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Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 25 (111th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 24 December 2009
Grants the consent and approval of Congress to amendments made by Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia to article III of title I of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact to revise the composition of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission. States that the Commission shall be composed of three members, one member appointed by the Governor of Virginia from the Department of Motor Vehicles of the Commonwealth of Virginia, one member appointed by the Governor of Maryland from the Maryland Public Service Commission, and one member appointed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia from a District agency with oversight of matters relating to the Commission. Declares that such amendment to the article shall not affect any member in office on its effective date.
Bill· SS. 2920 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2009
Drunk Driving Repeat Offender Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified graduated percentages of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds for FY2013-FY2015 if the state has not enacted and is not enforcing a law requiring the installation of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of 180 days on each motor vehicle operated by an individual convicted of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence.
Bill· SS. 2889 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2014 for the Surface Transportation Board. Increases Board membership from three to five members. Removes the Board from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish it as an independent U.S. agency. Grants the DOT Inspector General authority to review only Board financial management, property management, and business operations to determine compliance with applicable federal laws and detect fraud and abuse. Revises member composition of the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council. Revises the objectives of U.S. rail transportation policy, including protection of rail shippers. Requires the Board to: (1) maintain an Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance; and (2) appoint a rail customer advocate to resolve rail customer complaints. Authorizes the Board to investigate rail carrier and pipeline carrier violations on its own initiative as well as on complaint (as under existing law). Requires proceedings to determine the reasonableness of a rate charged by a carrier be initiated only upon complaint. Requires the Board to: (1) establish a database of rail service complaints it has received; and (2) post a quarterly report of such complaints on its website. Authorizes the Board to revoke class exemptions to rail carrier requirements to protect rail shippers from the abuse of market power. Requires Board studies on: (1) class exemptions; (2) the Uniform Railroad Costing System; (3) use of a replacement cost approach to value rail facility assets; (4) rail practices; and (5) rail interchange rules. Directs the Board to require Class I railroad carriers and other railroad carriers to report regularly on railroad service metrics and other performance data as prescribed by the Board. Delineates requirements regarding proof and admissibility of evidence of rail carrier interline rate agreements. Prohibits the Board from issuing a person (other than a rail carrier) a certificate to acquire a railroad line or extended or additional railroad line that includes interchange commitments or other mechanisms restricting the ability of the purchaser or tenant to interchange traffic with another carrier unless they are reasonable and in the public interest. Delineates a process for persons to challenge existing interchange commitments as well as certain rights and remedies with respect to them. Directs the Secretary to make grants available to assist any Class III rail carrier under Board jurisdiction with the credit risk premium of a direct loan or loan guarantee made to purchase or lease a rail line. Requires a Class I rail carrier to establish, upon rail customer request, reasonable bottleneck and terminal switching rates for single line movement or interline movement rail transportation over a bottleneck rail segment in which the carrier has market dominance. Revises criteria authorizing the Board to require a rail carrier to make its terminal available to another rail carrier. Authorizes the Board to require a Class I rail carrier (including any other rail carrier deemed appropriate) to make its terminal facilities available for use by another carrier in cases where it has market dominance in a terminal area. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Board to establish reasonable rail rate standards for terminal use. Requires the Board to establish a binding arbitration process to resolve rail rate, practice, and common carrier service disputes. Revises maximum rates of relief that the Board may provide to railroad shippers in certain rail rate reasonableness cases. Sets forth time limits for Board review of such cases. Revises requirements with respect to the approval or denial of the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of rail carriers to authorize the Board to take into consideration significant effects of the transaction on public health, safety, and the environment as well as intercity rail passenger transportation and commuter rail passenger transportation. Exempts from Board authority pipeline transportation of natural or artificial gases used primarily as fuel or other energy purposes. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the federal and state regulatory framework to support the development of carbon dioxide pipelines.
Bill· HRH.R. 4378 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act to require that the same access to transportation and public accommodations be afforded to certified trainers of service animals as is afforded to individuals with disabilities who use such animals. Defines "service animal" as a guide dog, signal dog, or other animal trained or being trained to assist an individual with a disability regardless of whether such animal has been licensed or certified by a state or local government.
Bill· HRH.R. 4399 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
American Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a two-phased program to: (1) award funds for the manufacture, testing, and delivery of at least 20,000 electric drive U.S. Postal Service Long Life Vehicles or other road vehicles for local postal delivery; and (2) further the deployment of electric drive vehicles and the development of grid services using them, including Vehicle-to-Grid. Prescribes Phase I program requirements to direct the Secretary to award funds for the production and delivery of: (1) 2,000 all-electric trucks (including an additional number of Electric Vehicle Battery Packs) to the U.S. Postal Service; (2) 4,000 new electric U.S. Postal Service Long Life Vehicles, including 200 new Derivative Electric Vehicles, to replace existing U.S. Postal Service Long Life Vehicles; (3) 1,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains and 2,000 all-electric powertrains for converting existing U.S. Postal Service Long Life Vehicles; and (4) 1,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to the U.S. Postal Service. Requires: (1) installation of 12,000 charging stations at U.S. Postal Service facilities; (2) the deployment of Smart Grid technologies, principally Vehicle-to-Grid; (3) activities to increase lithium ion battery repurposing and lithium ion battery recycling infrastructure; and (4) the development of standards and safety policies for the deployment of the Phase I vehicle test fleet. Establishes the Postal Service Sustainability Fund. Directs the Secretary, based on a Phase I performance report and on recommendations of the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service, to select one or more recipients for the award of funds for Phase II of the program for the production and delivery of 10,000 electric postal delivery vehicles and 12,000 charging stations. Requires the Secretary to establish a public information clearinghouse for all data collected under this Act. Requires the Secretary to give priority in the awarding of funds for Phase I and Phase II to applicants that comply with Buy America Act requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 4367 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Transportation Equity Act of 2009 - Addresses certain Federal Transit Administration (FTA) adjustments that require a "medium" for the cost-effectiveness rating used to evaluate fixed guideway projects for recommendation for Federal New Starts funding. Prohibits such adjustments from applying to new fixed guideway capital projects evaluated for: (1) major capital investment grants of $75 million or more; or (2) capital investment grants of less than $75 million, where the total estimated net capital project cost is less than $250 million.
