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Resolution· SRESS.Res. 509 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Recognizes: (1) National Public Health Week; (2) the efforts of public health professionals, first responders, states, municipalities, and local communities to incorporate measures to adapt health care systems to address impacts of climate change; and (3) the role of adaptation in preventing impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, the potential for improvement of health status and equity through efforts to address climate change, and the need to include health policy in the development of climate responses. Encourages: (1) further research, interdisciplinary partnership, and collaboration to understand and monitor the health impacts of climate change, for preparedness activities, and for improvement of health care infrastructure; and (2) every American to learn about the impacts of climate change on health.
Bill· HRH.R. 5746 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Hydrogen Tax Incentives Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for hydrogen infrastructure and fuel costs. Terminates such credit after three years.
Bill· HRH.R. 5743 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Scientific Transformations through Advancing Research (STAR) Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept and use donations of real and personal property, laboratory and office space, utility services, and infrastructure upgrades to carry out research, development, testing, evaluation, and related activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 5734 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on the minimum level of sound that is necessary to be emitted from a motor vehicle, or some other method, to alert blind and other pedestrians of the presence of operating motor vehicles while traveling.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1082 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Recognizes that small business plumbing contractors have benefited from the reduced regulatory burden provided as a result of passage of the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. Recognizes that the loan guarantee program under Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act administered by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration has provided access to capital for small business plumbing contractors. Recognizes that approximately 80% of plumbing contractors around the country are small, family owned and run companies. Recognizes these small firms account for a large percentage of our Nation's GDP, through sales, service, and repair. Recognizes how small businesses in the plumbing industry are the leader in developing, and utilizing new innovative technologies which help improve and maintain the infrastructure our Nation depends on. Supports the goals and ideals of National Plumbing Industry Week (April 27-May 3, 2008).
Bill· SS. 2823 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2008
Transportation Empowerment Act - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the interstate maintenance program, emergency relief, the interstate bridge program, the federal lands highways program, highway safety programs, surface transportation research, and certain administrative expenses. Authorizes a state, upon determining that excess funds have been made available, to transfer the excess funds to, and use them for, any surface transportation purpose (including mass transit and rail) in the state. Revises requirements regarding state apportionments under the interstate maintenance component for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System. Prohibits any restriction on the ability of a state, as part of any highway improvement project, to impose and collect a toll on any highway that is part of the Interstate System. Allows a state to use revenue collected from such toll only for a new highway infrastructure project in the state. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) extend, for five years, the availability of HTF funds for certain authorized expenditures; (2) set a core programs financing rate for gasoline, special motor fuels, kerosene, and diesel fuel; (3) establish in the HTF an Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund; and (4) provide for the return of excess tax receipts to states for transportation purposes. Grants consent to states to enter into interstate compacts to establish infrastructure banks to invest in the construction of surface transportation projects. Amends the IRC to reduce taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and special fuels funding the HTF.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1081 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2008
Recognizes: (1) National Public Health Week; (2) the efforts of public health professionals, first responders, states, municipalities, and local communities to incorporate measures to adapt health care systems to address impacts of climate change; and (3) the role of adaptation in preventing impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, the improvement of health status and equity through efforts to address climate change, and the need to include health policy in the development of climate responses. Encourages: (1) further research, interdisciplinary partnership, and collaboration to understand and monitor the health impacts of climate change, for preparedness activities, and for improvement of health care infrastructure; and (2) every American to learn about the impact of climate change on health.
