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Bill· HRH.R. 7083 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Charity Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify rules and definitions relating to the tax on distributions from donor advised funds (a charitable fund in which a donor has, or reasonably expects to have, advisory privileges with respect to the distribution or investment of amounts held in such fund by reason of his or her status as a donor); (2) treat contributions by Indian tribal governments to tax-exempt organizations in the same manner as contributions by states for purposes of determining the classification of an organization as a public charity or private foundation; (3) require certain tax-exempt organizations that file at least five tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) annually to use electronic filing; and (4) expand the bad check penalty to all tax payments by commercially acceptable means (e.g., electronic payments).
Bill· HRH.R. 7103 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Small Business Efficiency Act of 2008- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat professional employer organizations (PEOs), certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as employers for employment tax purposes (thus allowing such PEOs to pay wages and collect and remit payroll taxes on behalf of an employer). Sets forth IRS certification requirements for PEOs, including financial review and reporting requirements. Requires a PEO to post a bond (the greater of $50,000 or 5% of the organization's tax liability for the preceding calendar year not to exceed $1,000,000) to guarantee payment of employment taxes.
Bill· HRH.R. 7094 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Government-Sponsored Enterprises Free Market Reform Act of 2008 - Sets a deadline for the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to terminate the conservatorship of either the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) if the Director determines that it is financially viable. (Refers to both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as enterprises.) Requires the Director to appoint the Federal Housing Finance Agency immediately as receiver of either enterprise if it is found not to be financially viable. Restricts the authority of an enterprise to acquire mortgage assets following its emergence from conservatorship. Requires the Director to establish mandatory minimum capital levels for the enterprises. Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to repeal the temporary conforming loan limit increase for the enterprises. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to repeal provisions governing enterprise authority to purchase and sell certain insured and conventional mortgages and to engage in certain lending activities. Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 to repeal the new housing price index. Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to repeal certain conforming loan limits. Requires the enterprises to pay state and local taxes. Instructs the Director to assess each enterprise for the amount necessary to recoup to the federal government the full value of the benefit the enterprise receives from federal guarantees for its obligations and financial viability. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on a risk-based pricing mechanism to determine accurately the value of the benefit the enterprises receive from such federal guarantees. Requires the wind down and dissolution of an enterprise whose charter is not renewed.
Bill· HRH.R. 7074 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Home Office Tax Deduction Simplification and Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer who uses a residence to conduct a trade or business to elect a standard tax deduction equal to the product of a standard rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury and the square footage of the portion of a residence used to conduct a trade or business (home office tax deduction). Modifies the rules for the home office tax deduction to: (1) allow a deduction for the cost of dealing with patients, clients, or customers even if they are not physically present in the home office; and (2) establish a de minimis exemption for personal use of a home office. Requires the Secretary to ensure that all self-employment tax forms and schedules separately state amounts attributable to real estate taxes, mortgage interest, and depreciation for purposes of the home office tax deduction.
Bill· HRH.R. 7064 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Cleaner Trucks for America Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the credit amount for new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings of more than 26,000 pounds from $40,000 to $80,000; (2) allow an increased tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling properties that dispense compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas; and (3) allow such credit amounts against the regular and alternative minimum tax.
Bill· HRH.R. 7097 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Biogas Production Incentive Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for the production and sale of biogas. Defines "biogas" as a gas that is derived by processing qualified energy feedstock (i.e., manure of agricultural livestock and other organic agricultural or food industry byproduct waste material) in an anaerobic digester and that contains at least 60% methane and carbon dioxide and trace gases. Provides an increased credit for biogas produced from qualified cellulosic energy feedstock.
Bill· HRH.R. 7067 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make performance-based payments each fiscal year to hospitals that provide high quality inpatient hospital services to inpatients entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance). Requires the Secretary to select appropriate evidence-based and statistically valid quality measures of care furnished by hospitals in inpatient settings for evaluating hospital performance. Requires a utilization and quality control peer review organization to give priority of quality improvement assistance to low-performing hospitals. Directs the Secretary to establish a program under which a hospital seeking to improve the quality of inpatient hospital services based on the results of a performance evaluation may apply to the Secretary to receive quality improvement assistance from a private quality organization with expertise in supporting inpatient service quality improvement.
