Taxation

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2009

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2009

Wall Street Fair Share Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2009

Wall Street Fair Share Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on securities trading facilities, brokers, and purchasers for certain securities transactions. Sets such tax at .25% of the fair market value of the security traded. Defines "security" to include stock in a corporation, partnership interests, debt instruments, or interests in certain derivative financial instruments. Exempts from such tax an initial issue of securities, transactions in certain retirement, education, and health savings accounts, and transactions in mutual funds. Allows the purchaser of securities a credit against the excise tax for the lesser of the tax incurred or $250 ($500 for married couples filing joint tax returns). Requires withholding of excise tax amounts by the transferor of securities subject to the tax.

Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Extension Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2009

Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 or the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010 certain tax provisions related to disaster relief, including: (1) credits to holders of disaster area tax credit bonds; (2) increased disaster zone education tax benefits; (3) penalty-free distributions from tax-exempt retirement plans for disaster-related expenses; (4) authority to adjust the tax status of taxpayers in a disaster area; (5) deductibility of losses, including net operating losses, attributable to federally declared disasters; (6) expensing of disaster-related capital expenditures; (7) waiver of mortgage revenue bond requirements; and (8) accelerated depreciation of nonresidential real property or residential rental property located in a disaster area.

Economic Fairness for Seniors Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2009

Economic Fairness for Seniors Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to keep the same Medicare part B premium for 2010 that was in effect for 2009. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 (ARRA) to require an additional economic recovery payment (of $250) in calendar 2010 to certain beneficiaries of SSA title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI), railroad retirement, or veterans benefits. Makes appropriations to fund such payments. Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the Department of Labor to study and report to Congress on: (1) whether a consumer price index for elderly consumers (CPI-E) more accurately reflects the true costs of inflation for elderly Americans than the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W); and (2) if the elderly are being financially disadvantged by the use of the CPI-W in the determination of current benefit levels. Requires the BLS to prepare such a CPI-E if elderly Americans are disadvantaged by the CPI-W. Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to offset the expenses of this Act through a reduction in Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) Funds.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent accelerated depreciation of natural gas distribution property and to clarify to which property such treatment applies.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax deduction for accelerated depreciation, to rename natural gas distribution lines as natural gas distribution facilities and make permanent the classification of such facilities as 15-year property for depreciation purposes.

Wall Street Bonus Tax Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2009

Wall Street Bonus Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an excise tax on 50% of any bonus exceeding $50,000 paid during 2010 by a recipient of financial assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to a current or former employee; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Small Business Growth Fund to hold revenues from such tax. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish and carry out a program to make loans directly to small business concerns. Makes amounts from such Fund available to carry out such program.

Small Business Penalty Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2009

Small Business Penalty Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the penalty for failure to disclose a reportable transaction (a transaction determined by the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] as having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) to 75% of the decrease in tax shown on the return as a result of such transaction. Sets forth a maximum penalty for failure to report a reportable transaction and a minimum and maximum penalty for failure to report a listed transaction (a transaction specifically identified by the IRS as a tax avoidance transaction). Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to report by June 1, 2010, and then annually, to Congress on penalties relating to abusive tax shelters and reportable transactions. Extends the penalty for tendering a bad check to the Internal Revenue Service to any commercially acceptable payment instrument (including electronic payments). Expands the continuous tax levy on payments to vendors for goods and services to include payments for all property, goods, or services.

Common Sense Budgeting Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2009

Common Sense Budgeting Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order to consider in either chamber any legislation that would exceed specified discretionary spending limits. Sets discretionary spending limits for FY2010-FY2014. Permits waiver or suspension of such prohibition, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair in the Senate only: (1) by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (67) of the Senate; or (2) in the case of the defense budget authority, a declaration of war by Congress. Makes it out of order in the Senate to consider any direct spending or revenue legislation that would increase the on-budget deficit or cause an on-budget deficit for: (1) the current fiscal year; (2) the budget year; or (3) 5 to 10 ensuing fiscal years after the current fiscal year.

A bill to provide that Internal Revenue Service Notice 2010-2 shall have no force and effect and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations under section 382 of such Code.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2009

Nullifies Internal Revenue Service Notice 2010-2 (guidance regarding the application of section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code to corporations whose instruments are acquired and disposed of by the Department of Treasury pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from prescribing any regulation after December 18, 2009, that provides an exemption or special rule under such section (provisions limiting net operating loss carryforwards and certain built-in losses following a change in corporate ownership) that is restricted to the disposition of corporate instruments acquired by the Secretary, unless Congress specifically authorizes the exemption or special rule.