Bill· SS. 2805 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Rio Grande Pueblos Irrigation Infrastructure Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to: (1) conduct a study of irrigation infrastructure for 18 Rio Grande Pueblos in New Mexico; and (2) develop a list of projects recommended to be implemented over a 10-year period to repair, rehabilitate, or reconstruct such infrastructure. Requires the Secretary to carry out such activity with the consent of each Pueblo that notifies the Secretary of the intention to participate in the study and development of the list. Directs the Secretary, in developing that list, to: (1) consider specified factors, including the extent of disrepair, economic and cultural impacts, and overall benefits of the project to efficient water operations; and (2) prioritize the recommended projects based on a review of each of the factors and a consideration of the projected benefits. Authorizes the Secretary (subject to specified limitations) to provide grants to the Pueblos to plan, design, construct, or otherwise implement recommended projects to repair, rehabilitate, reconstruct, or replace Pueblo irrigation infrastructure to: (1) increase water use efficiency and agricultural productivity for the benefit of a Pueblo; (2) conserve water; or (3) otherwise enhance water management or help avert water supply conflicts in the Rio Grande Basin. Sets the federal share of the project's cost at 75%, with an exception based on financial hardship. Provides that nothing in this Act shall affect existing project-specific authority, U.S. responsibilities to any such Pueblo, Pueblo water rights, state water law, or an interstate compact governing water.
Bill· SS. 2809 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Do No Harm Act of 2008 - Prohibits a National Heritage Area designation from taking effect until the President certifies that it will not cause an adverse impact within the proposed Area on: (1) agricultural or livestock production; (2) energy exploration and production; (3) critical infrastructure, including the placement and maintenance of electric transmission and distribution lines, and natural gas pipelines; and (4) the affordability of housing. Requires that the total deferred maintenance backlog in each state in which a proposed Area is located be not greater than $50 million.
Bill· SS. 2807 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Land and Liberty Protection Act of 2008 - Protecting Americans from Violent Crime Act of 2008 - Bars the promulgation and enforcement of regulations that prohibit individuals from possessing firearms in units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System. Government Real Estate Accountability and Transparency Act of 2008 - Requires the submission of annual reports detailing the amount of land that is owned by the federal government and the costs of maintaining that land. No Trespassing Act of 2008 - Bars the Secretary of the Interior from approving a management plan for a National Heritage Area unless the local coordinating entity of the proposed Area notifies the individuals who reside or own property in that Area. Prohibits any National Park Service (NPS) employee or member of the local coordinating entity of a National Heritage Area from entering private property without the owner's consent. Taxpayer Property Protection Act of 2008 - Bars the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, and the Forest Service from assuming control of any land in a state unless the citizens of the political subdivisions in which the land is located approve the assumption of control by a referendum. Do No Harm Act of 2008 - Prohibits a National Heritage Area designation from taking effect until the President certifies that it will not cause an adverse impact on specified agriculture, livestock, energy, critical infrastructure, and housing concerns.
Bill· HRH.R. 5662 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2008
Putting Our Resources Towards Security (PORTS) Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, between fiscal years 2009 and 2013, to increase the number of full-time Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, agriculture specialists, and border security support personnel for U.S. ports of entry by not fewer than 5,000, 1,200, and 350, respectively, above the number of such personnel for which funds were made available during FY2008. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) for each of FY2009-FY2013 to make improvements to existing U.S. ports of entry to improve border security and for other purposes. Directs the Administrator to give priority to ports determined to be in most need of repair in accordance with required infrastructure assessment studies.
Bill· HRH.R. 5665 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2008
Reciprocity and Fairness in Foreign Investment Act - Permits a foreign person owned, in whole or in part, or controlled by a foreign government to acquire ownership in either a business, or in real property in the United States, but only to the same extent as that foreign government allows U.S. persons to acquire ownership in comparable enterprises organized under the laws of that foreign country. Subjects investment and operation of critical infrastructure in the United States by such a foreign person to the same reciprocity requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue implementing regulations. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5644 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2008
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to solicit proposals for projects for the financing, design, construction, and operation of an initial high-speed rail system between Washington, DC, and New York City, New York (Northeast Corridor). Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine whether a proposal is feasible; and (2) establish a commission for each corridor for which one or more feasible proposals are submitted. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of an economic development study of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor service.
Bill· SS. 2783 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Amends federal transportation law to allow certain air carriers that hold or operate air carrier slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which are used for scheduled air service between that airport and a large hub airport, to use such slots also to provide nonstop air transportation service between Reagan National Airport and another airport more than 1,250 statute miles away (perimeter rule limit).