Bill· HRH.R. 7095 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Comprehensive Long-Term Care Support Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income (available for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions) for the cost of long-term care premiums for the taxpayer and certain family members, including the taxpayer's spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants. Phases in the deduction by allowing the deduction of 50 percent of the cost of premiums in 2009, 75 percent in 2010, and 100 percent in 2011 or thereafter. Allows long-term care insurance as a benefit under tax-qualified cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements. Allows a tax credit for caregivers of individuals with long-term health care needs. Phases in a $3,000 credit amount for 2013 or thereafter, beginning with $1,000 in 2009, $1,500 in 2010, $2,000 in 2011, and $2,500 in 2012. Reduces the amount of the credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint returns), adjusted for inflation after 2009. Increases funding for the the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Native American Caregiver Support Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 7091 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Care for Life Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office of Pregnancy Support Services to encourage and assist pregnant women throughout pregnancy and following childbirth by providing services that will alleviate the financial, social, emotional, and other difficulties that may otherwise compel them to seek an abortion. Requires: (1) development of a Pregnancy Care Information Service as a publicly accessible database; (2) an annual nationwide conference on best practices in pregnancy support services and the key burdens or adverse circumstances facing pregnant women; (3) establishment and operation of a toll-free number for service referrals; and (4) a public outreach campaign regarding such services. Authorizes the awarding of competitive grants to provide pregnancy support services. Prohibits any preexisting condition exclusion or other discrimination in coverage or premiums against a woman because she is pregnant if the woman has had at least 12 months of health insurance coverage before seeking individual market coverage. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize grants to or contracts with higher education institutions and other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies to establish and operate pregnant and parenting student services offices or agencies solely to provide pregnancy support services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the tax credit for adoption expenses; (2) make such tax credit refundable; and (3) increase the exclusion from gross income for employer-paid adoption expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 7060 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Renewable Energy and Job Creation Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy conservation and production, to extend expiring provisions, and provide for revenue enhancements. Extends the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources: (1) through 2009 for wind facilities; and (2) through FY2011 for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash combustion, and hydropower facilities. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2016 the energy tax credit for solar energy, fuel cell, and microturbine property. Allows a new energy tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Increases to $1,500 the credit limitation for fuel cell property. Increases and extends through 2016 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property. Eliminates the limitation on the tax credit for solar electric property. Allows a new tax credit for 30% of expenditures for wind turbines used to generate electricity in a residence and for geothermal heat pumps. Extends tax deferral provisions for the gain on sales of transmission property by vertically-integrated electric utilities to independent transmission companies approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Allows a 30% investment tax credit rate for advanced coal-based generation technology projects and increases the maximum credit amounts allocable for such projects to $2.55 billion. Increases to 30% the investment tax credit rate for coal gasification projects. Extends the excise tax on coal through December 31, 2018. Sets forth special rules for refund claims of coal excise tax by certain coal producers and exporters. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to undertake a comprehensive review of Internal Revenue Code provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and provide an estimate of the magnitude of such effects. Includes cellulosic biofuel within the definition of "biomass ethanol plant property" for purposes of bonus depreciation. Extends through 2009 income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel. Increases the rates of such credits. Disqualifies foreign-produced fuel that is used or sold for use outside the United States from the income and excise tax credits for alcohol, biodiesel, and alternative fuel production. Allows a new tax credit for the production of qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. Allows an exclusion from the heavy truck excise tax for idling reduction devices and advanced insulation used in certain heavy trucks and trailers. Allows employees to exclude reimbursements for bicycle commuting expenses from gross income. Increases and extends the tax credit for residential and commercial alternative fuel refueling property expenditures. Extends the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures through 2008. Includes energy-efficient biomass fuel stoves as property eligible for such tax credit. Extends through 2013 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures. Modifies tax credit amounts for energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Allows an accelerated 10-year recovery period for the depreciation of qualified smart electric meters and smart electric grid systems. Extends through FY2012 the authority to issue tax-exempt green building and sustainable design project