Bill· HRH.R. 4370 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials Act of 2009 - Requires railroad carriers engaged in the transportation of hazardous materials (hazmats) to submit to the Secretary of Transportation, and update annually, a plan for providing at least 48 hours notification to requesting local emergency responders before transporting hazmats through their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to require carriers to demonstrate periodically that the plan's procedures are adequate to give appropriate notice to such responders.
Bill· HRH.R. 4372 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Bridge Ice and Snow Prevention Pilot Program Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program authorizing grants to up to five states to conduct projects to evaluate the effectiveness of technologies to prevent ice, snow, and other adverse weather effects associated with freezing temperatures on National Highway System bridges.
Bill· HRH.R. 4352 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Small and Rural Communities Wastewater Infrastructure Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to allocate at least 5%, 10%, or 15% of funds received by a state in capitalization grants to provide assistance to publicly owned treatment works that serve populations of 5,000 or fewer persons, 5,001 to 20,000 persons, or 20,001 to 50,000 persons, respectively. Authorizes a state to use funds received in capitalization grants for making preloans (financial assistance from the state's water pollution control revolving loan fund) to municipalities or intermunicipal, interstate, or state agencies for costs incurred in connection with project development, environmental studies, legal and administrative expenses, and project design for construction of a public owned treatment works that will regularly serve 50,000 or fewer persons. Prohibits a preloan from being used for costs related to land acquisition. Authorizes a state agency to provide additional assistance in connection with a state water pollution control revolving loan if a project is to benefit a disadvantaged community with a population of 50,000 persons or fewer by: (1) forgiving all or a portion of the principal of the loan; (2) not requiring or reducing interest to be paid in connection with the loan; and (3) extending the loan repayment period to not to exceed 30 years. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify, implement, and make further recommendations regarding ways to expedite and improve the application and review process for obtaining financing from a state water pollution control revolving loan fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 4285 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act - Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Pechanga Settlement Agreement. Directs the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to execute the Extension of Service Area Agreement, the Recycled Water Infrastructure Agreement, and the ESAA Capacity Agreement within 60 days of enactment of this Act. Ratifies, confirms, and declares valid the Tribal Water Right which shall be held in trust by the United States for the use and benefit of the Band and allottees. States that the Band shall: (1) have authority to use, allocate, and lease the Tribal Water Right; and (2) enact a Pechanga Water Code. Waives certain water rights and land claims of the Band and the United States with respect to the Santa Margarita River Watershed. Directs the Secretary to provide specified funds: (1) to fulfill the Band's obligations under the Recycled Water Infrastructure Agreement and the ESAA Capacity Agreement; (2) for the Storage Pond and the Demineralization and Brine Disposal Project; (3) to fulfill the Band's obligations under the Recycled Water Infrastructure Agreement for the Storage Pond's design and construction; and (4) for Interim Capacity and Permanent Capacity. Establishes in the Treasury the Pechanga Settlement Fund. Repeals this Act and voids any related agreements effective January 1, 2016, if the Secretary does not publish a statement of findings required under this Act by December 31, 2015. Returns any appropriations and unobligated amounts to the general fund of the Treasury.
Bill· HRH.R. 4287 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Enhancing Livability for All Americans Act of 2009 - Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation an Office of Livability. Requires the Office Director to establish a program to award competitive grants to eligible entities to assist: (1) capital investments in surface transportation projects with a significant impact on enhancing the livability in a region, metropolitan area, community, or neighborhood; and (2) communities in developing strategic growth plans that provide a vision and goals for development over a minimum 20-year period and integrate long-term innovative transportation and land use planning. Requires priority be given to: (1) investment projects that increase the number of transportation options, improve access to housing, jobs, and services, and reduce greenhouse gas; and (2) innovative planning applicants who have proposed strategic growth plans for communities with transportation systems characterized by poor access to job centers and schools, limited transportation options for residents, and significant traffic congestion. Requires the Director to: (1) develop statistical and analytical capabilities to ascertain specified transportation data; and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies to carry out activities that promote the development of livable communities, increase transportation choices, and improve the environment, public health, and quality of life.
Bill· HRH.R. 4291 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2009
Public Lands Rehabilitation and Job Creation Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2010 to: (1) the Department of the Interior for National Park Service operations and construction; (2) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service for capital improvement and maintenance road projects; and (3) the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for highway infrastructure investment.
Bill· SS. 2852 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2009
Renewable Energy Environmental Research Act of 2009 - Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere in the Under Secretary's capacity as Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a plan to: (1) define requirements for a comprehensive and integrated ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmosphere science program to support renewable energy development; (2) identify and describe current climate, weather, and water data programs, products, services, and authorities within NOAA relevant to such development; (3) provide targeted research, data, monitoring, observation, and other information, products, and services concerning climate, weather, and water in support of renewable energy and smart grid technology; (4) provide research, data, monitoring, and other information, products, and services to inform renewable energy decisions concerning coastal and marine habitats, living marine resources and the ecosystems on which they depend, and coastal and marine planning; (5) reduce duplication and leverage the resources of existing NOAA programs; and (6) facilitate public-private cooperation. Requires the Administrator to establish a program to develop and implement an integrated and comprehensive ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmosphere research and operations program, based on such plan, to support renewable energy development. Enumerates program components. Requires the program to be designed to collect, synthesize, and distribute data in a manner that can be used by marine resource managers responsible for making decisions about marine renewable energy projects. Requires the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Commerce, Minerals Management Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Department of Energy (DOE) to consider this information when making planning, siting, and permitting decisions for marine renewable energy. Requires the Administrator to establish a renewable energy information library and data portal. Gives the Administrator the discretion to allow any offshore exploration and production facility to execute a memorandum of understanding authorizing the use of offshore platforms and infrastructure for the placement of meteorological and oceanographic observation sensors of a type to be designated by the Administrator in support of the Integrated Ocean Observing System. Requires information collected by such sensors to be readily available for use in spill response as well as available to the National Weather Service, other NOAA programs, and the general public.