Bill· HRH.R. 5624 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Radiological Materials Security Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to enhance domestic preparedness for and collective response to terrorism by conducting a risk assessment regarding the threat of, vulnerability to, and consequences of theft or other procurement of radiological materials that could be used by a terrorist in a radiological dispersion device. Requires the Secretary to: (1) disseminate the findings of, and specific risk information developed in, the assessment to participants in the radiological sources security system; (2) develop a classification system for information regarding radiological materials and classify the assessment under such system; (3) share the assessment with participants with appropriate clearances; (4) develop a terrorism risk self-assessment tool for facilities to ascertain risk and provide it to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which shall disseminate it to system facilities; (5) issue recommended practices for securing high-risk radiological materials; and (6) make available infrastructure protection grants to owners and operators of facilities with approved facility security plans. Directs the NRC to: (1) update, promulgate, and enforce regulations for the security of radiological materials; (2) maintain and update a nuclear materials events database and a database to track regulated radiological materials and orphaned, lost, or stolen radiological materials; and (3) issue regulations requiring the owner or operator of a facility containing high-risk radiological material to create, submit to the NRC and certain states, and implement facility security plans to address vulnerabilities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide technical assistance for securing high-risk radiological materials to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the NRC, state and local authorities, and participating facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 5584 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2008
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to include a western passage in the State of Arizona from San Luis as part of the identification of the CANAMEX Corridor in Arizona as a high priority corridor.
Bill· HRH.R. 5592 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2008
Border Health Security Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the U.S. members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, to award grants to states, public institutions of higher education, local and tribal governments, nonprofit health organizations, or community health centers to improve border residents' health. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states, local or tribal governments, or public health entities for bioterrorism preparedness in the border area. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act. Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security in establishing a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the border area; and (2) is alerted to signs of health threats or bioterrorism along the border area. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine for the study of binational public health infrastructure and health insurance efforts. Amends the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act to authorize any member or staff of the Commission to provide advice or recommendations to Congress concerning issues that are considered by the Commission.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1035 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2008
Elects named Majority Members to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· HRH.R. 5574 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2008
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from transporting hydrolysate (derived from the neutralization of VX nerve gas) from the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Colorado, or the Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky, to an off-site location for treatment, storage, or disposal.
Bill· HRH.R. 5563 (110th)failed
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2008
Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or the GIVE Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NSCA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise the programs under such Acts and reauthorize appropriations for such programs through FY2012. Revises under NSCA: (1) the School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs and Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service (Learn and Serve programs); (2) National Service Trust programs (AmeriCorps); (3) the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); and (4) the Investment for Quality and Innovation program. Eliminates the current Community-Based Learn and Serve programs. Establishes a new Learn and Serve program, Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research, providing matching grants to: (1) provide community service-learning opportunities to elementary and secondary, college, and graduate students, including summer of service programs; and (2) research and evaluate service-learning. Includes among eligible AmeriCorps programs: (1) an E-corp program increasing community access to technology; (2) a program engaging citizens in public safety, health, and emergency preparedness services; (3) a youth mentoring program; (4) a program to reduce recidivism by re-engaging court-involved youth; and (5) the Education Awards Only program. Establishes an AmeriCorp pilot grant program for state-approved, member-selected, national service positions. Increases National Service educational awards for AmeriCorps, NCCC, and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) participants. Includes among needs to be met under the NCCC program, disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conservation, and urban and rural development. Requires states to develop comprehensive plans for volunteer and paid service by Baby Boomers and older adults. Establishes an Office of Outreach and Recruitment in the Corporation for National and Community Service (Corporation). Requires the Corporation to plan pilot service programs to better utilize and serve veterans and displaced workers. Authorizes the Corporation to provide grants to innovative and model service programs that include service programs for disadvantaged youth. Eliminates federal funding for the Points of Light Foundation. Establishes a new Energy Conservation Corps program awarding: (1) matching grants to states for projects providing youth and young adults with career training in support of energy conservation, infrastructure and transportation improvement, and emergency