bonds. Extends through 2009: (1) the tax deduction for state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (2) the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses; (3) the exemption from withholding of tax of interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends received from a regulated investment company (RIC) and the special rule for RIC stock held in the estate of nonresidents; (4) tax-free distributions from individual retirement plans for charitable purposes; (5) the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (6) the inclusion of an RIC within the definition of "qualified investment entity" for income tax purposes; and (7) the additional standard tax deduction for real property taxes. Extends through 2009: (1) the tax credits for increasing research activities, Indian employment, railroad track maintenance, and the new markets tax credit; (2) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for motorsports racing track facilities, and for business property on Indian reservations; (3) expensing of environmental remediation costs and certain film and television production costs; (4) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico; (5) special rules for related controlled foreign corporations and for the tax treatment of certain payments to tax-exempt organizations by a controlled subsidiary; (6) issuance authority for qualified zone academy bonds; (7) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (8) the economic development credit for American Samoa; (9) the expanded tax deductions for charitable contributions of food and book inventories by noncorporate taxpayers; (10) the special rule for reductions in the basis of S corporation stock for charitable contributions; (11) work opportunity tax credit eligibility for Hurricane Katrina employees (through August 28, 2009); (12) the subpart F income exemption for active financing income; and (13) the increase in alcohol excise taxes payable to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Makes permanent the authority of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to: (1) conduct undercover operations; and (2) disclose tax return information related to terrorist activities. Lowers in 2008 (from $10,000 to $8,500) the earned income threshold amount for determining the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Modifies certain provisions relating to the tax deduction for domestic film and television productions. Exempts from the excise tax on bows and arrows certain arrow shafts. Modifies the standards for imposing penalties on tax return preparers for understatements of tax to require: (1) substantial authority for a position with respect to an item on a tax return if such position was not disclosed with the return; and (2) a reasonable basis for a position that was disclosed with the return. Requires tax return preparers to have a reasonable belief that a position with respect to a tax shelter or a reportable transaction (a transaction having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) will more likely than not be sustained on its merits. Provides for revenue enhancements by: (1) reducing by 3% the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities for taxpayers with income derived from activities related to oil, gas, or any primary products thereof; (2) conforming the tax treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit; (3) including within the reporting requirements of investment brokers the adjusted basis of any publicly traded security owned by customers of such brokers; (4) extending through 2009 the 0.2% Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) surtax; (5) requiring the inclusion in gross income of employee compensation deferred under compensation plans of certain foreign business entities; (6) delaying until 2017 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit; and (7) increasing the estimated tax payments of certain large corporations in the third quarter of 2013.
Bill· HRH.R. 7100 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
DTV Coupon Assistance Act of 2008 - Allows individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for $40 for each of their expired digital-to-analog converter box coupons, up to a maximum of $80.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1501 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7060) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1502 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2008
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7060) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief.
Bill· SS. 3554 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Affordable Coverage for Small Employers Act of 2008 - Establishes the National Health Coverage Policy Board as an independent agency to oversee a program to provide health insurance coverage to small employers and their employees. Directs the Policy Board to: (1) determine a comprehensive, quality, and affordable standard benefit package similar to that provided under specified large federal employees health benefits (FEHB) plans; (2) apportion the United States into regions with no less than two states each; (3) establish a Regional Health Coverage Exchange for each region to serve as a central purchasing site for health coverage, to provide information about plans, to facilitate enrollment, and to ensure health plan compliance with requirements; and (4) establish the Regional Health Coverage Exchange Board. Requires the Regional Board to develop common rating guidelines relating to the health insurance market for small employers. Directs each state to enact laws necessary to regulate its small group insurance market in accordance with such guidelines. Authorizes states to permit sole proprietors and individuals to purchase coverage through the Exchange. Sets forth requirements for a health insurance issuer to offer health care coverage through an Exchange. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a refundable tax credit for taxpayer premiums for qualified health insurance purchased through an Exchange; (2) allow a refundable tax credit for small employer contributions toward the cost of such employee health insurance; and (3) provide for advance payment of such tax credits.
