount of the tax credit for employer-provided child care facilities; (2) increase the eligibility threshold amount and rate of the household and dependent care tax credit and make such credit refundable; (3) allow a new $2,000 tax credit for child care providers who hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child care, or a related degree and who provide at least 1,200 hours of child care services in a taxable year; and (4) increase the tax exclusion for employer-provided dependent care assistance.

Confidence in Long-Term Care Insurance Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Confidence in Long-Term Care Insurance Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to: (1) conduct reviews every five years of the national and state-specific markets for long-term care (LTC) insurance policies; (2) issue a white paper on disclosure requirements for LTC insurance policies, standardized definitions for LTC services, and issues related to the development of a proposed form for marketing LTC insurance policies; (3) establish a Working Group to develop a model disclosure form for marketing LTC insurance policies; and (4) incorporate such form into the Model Act and regulation. Sets forth requirements related to the use of the proposed model disclosure form for marketing LTC insurance policies, including requiring states to require issuers to use such forms. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to reauthorize through FY2015 the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information. Requires the Clearinghouse to establish an Internet directory of information regarding LTC insurance ("to be known as LTC Insurance Compare). Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state Medicaid plan to provide for the annual submission of data relating to functional criteria for the receipt of nursing facility services under the plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply Medicaid partnership required model provisions to all tax-qualified LTC insurance contracts. Outlines a process for secretarial review of model provisions adopted by NAIC with respect to their application to tax-qualified LTC policies and Medicaid partnership policies to determine if updating such provisions would improve consumer protections for insured individuals. Applies 2006 NAIC model regulations to Medicaid partnerships. (Currently, 2000 NAIC model regulations apply). Sets forth additional requirements applicable to such policies.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an investment credit for solar light pipe property, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a new energy tax credit for investment in equipment that: (1) uses prismatic or other lenses, glazing, reflectors, or concentrators to convey or diffuse natural light into a structure or that uses a highly reflective light pipe which has a solar collection component and a distribution lens at the ends to transport visible solar radiation from its collection point to illuminate the interior of a structure, and (2) integrates automotic lighting controls to adjust traditionally powered lighting to satisfy building lighting requirements.