operations; (2) competitive grants for school-based green Learn and Serve programs; and (3) competitive grants to National Senior Service Corps (Senior Corps) programs involving seniors in energy efficient housing, infrastructure rehabilitation, and environmental and energy conservation education projects. Revises under DVSA: (1) the VISTA program; and (2) the Senior Corps, including the Retired and Senior Volunteer program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent program, and the Senior Companion program. Gives priority in VISTA participant selection to disadvantaged youth and retired adults of any profession. Authorizes new VISTA grant programs of national significance that provide poor and rural communities with: (1) services reintegrating formerly incarcerated individuals into society; (2) financial literacy and planning; (3) before-school and after-school services; (4) community economic development initiatives; (5) assistance to veterans and their families; and (6) health and wellness services. Eliminates the VISTA Literacy Corps, University Year for VISTA, and Literacy Challenge Grant programs. Raises the minimum and maximum stipend provided to VISTA participants. Prioritizes RSVP projects in specified areas. Makes anyone 55 years of age or older eligible as Senior Corps volunteers. Provides, under the Senior Corps demonstration program, incentive matching grants to Senior Corps programs that exceed specified performance measures, enroll most of their volunteers in outcome-based service programs, and increase their enrollment of Baby Boomer volunteers. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the number of AmeriCorps, VISTA, and NCCC participants should reach 100,000 by 2012. Congressional Commission on Civic Service Act - Establishes a Congressional Commission on Civic Service to provide recommendations to Congress on improving opportunities for individuals to volunteer or perform national service. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Corporation should try to: (1) coordinate its service programs so that senior citizens and their grandchildren can share volunteer opportunities and/or be assigned to the same geographic area; and (2) work with the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide opportunities for young service participants to collect oral histories from senior citizens.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 70 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008
Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would cause: (1) a net increase in deficits in excess of $0 in any of the four consecutive ten-year periods beginning with the first fiscal year that is a decade after the budget year provided for in the most recently adopted concurrent resolution; or (2) the discretionary spending limits in this resolution to be exceeded. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations for the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax enforcement; (3) health care fraud and abuse control; (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews; (5) comparative effectiveness research at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (6) reducing waste in defense contracting; (7) adjustments for war costs in Iraq and Afghanistan; and (8) supplemental appropriations for FY2008, if such legislation is enacted. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would: (1) require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception; (2) constitute changes in mandatory programs producing net costs that would have been estimated as affecting direct spending or receipts under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) were they included in legislation other than appropriations legislation. Makes it out of order to consider a budget resolution in the Senate unless it contains a specified debt disclosure section. Provides for certain deficit-neutral reserve funds for legislation for: (1) strengthening and stimulating the American economy and providing economic relief to American families; (2) improving education; (3) investing in America's infrastructure; (4) investing in clean energy, preserving the environment, and providing for certain settlements; (5) providing for America's veterans and wounded servicemembers, including a post 9/11 GI bill; (6) improving America's health; and (7) revising judicial pay and judgeships.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 312 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008
Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committee on Ways and Means. Authorizes certain deficit-neutral reserve funds for: (1) the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); (2) veterans and servicemembers; (3) educational benefits for servicemembers, veterans, and their families; (4) infrastructure investment; (5) renewable energy and energy efficiency; (6) middle-income tax relief and economic equity; (7) alternative minimum tax revision; (8) higher education; (9) affordable housing; (10) Medicare improvements; (11) health care quality, effectiveness, and efficiency; (12) Medicaid and other programs; (13) trade adjustment assistance and unemployment insurance modernization; (14) county payments legislation; (15) San Joaquin River restoration and Navajo Nation Water Rights settlement; (16) the National Park Centennial Fund; and (17) child support enforcement. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary authority, and outlays for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations by the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax compliance; (3) the health care fraud and abuse control program; and (4) unemployment insurance program integrity activities. Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except certain FY2010 or FY2011 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. States that new budget authority and outlays resulting from adoption of legislation making appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for overseas deployments and related activities, or emergency appropriations for nondefense discretionary spending, shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA). Declares the policy of this resolution on: (1) middle-income tax relief; and (2) defense priorities. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on: (1) the Innovation Agenda and America Competes Act; (2) servicemembers' and veterans' health care and other priorities; (3) homeland security; (4) long-term fiscal revision; (5) waste, fraud, and abuse; (6) extension of the statutory PAYGO rule; (7) long-term budgeting; (8) the need to maintain and build upon efforts to fight hunger; (9) affordable health coverage; (10) pay parity; (11) subprime lending and foreclosures; and (12) the importance of child support enforcement.