Bill· SS. 3557 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
America Saving for Personal Investment, Retirement, and Education Act of 2008 or the ASPIRE Act of 2008 - Establishes a KIDS Account Fund in the Treasury. Establishes within the Fund a Kids Investment and Development Savings Account (KIDS Account). Makes eligible to contribute to such account, and to receive a matching federal contribution, any U.S. citizen born after December 31, 2007, and under 18 years of age, whose modified adjusted gross income is below the applicable national median adjusted gross income amount. Creates the KIDS Account Fund Board to establish a default investment program under which, in a manner similar to a lifecycle investment program, sums in each KIDS Account are allocated to investment funds in the KIDS Account Fund based on the amount of time before the account holder attains the age of 18. States that, for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code, each KIDS Account shall be treated in the same manner as a Roth IRA. Applies Roth IRA requirements separately to KIDS accounts. Provides for: (1) distributions for higher education expenses; and (2) privately managed KIDS accounts. Subjects the Board to the same composition requirements, duties, and responsibilities as the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, to develop programs to promote the financial literacy of account holders of KIDS Accounts.
Bill· SS. 3561 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Home Energy Affordability Tax Relief Act of 2008 or the HEATR Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income-based refundable tax credit for residential energy costs. Limits such credit to the lesser of 33% of such costs or $500. Eliminates for major integrated oil companies: (1) the tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs in taxable years in which the average price of crude oil is greater than $34.71 per barrel and the average price of natural gas is greater that $4.34 per 1,000 cubic feet; and (2) the tax credit for enhanced oil recovery costs in taxable years in which the average price of crude oil is greater than $34.71 per barrel. Denies such oil companies and certain producers or refiners of crude oil a foreign tax credit for payments to certain foreign countries or U.S. possessions from which they receive a specified economic benefit as a dual capacity taxpayer.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 680 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Authorizes the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to provide to law enforcement officials, regulatory agencies, and other authorized individuals records of the Subcommittee's investigation into how financial institutions have designed, marketed, and implemented transactions intended to enable foreign taxpayers to avoid taxes on U.S. stock dividends.
Bill· HRH.R. 7036 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Elder Care Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax credit for dependent care expenses for parents (or ancestors of such parents) of the taxpayer who are physically or mentally incapable of self-care, regardless of whether such a parent has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the taxable year.
Bill· HRH.R. 7055 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Evacuees Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to elect either a tax credit or tax deduction for up to $5,000 of their voluntary or mandatory evacuation expenses due to a disaster.
Bill· HRH.R. 7043 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer election to expense the cost of installing underground public utility property in the Hurricane Gustav disaster area. Terminates such expensing allowance after December 31, 2009. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the electric grid failures in Louisiana following Hurricane Gustav.
Bill· HRH.R. 7044 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax deduction for dividends received by a U.S. corporation from a controlled foreign corporation to: (1) extend the applicability of such provisions to taxable years beginning after FY2007; and (2) reduce such deduction for corporations that do not maintain certain employment levels.