A bill 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 · 17 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 50 to 80% the percentage of meals and entertainment expenses that may be claimed as a business tax deduction.

Renewable Energy Incentive Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2009

Renewable Energy Incentive Act - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to: (1) extend through 2012 grants for investment in renewable energy property, including renewable resources used to produce electricity and fuel cell, solar, wind, geothermal, and microturbine property, in lieu of tax credits; and (2) expand eligibility for such grants to public power utilities and qualified solar manufacturing project property. Defines "qualified solar manufacturing property" as any tangible personal property purchased to re-equip, expand, or establish a manufacturing facility for producing solar energy equipment to generate electricity. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an energy tax credit for investment in qualified solar manufacturing project property; (2) allow a tax credit for the purchase, consolidation, and use of contiguous high solarity disturbed private land to produce solar energy for use in a trade or business; and (3) limit the energy tax credit for solar energy equipment used to generate electricity or heat or cool a structure, as applied to swimming pools, to exclude those located at single-family residences.

Child Safety, Care, and Education Continuity Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2009

Child Safety, Care, and Education Continuity Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) and nonpublic schools for assistance in restarting school operations in major disaster areas. Protects LEAs from cuts in school improvement funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which a major disaster occurs within their service area. Allows LEAs in states to which teachers and paraprofessionals relocate after a major disaster to consider such teachers and paraprofessionals to have met certain federal teaching standards if the state from which they came considered them to have met such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to waive or modify certain requirements relating to maintenance of effort, supplementary use of funds, and matching funds in providing educational assistance to entities affected by a major disaster. Directs the Secretary to provide temporary emergency impact aid to states and, through them, LEAs and Native American schools for the education of students displaced by a major disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) waive or modify requirements applicable to federal student aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) that are unreasonable due to the effects of a major disaster; (2) approve Teacher Quality Partnership Grants program modifications that assist states, LEAs, and institutions of higher education (IHEs) recruit and retain faculty for schools in major disaster areas; (3) modify, at the request of an affected institution or other grantee located in a major disaster area, required and allowable uses of funds under the HEA's TRIO, GEAR-UP, Strengthening Institutions, and Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities programs, and any other competitive grant program; and (4) allow financial aid administrators to adjust the expected contribution of students and parents affected by a major disaster. Directs the Secretary to make special efforts to notify students and their parents who qualify for means-tested federal benefit programs of their potential eligibility for a maximum Pell Grant, provided such students attend an IHE affected by a major disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to extend certain deadlines under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regarding the provision of special education and related services, including early intervention services, to individuals adversely affected by a major disaster. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide training and technical assistance, guidance, and resources to Head Start agencies located in a major disaster area or receiving a significant number of children from such an area. Authorizes the waiver of cost-sharing requirements for such agencies and documentation requirements for Head Start participants affected by a major disaster. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to: (1) waive the application of specified provisions of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to states affected by a major disaster or serving a significant number of individuals adversely affected by a major disaster; and (2) assist states in providing training, technical assistance, and guidance to child care providers who are serving such individuals. Requires each state that receives funds under such Act to develop a disaster plan. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to encourage state and local governments to address child care services and facilities in their response and recovery plans, exercises, and training. Directs the Secretary of HHS to provide disaster guidance to states under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program [CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP]) of the Social Security Act regarding the requirement that states provide medical assistance to individuals who are residents of the state but are absent. Requires each state to provide disaster guidance to Medicaid and CHIP providers to ensure that low-income children displaced from their home state by a major disaster have continued access to health care services.

Home Heating Fuels Cost Relief Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

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

Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to regulated investment companies (RICs), to: (1) permit RICs an unlimited carryforward of their net capital losses; (2) eliminate restrictions on the investment of RICs in commodities; (3) limit penalties for failure of RICs to satisfy gross income and asset tests; (4) modify rules for allocating RIC capital gain dividend distributions; (5) include certain nondeductible items of RIC income in earnings and profit calculations; (6) allow RICs that invest exclusively in the shares of other RICs to pass through to their shareholders tax-exempt interest and foreign tax credits, without regard to certain investment limitations; (7) modify rules relating to the declaration of RIC dividends, return of capital distributions, and stock redemptions; (8) allow certain RICs with shares that are redeemable upon demand to treat distributions in redemption of stock as an exchange of fund shares or a dividend for tax purposes; (9) allow a deferral of end-of-year losses of RICs; and (10) modify excise tax and penalty rules applicable to RICs.