Bill· HRH.R. 4233 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Healthy Forests Restoration Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to expand the purposes of the Act to include providing for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of forest ecosystem components to protect infrastructure in rural communities. Expands federal land areas eligible for hazardous fuel reduction projects. Repeals the total federal land acreage limitation on authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects. Revises requirements regarding the alternative analysis process for authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects in the wildland-urban interface. Bars the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior from being required to study, develop, or describe more than the proposed agency action and a no action alternative in an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for specified proposed authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects.
Law· HRH.R. 4217 (111th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Fiscal Year 2010 Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act, Part II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through March 31, 2010: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the six-month period from October 1, 2009, through March 31, 2010, for airport improvement program (AIP) projects, including project grant authority. Sets forth a formula for calculating the apportionment of AIP funding. Extends through March 31, 2010, various airport development projects, including: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fees at nonhub airports; (2) small airport grants for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (3) the temporary increase to 95% in the government share of certain AIP project costs; and (4) the funding of Midway Island airport development. Extends through March 31, 2010, state and local land use compatibility projects under the AIP program. Extends through March 31, 2010, the authority of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to apply for an airport development grant and impose a passenger facility fee. Extends through March 31 2010, Department of Transportation (DOT) insurance coverage for domestic and foreign-flag air carriers. Allows further extension through June 30, 2010. Extends through June 30, 2010, air carrier liability limits for injuries to passengers resulting from acts of terrorism. Extends through March 31, 2010, certain competitive access assurance requirements for large or medium hub airport sponsors applying for AIP grants. Extends for the six-month period beginning October 1, 2009, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) research, engineering, and development.
Bill· HRH.R. 4245 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Comprehensive Water Resource Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to establish a program to provide design and construction assistance to non-federal interests for water-related environmental infrastructure, resource protection and development, flood damage reduction, and ecosystem restoration projects in Pennsylvania.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 954 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the establishment of scientific protocols and a robust oversight mechanism governing an infrastructure of observing, monitoring, measuring, and verification technologies, data collection methods, and peer review standards is necessary to preclude future infringements of public trust by scientific falsification and fraud; and (2) climate change research information provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change should meet federal standards for scientific research as defined by the National Science and Technology Council and the National Academy of Sciences before being used as the basis for action by the U.S. government.
Bill· HRH.R. 4216 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2009
Personal Health Record Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, in developing a nationwide health information technology infrastructure, to allow individuals to access their individually identifiable health information. Requires the inclusion in the Federal Health IT Strategic Plan objectives, milestones, and metrics related to the interoperability of a personal health record with an electronic health record (EHR). Directs the National Coordinator to develop guidelines for making EHRs interoperable with personal health records for the purpose of improving health care quality, reducing medical errors, and advancing the delivery of patient-centered medical care and health management. Requires the National Coordinator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) personal health records, including the extent to which the use of personal health records improve communication between individuals and covered entities and improve patient health management; and (2) issues related to an individual's control of the personal health record. Requires the HIT Policy Committee to make recommendations for standards and implementation specifications for the interoperability of personal health records and EHRs. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish as an eligibility requirement for an incentive payment for the meaningful use of EHR technology that a health professional, hospital, or Medicaid provider must demonstrate the availability of certified EHR technology to and use of such technology by individuals furnished items and services by such professional, hospital, or provider in the form of electronic and personal health records.
Bill· HRH.R. 4202 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2009
Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act of 2009 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make competitive grants to eligible higher education institutions and research institutions to establish and maintain between three and five centers of excellence for green infrastructure. Defines "green infrastructure" as a stormwater management technique that preserves, restores, enhances, or mimics natural hydrology. Establishes the duties of each center, including: (1) researching green infrastructure; (2) developing manuals and setting industry standards on best management practices relating to state, local, and commercial green infrastructure; (3) providing information about its research and manuals to the national electronic clearinghouse center; (4) providing technical assistance and training on green infrastructure; and (5) evaluating regulatory and policy issues about green infrastructure. Requires one of the centers to be designated as the national electronic clearinghouse center, which shall, in addition to its other duties, operate a website and a public database on green infrastructure. Requires the Administrator to make competitive grants to eligible entities that manage stormwater, water resources, or waste water resources to: (1) plan and design and install green infrastructure projects; (2) develop standards and revisions to local zoning, building, or other local codes necessary to accommodate such projects; (3) develop fee structures to provide financial support for green infrastructure; (4) develop training and educational materials about green infrastructure; (5) develop and implement a green infrastructure portfolio standard program; (6) monitor and evaluate the environmental, economic, or social benefits of green infrastructure; and (7) implement a best practices standard for a green infrastructure program. Requires the Administrator to give priority to applications from: (1) a community that has combined storm and sanitary sewers in its collection system or is low-income or disadvantaged; or (2) an eligible entity that will use 10% of the grant for a low-income or disadvantaged community. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish within EPA's Office of Water a green infrastructure program to coordinate and promote the use of green infrastructure and to integrate green infrastructure into the permitting programs; (2) direct each EPA regional office to develop a program to promote and integrate the use of green infrastructure within the region; (3) create a green infrastructure compliance assistance center; and (4) establish measurable goals, to be known as the green infrastructure portfolio standard, to increase the percentage of annual water managed by eligible entities that uses green infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 2823 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2009
Clear Airfares Act of 2009 - Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice for: (1) a domestic or foreign air carrier or ticket agent to sell an airline ticket without simultaneously displaying all applicable ticket taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges in reasonable proximity to the price of the ticket (including on the Internet to an online purchaser); and (2) a domestic or foreign air carrier to impose a fuel surcharge that is not correlated to the price of fuel paid or the amount of fuel used by the air carrier on the specific flight.
Bill· SS. 2819 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2009
Processed Food Safety Act of 2009 - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act to prohibit the sale or transport in commerce of any processed poultry, poultry product, meat, or meat food product capable of human consumption that has not undergone a pathogen reduction treatment for each ingredient or been certified to contain no verifiable traces of pathogens. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require each registered facility to: (1) apply pathogen reduction treatments to each food that it manufactures, processes, packages, or holds for consumption in the United States; and (2) certify that each such food contains no verifiable traces of pathogens, or that each such food leaving the facility has received required pathogen reduction treatments. Requires coloring, synthetic flavorings, and spices used in such products to be named.
Bill· SS. 2799 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2009 - Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 (ISA) to direct the President to impose two or more specified ISA sanctions if a person (defined by such Act to include a natural person, business enterprise, or government entity operating as a business enterprise) has, with actual knowledge, made an investment of $20 million or more, or any combination of investments of at least $5 million which in the aggregate equals or exceeds $20 million in any 12-month period, that directly and significantly contributed to Iran's ability to develop petroleum resources. (Under current law the sanction thresholds are $40 million, $10 million, and $40 million, respectively.) Directs the President to impose specified ISA sanctions on a person that, with actual knowledge, sells or provides goods, services, technology, information, or provides support related to the production of refined petroleum products in Iran: (1) any of which has a fair market value of $200,000 or more; or (2) that during a 12-month period have an aggregate fair market value of $1 million or more. Directs the President to impose specified ISA sanctions on a person that, with actual knowledge: (1) provides Iran with refined petroleum products that have a fair market value of $200,000 or more, or that, during a 12-month period, have an aggregate fair market value of $1 million or more; or (2) sells or provides to Iran certain goods, services, technology, information, or support any of which has a fair market value of $200,000 or more, or that during a 12-month period have an aggregate fair market value of $1 million or more. Sets forth mandatory foreign exchange, banking, and property sanctions for violations of such refined petroleum product production and export prohibitions. Expands the definition of "person" to include a financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, and any other business organization including a foreign subsidiary, parent, or affiliate, or a governmental entity acting as an export credit agency. Redefines "petroleum resources" to include petroleum, refined petroleum products, oil or liquefied natural gas, natural gas resources, oil or liquefied natural gas tankers, and products used to construct or maintain pipelines used to transport oil or liquefied natural gas. Defines "refined petroleum products" to mean diesel, gasoline, jet fuel (including naphtha-type and kerosene-type jet fuel), and aviation gasoline. Applies specified additional economic sanctions to Iran. Makes a United States person (as defined by this Act) liable for activities conducted by a foreign subsidiary that: (1) was established to circumvent specified U.S. sanctions or statutes regarding Iran; and (2) engages in activities which, if committed in the United States or by a United States person, would violate such provisions. Makes such prohibitions and penalties inapplicable to a United States person that divests or terminates its business from a controlled subsidiary not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act. Prohibits the head of any U.S. executive agency from entering into procurement contracts with an entity that has exported to Iran sensitive communications technology intended to be used to monitor or disrupt free communications to the people of Iran. Urges the President to consider imposing sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and any other Iranian bank engaged in proliferation activities or support of terrorist groups. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should continue to target Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps with economic sanctions and counter support for Hezbollah; and (2) the President should work with our allies to impose multilateral sanctions on Iran if diplomatic efforts to end Iran's nuclear activities fail. States that it is U.S. policy to support the decision of state and local governments and educational institutions to divest from, and to prohibit the investment of assets they control in, persons that have investments of $20 million or more in Iran's energy sector. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit the investment of assets they control in, such persons. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to shield any registered investment company and its directors, officers, employees, or advisors from civil, criminal, or administrative action based upon its divesting from, or avoiding investing in, Iran. Expresses the sense of Congress that a fiduciary of certain employee benefit plans may under specified conditions divest plan assets from, or avoid investing plan assets in, any person who engages in prohibited investment activities in Iran without breaching fiscal responsibilities. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to designate a country as a Destination of Possible Diversion Concern if such designation is appropriate for activities to strengthen the county's export control systems based on specified criteria; and (2) the United States upon such designation to initiate specified government-to-government activities to strengthen the country's export control systems. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to designate a country as a Destination of Diversion Concern if the country: (1) allows substantial transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of U.S.-originated items to unidentifiable end-users or to entities in Iran; or (2) has failed to cooperate with government-to-government activities or to adequately strengthen its export control systems. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) report to Congress identifying items that if transshipped, reexported, or diverted Iran could contribute to Iran obtaining nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, or other defense items or technologies, or could contribute to Iranian support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) require an export license for a listed item to a country designated as a Destination of Diversion Concern. Requires the Director of National Intelligence to report: (1) annually to the Secretaries of Commerce, State, Treasury, and to Congress identifying countries where sensitive U.S. technology is being illegally transshipped to Iran via other countries; and (2) to Congress on whether or not to extend the measures in this title to countries that allow diversion to other countries seeking weapons of mass destruction or supporting international terrorism. Terminates the provisions of this Act 30 days after the date on which the President certifies to Congress that: (1) the government of Iran has ceased supporting acts of international terrorism and no longer satisfies certain requirements for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism; and (2) Iran has ceased the development of nuclear, biological, chemical, and ballistic weapons.
Bill· HRH.R. 4153 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified graduated percentages of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway program funds for FY2012-FY2015, and thereafter, if the state has not enacted or is not enforcing a law that prohibits, with specified exceptions, a person from using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle that is in motion or part of traffic.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 921 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Elects named Majority Members to the House Committees on: (1) Armed Services; (2) Homeland Security; (3) Science and Technology; and (4) Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· HRH.R. 4104 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Emergency Responders Highway Safety Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a highway emergency responders safety grant program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations for projects to: (1) increase awareness of state laws that require a motorist to change lanes or reduce speed if passing a highway emergency responder, including the penalties for noncompliance with such laws; and (2) provide highway emergency responders with training on the prevention of injuries and fatalities resulting from roadside collisions. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a multidisciplinary advisory group to make program recommendations; and (2) an incident reporting system to compile information on roadside collisions involving highway emergency responders.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 917 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Recognizes the Florida Keys Scenic Highway on the occasion of its designation as an All-American Road by the Department of Transportation. Reaffirms the House of Representatives' support of the National Scenic Byways Program.
Bill· SS. 2775 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009
Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act of 2009 - Grants state, county, and municipal governments, as well as multi-jurisdictional transportation authorities that operate or manage roads, bridges, railroads, buses, ferries, or other transportation systems, rulemaking authority to establish toll, user fee, or fare discount programs for their local residents or commuters.
Bill· SS. 2773 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009
Offshore Wind Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to implement a program to: (1) improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of offshore wind turbines; and (2) reduce the cost of manufacturing, construction, deployment, generation, and maintenance of offshore wind energy systems. Requires the Secretary to implement the program to support: (1) the design, demonstration, and deployment of advanced wind turbine foundations and support structures, blades, turbine systems, components, and supporting land- and water-based infrastructure for application in shallow water, transitional depths, and deep offshore water; (2) the full-scale testing and establishment of regional demonstrations of offshore wind components and systems to validate technology and performance issues relating to the components; (3) assessments of the offshore wind resources for inclusion in a publicly accessible database; (4) the design, demonstration, and deployment of integrated sensors, actuators, and advanced materials; (5) advanced blade manufacturing activity to stimulate the development of the blade manufacturing capacity of the United States; and (6) methods to assess and mitigate the effects of wind energy systems on marine ecosystems and marine industries. Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to establish national offshore wind centers. Requires such a center to be designed to: (1) focus on deepwater floating offshore wind energy technologies; and (2) facilitate the conduct of initiatives to advance program activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4077 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009
First Bag Flies Free Act - Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice for an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or ticket agent to charge a fee for or accept payment from a passenger on a flight segment for the first checked bag that: (1) weighs 50 pounds or less; and (2) does not exceed 62 inches.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 907 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2009
Recognizes the Grand Concourse on its 100th anniversary as the preeminent thoroughfare in the borough of the Bronx and an important nexus of commerce and culture for the city of New York.
Bill· SS. 2768 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2009
National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Reauthorizes appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for FY2010-FY2014. Revises the term "accident" to expand the NTSB's authority to investigate, at its discretion, accidents not involving the destruction or damage of a vehicle, aircraft, or pipeline, but significantly affecting transportation safety. Authorizes the NTSB by subpoena to summon witnesses and obtain any and all evidence relevant to an accident investigation. Prohibits the NTSB (including agency that has received information from the NTSB) from disclosing publicly any commercial or financial or certain classified information during ongoing NTSB accident investigations. Authorizes public disclosure of such information when necessary, in certain circumstances, to promote transportation safety. Authorizes accident investigation training of NTSB employees in theory and techniques and on transportation safety methods in order to advance NTSB safety recommendations. Revises the authority of the NTSB to investigate transportation accidents to include: (1) freight or passenger railroad accidents involving a fatality (other than a fatality involving a trespasser), substantial property damage, or significant injury to the environment; (2) accidents or incidents in response to an international request and delegation under appropriate conventions, coordinated through the Department of State and accepted by the NTSB; (3) accidents or incidents significantly affecting transportation safety; and (4) accidents involving a commercial space launch vehicle. Authorizes the NTSB, with the consent of the appropriate Secretary, to delegate its authority to investigate: (1) aviation accidents or incidents to the Department of Transportation; and (2) maritime accidents or incidents to the Coast Guard. Authorizes the NTSB, as well as any NTSB officer or employee, to download or seize any recording device and recordings and require specific information only available from the manufacturer to enable the NTSB to read and interpret any flight parameter or navigation storage device or media on board an accident aircraft. Revises requirements for domestic and foreign air carrier plans for addressing the needs of families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents that incur major loss of life. Requires domestic and foreign air carriers to make a reasonable attempt to notify the family of a passenger at least 60 days prior to the planned destruction of any unclaimed property of the passenger.
Bill· SS. 2767 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2009
Emergency Port of Entry Personnel and Infrastructure Funding Act of 2009 - Amends the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 to allocate certain FY2010 appropriations to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to pay the salaries and related compensation for an additional 250 CBP officers and 25 associated support personnel who shall be devoted to new inspection lanes at new land ports of entry along the Southern border between the United States and Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to hire, train, and assign to duty, by the end of FY2013, an additional: (1) 2,500 full-time CBP officers to serve on all inspection lanes and enforcement teams at U.S. lands ports of entry on the Northern border between the United States and Canada and the same number of CBP officers for the same purposes on the Southern border; and (2) 350 full-time support staff for all U.S. ports of entry. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on DHS plans for placing sufficient CBP officers on outbound inspections and agriculture specialists at all Southern border land ports of entry, respectively. Authorizes the Secretary to make incentive payments of $5,000 to $10,000, during FY2010-FY2015, to recruit and retain qualified CBP port of entry officers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) equip each CBP officer with a secure two-way communication and satellite-enabled device that allows communication between ports of entry and inspection stations, and with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement entities; and (2) establish a grant program for the purchase of detection equipment at land ports of entry and mobile, hand-held, two-way communication and biometric devices for state and local law enforcement officers along the Southern border. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to allocate certain construction funds for infrastructure improvements, expansion, and new construction (or reimbursement for new construction costs incurred during FY2007-FY2009) of high-volume ports of entry in Texas, regardless of port ownership. Grants the CBP additional authority for port of entry construction along the Northern and Southern U.S. borders.
Bill· SS. 2745 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009
Distracted Flying Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a rulemaking for regulations prohibiting, except for operational, emergency safety-related, or employment- related communications, commercial flight crew members from using personal wireless communications devices or laptop computers while on duty on the flight deck of an aircraft that is in operation. Subjects persons to certain penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act.
Bill· SS. 2732 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009
Focused Flying Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to promulgate regulations prohibiting commercial flight crew members from using portable electronic devices in the aircraft's cockpit during a flight, except for: (1) uses directly related to flight operations or safety; (2) the collection of safety data; or (3) other FAA-approved purposes. Directs the FAA Administrator to review relevant air carrier data and to study and report to Congress on: (1) common sources of distraction for cockpit commercial flight crew members; and (2) the safety impacts of such distractions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4035 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from the gross estate of a decedent for capital losses which the decedent was eligibile to carry over to subsequent taxable years at the time of the decedent's death.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 335 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Designates November 29, 2009, Drive Safer Sunday.
Bill· HRH.R. 4021 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Safe Routes to High Schools Act - Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to include high school students as beneficiaries of the safe routes to school program. (Currently, the program provides funding to states for projects that encourage, and enhance the ability of, primary and secondary school students to walk or bike to school safely.) Requires states to give priority to projects for primary and middle schools and to projects that propose to serve a combination of at least one primary, middle, and high school within the same school district.
Bill· HRH.R. 4016 (111th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Hazardous Material Transportation Safety Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe minimum standards for providers of hazardous material (hazmat) transportation emergency response information services. Requires states or Indian tribes receiving grants to train emergency responders to hazmat transportation accidents to make certain certifications to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) assess existing training capabilities of, and available delivery methods for the preparedness and training of, volunteer fire services personnel to safely respond to hazmat transportation accidents; and (2) carry out a volunteer firefighter hazmat training pilot program based on the assessment results. Directs the Secretary to establish a national hazmat fusion center to serve as a data and information network for emergency response providers, federal, state, and local government agencies, and organizations engaged in hazmat response. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct three pilot projects (including at least one in a rural area) to evaluate the feasibility of using paperless hazard communications systems. Directs the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to issue regulations for the safe transportation of lithium cells and batteries on board aircraft. Directs the Secretary to prohibit the transportation of Class 3 flammable liquids in the external product piping on cargo tank motor vehicles manufactured on or after a specified period. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a working group to improve the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to hazmat transportation accidents; and (2) carry out a hazmat enforcement training program. Revises requirements regarding safe hazmat transportation. Grants authority to officers, employees, or agents designated by the Secretary to investigate accidents involving hazmat transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty on persons who obstruct or prevent an inspection or investigation regarding hazmat transportation. Prohibits a person who has failed to pay an assessed civil penalty for noncompliance with a hazmat transportation regulation or order from conducting hazmat transportation. Directs the Secretary to increase the number of PHMSA personnel by 84 full-time employees to carry out the hazmat safety program. Revises requirements for the issuance of special permits, approvals, and exclusions. Directs the Secretary, in lieu of a specified current working group, to establish a program to develop uniform forms and procedures for state registrations and permits with respect to hazmat transportation. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on implementation of the hazmat safety permit program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3994 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2009
Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to states that enact laws that prohibit, with certain exceptions, and establish fines for texting and/or handheld cellphone use while driving. Requires a state that receives a grant to allocate: (1) at least 50% to educate and advertise to the public about the dangers of texting or using a cellphone while driving as well as enforce the distracted driving law; and (2) up to 50% for other traffic safety improvement projects. Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to administer a distracted driving national education program with at least two high-visibility education and advertising campaigns. Requires the Secretary to establish a research program to study distracted driving by passenger and commercial vehicle drivers. Directs the the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to Congress on existing and developing wireless communications technology that may be used to reduce problems associated with distracted driving. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations on the use of electronic or wireless devices, including cell phones and other distracting devices, by operators of commercial motor vehicles and school buses; and (2) prohibit their use in circumstances where it interferes with the driver's safe operation of the vehicles.
Bill· HRH.R. 3981 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2009
Wayne "Cotton" Morgan Bulletproof Vest Act of 2009 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to waive the grantee matching funds requirement applicable to the grant program for purchasing bulletproof armor vests to the extent that such vests are purchased for law enforcement officers who work in high security risk areas and correctional officers who transport prisoners.
Bill· HRH.R. 3963 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Criminal Investigative Training Restoration Act - Directs the Federal Air Marshal Service to require federal air marshals hired after the enactment of this Act to complete the criminal investigative training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center as part of their basic training. Excuses existing federal air marshals who have previously completed such program from repeating it. Requires any air marshal hired before the enactment of this Act who has not completed the program, however, to complete an alternative training program, as determined by the Federal Law Enforcement Center, that provides the training necessary to bridge the gap between the mixed basic police training, the federal air marshal programs already completed by the federal air marshal, and the training provided through the criminal investigative training program. Deems any such alternative program to have met the standards of the criminal investigative training program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3975 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Requires the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), if in periodic transportation safety investigative reports and studies it recommends replacement of major equipment or operating systems that require significant funding or time, to include, if available, alternative safe interim recommendations and corrective actions that a state or local government authority is able to afford and implement in a timely manner.
Law· HRH.R. 3962 (111th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Affordable Health Care for America Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish: (1) a temporary national high-risk pool program to provide health benefits to certain uninsured individuals who have a medical condition; and (2) a temporary reinsurance program to assist participating employment-based plans with the cost of providing health benefits to retirees and their beneficiaries. Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set forth provisions governing health insurance plans and issuers, including to: (1) provide for rebates to enrollees based on a plan's medical loss ratio (a ratio of medical expenses paid to premiums received); (2) prohibit rescission of health insurance coverage without clear and convincing evidence of fraud; (3) require the option of extending coverage for children under 27 years of age; (4) limit preexisting condition exclusions; and (5) prohibit aggregate dollar lifetime limits on benefits. Extends COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits) until an individual becomes eligible for health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Exchange under this Act. Provides for grandfathered health insurance coverage. Establishes standards for qualified health benefits plans, including standards to: (1) prohibit any preexisting condition exclusions; (2) require guaranteed availability and renewability of health insurance coverage; (3) limit premium variances, except for reasons of age, area, or family enrollment; (4) prohibit discrimination based on health status factors; and (5) require parity for mental health benefits. Requires qualified health benefits plans to provide coverage that meets the standards for the essential benefits package. Prohibits an essential benefits package from imposing any annual or lifetime limits on coverage. Lists required covered services, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health services, maternity care, and children's oral health, vision, and hearing services. Prohibits cost-sharing for preventive items and services. Limits annual cost-sharing to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a family. Prohibits abortion services from being required under an essential benefits package or under a qualified health benefits plan. Establishes the Health Choices Administration as an independent agency to be headed by a Health Choices Commissioner. Establishes the Health Insurance Exchange within the Administration to facilitate access of individuals and employers to a variety of choices of affordable, quality health insurance coverage, including a public health insurance option. Requires the Commissioner to: (1) contract with entities to offer health benefit plans through the Exchange to eligible individuals; (2) coordinate the distribution of affordability premium and cost-sharing credits; and (3) establish a risk-pooling mechanism for Exchange-participating health plans. Authorizes state-based Health Insurance Exchanges to operate in a state or group of states instead of the Health Insurance Exchange, with approval of the Commissioner. Requires the Commissioner to establish a Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan program (CO-OP program) under which the Commissioner may make grants and loans for the establishment and initial operation of not-for-profit, member-run, health insurance cooperatives that provide insurance through the Health Insurance Exchange or a state-based Health Insurance Exchange. Requires the HHS Secretary to offer an Exchange-participating health benefits plan. Sets forth provisions regarding the operation of the Public Health Insurance Option. Provides for an affordability premium credit and an affordability cost-sharing credit for low-income individuals participating in the Exchange. Requires employers to offer health benefits coverage to employees and make specified contributions towards such coverage or make contributions to the Exchange for employees obtaining coverage through the Exchange. Exempts businesses with payrolls below $500,000 from such requirement. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a surtax on the income of individuals who do not obtain health care coverage and on employers (other than small business employers) who fail to satisfy health coverage participation requirements; (2) allow a new tax credit for small business employers who provide health care coverage to their employees; (3) increase the penalty for distributions from health savings accounts not used for qualified medical expenses; (4) modify rules and contribution limits for certain employee benefit plans; (5) allow an exclusion from gross income for the value of certain medical care provided to members of Indian tribes; (6) impose a 5.4% surtax on individuals whose adjusted gross income exceeds $500,000 ($1 million for married couples filing joint returns); (7) impose a 2.5% excise tax on medical devices; (8) delay until 2020 tax rules applicable to the foreign tax credit for the worldwide allocation of interest; (9) set forth rules for the application of the economic substance doctrine and impose penalties for underpayments of tax due to transactions lacking economic substance; and (10) extend the tax exemption for employer-provided health care benefits to certain eligible beneficiaries of the taxpayer. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise provisions relating to payment, coverage, and access, including to: (1) permit physician assistants to order post-hospital extended care services, and to provide for recognition of attending physician assistants as attending physicians to serve hospice patients; (2) provide adjustment to Medicare payment localities for physician services; (3) modify the Medicare payment systems to address geographic inequities; (4) limit cost-sharing for individual health services under the Medicare Advantage program; (5) eliminate the coverage gap under Medicare Part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program); (6) eliminate Medicare part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full dual eligible individuals; (7) cover marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services; and (8) expand access to vaccines. Requires the HHS Secretary to establish within the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality a Center for Comparative Effective Research. Establishes accountability requirements for long-term care facilities and provides for transparency with respect to them. Provides enhanced penalties for fraud and abuse. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the SSA to: (1) expand Medicaid eligibility for low-income individuals and families; (2) require coverage of additional preventive services; and (3) increase payments for primary care services. Sets forth provisions to prevent health care fraud. Sets forth miscellaneous provisions relating to: (1) extension of the qualifying individual (QI) program; (2) the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission; (3) prohibitions against federal Medicaid and CHIP payments for undocumented aliens; (4) the repeal of the comparative cost adjustment program; (5) grants to states for quality home visitation programs for families with young children and families expecting children; (6) establishment of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation; and (7) application of emergency services laws. Amends the Public Health Service Act to set forth provisions related to: (1) community health centers; (2) health care provider scholarship and loan repayment programs; (3) training programs; (4) health care workforce diversity and data collection; and (5) the 340B drug discount program (a program limiting the cost of covered drugs to certain federal grantees). Requires the HHS Secretary to establish: (1) the Advisory Committee on Health Workforce Evaluation and Assessment; (2) a community-based overweight and obesity prevention program; (3) a demonstration project for medical-legal partnerships to assist patients navigating health-related programs and activities; (4) the Emergency Care