Bill· HRH.R. 7045 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and implement a Pancreatic Cancer Initiative to assist in coordinating activities to address the high mortality rate associated with pancreatic cancer. Requires the Secretary to establish the Interdisciplinary Pancreatic Cancer Coordinating Committee to: (1) provide advice on overall research objectives and benchmarks for pancreatic cancer research; (2) develop and annually update a strategic plan for pancreatic cancer research awareness; and (3) conduct evaluations and make recommendations to the Secretary, the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Director of the National Cancer Institute regarding the prioritization and award of NIH research grants relating to pancreatic cancer. Requires the Secretary to develop a primary care provider education program on pancreatic cancer. Requires the Director of NIH and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a communication tool kit for patients and their families that focuses on specific pancreatic cancer issues relating to patient choices and patient care. Allows the Secretary to award grants to research institutions for use in developing innovative compounds or technologies for the prevention, early detection, or treatment of those cancers with five-year survival rates of less than 50%. Requires the Secretary to focus on pancreatic cancer during the initial five fiscal years of awarding such grants. Allows the Secretary to designate two additional Specialized Programs of Research Excellence focusing solely on pancreatic cancer research.
Bill· HRH.R. 7035 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Improving Dependent Care Tax Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $7,500 the employee tax exclusion for employer-provided dependent care assistance.
Bill· HRH.R. 7042 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
First Responders Support Act of 2008 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) increase death and disability benefits for public safety officers; and (2) expand educational benefits for dependents of public safety officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for up to $7,500 of the medical expenses paid or incurred by a public safety officer or a family member for injuries sustained while such officer was performing an official duty. Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to award grants for mental health services or counseling to public safety officers seriously injured in the line of duty and the family members of such officers who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1490 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008
Waives a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to allow consideration or disposition of a measure (providing incentives for energy production and conservation, extending certain expiring provisions, and providing individual income tax relief) on the same day it is presented to the House.
Bill· SS. 3543 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Integrity in Offshore Energy Resources Act of 2008 - Prohibits any employee of the Minerals Management Service of the Department of the Interior from: (1) knowingly accepting a gift from an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining or from being employed by such an entity while employed in the Service; and (2) accepting employment from an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining during the one-year period after termination of employment with the Service. Makes violations of such prohibitions a felony. Requires financial disclosure by employees of the Service in positions equivalent to GS-13 or higher. Suspends the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to carry out royalty-in-kind programs (payment of royalties from oil and gas leases in the form of production rather than cash) until the Secretary certifies that a comprehensive review of such programs has been conducted, implements an ethics training program for employees of the Minerals Management Service, and creates an ombudsman position to monitor the progress of the Service in carrying out reforms. Requires the Secretary to perform at least 550 audits in each fiscal year of oil and gas leases for which payment is made under a royalty-in-kind program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the authority of the Secretary to pay salaries and other administrative costs related to a royalty-in kind program from royalty-in-kind sales revenues.
Bill· SS. 3544 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Superfund Polluter Pays Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating until January 1, 2017, the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate and the corporate environmental income tax.
Bill· HRH.R. 7006 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) waive certain limitations on the tax deduction for personal casualty losses attributable to a federally declared disaster occurring after December 31, 2007, and before January 1, 2012; (2) allow expensing of business-related costs for abatement or control of hazardous substances, removal of debris, and repairs related to a federally declared disaster; (3) allow a five year net operating loss carryback period for losses attributable to a federally declared disaster; (4) waive the first-time homebuyer requirement and other requirements for mortgage revenue bond financing of residences in a disaster area; (5) increase the standard mileage rate for the tax deduction for the use of a passenger automobile for charitable purposes; (6) provide additional allocations under the low-income housing tax credit for property affected by a federally declared disaster; (7) expand tax-exempt private activity bond financing to included qualified disaster bonds; and (8) suspend limitations on the charitable tax deduction for disaster relief contributions.
Bill· HRH.R. 7005 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2008 for individual taxpayers: (1) the offset of nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and alternative minimum tax (AMT) liability; and (2) the increased alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts. Increases the alternative minimum tax (AMT) refundable credit amount for individuals who have long-term unused minimum tax credits from prior taxable years. Abates any underpayment of tax attributable to the application of special AMT rules for the treatment of incentive stock options.