Affordable Tutoring of Our Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Affordable Tutoring of Our Children Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax exclusion for employer-provided dependent care assistance to allow employees an additional exclusion for payments of supplemental instructional services assistance to their dependents between the ages of 5 and 19 who have not obtained a high school diploma or who have been awarded a general education degree. Defines "supplemental instructional services assistance" to include instructional or other academic enrichment services that are: (1) in addition to instruction provided during the school day; (2) specifically designed to increase academic achievement; (3) in the core academic studies of English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, social studies, and geography; and (4) provided by a state certified instructor or accredited organization.

Save More for Your Own Retirement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Save More for Your Own Retirement Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate contribution limitations to tax-exempt retirement plans; and (2) increase from 10 to 25% the penalty for premature distributions from such plans that are attributable to contributions made after 2009.

Green Energy Paper Manufacturing Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Green Energy Paper Manufacturing Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a general business tax credit, up to $25 million in a taxable year, for the production of energy from biomass fuels for a pulp, paper, or paperboard manufacturing facility located in the United States; and (2) advance payments of credit amounts for liquid biomass used as a fuel to produce steam or energy at any such facility.

Renewable Biomass Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Renewable Biomass Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2018 the tax credit for production of electricity from closed and open-loop biomass facilities; (2) eliminate the reduction in the rate of such credit for electricity produced from open-loop biomass; (3) extend to 10 years the credit period for open-loop biomass facilities; and (4) amend the definition of "cellulosic biofuel" for purposes of the tax credit for alcohol used as fuel to exclude any fuel if more than 4% of such fuel is any combination of water and sediment or if the ash content of such fuel is more than 1%.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the donation of wild game meat.

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the tax deduction for charitable contributions of qualified wild game meat by the processing fees paid with respect to such contributions; and (2) exclude from the gross income of meat processors processing fees paid by a charitable organization for the processing of donated wild game meat. Defines "qualified wild game meat" as the meat of any animal typically used for human consumption if: (1) such animal is killed in the wild by the individual making the charitable contribution; and (2) the meat is apparently wholesome and processed in accordance with applicable laws.

Telework Tax Incentive Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Telework Tax Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer or an employee a tax credit, up to $1,000 per year, for teleworking expenses incurred by or on behalf of a teleworking employee under an arrangement whereby such employee teleworks not less than 75 days per year.

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

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

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

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 - Provides that, if there is a deficit in a fiscal year, then: (1) any pay adjustment (including a cost of living adjustment) for Members of Congress scheduled to take effect in the succeeding calendar year shall be null and void; and (2) rates of pay for Members shall be reduced by a specified percentage, but not below zero. Specifies the mandatory pay rate reduction at: (1) 5%, for the first year; or (2) 10%, for any consecutive subsequent year that expenditures exceed revenues. Specifies conditions for restoration of the original pay rate, together with otherwise scheduled adjustments. Vests authority in the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to make determinations of whether or not a deficit exists in any fiscal year. States that, in making any such determination, the Director shall exclude any budget outlays which directly relate to a military conflict that lasts over 30 days or that is in direct response to a terrorist attack on the United States.

United States Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2009 - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for duty suspensions and reductions through December 31, 2012, for specified chemicals and other products. Extends existing suspensions and reductions of duties through December 31, 2012, for other specified chemicals and products. Imposes, suspends, and increases and/or decreases the duty on certain chemicals through December 31, 2012. Extends, through December 31, 2012, the suspension of duty on certain products. Imposes, through December 31, 2012, a duty on: (1) brakes designed for bicycles; and (2) certain 12V lead-acid storage batteries. Suspends, through December 31, 2012, the duty on: (1) certain catalytic converter mats of ceramic fibers; and (2) certain herbicides. Extends the duty on aspirin through December 31, 2012. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through June 14, 2018, and June 28, 2018, respectively. Amends the Corporate Estimated Tax Shift Act of 2009 to increase the estimated tax payments of corporations with at least $1 billion in assets in the third quarter of 2014 by 0.75%.

All-STAR Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

All Students Achieving through Reform Act of 2009 or All-STAR Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to certain eligible entities and, through them, subgrants to successful public charter schools to allow such schools to expand or replicate to serve additional students. Lists, as eligible grantees, state and local educational agencies, authorized public chartering agencies, and tax-exempt organizations that have successfully supported the replication and expansion of such schools. Sets forth the attributes that are to give such entities grant priority, including their serving or planning to serve a large percentage of low-income students from public schools with low-graduation rates or schools identified as needing improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Authorizes grantees to use up to 20% of a grant to establish a reserve account to assist them in acquiring and developing new facilities for successful public charter schools through: (1) credit enhancement initiatives; (2) the establishment of revolving loan funds; (3) direct spending or financing; or (4) partnerships with community development or other mission-based financial institutions. Directs the Secretary to conduct an independent, comprehensive, and scientifically sound evaluation of the effect this Act's initiatives have on student achievement, but no sooner than three years after this Act's enactment.

Nonprofit Mortgage Licensing Clarification Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

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

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income remediation payments for hazardous drywall.

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income government payments to a taxpayer for the replacement of, or remediation relating to, hazardous or defective drywall installed in the taxpayer's principal residence after September 1, 2006, and prior to the enactment of this Act.

Main Street Survival Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Main Street Survival Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should encourage financial institutions that have received federal financial support to maintain historic levels of lending to small and medium-sized businesses. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a three-year Main Street Revolving Loan Fund Program to provide temporary loans to businesses with less than 1,000 full-time equivalent employees. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving loan fund to implement the Program. Permits a business to use a Main Street revolving loan to finance the cost of certain operations, but prohibits the use of it to expand its operations significantly. Limits the term of such a loan to nine months, and the maximum total amount of loans to a particular business in any fiscal year to $1 million.

Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 3326) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes; for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J.Res. 64) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2010, and for other purposes; for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4314) to permit continued financing of Government operations; for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2847) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 3326) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes; for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J.Res. 64) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2010, and for other purposes; for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4314) to permit continued financing of Government operations; for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2847) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the distribution of remaining balances in flexible spending arrangements upon termination from employment.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, without penalty, a participant in an employer-sponsored health or dependent care flexible spending arrangement to withdraw any remaining balance in such plans at the time such participant is separated from employment.

Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability, and Consistency Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability and Consistency Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of payments (including payments of amounts in consideration for property or of gross proceeds) of $600 or more made by or to corporations (other than tax-exempt organizations); (2) set forth safe harbor criteria and rules relating to the treatment of workers as employees or independent contractors; and (3) increase penalties for failure to file correct tax return information or comply with other information reporting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue an annual report on worker misclassification.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to requiring a balanced budget and granting the President of the United States the power of line-item veto.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

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. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority 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. Authorizes the President to cancel (line item veto) in whole any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, item of new direct spending, or limited tax benefit in legislation that has been enacted into law. Sets forth requirements for the President's transmittal to Congress of a special message regarding such cancellation. Prohibits Congress from transmitting legislation to the President that purports to or does require executive compliance with spending guidance contained in any report or other document that is beyond the text of the legislation. Allows the President to disregard any or all guidance in such accompanying reports or documents.

CIR ASAP Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform ASAP Act of 2009, or the CIR ASAP Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) (Secretary) to: (1) develop and submit to Congress a National Strategy for Border Security; (2) increase the number of Customs and Border Protection officers, agriculture specialists, and border security support personnel, and enhance related equipment, assets, and technology; (3) develop a comprehensive land and maritime border surveillance plan, including aerial and integrated surveillance demonstration programs; (4) issue a rule for electronic device searches and related agent training; (5) improve coordination efforts to combat human smuggling; (6) establish a Border Communities Liaison Office in every Border Patrol sector at the southern and northern borders; (7) carry out a ports of entry technology demonstration program; and (8) establish a Southern Border Security Task Force. Authorizes appropriations for border security improvements at U.S. ports of entry. Authorizes border relief grants for tribal, state, or local law enforcement and related agencies in proximity to the border or in a designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Provides reimbursement for state and county prosecutors in border states for prosecuting federally initiated and referred drug cases. Suspends the Operation Streamline program pending an evaluation of its viability. Expands resources for Project Gunrunner and for Operation Armas Cruzadas along the U.S.-Mexico border. Establishes the United States-Mexico Border Enforcement Commission. Prohibits the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard, from assisting in non-emergency federal, state, local, and civilian law enforcement of immigration laws. Directs the Secretaries of DHS, Interior, Agriculture, Defense, and Commerce to develop: (1) a land border protection strategy; and (2) a borderlands environmental monitoring plan. Provides for: (1) enhanced border cooperation with Mexico; and (2) expansion of Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism programs. Sets forth detention conditions. Directs the Secretary to appoint an Immigration Detention Commission. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) immigration enforcement protections; (2) unlawful detentions; (3) protections for vulnerable populations; (4) apprehension procedures for families and family detention; (5) welfare requirements for children separated from detained or removed parents; (6) unaccompanied alien children; and (7) female detainees. Provides a stay of removal and work authorization for detained alien workers who are witnesses or necessary for workplace prosecution claims. Eliminates, with specified exceptions, DHS authority to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to perform immigration law enforcement functions. Establishes in DHS an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Ombudsman. Eliminates the one-year asylun filing requirement. Provides for federal court review of DHS orders of removal currently exempt from such review. Establishes an alien employment verification system which requires employers to comply with: (1) document verification requirements; and (2) a phased-in electronic employment verification system. Sets forth backlog reduction provisions respecting family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant levels. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) include the spouse and child of a lawful permanent resident; and (2) permit a qualifying widow/widower and the child or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to maintain such status while filing for permanent resident status. Increases: (1) per-country limits for family-sponsored and employment-based immigrants; and (2) specified family-unity exceptions to unlawful presence-based inadmissibility. Prohibits the removal from the United States of an individual who: (1) fled his or her homeland while under the age of 12 years old; and (2) was later admitted to the United States as a refugee, parolee, or asylee. Exempts the sons and daughters of certain naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant visa limits. Makes a minor child of an alien fiancee/fiance or of an alien spouse of a U.S. citizen eligible for derivative K-visa status under specified circumstances. Redefines "child" to include a stepchild under 21 years old. Amends the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 to: (1) require determinations with respect to children to be made using the age and status of an individual on October 21, 1998; and (2) permit an application based upon child status to be filed by a parent or guardian if the child is present in the United States on such filing date. Permits new status adjustment applications to be filed for a limited time period. Reduces the required support level for immigrant sponsorship. Establishes the Prevent Unauthorized Migration Visa (PUM Visa) program which shall provide for: (1) 100,000 PUM conditional permanent resident visas annually, for three years, to persons from countries (transitional visa admission states) which represent at least 5% of the total unauthorized migration population to the United States for the past five years; and (2) a process to adjust to permanent resident status. Exempts specified categories of U.S.-educated aliens from employment-based immigration limits. Permits a nonimmigrant alien whose employer has petitioned for an employment-based green card for such alien to file an application for adjustment of status regardless of whether an immigrant visa is immediately available. (Requires visa availability before such application may be approved.) Return of Talent Act - Establishes the Return of Talent Program to permit an eligible alien (and certain family members) to return to the alien's country of citizenship for up to two years in order to contribute to such country's postconflict or natural disaster reconstruction activities. (During such absence the alien and family members shall be considered to be continuously present and residing in the United States for naturalization purposes.) Establishes a conditional nonimmigrant status for qualifying aliens and their dependents who are illegally present or out of status in the United States and who register and meet the requirements for such status. Authorizes: (1) adjustment from conditional to permanent resident status at the earlier of six years after enactment of this Act or 30 days after specified immigrant visas become available (with exceptions to such time frame for certain students, military personnel, and employed individuals); and (2) naturalization three years after permanent resident status adjustment. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2009 or the AgJOBS Act of 2009 - Confers "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) during the 24-month period ending on December 31, 2008, has performed specified lengths of, or earned a specified amount from, agricultural employment in the United States; (2) applied for such status during the 18-month application period; (3) is otherwise admissible to the United States; and (4) has not been convicted of specified felonies or misdemeanors. Limits the number of blue cards that may be issued during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. Provides for adjustment of blue card status to permanent resident status based upon completed periods of agricultural employment. Revises H-2A visa (agricultural labor or temporary or seasonal services) provisions. Replaces the existing labor certification requirement with a labor attestation requirement containing: (1) a description of the nature and location of the job; (2) the job's expected beginning and ending dates; (3) the number of jobs; and (4) specified labor assurances respecting job opportunities covered by collective bargaining agreements and non-covered job opportunities. Establishes: (1) the Commission on Immigration and Labor Markets; and (2) the Security and Prosperity Account in the Treasury. Requires each State Workforce Agency (SWA) to establish an Internet-based American Worker Recruit and Match program. Requires employers and foreign labor contractors to provide workers recruited abroad with specified employment-related information. Amends H-1B visa (specialty occupation) employer application requirements to: (1) revise wage determination requirements; (2) require Internet posting and description of employment positions; (3) lengthen U.S. worker displacement protection; (4) apply certain requirements to all H-1B employers rather than only to H-1B dependent employers; (5) prohibit employer advertising that makes a position available only to, or gives priority to, H-1B nonimmigrants; and (6) limit the number of H-1B and L-1 visa (intracompany transfer) employees that an employer of 50 or more workers in the United States may hire. Authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL) to: (1) investigate applications for fraud; and (2) conduct H-1B compliance audits. Prohibits an employer from hiring an L-1 nonimmigrant for more than one year who will: (1) serve in a capacity involving specialized knowledge; and (2) be stationed primarily at the worksite of another employer. Specifies L-1: (1) employer petition requirements for employment at a new office; (2) wage rates and working conditions; and (3) employer penalties. Authorizes: (1) DOL to enforce federal labor laws with respect to employers of H-2B nonagricultural temporary workers; and (2) a private right of action against such employers. Specifies employer actions to recruit U.S. workers prior to filing for H-2B admissions. Sets forth H-2B and U.S. worker protections. Amends EB-5 visa (alien investor) provisions to: (1) increase EB-5 eligibility; (2) make the regional center program permanent; (3) establish $2,500 regional center designation and premium processing fees; (4) permit concurrent filing for EB-5 petitions and status adjustment applications; (5) establish in the Treasury the Immigrant Entrepreneur Regional Center Account; and (6) increase employment creation-related visas. Revises provisions regarding: (1) immigration service fees; (2) the naturalization age-based English language proficiency exemption; and (3) citizenship application background checks. Establishes the New Americans Initiative grants program to to assist lawful permanent resident aliens to become citizens. Authorizes grants for: (1) public education and community training regarding the provisions of this Act; (2) community-based organizations to assist naturalization applicants (initial entry, adjustment, and citizenship assistance grants); and (3) states to form New American Councils. Provides for the naturalization of certain graduates of U.S. high schools who are under 25 years of age on the date of application for naturalization. Establishes: (1) a tax credit and a deduction for certification expenses for teachers of English language learners; and (2) a tax credit for employer-provided adult English literacy and basic education programs. Makes funds available for oath of allegiance ceremonies.