Coordination Center; (5) the Council of Emergency Care; (6) the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee; (7) a national pain care education outreach and awareness campaign; and (8) a national medical device registry. Establishes: (1) a Prevention and Wellness Trust for carrying out prevention and wellness activities; (2) the Center for Quality Improvement to focus on quality improvement activities in the delivery of health care services; and (3) the position of Assistant Secretary for Health Information. Provides grants for: (1) school-based health clinics; (2) nurse-managed health centers; (3) federally qualified behavioral health centers; (4) influenza vaccinations to children in elementary and secondary schools; (5) evidence-based education programs to reduce teen pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases; (6) services to children and adults with autism and their families; (7) University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service; (8) medication management services; (9) infant mortality pilot programs; (10) community-based collaborative care networks; and (11) trauma centers and emergency medical care systems. Requires the HHS Secretary to make an incentive payment to each state that has an alternative medical liability law. Provides for: (1) nutrition labeling of standard menu items offered for sale in chain restaurants and vending machines; and (2) standards to make medical diagnostic equipment accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. Prohibits certain practices related to patent infringement claims against generic drugs. Allows a person to submit an application for licensure of a biological product based on its similarity to a licensed biological product (the reference product). Establishes a national, voluntary disability insurance program to purchase community living assistance services and supports (CLASS program) under which: (1) all employees are automatically enrolled, but are allowed to waive enrollment; (2) payroll deductions pay monthly premiums; and (3) benefits are provided, based on the level of disability, to purchase nonmedical services and supports that the beneficiary needs to maintain independence. Makes states eligible for federal funds under the Public Health Service Act only if they agree to be subject as an employer to the obligations under this Act. Establishes Offices of Women's Health within HHS and its agencies. Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2009 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with a Division of Urban Indian Health. Authorizes grants to urban Indian organizations for health information technology, telemedicine services development, and related infrastructure. Directs the HHS Secretary, acting through the Indian Health Service, to provide programs of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, and treatment. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the HHS Secretary to establish the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation. Expands coverage for qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) under title XXI of the SSA, as well as under Medicare (SSA title XVIII) and Medicaid (SSA title XIX). Authorizes related payments to Indian Health Programs operating in the state.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 326 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Recognizes the 40th anniversary of the founding of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.
Bill· HRH.R. 3960 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act of 2009 - Grants state and municipal governments, as well as related agencies, departments, bureaus, offices, and multi-jurisdictional transportation authorities that are empowered to operate or manage roads, bridges, rail, bus, ferry, or other transportation systems, rulemaking authority to design and implement toll, user fee, or fare reduction or discount programs for their local residents or commuters.
Bill· SS. 1938 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to states that enact laws that prohibit, with certain exceptions, and establish fines for texting and/or handheld cellphone use while driving. Requires a state that receives a grant to allocate: (1) at least 50% to educate and advertise to the public about the dangers of texting or using a cellphone while driving as well as enforce the distracted driving law; and (2) up to 50% for other traffic safety improvement projects. Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to administer a distracted driving national education program with at least two high-visibility education and advertising campaigns. Requires the Secretary to establish a research program to study distracted driving by passenger and commercial vehicle drivers. Directs the the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to Congress on existing and developing wireless communications technology that may be used to reduce problems associated with distracted driving. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations on the use of electronic or wireless devices, including cell phones and other distracting devices, by operators of commercial motor vehicles and school buses; and (2) prohibit their use in circumstances where it interferes with the driver's safe operation of the vehicles.
Bill· HRH.R. 3909 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Renewable Energy Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2014 the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources; (2) increase and extend through 2014 the authority for issuing new clean renewable energy bonds; (3) extend through 2018 the energy tax credit for investment in solar energy and fuel cell property, small wind energy property, and geothermal heat pump systems; (4) increase the energy tax credit for investment in advanced energy facilities; and (5) extend through 2011 the income and excise tax credits for alcohol fuels, biodiesel, and renewable diesel. Authorizes appropriations for advanced biofuels research, development, and demonstration that will create fuels that are fungible in existing infrastructure.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 859 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2009
Supports the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Somalia. Commends the humanitarian and human rights workers in Somalia. Recognizes the valuable work of the African Union Peacekeeping Mission and the mediation efforts of the government of Djibouti and the United Nations Special Envoy Ahmedou Ould-Abdullah. Calls on the Obama Administration to provide education, health care, infrastructure, and security assistance to Somalia. Urges the Obama Administration to recognize the TFG and allow the opening of an official Somali Embassy in Washington, DC. Calls on the government of Somaliland to hold free and fair elections without further delay. Recommends that the governments of Puntland and Somaliland work together with the TFG to contain extremist groups and work toward a mutually acceptable political arrangement.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 848 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Recognizes and understands the importance of continued federal investment to repair and rehabilitate non-federal-aid highway bridges (off-system bridges) in order to provide safe bridge access for all users across the United States. Supports program eligibility and a specific funding stream for off-system bridges in the Highway Bridge Program or a federal highway critical asset investment program.
Bill· SS. 1795 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Private Investment in Commuter Vanpooling Act of 2009 - Allows the local matching share provided by a public transportation capital project assistance recipient to include expenditures by a private commuter vanpooling service provider to acquire rolling stock (vans). Authorizes such a private provider to use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs to acquire such vans, if there is a binding agreement requiring the vans to be used in the state or local government's service area.