Bill· HRH.R. 6997 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
National Water Research and Development Initiative Act of 2008 - Directs the President to implement a National Water Research and Development Initiative to improve the federal government's role in designing and implementing federal water research, development, demonstration, data collection and dissemination, education, and technology transfer activities to address changes in U.S. water use, supply, and demand. Directs the President to establish or designate an interagency committee to implement the Initiative, which shall: (1) develop a National Water Research and Assessment Plan; (2) coordinate all water-related federal research, development, demonstration, data collection and dissemination, education, and technology transfer activities; (3) ensure cooperation among federal agencies; and (4) facilitate technology transfer, communication, and opportunities for information exchange with various parties through a National Water Initiative Coordination Office (to be established by the President to provide technical and administrative support to the committee). Requires the Plan to: (1) establish priorities for federal water research; (2) identify each current program and activity related to the Initiative; (3) identify funding levels; (4) set forth a strategy and timeline to achieve specified desired outcomes, including implementation of a National Water Census; (5) address suggestions and incorporate public input received; and (6) be submitted to Congress within one year of enactment. Directs the President to: (1) provide guidance to each federal agency participating in the Initiative regarding the preparation of requests for appropriations for activities related to the Plan; and (2) submit, concurrent with the annual budget submission to Congress, a report that describes Initiative activities and results during the previous fiscal year and outlines objectives for the next fiscal year.
Bill· HRH.R. 7019 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Middle Class College Tuition Tax Credit Expansion Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credits with a tax credit for 50% of qualified tuition and related expenses (including required books), up to $10,000, for attendance at an institution of higher education.
Bill· HRH.R. 7009 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Family Work Flexibility Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for the cost of teleworking equipment used by employees to telework and for expenses to maintain such equipment. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to the lesser of $500 for each teleworking employee or $50,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 7025 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from 7.5 to 2.5% the amount of adjusted gross income over which a taxpayer's medical expenses are fully deductible.
Bill· HRH.R. 7021 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Wrongful Convictions Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow wrongfully incarcerated individuals: (1) an exclusion from gross income for compensation received relating to their incarceration and for the first $50,000 of annual income received by such an individual after December 31, 2007; and (2) a refundable tax credit for 50% of payroll taxes on employment and self-employment income, up to $50,000 of such income. Limits the duration of such tax benefits to the lesser of 15 years or the number of years such an individual was incarcerated. Defines "wrongfully incarcerated individual" as an individual who was convicted of a criminal offense and was then pardoned or found not guilty of such offense because of innocence after serving all or a portion of a prison term. Disqualifies individuals with prior convictions punishable by more than one year of imprisonment.
Bill· HRH.R. 7010 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Health Insurance Stability Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for amounts paid to continue health care coverage for the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents under the applicable continuation provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Limits the amount of such credit and disqualifies taxpayers who, in any month, have employer-provided coverage, are covered under Medicare, Medicaid, or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act, or are imprisoned. Denies such credit to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents or who are dependents of a taxpayer. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for advancing payments of credit amounts to health insurance providers of the taxpayer.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1489 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Waives a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to allow consideration or disposition of a measure (providing incentives for energy production and conservation, extending certain expiring provisions, and providing individual income tax relief) on the same day it is presented to the House.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1488 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2008
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2638) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.
Bill· SS. 3535 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an inflation adjustment based upon the gross domestic product deflator to the adjusted basis of certain assets (including C corporation common stock and tangible property used in a trade or business) held by a taxpayer for more than three years for purposes of determining gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of such assets. Sets forth rules for applying such inflation adjustment to short sales, regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts, partnerships and other pass-thru entities, and dispositions of assets between related persons.
Bill· SS. 3532 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere Act of 2008 or the GIVE Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the standard mileage rate for use of a passenger automobile for charitable purposes to a rate not less than the rate used for the tax deduction for medical transportation expenses; and (2) exclude from the gross income of charitable volunteers reimbursements paid to them for the use of a passenger automobile for the benefit of a charitable organization.