Bonus Depreciation and Enhanced Expensing for Small Businesses Extension Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Bonus Depreciation and Enhanced Expensing for Small Businesses Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010: (1) the increased expensing allowance for depreciable small business assets (i.e., $250,000); (2) bonus depreciation for depreciable business property; and (3) the taxpayer election to accelerate alternative minimum tax and research tax credits in lieu of bonus depreciation. Sets forth special rules for taxpayers who previously elected acceleration of such credits and for those who did not.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against tax for certain costs relating to compliance with financial regulations.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow insured depository banks with assets not exceeding $10 billion a general business tax credit for their financial regulation compliance expenditures. Defines "financial regulation compliance expenditures" as any state or federal fees or assessments imposed on insured depository institutions and any amounts paid by such institutions to comply with supervision or examination by state or federal bank regulators.

Small Business Start-up Savings Accounts Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Small Business Start-up Savings Accounts Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for tax-exempt Small Business Start-up Savings Accounts to pay for trade or business expenses, including the purchase of equipment or facilities, marketing, training, incorporation, and accounting fees. Allows annual contributions to such accounts up to $10,000. Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of contributions to and rollovers from such accounts, similar to rules governing individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

Deficit Reduction Check-Off Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Deficit Reduction Check-Off Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to designate on their tax returns an amount (initially between $1 and $10, with annual increases of $1 for each taxable year after 2011) for reducing the federal deficit. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require a sequestration to reduce the federal deficit within 15 days after Congress adjourns to end a session by directing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to apply an across-the-board reduction in federal spending equal to 10 times the amount raised by the voluntary tax checkoff under this Act. Exempts from such spending reduction social security and railroad retirement benefits, Medicare benefits, judicial salaries, and veterans benefits.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to protect children's health by denying any deduction for advertising and marketing directed at children to promote the consumption of food at fast food restaurants or of food of poor nutritional quality.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for expenses related to advertising primarily directed at children to promote the consumption by children of food from any fast food restaurant or of poor nutritional quality. Defines "food of poor nutritional quality" as food that is determined by the Secretary of the Treasury (in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services [HHS] and the Federal Trade Commission [FTC]) to provide calories primarily through fats or added sugars and to have minimal amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2010, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2009

Amends the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010 to extend from October 31, 2009, through December 23, 2009, appropriations and funds made available and authority granted pursuant to that joint resolution, unless either of the following occurs first: (1) the enactment into law of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; or (2) the enactment into law of the applicable appropriations Act for FY2010 without any provision for such project or activity.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide the energy tax credit for transformers designed to use soybean-based electrical transformer fluid.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an energy tax credit for investment in an electrical transformer which is designed to use, and contains, soybean-based electrical transformer fluid as the insulating fluid.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the 15-year recovery period for qualified leasehold improvement property, qualified restaurant property, and qualified retail improvement property.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the 15-year recovery period classification for qualified leasehold improvement, restaurant, and retail improvement property, for purposes of the depreciation tax deduction.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to deny the deduction for direct to consumer advertising expenses for prescription pharmaceuticals and to provide a deduction for fees paid for the participation of children in certain organizations which promote physical activity.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny a tax deduction for expenses relating to direct-to-consumer advertising in any media for the sale and use of prescription pharmaceuticals; and (2) allow a tax deduction for fees, up to $500, for the participation of a child who is a dependent of a taxpayer in any organization that promotes or provides for the physical activity of children.

Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal (CLEAR) Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal (CLEAR) Act - Requires the President to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to 2005 levels by 20% by 2020, 30% by 2025, 42% by 2030, and 83% by 2050 through this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program to reduce the emission of GHGs by: (1) placing a gradually declining limitation on the quantity of fossil carbon (carbon) permitted to be sold; and (2) requiring each first seller to surrender periodically to the Secretary a number of carbon shares equal to the quantity of covered carbon it produces or imports or be subject to a penalty. Defines a "first seller" as an entity in the business of producing or importing fossil carbon or production process carbon. Requires the President to establish a maximum aggregate quantity of carbon, and a corresponding number of carbon shares, permitted to be introduced into commerce for 2012. Requires that number of shares: (1) for 2012, 2013, and 2014 to be equal to the approximate level of carbon likely to be required by the economy during 2012; and (2) for each subsequent year to be reduced from the quantity of the previous year by 0.25%. Sets forth provisions concerning auctioning, purchasing, and selling shares. Restricts participation in such auctions to first sellers. Prohibits first sellers from directly or indirectly creating, purchasing, selling, or trading carbon share derivatives. Requires the Secretary to: (1) impose fees for the production process of carbon associated with commodities imported for sale; and (2) transfer collected fees and penalties to the Clean Energy Reinvestment Trust Fund established by this Act; and (3) distribute amounts from such Fund to individuals and entities that are unable to compete due to unfair market prices arising from disparate carbon limits or fees among countries. Requires the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations for the establishment, operation, and oversight of markets for carbon share derivatives; (2) provide carbon shares in excess of the aggregate quantity for carbon that is sequestered, injected, or embedded; (3) reduce the aggregate quantity of carbon shares for reductions of carbon emissions attributable solely to voluntary carbon reduction purchases; (4) establish a program that enables individuals to borrow against any future energy security dividends in order to make investments in energy efficiency or clean energy technologies and services; and (5) establish an Office of Consumer Advocacy for energy consumers. Establishes the Carbon Refund Trust Fund to be funded from auction proceeds and to distribute tax-free energy security dividends to U.S. residents.

A bill to authorize appropriations for the National Historical Publications and Records Commission through fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Authorizes appropriations for the National Historical Publications and Records Commission for FY2010-FY2014. Amends the Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 with respect to the Federal National and Regional Records Center Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Archivist of the United States to determine and (as under current law) retain an amount of the Fund's total income as an operating reserve or for the replacement or acquisition of capital equipment and other support systems of the National Archives and Records Administration. (Currently the amount retained for these purposes may not exceed 4%.) Repeals the 4% limitation on the excess of amounts remaining in the Fund at the close of each fiscal year that must be returned to the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. Requires return to the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts, instead, any unobligated and unexpended balances in the Fund that the Archivist determines to be in excess of those needed for capital equipment or a reasonable operating reserve. Amends the Presidential Historical Records Preservation Act of 2008 to shift from the Commission to the Archivist the authority to make grants for establishment of state and local databases for records of servitude, emancipation, and post-civil war reconstruction. Requires the Archivist to consider Commission advice and recommendations before making such a grant.

Wetlands Conservation Investment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Wetlands Conservation Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat gain or loss from the sale or exchange of a mitigation bank credit by the sponsor of the mitigation bank (i.e., the wetland, stream, or other aquatic resource area that has been restored, established, enhanced, or preserved for the purpose of providing compensation for unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources) who earned such credit as the sale or exchange of a capital asset held for more than one year (thus allowing preferential tax treatment of such gain or loss). Exempts from tax withholding requirements any gain from sales of mitigation bank credits.

To extend the Generalized System of Preferences and the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences from December 31, 2009, through December 31, 2010. Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) to extend the ATPA program through December 31, 2010. Extends through FY2010 preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more beneficiary countries from regional fabrics or regional components, and specified other type apparel (brassieres). Advances from April 30, 2003, to June 30, 2010, the base scheduling date for biennial reports to Congress of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the operation of ATPA. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend customs fees for the processing of specified different kinds of merchandise entered into the United States: (1) from February 14, 2018, through May 14, 2018; and (2) from February 7, 2018, through June 7, 2018. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase by 1.5% (to 101.75% of such amount) the amount in effect on the date of enactment of this Act of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion in July, August, or September 2014.

Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for a specified percentage of the cost, including labor costs, of installing and maintaining mechanical insulation property. Defines "mechanical insulation property" as insulation materials, facings, and accessory products placed in service in connection with a mechanical system which is utilized for thermal, acoustical, and personnel safety requirements for mechanical piping and equipment, hot and cold applications, and heating, venting and air conditioning applications which can be used in a variety of facilities.

America's Better Classrooms Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009

America's Better Classrooms Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow issuers of qualified zone academy and school construction bonds a refundable tax credit for interest payments under such bonds. Exempts such bonds from the requirement that they be issued before January 1, 2011.

Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009

Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Award Act to revise requirements for appointment and reappointment of members of the Congressional Award Board, especially the limitation of service on the Board to two consecutive terms. Exempts a member from the two-term limit during a period of service as Board Chairman. Permits reappointment of such individual to an additional full term after termination of such Chairmanship. Requires a Board member's term to begin on October 1 of the even numbered year, with one-half of the Board positions having terms which begin in each even numbered year. Changes from calendar to fiscal year the annual period for which the Director is required to ensure that the Board's liabilities do not exceed its assets. Requires the Board, if the Comptroller General finds that the Director has not substantially complied with such duty, to: (1) instruct the Director to take such necessary actions to correct any deficiencies (as under current law); and (2) remove and replace the Director if they are not promptly corrected. Repeals the requirement that, upon a Director's failure to correct such deficiencies, the Board take necessary action to prepare for the orderly cessation of Board activities. Allows the Board to accept funds to carry out its functions and make expenditures that are awarded in any grant program administered by a federal agency. (Currently the Board is prohibited from using federal resources.) Repeals the limitation on contributions to Statewide Congressional Award Councils to public monetary and in-kind contributions for Program purposes (thus allowing private contributions as well). Allows the donation of funds or other resources to restrict their use to scholarships. Names the nonprofit corporation the Board is required to establish to assist it in carrying out the Program the Congressional Award Foundation. Repeals the requirement that the corporation be private. Treats the Foundation together with any subsidiary nonprofit corporations as the collective Corporation to which appropriate duties shall be delegated, including the employment of personnel, expenditure of funds, and the incurrence of financial or other contractual obligations. Allows the Congressional Award Board (which as under current law shall be members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation) to appoint up to 24 additional voting members to the Foundation Board. Makes the Congressional Award Program Director serve as a nonvoting member of the Foundation Board. Extends the Congressional Award Board until October 1, 2013.

To authorize the Secretary of Education to continue to waive certain requirements in order to ease fiscal burdens in States affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2009

Amends the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006 to extend, through FY2010, the authority of the Secretary of Education to waive or modify certain requirements relating to maintenance of effort, supplementary use of funds, and matching funds in providing assistance to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas and, through them, to local educational agencies and non-public elementary and secondary schools serving areas in which a major disaster was declared relating to Hurricane Katrina or Rita.