Bill· HRH.R. 5558 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008
Energy Infrastructure Tax Fairness Act - Describes the following as acts that unreasonably burden and discriminate against interstate commerce, and prohibits states, political subdivisions, and any other taxing authority from: (1) assessing oil pipeline property at a value that has a higher ratio to its true market value than the ratio used to assess other commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; (2) levying or collecting a tax on such an assessment; (3) levying or collecting an ad valorem property tax on oil pipeline property at a rate that exceeds the rate applicable to commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; or (4) imposing any other tax that discriminates against oil pipeline property providing interstate transportation of oil, refined petroleum products, or other hazardous liquids and subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Grants jurisdiction to U.S. District Courts and provides for specified relief for claims of discriminatory taxation of oil pipeline property.
Bill· SS. 2718 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold 10% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highways funds in any fiscal year after FY2009 if such state does not require verifiable evidence of lawful presence in the United States or its territories from each applicant for a driver's license or personal identification card issued by the state. Grandfathers states that have such a requirement in effect before the later of: (1) October 1, 2009; or (2) 10 days after the end of the first session the state's legislature convenes after enactment of this Act. Redistributes withheld funds to states that satisfy the requirements of this Act.
Bill· SS. 2709 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
Border Crossing Deterrence Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand Operation Streamline (the zero-tolerance prosecution policy for illegal entry and reentry) to all 20 border sectors. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) revise and increase criminal penalties, including establishing mandatory minimum penalties, for an alien's entry into the United States at an improper time or place; and (2) revise criminal penalty and related provisions, and establish mandatory minimum sentences, respecting the reentry of an alien who has been removed from the United States. Amends the federal criminal code to establish a mandatory minimum criminal penalty of five years for an alien's destruction of U.S. government-installed border barriers or infrastructure.
Bill· HRH.R. 5534 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
Bear Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to make it unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce bear viscera. Defines "bear viscera" as the body fluids or internal organs of a bear, including its gallbladder and excluding its blood or brains. Provides that this Act does not affect the regulation by any state of its bear populations or affect the hunting of bears that is lawful under state laws.
Bill· SS. 2699 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008
Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2008 - Requires all new U.S. vessels with a building contract date after enactment of this Act or delivered after August 1, 2010, and with an aggregate capacity of 600 cubic meters or more of oil used as fuel, to comply with a specified regulation requiring double hulls. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to order any vessel to change heading and speed if the vessel does not comply with any regulation, law, or treaty or does not satisfy port entry conditions, or if the order is justified for safety. Directs the Secretary to: (1) continue individual port and waterway safety assessments to determine the U.S. ports, waterways, and channels needing new or improved vessel traffic management risk mitigation measures, including vessel traffic service (VTS) systems; (2) identify infrastructure requirements to improve existing or support new VTSs; and (3) review and validate the recruiting, retention, training, and expansion of the VTS personnel workforce and require basic navigation training for VTS watchstander personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a medical review board to advise the Coast Guard on medical standards and guidelines for merchant mariner physical qualifications, medical examiner education, and medical research; and (2) establish and maintain a national registry of medical examiners qualified to perform examinations and issue medical certificates.
Bill· HRH.R. 5530 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008
Tribal Government Homeland Security Coordination and Integration Act - Establishes the Office of Tribal Government Homeland Security (Office) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to appoint a Director to head the Office. Prescribes the Secretary's and the Director's duties of coordination, infrastructure and equipment readiness, training, and inclusion of Indian tribes in homeland security preparedness. Requires the Secretary to treat Indian tribes as states, as appropriate, for the purpose of homeland security. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate to Indian tribes primary responsibility for homeland security activities within their respective jurisdictions. Requires the Secretary to integrate the roles of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Services with regard to homeland security. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to enhance information technology capabilities of tribes and ensure the participation of Indian tribes in the coordination with governments and the private sector as related to homeland security activities. Declares Indian tribes to be eligible to apply for, receive, direct, and supervise any homeland security-related federal grant program. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to Indian tribes for specified homeland security purposes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide Indian tribes with technical assistance in developing, implementing, and managing emergency response plans; (2) ensure that DHS expertise and legal, financial, or technical assistance programs are made available to Indian tribes; and (3) facilitate cooperation with the heads of appropriate federal agencies working on homeland security initiatives.
Bill· SS. 2686 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2008
Complete Streets Act of 2008 - Amends the surface transportation program to require state and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to: (1) adopt a policy statement that ensures that all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users as well as children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities, are able to travel safely and conveniently on streets and highways within the public right-of-way; and (2) apply such policy to Transportation Improvement Program projects as well as to all aspects of the transportation project development process. Requires states and MPOs to certify that each road project has been reviewed for compliance with the policy statement and enhances the safety, convenience, and accessibility for all users of the transportation system to the extent reasonably possible. Requires the U.S. Access Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to conduct complete streets research to assist states and MPOs in developing and implementing plans, projects, procedures, policies, and training that comply with the policy statement.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1012 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2008
Acknowledges that commercial navigation on the Missouri River helped provide for the exploration, expansion, and economic prosperity of the United States. Expresses continuing support for commercial navigation on that river.
Bill· SS. 2682 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2008
United Nations Population Fund Restoration Act of 2008 - Requires that funds for a U.S. contribution to the United Nations Population Fund be used to: (1) provide equipment, medicine, and supplies to ensure safe childbirth and emergency obstetric care; (2) provide contraceptives for the prevention of unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS; (3) prevent and treat cases of obstetric fistula; (4) reestablish maternal health services in areas where medical infrastructure have been destroyed or limited by natural disasters or armed conflict; (5) promote abandonment of harmful traditional practices, including female genital mutilation and child marriage; and (6) promote the access of unaccompanied women and other vulnerable people to vital services.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 305 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2008
Recognizes that increased and safe bicycle use for transportation and recreation is in the national interest of the United States. Supports policies that increase bicycle use.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 304 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2008
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) allowing motor carriers domiciled in Mexico to operate in the United States without adequate regulation jeopardizes the safety and security of U.S. citizens; and (2) the Department of Transportation's (DOT) demonstration program allowing such carriers to operate beyond the commercial zones in the United States must be terminated.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 998 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2008
Elects Minority Members to the House Committee on: (1) Appropriations; (2) the Budget; (3) Financial Services; (4) Natural Resources; and (5) Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 2656 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2008
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from transporting hydrolysate (derived from the neutralization of VX nerve gas) from the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Colorado, to an off-site location for treatment, storage, or disposal.
Bill· HRH.R. 5469 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the President to establish a grant program for the revitalization of waterfront brownfield sites. Authorizes such grants to be used for reuse planning, site characterization and assessment, or remediation at waterfront brownfields sites, including the integration of activities related to the design and implementation of water quality improvements, low impact development approaches, green infrastructure, remediation and management of sediments, or flood damage prevention associated with brownfields remediation and reuse. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide training, research, and technical assistance to individuals and organizations to facilitate waterfront brownfields revitalization. Authorizes funding for brownfields revitalization for FY2008-FY2012. Requires the Administrator to establish and serve as chairperson of a task force on waterfront brownfields revitalization that shall identify: (1) funding and technical assistance resources; (2) barriers to and solutions for revitalization; and (3) methods to coordinate interagency efforts.
Bill· SS. 2633 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Directs the President to transition the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq to the following purposes: (1) conducting limited scope and duration operations against al Qaeda and other international terrorist organizations; (2) providing security for U.S. infrastructure and personnel; (3) training and equipping Iraqi security services and U.S. forces; and (4) redeploying U.S. forces from Iraq. Exempts such activities from the funding and redeployment provisions of this Act. Directs the President to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq. Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended to continue the U.S. Armed Forces deployment in Iraq as of 120 days after the enactment of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5429 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Marine Mammal Cooperative Agreements in Alaska Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is operating to enter into cooperative agreements with Alaska Native organizations to conserve and manage (currently, to conserve) any stock of marine mammals. Sets forth allowed contents of agreements and required aspects of harvest management plans. Makes it unlawful for any Alaska Native within the geographic area to which a harvest management plan applies to take, transport, sell, or possess a marine mammal in violation of the provisions of that plan. Modifies the uses of related grants to Alaska Native organizations, including allowing: (1) monitoring marine mammal harvesting for subsistence and handicraft (currently, for subsistence) uses; and (2) participating in marine mammal research conducted by the state of Alaska (currently, by states).
Bill· HRH.R. 5428 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Vessel Navigation and Safety Improvement Act - Directs the Coast Guard's Commandant to issue regulations requiring: (1) that any pilot serving on a self-propelled, commercial vessel of at least 300 gross tons carry and use a portable electronic device equipped for navigational purposes and capable of being connected to an Automatic Identification System; and (2) related pilot training. Allows the Commandant to exempt a pilot by certifying that such a device is not necessary where the pilot operates.
Bill· SS. 2618 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2008
Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to designate centers of excellence for research on various forms of muscular dystrophy as Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers. Requires the Muscular Dystrophy Interagency Coordinating Committee to give special consideration to enhancing the clinical research infrastructure required to test emerging therapies for the various forms of muscular dystrophy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that any data on patients that is collected as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet) is regularly updated to reflect changes in patient condition over time. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) report to the appropriate congressional committees on MD STARnet and data collection; and (2) make publicly available prospective health outcome data on the health and survival of people with muscular dystrophy. Requires the Director of CDC, in carrying out a program to provide information and education on muscular dystrophy to health professionals and the general public, to: (1) partner with leaders in the muscular dystrophy patient community; and (2) widely disseminate the Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy care considerations. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to: (1) evaluate the available scientific evidence to develop and issue an initial set of care considerations for Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy and provide ongoing review and updates where appropriate; and (2) replicate the same systematic review methodology used to develop such care considerations as a model for other muscular dystrophies.
Bill· SS. 2610 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Military Valor Roll of Honor Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Military Valor Roll of Honor registry which shall: (1) contain the names and citations of all members of the Armed Forces, members of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service), and civilians affiliated with the Armed Forces who have been awarded the medal of honor or any other medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces, the U.S. merchant marine, or affiliated civilians; and (2) be a publicly available database.
Law· HRH.R. 5265 (110th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to designate centers of excellence for research on various forms of muscular dystrophy as Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers. Requires the Muscular Dystrophy Interagency Coordinating Committee to give special consideration to enhancing the clinical research infrastructure required to test emerging therapies for the various forms of muscular dystrophy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that any data on patients that is collected as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet) is regularly updated to reflect changes in patient condition over time. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) report to the appropriate congressional committees on MD STARnet and data collection; and (2) provide prospective health outcome data on the health and survival of people with muscular dystrophy. Requires the Director of CDC, in carrying out a program to provide information and education on muscular dystrophy to health professionals and the general public, to: (1) partner with leaders in the muscular dystrophy patient community; and (2) widely disseminate the Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy care considerations. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to: (1) evaluate the available scientific evidence to develop and issue an initial set of care considerations for Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy and provide ongoing review and updates where appropriate; and (2) replicate the same methodology used to develop such care considerations as a model for other muscular dystrophies.
Law· HRH.R. 5270 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through June 30, 2008: (1) the excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property for funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; and (2) the expenditure authority for such Trust Fund. Amends federal transportation law to provide funding for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs for the nine-month period beginning October 1, 2007. Extends until June 30, 2008: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to incur obligations to make grants under such programs; (2) the increase in the federal government's share (to 95%) of certain airport improvement program costs; and (3) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport. Extends through FY2008 the period for final orders issued by the Secretary of Transportation with respect to eligibility for essential air service compensation.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 964 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Recognizes the need for awareness of the increased risks of driving 15-passenger vans. Encourages operators of such vans to provide adequate training for drivers and safety information to passengers, including the need to wear seat belts.
Bill· HRH.R. 5176 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Community Mental Health Services Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for: (1) services to children, adults, and older adults with mental illnesses who have co-occurring primary care conditions and chronic diseases through the co-location of primary and specialty medical care in community-based mental and behavioral health settings; (2) programs to address behavioral and mental health workforce needs in professional shortage areas; (3) expanding behavioral and mental health education and training programs; (4) tele-mental health in medically-underserved areas; and (5) developing and implementing a plan to ensure that the National Health Information Infrastructure meets the needs of mental health and substance abuse providers. Provides for reports to Congress on: (1) the paperwork burden on community mental health providers; and (2) the compensation structure for such providers.
Bill· HRH.R. 5161 (110th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act - Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to make grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning or consortia to establish and operate regional university transportation centers to carry out green transportation infrastructure research and development (R&D) and technology transfer activities. Directs the National Highway Institute of the Federal Highway Administration to continually develop courses relating to the application of emerging technologies for, among other things, the use of green transportation infrastructure for environmental protection and mitigating environmental impacts of transportation construction. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants under a local technical assistance program to assist rural, local transportation agencies and tribal governments to develop and expand expertise in road and transportation areas, including options with respect to green transportation infrastructure.
Bill· HRH.R. 5191 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Prohibits the use of federal funds for the Trans-Texas Corridor highway project.
Bill· SS. 2551 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2008
Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise administrative procedures, including those used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at the Yucca Mountain site, for applications: (1) for a construction authorization; (2) to amend a construction authorization to receive and possess spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; and (3) to close a repository permanently. Revises administrative procedures for infrastructure activities conducted by the Secretary of Energy at the Yucca Mountain site. States that, in any environmental impact statement regarding a repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, the NRC need not consider any action related to construction or operation of a rail transport system for transporting spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste to the repository. Expresses the nature of the Secretary's obligation to develop a repository in accordance with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 for purposes of an NRC determination on whether to grant, amend, or renew any license for a civilian nuclear power reactor or high-level radioactive waste or spent fuel storage or treatment facility. Declares that the Secretary's obligation provides sufficient and independent grounds for any further NRC findings of reasonable assurances that spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste would be disposed of safely and in a timely manner. Declares that no consideration of the environmental impact of the storage of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste on the site of the civilian nuclear power reactor or high-level radioactive waste or spent fuel storage or treatment facility for the period following the term of the license shall be required in any environmental analysis prepared in connection with a license to construct or operate the facility. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue, administer, and enforce air quality permits or requirements affecting activities subject to this Act. Applies requirements for expedited authorizations to the conduct of infrastructure activities. Exempts from certain requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act for disposal or management of solid waste or hazardous waste any material that is: (1) transported or stored in NRC-certified containers; or (2) located at the Yucca Mountain site for disposal if it is managed or disposed of in compliance with an NRC license. Prescribes requirements for contracts for the acceptance of title, subsequent transportation, and disposal of waste or spent fuel from new civilian nuclear power reactors.
Bill· HRH.R. 5102 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Our Nation's Trade, Infrastructure, Mobility, and Efficiency Act of 2007 or the ON TIME Act of 2007 - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) address major transportation investment needs in national trade gateway corridors; (2) reduce freight congestion along current and future trade corridors along surface transportation routes that are or will be congested as a result of current or future growth in international trade; and (3) develop corridors that will increase freight transportation system reliability. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to assess and collect a national trade gateway corridor fee on each article imported into, and exported from, the United States. Requires collected fees to be deposited in the National Trade Gateway Corridor Fund for projects in the transportation trade corridors for the Customs port of unloading of imported, or loading of exported, articles. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the allocation of Fund amounts in the form of grants to state departments of transportation to carry out eligible projects in the corridors for the Customs ports of entry; and (2) project selection and eligibility. Requires the Secretary to establish a transportation trade corridor for each Customs port of entry where fees are collected.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 936 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Reaffirms the goals and ideals that formed the impetus for Albert Gallatin's national transportation plan 200 years ago. Calls on the federal government, states, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and U.S. citizens to mark the 200th anniversary of such plan by recalling the legacy of public investment in infrastructure that connects and enhances the economies, communications, and communities of the states. Expresses support for the creation of a new national plan to align the demands for economic development with the resources of the nation.