Law· HRH.R. 6984 (110th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2008
Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2008, Part II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from September 30, 2008, through March 31, 2009: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Amends federal transportation laws to extend funding from September 30, 2008, through March 31, 2009, for airport improvement program (AIP) projects, including project grant authority. Authorizes obligation at any time during FY2009 of funds made available by this Act. Prescribes a formula for calculating funding apportionments to implement the program. Extends through March 31, 2009, various airport development projects, including: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fees at nonhub airports; (2) the small community air service development program; (3) small airport grants for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (4) state and local airport compatibility projects; (5) the authority of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to apply for an airport development grant and impose a passenger facility fee; (6) the temporary increase to 95% in the government share of certain AIP project costs; (7) Midway Island airport development; and (8) airport planning and development grant programs. Extends through March 31, 2009, Department of Transportation (DOT) insurance coverage for domestic and foreign-flag air carriers. Extends through May 31, 2009, air carrier liability limits for injuries to passengers resulting from acts of terrorism. Extends through March 31, 2009, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) research, engineering, and development.
Bill· SS. 3518 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Municipal Bond Market Support Act of 2008 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the small issuer exemption from interest expense allocation rules for financial institutions to: (1) increase from $10 to $30 million the annual limit on small issuers of tax-exempt municipal bonds; (2) allow an inflation adjustment to such increased limit amount after 2009; (3) repeal aggregation rules relating to the determination of small issuer eligibility; (4) allow small issuers an election to treat borrowers separately for purposes of issuance limitations; and (5) allow financial institutions and brokers to hold up to 2% of their assets in tax-exempt securities without affecting their interest expense tax deduction.
Bill· SS. 3523 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Eight Steps to Energy Sufficiency Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) take designated actions to promote advanced batteries research and development for (plug-in) electric drive vehicles, including a direct loan program for domestic production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to prescribe procedures for oil and natural gas preleasing and leasing activities in certain new producing areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, to repeal the prohibition against final regulations for a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public land. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) enter into a streamlined refinery permitting process (upon request of a state governor or Indian tribe); and (2) report to certain congressional committees regarding additional federal incentives to increase production of cellulosic ethanol. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress regarding actions to limit litigation under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for hydrogen installation, infrastructure, and fuel costs; and (2) extend and modify tax credits for renewable energy production, solar energy and fuel cell investment, residential energy efficient property, renewable energy bonds, energy efficient new and existing homes, and energy efficient appliances produced after 2007. Extends and modifies the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to declare certain large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities eligible for the federal loan guarantee program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan program for coal-to-liquid facilities. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to permit the Secretary of Energy to construct storage facilities near pipeline infrastructure and a military base and store coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Authorizes specified funds for the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue support efforts to test and procure coal-derived synthetic fuels for aviation jet use. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow specified tax incentives for coal-to-liquid production. Energy Security and Climate Enhancement Through Clean Coal Technology Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe specified clean coal technology incentives, including: (1) an investment credit for carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage equipment; and (2) a credit for carbon dioxide sequestration in the generation of electricity. Provides for the issuance of clean energy coal bonds. Withdraws specified lands from certain leasing, mining and materials sales laws, and places them under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Energy for nuclear waste access to Yucca Mountain. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to prescribe infrastructure activities related to a facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at the Yucca Mountain site. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish: (1) a nuclear power facility construction credit; and (2) a five-year accelerated depreciation for new nuclear power facilities. Prescribes a leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development and production within the Coastal Plain of Alaska (known as the 1002 Coastal Plain Area). Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Prohibits exportation of oil or gas produced under this Act.
Bill· SS. 3514 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Reuniting Families Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) mean a child, spouse, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (and for each family member of a citizen or resident, such individual's accompanying spouse or child), except that in the case of parents such citizens shall be at least 21 years old; (2) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen or resident to seek permanent resident status if married at least two years at the time of the citizen's or resident's death or, if married less than two years, by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (3) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen or resident at the time of the citizen's or resident's death if the alien files a petition within two years after such date or prior to reaching 21 years old. Increases immigration visas for: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and (2) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Provides a 60,000 visa allocation for the unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens. Increases annual per country (10% of annual total) and dependent area (5% of annual total) limits for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visas. Expands specified family-unity exceptions to unlawful presence-based inadmissibility. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas. Exempts children of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations.
