The POPVOX Blog

Articles From May 2012, page 1

1. Issue Spotlight: Travel and Tourism

   by rachna on May 31, 2012

   It's summertime, and the start to the travel and tourism season! In the spirit of the season, POPVOX is spotlighting bills related to travel and tourism. International spending on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services set an all-time record of $153 billion in 2011, an 8.1 percent increase from 2010, and supported an additional 103,000 jobs for a total of 7.6 million industry jobs, according to the White House.

   Issue Spotlight: Travel and Tourism

   • S 2235 The Air Passenger Fairness Act prohibits the establishment by air carriers and airport operators of expedited lines at airport screening checkpoints for specific categories of passengers.
   • HR 729 The Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act ensures air passengers have access to necessary services while on a grounded air carrier.
   • HR 3867 The Travel Transparency Act requires certain air carriers and their agents and ticket agents to disclose certain costs and fees.
   • HR 1279 The Aircraft Passenger Whole-Body Imaging Limitations Act establishes limitations on the use of advanced imaging technology for aircraft passenger screening.
   • HR 5741 The Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to stimulate international tourism to the United States (and S 2233).
   • HR 3341 The Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act (VISIT USA Act) amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to stimulate international tourism to the United States (and S 1746).
   • HR 3039 The Welcoming Business Travelers and Tourists to America Act promotes job creation in the United States by directing the Secretary of State to address inefficiencies in the visa processing system that discourage overseas business and leisure travel to the United States.
   • S 1663 The Travel Regional Investment Partnership Act (TRIP Act) directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a competitive grant program to promote domestic regional tourism.
   • S 1653 The International Tourism Facilitation Act makes minor modifications to the procedures relating to the issuance of visas.

   See previous Issue Spotlights.

   Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

2. Issue Spotlight: Memorial Day

   by rachna on May 28, 2012

   This Memorial Day, we recognize the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. Since this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, POPVOX is spotlighting bills related to Memorial Day and Vietnam veterans in particular. And for those of you who are veterans, we sincerely thank you for your service.

   Issue Spotlight: Memorial Day

   • HR 5735 Establishes a Tomb of Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery for interment of cremated fragments of the remains of members of the Armed Forces killed in Afghanistan, Iraq, or a subsequent conflict when the fragments are unidentifiable by use of DNA testing.
   • HCR 45 Honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving in, or have served in, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
   • HR 1591 The Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans Act guarantees that military funerals are conducted with dignity and respect.
   • HR 1497 Directs the Secretary of Defense to take whatever steps may be necessary to exhume and transfer the remains of certain deceased members of the Armed Forces buried in Tripoli, Libya (and S 1822).
   • HR 3767 Grants the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II.
   • HR 2051 The Veterans Missing in America Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assist in the identification of unclaimed and abandoned human remains to determine if any such remains are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
   • HR 1980 The Gold Star Mothers National Monument Act authorizes the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation to establish a national monument in the District of Columbia.
   • HR 1457 The William Shemin Jewish World War I Veterans Act directs the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Navy to conduct a review of military service records of Jewish American veterans of World War I, including those previously awarded a military decoration, to determine whether any of the veterans should be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor (and S 1727).
   • HRes 618 Expressing support for designation of 2012-2013 as the “Year of the Korean War Veteran” and recognizing the 60th anniversary of Korean War.
   • S 402 The Cold War Service Medal Act recognizes members of the Armed Forces who served honorably during the Cold War (and HR 1968).
   • HR 1559 Authorizes the Benjamin Harrison Society to establish a memorial in the District of Columbia to honor the patriots of the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

   Recognizing Vietnam Veterans

   This Memorial Day marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, in which more than 58,000 service members lost their lives. In January 1962, the U.S. Army began one of the first operations in Vietnam.

   • S 2255 Adds Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day as a patriotic and National observance.
   • H Res 601 Expresses support for designation of a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.

   See more bills related to Vietnam Veterans.

   See previous Issue Spotlights.

   Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

3. Postal Reform Scheduled for Summer Delivery

   by marci on May 28, 2012

   

   In a letter to House Republicans on May 25, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor laid out the House legislative agenda for the summer and fall. Among the bills up for a vote in the coming months is the Postal Reform Act (H.R. 2309), sponsored by Representative Darrell Issa [R, CA-49].

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   Note: highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way.

    

4. Ron Paul "Audit the Fed" bill up for a vote this summer

   by marci on May 28, 2012

   

   In a letter to House Republicans on May 25, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor laid out the House legislative agenda for the summer and fall. Among the bills up for a vote in the coming months is the Federal Reserve Transparency Act (H.R. 459), sponsored by Representative Ron Paul [R, TX-14].

   This bill has received lot of attention on POPVOX, see the Bill Report.

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   Note: highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way.

5. PRESS CLIP: "Disrupting" Lobbying With the Power of People

   by annalee on May 27, 2012

   "Disrupting" Lobbying With the Power of People by Marci on the HuffPost Politics Blog.

6. Unique Memorial Day Flag Etiquette (Half staff until noon)

   by marci on May 27, 2012

    

   Memorial Day is the only day in which flags are flown at half-staff for only part of the day -- to both honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives and to inspire those who continue in their stead. 

   

   Photo credit: www.flaginsider.com

   On Memorial Day the flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

   The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all. Source: Wikipedia

   Hazel Lodevico-To'o has some more flag-flying tips for Memorial Day on the Glendora, CA Patch.

   We at POPVOX have shared some of our own flag photos on Pinterest -- share yours!

      

   

7. Weekly Bill Round Up: Week of 5/21

   by rachna on May 25, 2012

   Round Up: Week of May 21 - 25

   Here's the weekly round-up from our "Hill sources": The House was in recess this week. The Senate voted on a few bills before it left for the Memorial Day break, but failed to make progress on others.

   The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013 (HR 4310) was the most popular bill on POPVOX this week. Here's the rest of the list. (Weigh in on the top 20 bills on POPVOX using the links below -- and get the round up.)

   

   Weigh in on the Top Bills of the Week

   • HR 4310 #1 - National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013
   • S 3187 #2 - Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act
   • HR 2657 #3 - Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act
   • S 2343 #4 - Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act
   • HR 5740 #5 - National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act
   • S 3205 #6 - Ex-Patriot Act
   • HRes 662 #7 - Expressing support for prayer at school board meetings
   • HR 4043 #8 - Military Readiness and Southern Sea Otter Conservation Act
   • HR 5651 #9 - Food and Drug Administration Reform Act
   • HR 5846 #10 - Second Amendment Sovereignty Act
   • HR 2674 #11 - 340B Program Improvement Act
   • HR 4170 #12 - Student Loan Forgiveness Act
   • HR 4970 #13 - Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
   • HR 4224 #14 - OPTION Act
   • HR 2672 #15 - Preserving Access to Orphan Drugs Act
   • HR 3523 #16 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (Passed by the House on April 26)
   • HR 4117 #17 - Prohibiting the use of Afghan Nationals as security forces on U.S. military bases
   • HR 3594 #18 - Second Amendment Protection Act
   • HR 3035 #19 - Mobile Informational Call Act
   • S 1108 #20 - 10 Million Solar Roofs Act

   Weekly Round-Up from POPVOX's Hill Sources

   The House was in recess this week. The Senate voted on a few bills before it left for the Memorial Day break, but failed to make progress on others.

   Bills that the Senate passed

   • S 3187 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Safety and Innovation Act: Senators overwhelmingly approved a bill reauthorizing the Food and Drug Administration's user fee program for drugs and medical devices, and expanded that program. The Senate approved the FDA Safety and Innovation Act in a 96-1 vote.
   • HR 5740 The National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act: The Senate approved a new bill that extends the National Flood Insurance Program for 60 days. The program expires at the end of May. The House is expected to follow suit next week when it returns.
   • S 2367 The 21st Century Language Act: The Senate approved a new bill striking the word "lunatic" wherever it appears in U.S. law. This bill was passed by unanimous consent.
   • HR 4097 The John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act: The Senate approved this bill and sent it to the White House for the President to sign it into law.
   • S 739 The Senate approved authorizing the installation of battery charging stations in the Capitol parking lot, for electric cars.

   Bills the Senate considered, but didn't pass

   • S 2343 The Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act: Before leaving, the Senate voted against two bills that would keep the student loan interest rate low for another year. The Senate voted on the Democratic bill, The Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act, but that failed 51-43 (60 votes were needed). The Democratic bill expanded the payroll tax to pay for the loan rate extension.
   • S 2366 The Interest Rate Reduction Act: The Republican student loan bill, The Interest Rate Reduction Act, was voted down 34-62. The Republican bill pays for the change by terminating a healthcare fund.
   • S 1925 The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization: The Senate left without making any headway toward reauthorizing VAWA, leaving the issue until June to sort out. Democrats made an attempt to move their bill, S. 1925, and Republicans made an attempt to move the House Republican bill, HR 4970.

   Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

8. Issue Spotlight: National Missing Children’s Day

   by rachna on May 25, 2012

   Today is National Missing Children’s Day. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children’s Day, and has been recognized since. The FBI today launched a new version of their Child ID App for mobile phones. To help observe this day, POPVOX is spotlighting bills related to missing children. We hope you'll weigh in on these bills on POPVOX, and share the list with your friends and networks. (Learn more about Missing Children's Day.)

   Issue Spotlight: National Missing Children’s Day

   • HR 1300 Billy's Law authorizes funding for, and increases accessibility to, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, facilitates data sharing between such system and the National Crime Information Center database of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, provides incentive grants to help facilitate reporting to such systems.
   • SRes 449 A resolution calling on all governments to assist in the safe return of children abducted from or wrongfully retained outside the country of their habitual residence.
   • HR 1978 The Recovering Missing Children Act (and S 246) permit the disclosure of certain tax return information for the purpose of missing or exploited children investigations.
   • S 1792 The Strengthening Investigations of Sex Offenders and Missing Children Act clarifies the authority of the United States Marshal Service to assist other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in the investigation of cases involving sex offenders and missing children.
   • S 225 The Access to Information About Missing Children Act permits the disclosure of certain information for the purpose of missing child investigations.
   • HR 2688 The Runaway Reporting Improvement Act requires certification of State and law enforcement agency reports related to missing children, to require that certain information be provided to individuals reporting a missing child.
   • HR 4305 The Child and Elderly Missing Alert Program authorizes the Attorney General to provide a grant to assist Federal, State, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies in the rapid recovery of missing individuals.
   • S 596 The Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act establishes a grant program to benefit victims of sex trafficking.

   See previous Issue Spotlights.

   Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

9. Issue Spotlight: Women's Health

   by rachna on May 24, 2012

   The President issued a proclamation on May 14 for a National Women's Health Week, and "to promote awareness, prevention, and educational activities that improve the health of all women." We'd like to take this opportunity to spotlight bills related to women's health. Please weigh in on POPVOX, and share this list with your friends and networks.

   Issue Spotlight: Women's Health

   • S 1765 Consolidation of Grants to Strengthen the Healthcare System’s Response to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act amends the Public Health Service Act to provide grants to strengthen the healthcare system’s response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
   • S 966 The Bone Health Promotion and Research Act amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for osteoporosis and related bone disease education, research, and surveillance, and for other purposes.
   • HR 2233 The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act (and S 1217) amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for custom fabricated breast prostheses following a mastectomy.
   • S 438 The Heart Disease Education, Analysis, Research, and Treatment for Women Act (and HR 3526) amends the Public Health Service Act to improve women’s health by prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women.
   • HR 2141 The Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services for the 21st Century Act promotes optimal maternity outcomes by making evidence-based maternity care a national priority.
   • HR 383 The Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapies and Alternative Treatments and Fairness Act provides for coverage of hormone replacement therapy for treatment of menopausal symptoms, and for coverage of an alternative therapy for hormone replacement therapy for such symptoms, under the Medicare and Medicaid Programs, group health plans and individual health insurance coverage, and other Federal health insurance programs.
   • HR 5647 The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act eliminates discrimination and promote women’s health and economic security by ensuring reasonable workplace accommodations for workers whose ability to perform the functions of a job are limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition.
   • HR 2020 The Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act (and S 1096) amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to, and utilization of, bone mass measurement benefits under the Medicare part B program by extending the minimum payment amount for bone mass measurement under such program through 2013.
   • HR 3620 The Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act (and S 1969) amends title IX of the Social Security Act to improve the quality, health outcomes, and value of maternity care under the Medicaid and CHIP programs by developing a maternity care quality measurement program, evaluating maternity care home models, and supporting maternity care quality collaboratives.
   • HR 2332 The Robin Danielson Act amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a program of research regarding the risks posed by the presence of dioxin, synthetic fibers, and other additives in feminine hygiene products, and to establish a program for the collection and analysis of data on toxic shock syndrome.
   • HR 5748 The United States Leadership to Eradicate Obstetric Fistula Act provides assistance to sub-Saharan Africa to combat obstetric fistula.
   • HR 1578 The Violence Against Women Health Initiative Act amends the Public Health Service Act to improve the health care system’s assessment and response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
   • HR 809 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to display in each facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs a Women Veterans Bill of Rights.

   See previous Issue Spotlights.

   Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

10. Newly Introduced Bills in Congress: May 7 - 24

    by rachna on May 24, 2012

    Here are a handful (or "truckload" as one of our POPVOX users suggested!) of the bills introduced in the last two weeks. We hope you'll weigh in on these bills and share the list with your friends and networks.

    • S 3247 The West Hunter Street Baptist Church Study Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
    • S 3246 The SCORE Program Improvement Act improves the Service Corps of Retired Executives.
    • S 3243 The Irene and Lee Tax Relief Storm Recovery Act amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the amount of the low-income housing credit that may be allocated in States damaged in 2011 by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee.
    • S 3244 The Understanding the True Cost of College Act add disclosure requirements to the institution financial aid offer form and to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make such form mandatory.
    • S 3245 permanently reauthorizes the EB-5 Regional Center Program, the E-Verify Program, the Special Immigrant Nonminister Religious Worker Program, and the Conrad State 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program.
    • S 3248 The National Bison Legacy Act designates the North American bison as the national mammal of the United States.
    • S 3251 The Mille Lacs Lake Freedom To Fish Act amends title 46, United States Code, with respect to Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota.
    • S 3250 The Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry Act (SAFER Act) amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to provide for Debbie Smith grants for auditing sexual assault evidence backlogs and to establish a Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry.
    • S 3252 provides for the award of a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Jack Nicklaus, in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence, good sportsmanship, and philanthropy.
    • S 3253 amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to enhance the Small Business Investment Company Program.
    • S 3249 The Boko Haram Terrorist Designation Act requires a report on the designation of Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization.
    • SJR 41 A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the nuclear program of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
    • S 3234 extends the time period for contributing military death gratuities to Roth IRAs and Coverdell education savings accounts.
    • SRes 474 A resolution recognizing the significance of May 2012 as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month and the importance of celebrating the significant contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States.
    • S 3226 The Americans Giving care to Elders (AGE) Act amends the tax code to provide an income tax credit for eldercare expenses.
    • S 3225 The Congressional Oversight Over Trade Negotiations Act requires the United States Trade Representative to provide documents relating to trade negotiations to Members of Congress and their staff upon request.
    • S 3227 The Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act enables concrete masonry products manufacturers and importers to establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program of research, education, and promotion to improve, maintain, and develop markets for concrete masonry products.
    • S 3228 The Sequestration Transparency Act requires the President to provide a report detailing the sequester required by the Budget Control Act of 2011 on January 2, 2013.
    • SRes 471 A resolution commending the efforts of the women of the American Red Cross Clubmobiles for exemplary service during the Second World War.
    • S 3223 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the reduction in the recognition period for built-in gains for S corporations.
    • SRes 470 A resolution designating July 28, 2012, as "National Day of the American Cowboy".
    • S 3229 The Long-Term Care Insurance Consumer Right-to-Know Act develops a model disclosure form to assist consumers in purchasing long-term care insurance.
    • S 3233 The Servicemembers Access to Justice Act amends title 38, United States Code, to improve the enforcement of employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services.
    • S 3224 amends the tax code to prevent an unfair tax burden for veterans and homeowners who have received assistance from the National Mortgage Settlement.
    • S 3232 amends the tax code and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to extend, expand, and improve the qualifying therapeutic discovery project program.
    • S 3230 The Long Term Care Insurance Integrity Act requires issuers of long term care insurance to establish third-party review processes for disputed claims.
    • S 3231 The Families for Foster Youth Stamp Act provides for the issuance and sale of a semipostal by the United States Postal Service to support effective programs targeted at improving permanency outcomes for youth in foster care.
    • S 3211 authorizes the President to determine the appropriate export controls of satellites and related items based on the national security and foreign policy objectives of the United States.
    • S 3217The Startup Act 2.0 jump-start the economic recovery through the formation and growth of new businesses.
    • S 3221The Rewarding Achievement and Incentivizing Successful Employees Act (RAISE Act) amend the National Labor Relations Act to permit employers to pay higher wages to their employees.
    • HR 5853The Gray Market Drug Reform and Transparency Act prohibits wholesalers from purchasing prescription drugs from pharmacies, and to enhance information and transparency regarding drug wholesalers engaged in interstate commerce.
    • S 3222The Federal Entrepreneur-in-Residence Act establishes a pilot program to accelerate entrepreneurship and innovation by partnering world-class entrepreneurs with Federal agencies.
    • S 3212The Cody Miller Initiative for Safer Prescriptions Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations regarding the authorship, content, format, and dissemination of Patient Medication Information to ensure patients receive consistent and high-quality information about their prescription medications and are aware of the potential risks and benefits of prescription medications.
    • S 3213The Small Business Goaling Act amends the Small Business Act with respect to goals for procurement contracts awarded to small business concerns.
    • S 3214The Today's Entrepreneurs are America's Mentors Act (TEAM Act) strengthens entrepreneurial education.
    • S 3218The Small Business Export Growth Act improves the coordination of export promotion programs and to facilitate export opportunities for small businesses.
    • S 3219The Federal Reserve Independence Act restricts conflicts of interest on the boards of directors of Federal reserve banks.
    • S 3220The Paycheck Fairness Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex.
    • S 3207 amends title 10, United States Code, to provide for relief in civil actions for violations of the protections on credit extended to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents.
    • S 3210The Veterans' Small Business Opportunity Act amends title 38, United States Code, to modify the treatment under contracting goals and preferences of the Department of Veterans Affairs for small businesses owned by veterans of small businesses after the death of a disabled veteran owner.
    • S 3208The Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act reauthorizes the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp.
    • S 3209 provides for the settlement of the water rights claims of the Fort Belknap Indian Community.
    • HR 5835 provides for additional loan programs for veteran-owned small businesses.
    • HR 5842 The Restoring Access to Medication Act amends the tax code to repeal the amendments made by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which disqualify expenses for over-the-counter drugs under health savings accounts and health flexible spending arrangements.
    • HR 5843 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to permit use of certain grant funds for training conducted in conjunction with a national laboratory or research facility.
    • HR 5844 The Protecting Victims on Campus Act amends the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act to provide further clarity for institutions of higher education.
    • HR 5841 The Supporting Child Maltreatment Prevention Efforts in Community Health Centers Act implements demonstration projects at federally qualified community health centers to promote universal access to family centered, evidence-based behavioral health interventions that prevent child maltreatment and promote family well-being by addressing parenting practices and skills for families from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, racial, ethnic, and other backgrounds.
    • HR 5838 The Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act prohibits anti-competitive activities and to provide that health insurance issuers and medical malpractice insurance issuers are subject to the antitrust laws of the United States.
    • HR 5839 The Disaster Savings and Resilient Construction Act amends the tax code to provide a business tax credit for resilient construction.
    • HR 5840 provides for the issuance of coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service.
    • HR 5845 amends the tax code to extend the work opportunity tax credit for veterans and to allow an exemption from an employer’s employment taxes in an amount equivalent to the value of such credit.
    • HR 5850 The Visa Waiver for Israel Act provides for the inclusion of Israel in the visa waiver program.
    • HR 5851 The Increasing Small Business Lending Act increases small business lending.
    • HR 5852 amends title 5, United States Code, to provide that spouses and widows or widowers of certain veterans and members of the armed forces receive preference with respect to employment in the competitive service.
    • HR 5849 The Charity Care Tax Deduction for Physicians Act amends the tax code to allow a deduction for charity care provided by physicians.
    • HR 5846 The Second Amendment Sovereignty Act prohibits funding to negotiate a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty that restricts the Second Amendment rights of United States citizens.
    • HR 5847 The Fostering Coordination in Federal Preparedness Grants Act establishes an interagency working group to improve coordination of grants authorized under sections 2002 and 2003 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and other Federal preparedness grants.
    • HR 5848 The Juror Non-Discrimination Act amends title 28, United States Code, to prohibit the exclusion of individuals from service on a Federal jury on account of sexual orientation or gender identity.
    • HR 5826 The Coordinating Water Research for a Clean Water Future Act implements a National Water Research and Development Initiative to ensure clean and reliable water for future generations.
    • HR 5827 The Energy and Water Research Integration Act ensures consideration of water intensity in the Department of Energy’s energy research, development, and demonstration programs to help guarantee efficient, reliable, and sustainable delivery of energy and clean water resources.
    • HR 5828 amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to permit an absentee ballot application submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter with respect to an election for Federal office to serve as an absentee ballot application for each subsequent election for Federal office held in the State through the next regularly scheduled general election for Federal office.
    • HCR 125 celebrates the centennial of the birth of Senator Henry M. “Scoop” Jackson.
    • HJRes 109 approves the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.
    • HRes 655 honors the 114th anniversary of the independence of the Philippines.
    • HRes 666 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that, as part of any agreement on Medicare reform, Medicare should not be changed for any citizens of the United States over the age of 55.
    • HR 5829 The Small Business Fairness Act amends the Small Business Act to permit agencies to count certain contracts toward contracting goals.
    • HR 5834 The National Education for Service Heritage Act requires each State receiving assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to charge in-State tuition rates at public institutions of higher education in the State to the dependent children of individuals who have served on active duty for at least 15 years and whose domicile is in the State.
    • HR 5789 School Lunch Improvements for Children's Education (SLICE) Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a certain interim final or final rule regarding nutrition programs under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
    • HR 5813 The Ports as Small Business Incubators Act amends the Small Business Act to provide for the establishment of the Ports as Small Business Incubators Program to provide eligible small businesses with access to commercial real property.
    • HR 5812 The Investing in Our Student's Future Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the reduced interest rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans.
    • HR 5816 The Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require a voter-verified permanent paper ballot under title III of such Act.
    • HR 5815 The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act prohibits deceptive practices in Federal elections.
    • HR 5814 The Poll Tape Transparency Act amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to establish standards for the publication of the poll tapes used in elections for Federal office.
    • HR 5807 The FEMA Regional Office Oversight Act requires an audit of the extent to which regional FEMA offices are able to support coordinated and integrated Federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities to respond to an act of terrorism or other incident.
    • HR 5806 The Outreach to People With Disabilities During Emergencies Act amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide guidance and coordination for outreach to people with disabilities during emergencies.
    • HR 5805 The Entrepreneurial Training Improvement Act directs the Secretary of Labor to establish alternate guidelines for measuring the progress of State and local performance for entrepreneurial training services under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
    • HR 5825 The Rural Energy Improvement Act amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize and improve the Rural Energy for America Program.
    • HR 5824 The Territorial TANF Equity Act amends the Social Security Act to eliminate the cap on certain payments under the TANF program to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
    • HR 5823 The Saving Taxpayers from Unnecessary GSE Bulk Sale Programs Act prohbits the Federal Housing Finance Agency from disposing of certain real estate-owned of such Agency, the Federal National Mortgage Association, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, under the initiative of such Agency for bulk sales of real estate-owned.
    • HR 5804 The Preparedness Coordination With Local Educational Agencies and School Districts Act amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide guidance to and coordination with local educational agencies and school districts that are at high risk of acts of terrorism or other incidents.
    • SRes 467 designates May 18, 2012, as “Endangered Species Day”.
    • SRes 466 calls for the release from prison of former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko.
    • HR 5817 The Eliminate Privacy Notice Confusion Act amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to provide an exception to the annual privacy notice requirement.
    • HR 5822 The Boko Haram Terrorist Designation Act requires a report on the designation of Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization.
    • HR 5821 provides for duty free treatment for certain United States Government property returned to the United States.
    • HR 5820 modifies the provisions of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States relating to returned property.
    • S 3197 reauthorizes he women’s business center program of the Small Business Administration.
    • S 3200 requires the Small Business Administration to submit a regular National Small Business Index to Congress to assess how policies provide incentives or impediments to small business development.
    • HRes 664 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding funding for feeding assistance programs, especially those affecting children.
    • S 3204 addresses fee disclosure requirements under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act.
    • S 3203 The Military Health Care Protection Act amends title 10, United States Code, to limit increases in the certain costs of health care services under the health care programs of the Department of Defense.
    • S 3198 The Strengthening Resources for America's Entrepreneurs Act amends the Small Business Act to improve the entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration.
    • S 3201 The Graduate Medical Education Reform Act reforms graduate medical education payments.
    • S 3206 amends title 38, United States Code, to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the Paralympic Team and the authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assistance to United States Paralympics, Inc.
    • S 3205 The Expatriation Prevention by Abolishing Tax-Related Incentives for Offshore Tenancy (Ex-PATRIOT Act) amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that persons renouncing citizenship for a substantial tax avoidance purpose shall be subject to tax and withholding on capital gains, to provide that such persons shall not be admissible to the United States.
    • HRes 663 expresses support for the International Olympic Committee to recognize with a minute of silence at every future Olympics Opening Ceremony those who lost their lives at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
    • HRes 662 expresses support for prayer at school board meetings.
    • S 3202 The Dignified Burial of Veterans Act amends title 38, United States Code, to ensure that deceased veterans with no known next of kin can receive a dignified burial.
    • HR 5801 provides interest-free deferment on unsubsidized student loans made to recent college students during periods when the national unemployment rate is above 7 percent and other periods of deferment.
    • HR 5800 amends title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for increased price transparency of hospital information and to provide for additional research on consumer information on charges and out-of-pocket costs.
    • HR 5799 The Voter Empowerment Act modernizes voter registration, promote access to voting for individuals with disabilities, protect the ability of individuals to exercise the right to vote in elections for Federal office.
    • S 3196 The National Women's High-Growth Business Bipartisan Task Force Act establishes the National Women’s High-Growth Business Bipartisan Task Force.
    • HR 5803 amends title 46, United States Code, regarding port security grant funding for mandated security personnel.
    • HR 5802 amends title 46, United States Code, to authorize use of port security grant funds for replacement of certain security equipment or facilities.
    • HR 5795 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce the rate of tax on domestic manufacturing income to 20 percent.
    • HR 5794 amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to exempt a debt collector from liability when leaving certain voice mail messages for a consumer with respect to a debt as long as the debt collector follows regulations prescribed by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection on the appropriate manner in which to leave such a message.
    • HR 5793 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the election to treat the cost of qualified film and television productions as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account.
    • HR 5798 amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to improve export promotion activities.
    • HR 5797 amends title 46, United States Code, with respect to Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota.
    • HR 5796 establishes a common fund to pay claims to the Americans held hostage in Iran, and to members of their families, who are identified as class members in case number 1:08-CV-00487 (EGS) of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
    • HR 5790 provides for the transfer of the United States Postal Service surplus with respect to certain retirement benefits.
    • SRes 462 recognizes National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system, acknowledging the dedication of foster care parents, advocates, and workers, and encouraging Congress to implement policy to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.
    • HR 5791 The Emergency Water Supply Restoration Act provides for reasonable and necessary access to Wilderness Areas for the restoration of water sources, supplies, or infrastructure during a state of emergency declared by the Governor of a State.
    • HR 5787 The Congressional Oversight of Afghanistan Agreements Act provides for congressional oversight of United States agreements with the Government of Afghanistan.
    • HRes 660 expresses support for designation of December 12, 2012, as Foster Children’s Day.
    • HRes 659 recognizes the goals and ideals of National Foster Care Month.
    • S 3188 increases the authorized number of Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams.
    • HR 5781 The Inclusive Home Design Act requires all newly constructed, federally assisted, single-family houses and town houses to meet minimum standards of visitability for persons with disabilities.
    • HR 5792 The Gender Equality Combat Act requires a report on implementation of a termination of the ground combat exclusion policy for female members of the Armed Forces.
    • S 3194 requires the establishment of a small business common application and web portal for purposes of Federal small business assistance programs
    • S 3190 The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act amends the Controlled Substances Act to place synthetic drugs in Schedule I.
    • S 3189 The Synthetic Drug Control Act amends the Controlled Substances Act to place synthetic drugs in Schedule I.
    • S 3191 improves provisions of title 23, United States Code relating to the use of HOV facilities.
    • S 3193 Barona Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Clarification Act makes technical corrections to the legal description of certain land to be held in trust for the Barona Band of Mission Indians.
    • S 3192 The Sustaining our Most Advanced Researchers and Technology Jobs Act (SMART Jobs Act) amends the Immigration and Nationality Act by establishing an F-4 nonimmigrant visa for aliens pursuing an advanced degree in mathematics, engineering, technology, or the physical sciences in the United States, to authorize such aliens to become permanent residents if they obtain employment in the United States related to their field of study.
    • SJRes 40 provides for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rules submitted by the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service relating to the reporting requirements for interest that relates to the deposits maintained at United States offices of certain financial institutions and is paid to certain nonresident alien individuals.
    • HR 5740 National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act extends the National Flood Insurance Program.
    • HR 5749 The Arms Sale Responsibility Act prohibits the transfer of defense articles and defense services to the governments of foreign countries that are engaging in gross violations of internationally-recognized human rights.
    • HR 5748 The United States Leadership to Eradicate Obsteric Fistula Act provides assistance to sub-Saharan Africa to combat obstetric fistula.
    • HR 5751 The No Detention without Charge Act amends title 18, United States Code, to provide for limitations on detentions of certain individuals.
    • HR 5737 The Congressional Double Dipping Pension Prevention Act provides that a former Member of Congress receiving compensation as a highly-paid lobbyist shall be ineligible to concurrently receive Federal retirement benefits.
    • HR 5739 The Former Charleston Naval Base Land Exchange Act provides for an exchange of land between the Department of Homeland Security and the South Carolina States Ports Authority.
    • HR 5732 The Schools of the Future Act authorizes a competitive grant program to implement and evaluate digitual learning in rural locales.
    • HR 5729 The Native Hawaiian HUBZone Opportunity Act amends the Small Business Act to permit Native Hawaiian Organizations to have status as HUBZone small business concerns.
    • HR 5731 The Telemedicine Safety Act prohibits Federal assistance for telemedicince abortion and to ban interstate abortions using telemedicine technology.
    • HR 5730 The Medicare Payment Rate Disclosure Act amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make publicly available on the official Medicare Internet site medicare payment rates for frequently reimbursed hospital inpatient procedures, hospital outpatient procedures, and physicians’ services.
    • SRes 455 designates June 27, 2012, as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day”.
    • SRes 457 expresses the sense of Congress that the Republic of Argentina's membership in the G20 should be conditioned on its adherence to international norms of economic relations and commitment to the rule of law.
    • SRes 453 expresses the sense of the Senate that supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities is an important responsibility of the United States, and that a comprehensive approach to expanding and supporting a strong home care workforce and making long-term services and supports affordable and accessible in communities is necessary to uphold the right of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the United States to a dignified quality of life.
    • SRes 454 commends the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy hosting the Third International Conference on Nuclear Power Plant Life Management.
    • HRes 652 recognizes the need to pursue research into the causes, a treatment, and an eventual cure for rhabdomyosarcoma, supporting the goals and ideals of the Claire Frick Rhabdomyosarcoma Awareness Month.
    • HRes 651 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the illicit ethnic and religious profiling and surveillance of Muslim American communities by the New York Police Department.
    • HRes 654 recognizes the immense impact that Bruce Jun Fan Lee had on American and global popular culture and the important role he played in creating a bridge between cultures, championing values of self-respect, self-discipline, and tolerance in our Nation, and pioneering and cultivating the genres of martial arts, martial arts films, fitness and philosophy in the United States and the world.
    • HRes 653 recognizes the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week and honoring the valuable contributions of travel and tourism to the United States.
    • HR 5727 The Rebuild America Act rebuilds the American middle class by creating jobs, investing in our future, building opportunity for working families, and restoring balance to the tax code.
    • HRes 650 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia should work within the framework of the United Nations process with Greece to achieve longstanding United States and United Nations policy goals of finding a mutually acceptable name, for all uses, for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
    • HRes 649 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should work to eliminate the facilitated sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors over the Internet.
    • HR 5734 The Pakistan Terrorism Accountability Act provides compensation or the deadly acts by elements of the Pakistani military and intelligence services against United States citizens.
    • S 3076 The Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act amends title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under section 524(g) of such title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees.
    • HJR 108 provides for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rules submitted by the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service relating to the reporting requirements for interest that relates to deposits maintained at United States offices of certain financial institutions and is paid to certain nonresident alien individuals.
    • S 3078 The World War II Memorial Prayer Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to install in the area of the World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia a suitable plaque or an inscription with the words that President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed with the United States on June 6, 1944, the morning of D-Day.
    • S 3077 The Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
    • HR 5736 The Smith-Mundt Modernization Act amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to authorize the domestic dissemination of information and material about the United States intended primarily for foreign audiences.
    • HR 5735 provides for the establishment of a Tomb of Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery for interment of cremated fragments of the remains of members of the Armed Forces killed in Afghanistan, Iraq, or a subsequent conflict when the fragments are unidentifiable by use of DNA testing or other means because of the condition of the fragments, are unclaimed, or are identified and authorized by the person designated to direct disposition of the remains for internment in such memorial.
    • HCR 123 recognizes the potential for the virtual elimination of pediatric HIV and AIDS and keeping HIV positive mothers alive.
    • HRes 655 expresses support for the designation of June 7, 2012, as National Hunger Awareness Day.
    • HR 5713 The Talk Before You Toll Act amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to ensure that the highest priority consideration is given to local comments when selecting a toll pilot project.
    • HR 5712 The Veterans Jobs Act authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish a pilot program to have community business leaders mentor members of the Armed Forces under the Transition Assistance Program.
    • HR 5715 The Airline Pension Fairness Act amends the Pension Protection Act of 2006 to extend special funding rules for certain plans maintained by commercial airlines.
    • HR 5714 The Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Efficient Banking (SAFE Banking) Act provides for a safe, accountable, fair, and efficient banking system.
    • HR 5709 The Hospital Price Transparency and Disclosure Act amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the public disclosure of charges for certain hospital and ambulatory surgical center treatment episodes.
    • HR 5708 The Preventing Recurring Trade Evasion and Circumvention (PROTECT) Act prevents the evasion of antidumping and countervailing duty orders
    • HR 5711 The Access to Substance Abuse Treatment Act amends the Public Health Service Act to provide grants for treatment of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), and phencyclidine (PCP) abuse.
    • HR 5710 The Better Use of Refrigerator Regulations Act amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish minimum efficiency standards for self-contained commercial refrigerators and freezers, and to direct the Department of Energy to establish standards for other related products.
    • HR 5716 The Melanoma Research Act establishes a Skin Cancer Research Fund to increase funding for the conduct or support of research relating to skin cancer by the National Institutes of Health.
    • HR 5718 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to revise the new market tax credit rules for population census tracts with low populations.
    • HR 5717 The Army Corps of Engineers Communications Accountability Act requires the Army Corps of Engineers to notify the public of certain flood predictions regarding the Missouri River System.
    • HR 5720 The Regulatory Reform Act establishes procedures for the presentation and expedited consideration by Congress of the recommendations in the Federal Regulatory Reform Report prepared by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.
    • HR 5719 The Student Loan Interest Deduction Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the deduction allowed for student loan interest.
    • S 3084 The VISN Reorganization Act requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reorganize the Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the Veterans Health Administration.
    • S 3083 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require certain nonresident aliens to provide valid immigration documents to claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit.
    • S 3085 The Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act provides for the expansion of affordable refinancing of mortgages held by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
    • S 3080 The End Polluter Welfare Act eliminates certain subsidies for fossil-fuel production.
    • S 3079 makes participation in the American Community Survey voluntary, except with respect to certain basic questions.
    • S 3082 The Nationwide Network of Support for Veterans and Military Families Act amends title 38, United States Code, to establish the National Veterans Support Network to carry out activities to support and supplement the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    • S 3081 The Tobacco Tax Equity Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax rate parity among all tobacco products.
    • S 3047 The Expanding Refinancing Opportunities Act encourages responsible homeowners to refinance mortgages.
    • S 3051 extends the National Flood Insurance Program until July 31, 2012.
    • S 3052 amends title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans, when such veterans electronically file claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, with notice that relevant services may be available to the veterans from veterans service organizations.
    • S 3053 The EPA Regional Oversight Act requires Regional Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
    • S 3048 The Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Efficient Banking (SAFE Banking) Act provides for a safe, accountable, fair, and efficient banking system.
    • S 3049 amends title 39, United States Code, to expand the definition of homeless veteran for purposes of benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
    • S 3050 extends the National Flood Insurance Program until June 30, 2012.
    • HR 5707 The Medicare Physician Payment Innovation Act amends part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reform Medicare payment for physicians’ services by eliminating the sustainable growth rate system and providing incentives for the adoption of innovative payment and delivery models to improve quality and efficiency.
    • HR 5705 The Municipal Bond Market Support Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently modify the limitations on the deduction of interest by financial institutions which hold tax-exempt bonds.
    • HR 5706 The Army Arsenal Strategic Workload Enhancement Act provides strategic workload to Army arsenals in their function as a critical component of the organic defense industrial base.
    • S 3074 The Password Protection Act prohibits employers from compelling or coercing any person to authorize access to a protected computer.
    • SRes 448 recognizes the 100th anniversary of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.
    • SRes 449 calls on all governments to assist in the safe return of children abducted from or wrongfully retained outside the country of their habitual residence.
    • HR 5683 The Veterans’ Job Corps authorizes the President to establish the Veterans’ Job Corps as a means of providing gainful employment to unemployed veterans and widows of veterans through the performance of useful public works.
    • HRes 647 recognizes the 100th anniversary of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America in 2012.
    • HR 5684 The Password Protection Act prohibits employers from compelling or coercing any person to authorize access to a protected computer.
    • HR 5691 The Overdraft Protection Act amends the Truth in Lending Act to establish fair and transparent practices related to the marketing and provision of overdraft coverage programs at depository institutions.
    • HR 5690 The School Protection Act amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible entities to train elementary and secondary school nurses on how to respond to a biological or chemical attack or an outbreak of pandemic influenza in a school building or on school grounds.
    • HR 5653 The Make Our Veterans Smile Act amends title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide dental care to veterans awarded the Purple Heart.
    • HR 5651 The Food and Drug Administration Reform Act amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to establish user-fee programs for generic drugs and biosimilars.
    • HR 5654 The Save Our Schools (S.O.S.) Act removes the testing provisions in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
    • HR 5650 The Protecting Women's Access to Health Care Act amends title X of the Public Health Service Act to provide for no discrimination under the family planning program under such title on the basis of separate provision of abortion.
    • S 3175 The Save More Tomorrow Act amends subchapter III of chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, to authorize certain employees to be automatically enrolled to increase contributions to Thrift Savings Plan accounts.
    • S 3176 The Military Humanitarian Operations Act provides that the President must seek congressional approval before engaging members of the United States Armed Forces in military humanitarian operations.
    • SRes 459 commends the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division upon its completion of a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
    • S 3173 The Helping Schools Protect Our Children Act allows funds under title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to be used to provide training to school personnel regarding how to recognize child sexual abuse.
    • S 3174 The Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship Development Act amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a vocational and technical entrepreneurship development program.
    • HR 5738 designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15285 Samohin Drive in Macomb, Michigan, as the “Lance Cpl. Anthony A. DiLisio Clinton-Macomb Carrier Annex”.
    • HRes 654 recognizes the immense impact that Bruce Jun Fan Lee had on American and global popular culture and the important role he played in creating a bridge between cultures, championing values of self-respect, self-discipline, and tolerance in our Nation, and pioneering and cultivating the genres of martial arts, martial arts films, fitness and philosophy in the United States and the world.
    • HRes 653 recognizes the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week and honoring the valuable contributions of travel and tourism to the United States.
    • HRes 655 expresses support for the designation of June 7, 2012, as National Hunger Awareness Day.
    • HRes 650 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia should work within the framework of the United Nations process with Greece to achieve longstanding United States and United Nations policy goals of finding a mutually acceptable name, for all uses, for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
    • HRes 649 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should work to eliminate the facilitated sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors over the Internet.
    • HRes 652 recognizes the need to pursue research into the causes, a treatment, and an eventual cure for rhabdomyosarcoma, supporting the goals and ideals of the Claire Frick Rhabdomyosarcoma Awareness Month.
    • HRes 651 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the illicit ethnic and religious profiling and surveillance of Muslim American communities by the New York Police Department.
    • HR 5710 The Better Use of Refrigerator Regulations Act amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish minimum efficiency standards for self-contained commercial refrigerators and freezers, and to direct the Department of Energy to establish standards for other related products.
    • HR 5709 The Hospital Price Transparency and Disclosure Act amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the public disclosure of charges for certain hospital and ambulatory surgical center treatment episodes.
    • HR 5711 The Access to Substance Abuse Treatment Act amends the Public Health Service Act to provide grants for treatment of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), and phencyclidine (PCP) abuse.
    • HR 5734 The Pakistan Terrorism Accountability Act provides compensation for the deadly acts by elements of the Pakistani military and intelligence services against United States citizens.
    • HR 5736 The Smith-Mundt Modernization Act amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to authorize the domestic dissemination of information and material about the United States intended primarily for foreign audiences.
    • HR 5730 The Medicare Payment Rate Disclosure Act amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make publicly available on the official Medicare Internet site medicare payment rates for frequently reimbursed hospital inpatient procedures, hospital outpatient procedures, and physicians’ services.
    • HR 5729 The Native Hawaiian HUBZone Opportunity Act amends the Small Business Act to permit Native Hawaiian Organizations to have status as HUBZone small business concerns.
    • HR 5732 The Schools of the Future Act authorizes a competitive grant program to implement and evaluate digital learning in rural locales.
    • HR 5731 The Telemedicine Safety Act prohibits Federal assistance for telemedicine abortions and to ban interstate abortions using telemedicine technology.
    • HR 5717 The Army Corps of Engineers Communications Accountability Act requires the Army Corps of Engineers to notify the public of certain flood predictions regarding the Missouri River System.
    • HR 5716 The Melanoma Research Act establishes a Skin Cancer Research Fund to increase funding for the conduct or support of research relating to skin cancer by the National Institutes of Health.
    • HR 5719 The Student Loan Interest Deduction Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the deduction allowed for student loan interest.
    • HR 5718 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to revise the new market tax credit rules for population census tracts with low populations.
    • HR 5713 The Talk Before You Toll Act amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to ensure that the highest priority consideration is given to local comments when selecting a toll pilot project.
    • HR 5712 The Veterans Jobs Act authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish a pilot program to have community business leaders mentor members of the Armed Forces under the Transition Assistance Program.
    • HR 5715 The Airline Pension Fairness Act amends the Pension Protection Act of 2006 to extend special funding rules for certain plans maintained by commercial airlines.
    • HR 5714 The Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Efficient Banking Act (SAFE Banking Act) provides for a safe, accountable, fair, and efficient banking system.
    • HR 5720 The Regulatory Reform Act establishes procedures for the presentation and expedited consideration by Congress of the recommendations in the Federal Regulatory Reform Report prepared by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.
    • SRes 455 designates June 27, 2012, as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day”.
    • SRes 454 commends the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy hosting the Third International Conference on Nuclear Power Plant Life Management.
    • SRes 457 expresses the sense of Congress that the Republic of Argentina?s membership in the G20 should be conditioned on its adherence to international norms of economic relations and commitment to the rule of law.
    • HR 5727 The Rebuild America Act rebuilds the American middle class by creating jobs, investing in our future, building opportunity for working families, and restoring balance to the tax code.
    • SRes 453 expresses the sense of the Senate that supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities is an important responsibility of the United States, and that a comprehensive approach to expanding and supporting a strong home care workforce and making long-term services and supports affordable and accessible in communities is necessary to uphold the right of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the United States to a dignified quality of life.
    • S 3078 The World War II Memorial Prayer Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to install in the area of the World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia a suitable plaque or an inscription with the words that President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed with the United States on June 6, 1944, the morning of D-Day.
    • S 3077 The Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
    • S 3080 The End Polluter Welfare Act eliminates certain subsidies for fossil-fuel production.
    • S 3079 makes participation in the American Community Survey voluntary, except with respect to certain basic questions.
    • S 3076 The Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act amends title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under section 524(g) of such title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees.
    • S 3085 The Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act provides for the expansion of affordable refinancing of mortgages held by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
    • S 3082 The Nationwide Network of Support for Veterans and Military Families Act amends title 38, United States Code, to establish the National Veterans Support Network to carry out activities to support and supplement the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    • S 3081 The Tobacco Tax Equity Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax rate parity among all tobacco products.
    • S 3084 requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reorganize the Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the Veterans Health Administration.
    • S 3083 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require certain nonresident aliens to provide valid immigration documents to claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit.
    • HJRes 108 provides for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rules submitted by the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service relating to the reporting requirements for interest that relates to deposits maintained at United States offices of certain financial institutions and is paid to certain nonresident alien individuals.
    • HR 5333 The Middle Class Tax Fairness Act amends the tax code to make permanent the deduction of State and local general sales taxes.
    • HR 5334 Amends chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expedite the development and review of breakthrough therapies.
    • HR 5341 The Sentinel Assurance for Effective Devices Act improves postmarket risk identification and analysis with respect to devices.
    • HR 5344 Prevents and responds to hazing incidents involving members of the Armed Forces.
    • HR 5381 The Commonsense Legislative Exceptional Events Reform Act amends the Clean Air Act with respect to exceptional event demonstrations.
    • HR 5393 The Export Coordination Act makes improvements to the trade promotion policies and programs of the United States Government.
    • HR 5436 The Engaging Students Through Service Learning Act authorizes a national elementary and secondary service-learning program that promotes student academic achievement.
    • HR 5512 The Divisional Realignment Act realigns divisions within two judicial districts.
    • HR 5542 The Bring Jobs Home ActAmends the tax code to encourage domestic insourcing and discourage foreign outsourcing.
    • HR 5543 Amends the Social Security Act to expand the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to access the National Directory of New Hires for purposes of tax administration.
    • HR 5544 The Minnesota Education Investment and Employment Act authorizes and expedites a land exchange involving National Forest System land in the Laurentian District of the Superior National Forest and certain other National Forest System land in Minnesota that has limited recreational and conservation resources and lands owned by Minnesota in trust for the public school system that are largely scattered in checkerboard fashion within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and have important recreational, scenic, and conservation resources.
    • HR 5545 The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act designates the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area in the State of California.
    • HR 5546 The Relief for Educators To Adjust if Necessary (RETAIN) Act provides States and high-need local educational agencies with flexibility in using Federal funds provided under such Act.
    • HR 5566 The Medicaid Payment Fairness to the Territories Act amends title XIX of the Social Security Act to increase the Federal medical assistance percentage for the territories.
    • HR 5646 The Homeland Security Respect for Life Act prohibits funds appropriated for the Department of Homeland Security from being used to pay for an abortion.
    • HR 5647 The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act eliminates discrimination and promote women’s health and economic security by ensuring reasonable workplace accommodations for workers whose ability to perform the functions of a job are limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition.
    • HR 5648 Repeals an obsolete provision in title 49, United States Code, requiring motor vehicle insurance cost reporting.
    • HR 5649 The Manufacturing Certainty and Captive Finance Affiliate Clarification Act amends the Commodity Exchange Act to clarify the exemptions for captive finance companies from the definition of major swap participant and from the swap clearing requirement.
    • HRes 644 Recognizes National Nurses Week on May 6 through May 12, 2012.
    • HRes 645 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Teacher Day.
    • HRes 646 Expressing the sense of the House that Village Voice Media Holdings, LLC should eliminate the "adult entertainment" section of the classified advertising
    • S 2554 The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act extends the authorization of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program through fiscal year 2017.
    • S 2834 The Subsidized Stafford Loan Reduced Interest Rate Extension Act extends the reduced interest rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans
    • S 2835 The Increased Transparency in Higher Education Act requires institutions of higher education to post certain IRS returns on their websites.
    • HR 5593 The John Hope Franklin Tulsa-Greenwood Race Riot Claims Accountability Act provides a remedy for survivors and descendants of the victims of the Tulsa, Oklahoma Race Riot of 1921.
    • HR 5615 The Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act extends title 4 of the United States Code to limit the extent to which States may tax the compensation earned by nonresident telecommuters.
    • HR 5620 Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide funding assistance to State training centers certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as capable of providing emergency response training.
    • HR 5624 The Roral Hospital and Provider Equity and 340B Improvement Act amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect and preserve access of Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers under the Medicare program, to amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to extend discounts under the 340B program.
    • HR 5630 The Fighting Tax Fraud Act amends the tax code to provide an increased penalty in certain cases of fraudulent understatement of a taxpayer’s liability by a tax return preparer.
    • S 2885 Amends title 10, United States Code, to provide for the award of the Purple Heart to members of the Armed Forces who are killed or wounded in a terrorist attack perpetrated within the United States.
    • S 2909 The Rebuilding Equity Act requires closing costs to be paid by the enterprises with respect to certain refinanced mortgage loans.

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

11. PRESS CLIP: 10 top tools for cause campaigns

    by annalee on May 21, 2012

    10 top tools for cause campaigns on SocialBrite

12. Bills Before Congress: May 21 - 25

    by rachna on May 20, 2012

    From our Hill Sources:

    With the House out this week, there are just a handful of Senate bills to watch for.

    Bills before Congress: May 21 - 25

    In the Senate

    • S 3187 The Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act: This bill, which has been in the works for several months, is meant to speed up the approval of generic drugs and biosimilar drugs at the FDA. It would do so by allowing the FDA to charge a user fee to companies submitting their drugs for approval — the user fees charged let the FDA hire people to process the applications. (From Sen. Tom Harkin [D,IA])
    • HR 5651 The Senate bill is similar to one making its way to the House floor, the Food and Drug Administration Reform Act. Both bills are bipartisan, and reflect negotiations between Congress and the generic drug industry. On Monday, the Senate is expected to hold a procedural vote on the bill, which will determine how it will proceed for the rest of the week.
    • Flood Ins. Flood Insurance: The Senate may also consider a bill to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) past its May 31 expiration. Republicans and Democrats are still debating how to extend the program and what amendments might be considered as part of the bill. The NFIP provides for federally backed flood insurance to people in flood zones. Some argue that its pending expiration is slowing home sales in those flood zones, since the insurance must be purchased through the program.
    • HR 5740 Last week, the House approved a 30-day extension of the NFIP, in the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act (HR 5740). The Senate could choose to pass that bill this week, to give it more time to agree to a longer-term extension.

    Other Bills of Interest

    • S 2343 The Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act: This bill (number one on POPVOX last week) has not moved in the Senate since a procedural motion failed earlier in the month. The Senate could try returning to it this week, which is from Sen. Harry Reid [D, NV]).
    • HR 4628 The House Republican version, the Interest Rate Reduction Act, HR 4628, from Rep. Judy Biggert [R, IL-13], was approved by the House in late April.
    • HR 4310 The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $643 billion in defense spending for 2013. This bill (number five on POPVOX last week) passed the House last Friday, but is opposed by the Obama Administration, in part because it spends more than Congress agreed to spend on defense next year, but also because of various policy requirements in the bill. (From Rep. Howard McKeon [R, CA-25])
    • HRes 568 This resolution, expressing Congress's opinion that Iran should not be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons, was passed by the House last week. (Number eight on POPVOX). (From Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R, FL-18])
    • HR 4970 The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Passed the House last week (number seven on POPVOX). (From Rep. Sandy Adams [R, FL-24])
    • HR 4119 The Border Tunnel Prevention Act reduces the trafficking of drugs and to prevent human smuggling across the Southwest Border by deterring the construction and use of border tunnels. Passed the House last week (number 10 on POPVOX). (From Rep. Silvestre Reyes [D, TX-16]) 
    • HR 2657 The Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act: Number three on POPVOX, this bill would impose new fines for using body-gripping traps in National Wildlife Refuge areas. This Democratic-sponsored bill has not moved since its introduction last summer. (From Rep. Nita Lowey [D, NY-18])

    (If you'd like this alert emailed to you directly once a week, please send me an email at rachna@popvox.com.)

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system. 

13. Weekly Bill Round Up: Week of 5/14

    by rachna on May 18, 2012

    Round Up: Week of 5/14

    The Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act (S 2343) was the most popular bill on POPVOX this week. The bill extends student loan interest rates for undergraduate Federal Direct Stafford Loans for one year, paid for by closing a tax loophole, according to the bill sponsors. (The Senate began consideration May 7 and will resume next week.)

    Weigh in on the top 20 bills on POPVOX using the links below. And see the other bills highlighted on POPVOX during the week.

    

    Weigh in on the Top Bills of the Week

    • S 2343 Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act
    • Agenda 21 Although no bill or resolution has been introduced regarding "Agenda 21" in this Congress, it has consistently been a popular search term on POPVOX. (Learn more about Agenda 21.)
    • HR 3762 Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act
    • HR 2657 Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act
    • HR 4310 National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013 
    • HR 365 National Blue Alert Act (Passed by the House on May 15)
    • HR 4240 North Korea Human Rights Reauthorization Act (Passed by the House on May 15)
    • HR 4970 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (Passed by the House on May 16)
    • HRes 568 Regarding the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons (Passed by the House on May 17)
    • HR 4170 Student Loan Forgiveness Act 
    • HR 4119 Border Tunnel Prevention Act (Passed by the House on May 17; now awaits the President's signature.)
    • HR 4133 United States-Israel Israel Security Cooperation Act (Passed by the House on May 9)
    • HR 2072 Export-Import Reauthorization Act (Passed by the House on May 9)
    • SCR 44 Budget for FY 2013, proposed by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) 
    • HR 3337 Open Burn Pit Registry Act
    • HR 4089 Sportsmen's Heritage Act (Passed by the House on April 17)
    • HR 3523 Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (Passed by the House on April 26)
    • HR 1864 Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act (Passed by the House on May 15)
    • HR 2028 Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Act
    • HR 2306 Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act

    Other bills highlighted this week on POPVOX

    • HR 4480 The Strategic Energy Production Act provides for the development of a plan to increase oil and gas exploration, development, and production under oil and gas leases of Federal lands. (House Committee markup 5/17.)
    • HR 4471 The Gasoline Regulations Act requires analyses of the cumulative impacts of certain rules and actions of the Environmental Protection Agency that impact gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas prices, jobs, and the economy. (House Committee markup 5/17.)
    • HR 5740 extends the National Flood Insurance Program. (Passed by the House on 5/17.)
    • HR 3039 The Welcoming Business Travelers and Tourists to America Act promotes job creation in the U.S. by directing the Secretary of State to address inefficiencies in the visa processing system that discourage overseas business and leisure travel to the U.S. (House Committee hearing 5/17.)
    • S 2146 The Clean Energy Standard Act creates a market-oriented standard for clean electric energy generation. (Senate committee hearing 5/17.)
    • HR 3065 The Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act facilitates the establishment of additional or expanded public target ranges in certain States. (House Committee hearing 5/17.)
    • HR 2168 The Geolocational Privacy and Surveillance Act specifies the circumstances in which a person may acquire geolocation information. (House Committee hearing 5/17.)
    • S 1910 The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act provides benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Senate committee hearing 5/16.)
    • S 2170 The Hatch Act Modernization Act eliminates the provision preventing certain State and local employees from seeking elective office. (Senate committee hearing 5/16.)
    • SCRes 37  budget for FY 2013, from Sen. Pat Toomey. (Senate vote on 5/16; did not pass.)
    • SCRes 41 approximates President Obama's budget, from Sen. Jeff Sessions. (Senate vote on 5/16; did not pass.)
    • SCRes 42 budget for FY 2013, from Sen. Rand Paul. (Senate vote on 5/16; did not pass.)
    • SCRes 44 budget for FY 2013, from Sen. Mike Lee. (Senate vote on 5/16; did not pass.)
    • HCRes 112 the House-passed budget resolution, from Rep. Paul Ryan. (Senate vote on 5/16; did not pass.)
    • S 1910 The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act provides benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Senate committee hearing 5/16.)
    • HR 3534 The Security in Bonding Act revises requirements related to assets pledged by a surety. (Passed by House on 5/15.)
    • HR 2621 The Chimney Rock National Monument Establishment Act establishes the Chimney Rock National Monument in Colorado. (Passed by House on 5/15.)
    • HR 2745 facilitates implementation of a multispecies habitat conservation plan for the Virgin River in Clark County, Nevada. (Passed by House on 5/15.)
    • HR 3874 The Black Hills Cemetery Act facilitates implementation of a multispecies habitat conservation plan for the Virgin River in Clark County, Nevada. (Passed by House on 5/15).
    • HR 205 The HEARTH Act expands the authority of Indian tribes to lease land. (Passed by House on 5/15.)
    • HR 4045 Ensures that service members receive adequate time off under the Post Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence Program. (Passed by House on 5/15.)
    • HR 3803 The District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia. (House Committee hearing 5/15.)
    • HR 4271 The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (Companion bill to the version that passed the Senate.)
    • S 797 The Paycheck Fairness Act provides more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex. (Senate may begin consideration next week.)
    • S 3187 revises and extends the FDA user-fee programs for prescription drugs and medical devices, to establish user-fee programs for generic drugs and biosimilars. (Senate vote 5/21. Read the Administration's position.)

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

14. Press CLIP: The 100 Most Creative People In Business 2012

    by annalee on May 16, 2012

    The 100 Most Creative People In Business 2012: Number 13: Marci Harris on FastCompany

15. Midweek Update, May 16

    by rachna on May 16, 2012

    From our Hill Sources:

    Midweek Update: May 16

    In the Senate

    The Senate will consider five budget resolutions on Wednesday in debate and votes that are the result of Republican complaints that the Senate has failed to pass any budget resolution in the last three years.

    By tradition of the Senate, any member has the ability to bring up any budget resolution to the floor for consideration if no resolution has been approved by April 15. Under that tradition, Republicans were able to call up four of their own resolutions, plus another that reflects President Obama's budget proposal for 2013, which did not receive any votes earlier this year.

    The Senate is expected to reject all proposals, so will likely not be any closer to approving a budget at the end of Wednesday. The five resolutions are:

    • SCR 37 from Sen. Pat Toomey. (Senate vote today)
    • SCR 41 approximates President Obama's budget, from Sen. Jeff Sessions. (Senate vote today)
    • SCR 42 from Sen. Rand Paul. (Senate vote today)
    • SCR 44 from Sen. Mike Lee. (Senate vote today)
    • HCR 112 the House-passed budget resolution, from Rep. Paul Ryan. (Senate vote today)

    In the House

    • HR 5740 Another addition this week is the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act. This would extend the federal flood insurance program that will otherwise expire at the end of May. The bill extends the program for one month, and calls for studies about how to private flood insurance, removing the government's involvement in it entirely. The Senate may also take up its own version of this bill.

    Bills approved this week

    • HR 2072 The Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act. The Senate approved this House-passed bill Tuesday, in a 78-20 vote. Senate consideration was slowed by Republican demands for a handful of amendments to the bill. After a week of talks, Senate Democrats agreed to consider five Republican amendments that would limit the ability of the Export-Import Bank to provide financing for U.S. exports.

    The Senate rejected all five GOP amendments, and approved the bill with 27 Republican supporters. Nineteen Republicans voted against it. The Senate vote sends it to the White House for signing into law.

    Passed the House:

    • HR 365 The National Blue Alert Act creates a federal alert system when law enforcement officers are injured or killed. (From Rep. Michael Grimm [R, NY-13])
    • HR 1864 The Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act limits the authority of states to tax income for work done in other states. (From Rep. Howard Coble [R, NC-6])
    • HR 3534 The Security in Bonding Act strengthens the bonding process to reduce fraud in bonds used to guarantee the payment of federal contractors. (From Rep. Richard Hanna [R, NY-24])
    • HR 3874 The Black Hills Cemetery Act conveys land to South Dakota. (From Rep. Kristi Noem [R, SD-0])
    • HR 205 The Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Home Ownership Act (HEARTH Act) expands the authority of Indian tribes to lease land. (From Rep. Martin Heinrich [D, NM-1])
    • HR 4240 The Ambassador James R. Lilley and Congressman Stephen J. Solarz North Korea Human Rights Reauthorization Act authorizes funds to promote democracy in North Korea. (From Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R, FL-18])
    • HR 4045 Ensures that service members receive adequate time off under the Post Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence Program. (From Rep. John Kline [R, MN-2])

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system. 

16. Bills Before Congress: May 14 - 18

    by rachna on May 13, 2012

    From our Hill Sources:

    The Senate will try once again to pass a student loan bill, and the House will work on a bill authorizing hundreds of billions of dollars in defense spending for the next fiscal year.

    Bills before Congress: May 14 - 18

    In the Senate

    • S 2343 The Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act: This is the Democratic bill (from Sen. Harry Reid [D, NV]) to extend the 3.4 percent interest rates on new Stafford loans for another year. (Without legislation, rates will jump to 6.8 percent on July 1.) The Senate failed to move this bill last week because Republicans and Democrats were fighting over how to pay for the $6 billion cost.

    Democrats want to pay for the bill by boosting Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes on high-earning stockholders of some privately owned corporations. Republicans proposed covering the cost by cutting a preventive health care fund (a proposal that the President has threatened to veto.) Last week, Democrats said they might let Republicans vote on their preferred bill, but the two sides never reached a deal to allow these votes to happen.

    • HR 2072 The Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act: The House approved this bill last week and handed it to the Senate. Democrats were looking to accept the House bill, but Senate Republicans wanted to add more amendments. This fight forced Democrats to schedule a procedural vote on Monday, in an attempt to move ahead with the House-passed bill. (From Rep. Gary Miller [R, CA-42])

    In the House

    The House will take up the following bills this week:

    • HR 4310 The National Defense Authorization Act for 2013: This bill authorizes $643 billion in defense spending. The House will start work on the bill Wednesday, and is expected to approve it by Friday. (From Rep. Howard McKeon [R, CA-25])
    • HR 4970 The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (HR 4970) is the Republican proposal (from Rep. Sandy Adams [R, FL-24]) to reauthorize a federal program aimed at helping women who are victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault. The GOP bill, number 12 on POPVOX last week, is similar to a Senate passed bill, but does not expand access to visas for illegal immigrants who are victims of abuse.
    • HR 365 The National Blue Alert Act creates a federal alert system when law enforcement officers are injured or killed. (From Rep. Michael Grimm [R, NY-13])
    • HR 1864 The Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act limits the authority of states to tax income for work done in other states. (From Rep. Howard Coble [R, NC-6])
    • HR 3534 The Security in Bonding Act strengthens the bonding process to reduce fraud in bonds used to guarantee the payment of federal contractors. (From Rep. Richard Hanna [R, NY-24])
    • HR 4119 The Border Tunnel Prevention Act increases penalties against people who construct unauthorized border tunnels. (From Rep. Silvestre Reyes [D, TX-16])
    • HR 2621 The Chimney Rock National Monument Establishment Act designates the monument in Colorado. (From Rep. Scott Tipton [R, CO-3])
    • HR 2745 Facilitates implementation of a multi-species habitat conservation plan for the Virgin River in Clark County, Nevada. (From Rep. Joe Heck [R, NV-3])
    • HR 3874 The Black Hills Cemetery Act conveys land to South Dakota. (From Rep. Kristi Noem [R, SD-0])
    • HR 205 The Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Home Ownership Act (HEARTH Act) expands the authority of Indian tribes to lease land. (From Rep. Martin Heinrich [D, NM-1])
    • HR 4240 The Ambassador James R. Lilley and Congressman Stephen J. Solarz North Korea Human Rights Reauthorization Act authorizes funds to promote democracy in North Korea. (From Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R, FL-18])
    • HRes 568 Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of preventing the Government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. (From Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R, FL-18])
    • HR 4045 Ensures that service members receive adequate time off under the Post Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence Program. (From Rep. John Kline [R, MN-2])

    Other bills of interest

    The House will also vote on several non-controversial bills starting on Tuesday, some of which may pass in uncontested voice votes. They are:

    • HR 3762 The Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act (from Rep. Paul Tonko [D, NY-21]). This bill would include occupational therapists as health professionals for the purposes of the National Health Service Corps, which would allow these therapists to benefit from fellowships and scholarships under the program. But while this Democratic-sponsored bill was number one on POPVOX last week, the Republican Congress has no plans to take it up, and no hearings on it are scheduled in the House Energy & Commerce Committee, to which it has been referred.
    • HR 4628 The Interest Rate Reduction Act (from Rep. Judy Biggert [R, IL-13]): This is the House Republican bill to keep the interest rate on federally subsidized student loans low for another year. Number four on POPVOX last week, the bill has been sent to the Senate, which has not taken up the bill as it pursues a Democratic alternative.
    • HR 4133 The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act (from Rep. Eric Cantor [R, VA-7]): The House approved this bill (number five on POPVOX last week). It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defend Israel, and extends a loan guarantee program that lowers Israel's borrowing costs.

    (If you'd like this alert emailed to you directly once a week, please send me an email at rachna@popvox.com.)

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system. 

17. Weekly Bill Round Up: Week of 5/7

    by rachna on May 12, 2012

    Round Up: Week of 5/7

    Although no bill or resolution has been introduced regarding "Agenda 21" in this Congress, we decided to create a special opportunity for POPVOX users to weigh in on the policy based on users’ interest. "Agenda 21" has consistently been a popular bill search term on POPVOX. (Learn more about Agenda 21.) The "Agenda 21" page launched on Monday and quickly became the most popular policy item of the week among POPVOX users.

    

    Weigh in on the Top Bills of the Week

    • HR 3762 Occupational Therapy Mental Health Act
    • S 2343 Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act (Senate began consideration May 7; will resume next week.)
    • HR 4170 Student Loan Forgiveness Act
    • HR 4628 Interest Rate Reduction Act (Passed by the House on May 4)
    • HR 4133 United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act (Passed by the House on May 10.)
    • HR 5050 Social Network Online Protection Act
    • HR 3523 Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act
    • HR 3608 Stop TSA's Reach in Policy Act
    • HR 4966 Sequester Replacement Act
    • HR 4816 Stop the Rate Hike Act (Just introduced.)
    • S 2366 Interest Rate Reduction Act (Just introduced.)
    • HR 4970 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (Just introduced. House Judiciary Committee markup May 8; possible House vote next week.)
    • HR 2072 Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act  (Passed by the House on May 9.)
    • S 2066 Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act
    • HR 4271 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (Companion bill to the version that passed the Senate.)
    • HR 5326 Commerce, Justice and Science FY 2013 Approps (House continues consideration.)
    • HR 4097 John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act (Passed by the House on May 7.)
    • HR 1956 Refundable Child Tax Credit Eligibility Verification Reform Act
    • HR 2297 To promote the development of the Southwest waterfront in the District of Columbia

    Other bills highlighted this week on POPVOX

    • HCR 106 HConRes 106 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. (Passed by the House on May 9.)
    • HCR 105 HConRes 105 authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha. (Passed by the House on May 9.)
    • HCR 118 HConRes 118 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. (Passed by the House on May 9.)
    • S 1302 conveys a parcel of real property in Tracy, California, to the City of Tracy. (Passed by the House on May 7.)
    • HR 5652 The Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act provides for reconciliation pursuant to section 201 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2013. (Passed by the House on May 10.)
    • HR 4982 VAWA Reauthorization reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act. (Just introduced.)
    • S 2366 The Interest Rate Reduction Act extends student loan interest rates for undergraduate Federal Direct Stafford Loans, "paid for with money from the health care law", according to the bill sponsor. 
    • HR 4310 National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2013. (House Committee markup.)
    • S2366 The Interest Rate Reduction Act (S 2366) extends student loan interest rates for undergraduate Federal Direct Stafford Loans, "paid for with money from the health care law", according to the bill sponsor. (Just introduced.)
    • S 797 The Paycheck Fairness Act (S 797) provides more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex. (Senate may begin consideration next week.)

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

18. Issue Spotlight: Autism, Tourette Syndrome and Children's Health

    by rachna on May 10, 2012

    "Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior," according to the NIH. Children with characteristics of an ASD may have co-occurring conditions, including Tourette syndrome, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder.

    In recognition of Autism awareness month in April, and Tourette Syndrome awareness month, which begins May 15, POPVOX has pulled together the following related bills. Please weigh in and share this list with your friends and networks.

    Issue Spotlight: Autism, Tourette Syndrome and Children's Health

    • HR 3760 The Collaborative Academic Research Efforts for Tourette Syndrome Act (and S 2321) provides for the expansion, intensification, and coordination of the programs and activities of the National Institutes of Health with respect to Tourette syndrome.
    • HR 2288 The Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act provides for certain treatment of autism under TRICARE.
    • S 1128 The National Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative Act (and HR 2006) establishes a National Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiative.
    • HR 2007 The Autism Spectrum Disorders Services Act (and S 1132) establishes programs to provide services to individuals with autism and the families of such individuals.
    • S 2472 The Autism Spectrum Disorders Semipostal Stamp Act provides for the issuance and sale of a semipostal by the United States Postal Service for research and demonstration projects relating to autism spectrum disorders.
    • HR 2700 The Global Autism Assistance Act establishes a health and education grant program related to autism spectrum disorders.
    • HR 5195 The Autism Understanding and Training in School Methodologies for Educators Act establishes a 5-year demonstration program to provide skills to classroom teachers and staff who work with children with autism spectrum disorders.
    • S 850 The Autism Services and Workforce Acceleration Act provides for enhanced treatment, support, services, and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
    • HR 3489 The White House Conference on Autism Act requires the President to call a White House Conference on Autism.
    • HR 751 The Mental Health in Schools Act revises and extends projects relating to children and violence to provide access to school-based comprehensive mental health programs.
    • HR 2769 The Parental Consent Act (and S 1800) prohibits the use of Federal funds for any universal or mandatory mental health screening program.
    • HR 4083 HR 4083 (and S 2123) extends funding for family-to-family health information centers to help families of children with disabilities or special health care needs make informed choices about health care for their children.
    • HR 3423 The ABLE Act (and S 1872) provides for the tax treatment of ABLE accounts established under State programs for the care of family members with disabilities.

    See other Issue Spotlights.

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

19. Midweek Update, May 9

    by rachna on May 9, 2012

    From our Hill Sources:

    (If you'd like our weekly update emailed to you directly once a week, please send me an email at rachna@popvox.com or sign up here.)

    Mid-week update: bills before Congress

    In the House

    • HR 5326 Appropriating money for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and NASA: The House will continue work on this bill Wednesday, after having turned away several proposals to cut spending beyond the reductions already included in the bill. The bill spends $51.1 billion in 2013, which is about 3 percent less than current funding levels.
    • HR 4966 The Sequester Replacement Act, from Rep. Paul Ryan [R, WI-1]. On Tuesday, the House approved a rule that will allow members to consider legislation, likely on Thursday, to replace the "sequester," which is the automatic spending cuts required by last year's debt ceiling agreement. The bill would replace mandated cuts to discretionary spending accounts, like defense spending, with cuts to mandatory programs, including food stamps.
    • HR 4133 The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act (from Rep. Paul Ryan [R, WI-1]) reaffirms the U.S. commitment to defend Israel and extends a loan guarantee program for Israel for four years. A vote on this bill is expected Wednesday in the House.
    • HR 2072 The Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act (from Rep. Gary Miller [R, CA-42]) reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank through September 2014. A vote on this bill may also come Wednesday or Thursday.

    In the Senate

    • S 2343 On Tuesday, the Senate failed to advance the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act (from Sen. Harry Reid [D, NV]) when a "motion to proceed" was defeated 52-45 (60 votes were needed to proceed to the bill). Democrats hinted on Tuesday that they are open to an agreement allowing a Republican alternative bill to be considered, but there was no agreement announced on Tuesday. The fight is over how to pay for the $6 billion cost of keeping interest rates on Stafford loans at 3.4 percent for another year. The Senate bill is different from a House-passed bill, the Interest Rate Reduction Act (HR 4628), that would pay for the extension by cutting a federal preventive healthcare fund.

    Sign up to receive weekly updates from POPVOX.

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system. 

20. What about “Agenda 21”?

    by rachna on May 7, 2012

    "Agenda 21" has consistently been a popular bill search term on POPVOX. Although no bill or resolution has been introduced regarding Agenda 21 in this Congress, we decided to create a special opportunity for POPVOX users to weigh in on the policy based on users’ interest. Weigh in on Agenda 21 and send a message to your Members of Congress using POPVOX.  

    About Agenda 21

    The 1992 UN Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (also known as Agenda 21) is a nonbinding resolution the United Nations passed at the 1992 “Earth Summit” in Rio de Janeiro. “It is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which human impacts on the environment,” according to the UN. (Read the principles of Agenda 21.)

    While several states and localities have recently considered or passed resolutions regarding Agenda 21, the U.S. Senate never considered the policy because it wasn’t considered a treaty, which would require Senate approval. Instead, President George H.W. Bush signed on to the nonbinding resolution in 1992, as did 179 other nations.

    Next month, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) will convene to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Rio Conference on Environment and Development. The upcoming conference will take place in also in Brazil, from June 20 - 22, 2012.

    Weigh in on Agenda 21 and share with your friends and networks.

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill or an issue doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed.

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