Bill· SS. 3527 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Veterans Health Care Budget Reform Act of 2008 - Requires, beginning with FY2010, a two-fiscal-year budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Administration; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures.
Bill· HRH.R. 6958 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Hurricane Ike Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits to individuals affected by Hurricane Ike. Makes specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently apply only to residents of the Gulf Opportunity Zone and the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, applicable to the Hurricane Ike recovery area, including: (1) tax-exempt bond financing, the low-income housing tax credit, accelerated depreciation and increased expensing of business assets, an increase in the rehabilitation tax credit, extended carryback of net operating losses, and investment in tax credit bonds; (2) expensing of environmental remediation costs and demolition and cleanup costs; (3) tax incentives for employer-provided housing; (4) tax-free withdrawals from retirement accounts and recontributions for home purchases; (5) employer tax credits for retention of employees; and (6) suspension of limitations on tax deductions for charitable contributions and personal casualty losses. Extends through 2009 the additional tax exemption for housing displaced individuals in the Hurricane Ike recovery area. Extends through 2009 the enhanced tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventories and of book inventories to public schools. Requires charitable organizations to provide the Secretary of the Treasury with specified information, on an annual basis, relating to their disaster relief activities. Makes the standard mileage rate used to determine the tax deduction for the use of a passenger automobile for charitable purposes equal to the standard mileage rate used for the tax deduction for medical and moving expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 6938 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Reuniting Families Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) mean a child, spouse, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (and for each family member of a citizen or resident, such individual's accompanying spouse or child), except that in the case of parents such citizens shall be at least 21 years old; (2) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen or resident to seek permanent resident status if married at least two years at the time of the citizen's or resident's death or, if married less than two years, by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (3) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen or resident at the time of the citizen's or resident's death if the alien files a petition within two years after such date or prior to reaching 21 years old. Increases immigration visas for: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and (2) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Provides a 60,000 visa allocation for the unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens. Increases annual per country (10% of annual total) and dependent area (5% of annual total) limits for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visas. Expands specified family-unity exceptions to unlawful presence-based inadmissibility. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas. Exempts children of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations.
Bill· HRH.R. 6963 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
SCHIP Plus Act of 2008 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a state child health plan to provide for the offering of any qualified alternative coverage that a qualified entity seeks to offer targeted low-income children through the plan. Revises requirements with respect to authority for payments to a state for the purchase of family coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan that includes coverage of targeted low-income children. Prohibits a state child health plan from requiring a targeted low-income child to enroll in such coverage in order to obtain child health assistance under this Act. (Thus requires enrollment to be voluntary.) Requires a state health plan to provide at least one opportunity per fiscal year for beneficiaries to switch SCHIP coverage from an employer-sponsored plan to the coverage otherwise available under SCHIP. Requires such plan also to permit beneficiaries to switch coverage under other circumstances, such as change in employment, birth of a child, or change in households, as the Secretary specifies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require employers that maintain a group health plan in a state that provides child health assistance under SCHIP in the form of premium assistance to give each employee written notice of potential opportunities for such premium assistance for health coverage of the employee's dependents.
Bill· HRH.R. 6969 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for excess reinsurance premiums with respect to U.S. risks paid to affiliated insurance companies that are not subject to U.S. taxation.
Bill· HRH.R. 6943 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income and excise tax credit for the production of algae derived fuel and fuel mixtures. Defines "algae derived fuel" as a liquid hydrocarbon product that is derived from the biomass of algal organisms (single- or multi-cellular organisms that are inherently photosynthetic and aquatic). Terminates such credits after 2012.
Bill· HRH.R. 6939 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008
Requires, beginning with FY2010, a two-fiscal-year budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Administration; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures.