The POPVOX Blog

Articles From June 2012

1. Weekly Bill Round Up: June 29

   by rachna on June 29, 2012

   Round Up: Week of June 25 - 29

   Here's what POPVOXnation weighed in on this week, and a look at what happened in Congress, from our "Hill Sources." Thanks for using POPVOX!

   Holder resolutions

   The House approved two resolutions finding Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt for what it found to be a failure to supply the House with requested documents related to the Fast and Furious gunwalking operation.

   One un-numbered resolution refers the charge to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution under the criminal contempt statute. This resolution was approved 255-67, a lower-than-usual vote total because most Democrats boycotted the vote.

   The other, HRes 706, gives House Republicans the option of pursuing civil court judgments against Holder in an effort to force him to deliver subpoenaed documents to the House. This resolution was approved 258-95.

   Highway, flood insurance, student loans

   By Friday, the House and Senate are expected to approve a bill that extends federal highway spending through 2014, reauthorizes the federal flood insurance program, and extends the low interest rate for new student loans supported by the federal government.

   House and Senate negotiators agreed to the package to ensure highway funding does not expire and the student loan rate does not rise by this weekend.

   • HR 5972 The Transportation/Housing and Urban Development spending bill. The House was considering this bill this week, and could finish it Friday. It spends $51 billion in 2013.
   • S 3187 The House and Senate have now passed this bill to reauthorize the Food and Drug Administration's drug and device user fee program, which helps pay for inspections and approvals.

   Other non-controversial bills passed in the House this week

   • HR 1447 The Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act
   • HR 3173 directs the secretary of Homeland Security to reform the process for the enrollment, activation, issuance and renewal of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to require, in total, not more than one in-person visit to a designated enrollment center.
   • HR 4005 The Gauging American Port Security Act
   • HR 4223 The Safe Doses Act, boosting penalties against people who steal pharmaceuticals.
   • HR 4251 The Securing Maritime Activities through Risk-based Targeting for Port Security Act
   • HR 4850 The Enabling Energy Saving Innovations Act, which would ease federal rules requiring walk-in freezers to be made with certain insulation.
   • HR 5625 The Collinsville Renewable Energy Promotion Act, reinstating licenses for renewable energy projects in Connecticut.
   • 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 5889 The Nuclear Terrorism Conventions Implementation and Safety of Maritime Navigation Act of 2012
   • HR 2297 The Senate amendment to this bill which promotes the development of the Southwest waterfront in the District of Columbia.

   

   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. PRESS CLIP: Wait, What Happens to Eric Holder if He is Found in Contempt By Congress?

   by annalee on June 27, 2012

   Wait, What Happens to Eric Holder if He is Found in Contempt By Congress? on Policy Mic

3. Issue Spotlight: National HIV Testing Day

   by rachna on June 27, 2012

   Today, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day. The day was first established in 1995, and its implementation is led by the National Association of People with AIDS.

   POPVOX has compiled these bills related to HIV/AIDS. Please weigh in and share with your friends and networks.

   Commemorating National HIV Testing Day

   • HCR 123 recognizes the potential for the virtual elimination of pediatric HIV and AIDS and keeping HIV positive mothers alive.
   • HR 6006 The Early Treatment for HIV Act permits States to provide Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals infected with HIV.
   • HR 4470 The Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act requires individual and group health insurance coverage and group health plans and Federal employees health benefit plans to provide coverage for routine HIV screening.
   • S 1138 The Prize Fund for HIV/AIDS Act de-links research and development incentives from drug prices for new medicines to treat HIV/AIDS and to stimulate greater sharing of scientific knowledge.
   • HR 3547 The Stop AIDS in Prison Act provides for an effective HIV/AIDS program in Federal prisons.
   • HR 1462 The National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act (and S 795) addresses HIV/AIDS in the African-American community.
   • HR 1774 The Increasing Access to Voluntary Screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs Act provides for an evidence-based strategy for voluntary screening for HIV/AIDS and other common sexually transmitted infections.
   • HRes 334 supports the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day.
   • HRes 265 supports the goals and ideals of National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
   • HR 3053 The REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act eliminates discrimination in the law for those who have tested positive for HIV.

   See more HIV-AIDS related bills.

   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.

4. Contempt of Congress: It's Complicated

   by marci on June 26, 2012

   The House will likely vote this week on a resolution to hold Attorney General Holder in contempt of Congress. 

   The history of Congressional contempt findings go back to the early days of Congress itself. Modern cases show that enforcement of contempt can be tough -- especially against a federal officer claiming executive priviledge.

   Early "Contempt of Congress"  -- According to CRS, the first "contempt of Congress" finding was in 1795, when three Members of Congress accused Robert Randall and Charles Whitney of attempting to bribe them to pass a law granting "18-20 million acres of land bordering Lake Erie." The Seargent-at-Arms arrested and detained Mr. Randall. A proceeding similar to a trial was held at "the bar of the House", and on on Jan 4, 1796, the House found Randall in contempt. He was held in custody for nine days until the House passed another resolution letting him go.

   Details of this and other precedents of Congressional contempt findings throughout the years are described in the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service report, "Congress’s Contempt Power and the Enforcement of Congressional Subpoenas: Law, History, Practice, and Procedure" (CRS does not actually publicly release its reports, but several sources, including the Federation of American Scientists keep a catalog of any CRS reports that have been released by others.)

   Inherent Contempt (A Trial in Congress) -- In those early days, Congress asserted (and the Supreme Court agreed) that it inherently had the right to hold people in contempt because the Constitution grants the power to legislate -- which requires a power to investigate so Congress understands what it is legislating -- and includes the power to compel testimony (McGrain v. Daugherty). As the CRS report alludes, who would argue "original intent" with Congress in 1795? Many then-Members of Congress also happened to have been at the Constitutional Convention just a few years earlier. The Supreme Court later clarified that the "inherent contempt" power is broad (Eastland v. US Servicemen's Fund), is at its peak when the investigation in question is waste, fraud, abuse within gov dept (Barenblatt v. US) and it has to be related to legislating, not the private matters of citizens (Kilbourn v. Thompson).

   But there is no Capitol jail and Congress has not used this "inherent contempt" power since 1934, when Hoover's Commerce Secretary, William MacCracken, was held at the Williard Hotel for his participation in the Air Mail scandal.

   Criminal Contempt (Turn it over to the U.S. Attorney) -- In 1857, Congress passed a law making contempt of Congress a crime. According to 2 U.S.C. §§192, 194, "a person who has been “summoned as a witness” by either House or a committee thereof to testify or to produce documents and who fails to do so, or who appears but refuses to respond to questions, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to one year."

   If Congress wants to find someone in criminal contempt, the process is that:

   1. A Congressional committee recommends a finding of contempt,
   2. The committee report is read on the House Floor,
   3. The full body votes on a resolution recommending that the Speaker of the House certifies the finding of contempt to the U.S. Attorney,
   4. The Speaker certifies the finding,
   5. The U.S. Attorney has a duty to bring the certification to a grand jury for action.

   Executive Priviledge Complicates Executive Enforcment -- Things get complicated when the contempt discussion is around an "executive priviledge" and the question becomes whether one branch of government can compel another branch do something. 

   In 2007, the House Judiciary Committee investigated the Executive Branch over allegations that the resignations of nine United States Attorneys were politically engineered. "The Bush Administration asserted that senior presidential advisors, like Senior Counsel Harriett Miers, were absolutely immune from compelled testimony before Congress when asserting executive privilege at the direction of the President." The U.S. District Court for D.C. rejected that, reaffirmed Congress’s “essential” constitutionally based power to issue and enforce subpoenas, but "made no explicit comment about Congress’s authority to punish executive branch officials through contempt." (quoting CRS report) The case was appealed but no resolution reached because the subpoenas in question expired at the end of the Congresional session that issued them.

   "Civil" Contempt (Leave it to the Courts) -- There is a third contempt option, at least in the Senate, which has passed a civil enforcement statute. The statute allows Congress to essentially "sue" for enforcement of its subpoena. This leaves the decision and enforcement to the Judicial Branch. The Senate statute, however, is inapplicable in the case of a subpoena issued to an officer or employee of the federal government acting in their official capacity. 28 U.S.C. §1365. 

   So what's a Congress to do? What happens if the House votes in favor of a resolution holding the Attorney General in contempt? Who knows. Chances look pretty good, however, for a court battle that lasts at least as long as this Congressional session (which probably ends in December of this year). That could have a result (or lack of a result) similar to the Miers case.

   One thing is for sure, however: No one is heading for the "Capitol Jail" anytime soon.

   Learn more about how Congress works with our "The Hill 101" Series.

    

5. The Hill 101: There is no "Capitol Jail"

   by marci on June 26, 2012

   When Congress starts talking about holding someone in contempt, there is invariably talk about a supposed "jail in the basement of the Capitol." This story was given new life last week by Nancy Pelosi suggesting that Karl Rove could have been jailed in the Capitol in 2007. (The New York Times thought so too.)

   But is there really a jail in the Capitol basement? No. 

   Lucky for us, POPVOX developer Annalee Flower Horne is a master of Capitol-related trivia. She has given hunderds of Capitol tours and studied the building since she was a kid. Annalee writes:

   There is no Capitol jail.

   

   There is a tomb chamber under the crypt (beneath the star), which was meant to house Washington's body. Washington made arrangements to be buried at Mount Vernon. The tomb chamber has bars, leading many to assume it must be a jail cell. It's never been used as one, though.

   I believe the last person to receive the dubious distinction of an arrest for contempt of Congress was a member of the Hoover administration--but they didn't hold him in the Capitol. He was held at the Willard Hotel. These days, if Congress needed to jail someone, they'd probably use the Capitol Police's offsite holding cell.

   There was, however, a building called the "Old Capitol Prison," on the grounds of what's now the Supreme Court building. It was the temporary Capitol for a few years after the British set the real one on fire in 1814. After that, it was used as a private school, then a boarding house (where Vice President Calhoun died in 1850). It became a prison during the Civil War. Later, it served as the headquarters for the National Women's Party before the Federal Government bought it back and razed it to make room for the Supreme Court.

   Check out this interview from the Senate Historical Office oral history project:  Towards the bottom of Page 20, they talk about contempt and rooms in the Capitol used at various times to hold prisoners.

   ---

   CNN covered the question in 2007:

    

6. Bills before Congress: June 25-29

   by rachna on June 24, 2012

   From our Hill Sources: Both the House and Senate are in during this last week before the July 4 break. Here's what to expect.

   Bills before Congress: June 25-29

   Both the House and Senate are in during this last week before the July 4 break. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the 2010 healthcare law, which will make waves in Washington, regardless of the decision.

   • Holder If Attorney General Eric Holder does not give House Republicans the documents they want related to the Fast and Furious gun-walking scandal, the GOP has said it would hold a vote on this resolution finding Holder in contempt of Congress.

     The Obama administration asserted executive privilege over the documents, making a House vote likely sometime during the middle of this week.

   • Highways Congress has just one week left to reach an agreement on a long-term highway bill, or federal highway programs will shut down on June 30. The House has only passed a short-term extension, HR 4348, and House and Senate negotiators may ultimately end up with a short-term extension this week if they can't agree on a longer-term bill.

     The Senate has approved a two-year extension, S 1813.

   • Loans This week is also the last chance for the House and Senate to agree on a plan to keep the interest rate on new, federally backed student loans at 3.4 percent for another year. Without a deal, the rate will jump to 6.8 percent on July 1.

     In April, the House passed a bill that would cut a preventive health fund to pay for the $6 billion cost of extending the low interest rate. In May, the Senate passed a bill, S 2343, that would subject more income to the payroll tax for high-income earners.

   • S 1940 Extending the National Flood Insurance Program. The Senate will start work on this bill this week
   • S 3187 Reauthorizing and extending the Food and Drug Administration’s user fee program for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The user fees help pay for FDA assessments of new products, and this amended version of the bill is expected to pass this week, after the House approved it last week.
   • HR 5972 The 2013 spending bill for the Dept. of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and other agencies. The House starts work on this bill Tuesday; it cuts $3.9 billion from 2012.
   • HR 5873 The 2013 spending bill for the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, and other agencies. This bill spends $19.4 billion, about $365 million less than current levels. The House will also start work on this bill Tuesday.

   These other, less controversial bills will also receive a vote in the House this week:

   • HR 1447 The Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
   • HR 2297 To promote the development of the Southwest waterfront in the District of Columbia.
   • HR 3173 To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to reform the process for the enrollment, activation, issuance, and renewal of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to require, in total, not more than one in-person visit to a designated enrollment center.
   • HR 4005 The Gauging American Port Security Act directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a study and report to Congress on gaps in port security in the US and a plan to address them.
   • HR 4018 The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Improvements Act improves the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program.
   • HR 4223 The Safe Doses Act prohibits theft of medical products.
   • HR 4251 The Securing Maritime Activities through Risk-based Targeting for Port Security Act authorizes, enhances, and reforms certain port security programs through increased efficiency and risk-based coordination within the Department of Homeland Security.
   • HR 4850 The Enabling Energy Saving Innovations Act allows for innovations and alternative technologies that meet or exceed desired energy efficiency goals.
   • HR 5625 The Collinsville Renewable Energy Promotion Act reinstates and transfers certain hydroelectric licenses and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of certain hydroelectric projects.
   • HR 5843 To amend 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 5889 The Nuclear Terrorism Conventions Implementation and Safety of Maritime Navigation Act provides for protection of maritime navigation and prevention of nuclear terrorism.

   Other bills of interest:

   • S 3240 The Senate Farm Bill: The Senate approved this bill last week. The bill (number one on POPVOX last week) spends about $100 billion a year, roughly locking in the current, elevated level of spending. About 80 percent of the bill is nutrition programs for people who need food assistance.

     The House is expected to develop a slightly different bill that may not completely eliminate direct payments to farmers, and may spend less than the Senate bill.

   • HR 4480 The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act: This bill (number six on POPVOX) would require the administration to increase domestic oil leasing when it dispenses oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and also require the government to assess how environmental regulations affect gas prices. The House passed this bill last week.
   • HRes 683 Expressing regret for the Chinese Exclusion Act. The House approved this bill (number three on POPVOX) last week.

   (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.

7. Issue Spotlight: Child Abuse

   by rachna on June 23, 2012

   Child abuse, and sexual abuse in particular, are in the forefront of the news media and in our national dialogue. A quarter of adult women and 10 percent of adult men say they can remember being sexually abused as children or adolescents, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. (For information on recognizing signs of child abuse, prevention or coping, visit the NIH website.)

   POPVOX is spotlighting bills related to child abuse, minor sex trafficking and sexual abuse. We hope you weigh in on these bills, and share this list with your friends and networks.

   Issue Spotlight: Child Abuse

   • S 3173 The Helping Schools Protect Our Children Act allow 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 671 The Finding Fugitive Sex Offenders Act authorizes the US Marshals Service to issue administrative subpoenas in investigations relating to unregistered sex offenders.
   • S 596 The Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act establishes a grant program to benefit victims of sex trafficking.
   • S 1984 The Protect our Kids Act establishes a commission to develop a national strategy and recommendations for reducing fatalities resulting from child abuse and neglect. (Also HR 3653.)
   • S 1667 The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act requires certain standards and enforcement provisions to prevent child abuse and neglect in residential programs. (Also HR 3126.)
   • S 1889 The Federal Children's Protection Act protects children from neglect and abuse on Federal property.
   • S 1887 The State Children's Protection Act protects children from abuse and neglect.
   • S 1877 The Speak Up to Protect Every Abused Kid Act requires mandatory reporting of incidents of child abuse or neglect.
   • HR 3650 The Federal Zero Tolerance of Child Sexual Abuse Act prohibits institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations that fail to report incidents of sexual abuse of a minor from receiving Federal funds.
   • HR 3486 The SOS Child Abuse Act amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require States receiving funds under section 106 of such Act to have in effect a State law providing for a criminal penalty on an individual who fails to report witnessing another individual engaging in sexual abuse of a child.
   • S 1879 Ensures that States have enacted criminal statutes that require individuals to report child abuse to law enforcement or child protective agencies.

   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.

8. Weekly Bill Round Up: June 22

   by rachna on June 23, 2012

   Round Up: Week of June 18 - 22

   Top Bills of the Week on POPVOX

   Here's what POPVOXnation weighed in on this week.

   • S 3240 #1 - Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act (the Farm Bill) (Passed by the Senate this week.)
   • NASA #2 - Doubling Funding for NASA
   • HRes 683 #3 - Expressing regret for laws that adversely affected the Chinese in the US, including the Chinese Exclusion Act (Passed by the House this week.)
   • SCRes 44 #4 - The Lee Budget for FY 2013
   • HR 3012 #5 - Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act
   • HR 4480 #6 - Strategic Energy Production Act
   • HR 10 #7 - REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act)
   • S 1789 #8 - 21st Century Postal Service Act
   • HR 140 #9 - Birthright Citizenship Act
   • HR 1796 #10 - Reuniting Families Act
   • S 952 #11 - DREAM Act
   • HR 2578 #12 - Conservation and Economic Growth Act
   • HR 3594 #13 - Second Amendment Protection Act
   • LOST #14 - The Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST)
   • HR 5936 #15 - The Civil Liberties Act
   • HR 250 #16 - Authorizes immigration judges to determine deportation of an alien parent of a US citizen child
   • S 1108 #17 - 10 Million Solar Roofs Act
   • S 1258 #18 - Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act
   • S 723 #19 - Birthright Citizenship Act
   • HR 218 #20 - PROUD Act (People Resolved to Obtain an Understanding of Democracy Act)

   

   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. Mid-Week Update, June 20

   by rachna on June 19, 2012

   Mid-week Update, June 20

   From our Hill Sources: The Senate has started the lengthy task of voting on amendments to the Farm Bill, while the House has approved several bills this week:

   • HR 2578 The Conservation and Economic Growth Act: This bill is made up of several pieces of legislation from both Republicans and Democrats, though many Democrats have expressed opposition to a provision that would ease environmental rules to allow Customs and Border Protection agents to operate on federal border lands unhindered.
   • SJRes 37 Disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency's rule on mercury and air toxics standards. The resolution would allow Congress to block the EPA's rule from last February. A procedural vote will happen Wednesday in the Senate, though it is not expected to pass. The Obama administration opposes the resolution.

   The following other non-controversial bills were approved Monday and Tuesday:

   • HRes 683 Expressing the regret of the House of Representatives for the passage of laws that adversely affected the Chinese in the United States, including the Chinese Exclusion Act.
   • HR 1272 The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Judgment Fund Distribution Act.
   • HR 1556 To amend the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act to allow certain land to be used to generate income to provide funding for academic programs.
   • HR 2938The Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act.
   • HR 3668 The Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act.
   • HR 4027 To clarify authority granted under the Act entitled "An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah."
   • S 404 To modify a land grant patent issued by the Secretary of the Interior.
   • S 684 To provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of land to the town of Alta, Utah.
   • S 997 The East Bench Irrigation District Water Contract Extension Act.

   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. PRESS CLIP: Marci Harris is Changing How We Talk to Congress

    by annalee on June 18, 2012

    Marci Harris is Changing How We Talk to Congress on BlogHer

11. Issue Spotlight: Immigration

    by rachna on June 18, 2012

    Last week, President Obama announced a new Dept. of Homeland Security policy regarding immigration and the deportation of young people. He said that "eligible individuals who do not present a risk to national security or public safety will be able to request temporary relief from deportation proceedings and apply for work authorization."

    According to the Dept. of Homeland Security, "certain young people who were brought to the United States as young children, do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and meet several key criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country or from entering into removal proceedings." The criteria includes having come to the US under the age of 16, continuously resided in the US for a least five years and are under 30; are currently in school, have graduated from high school, or are honorably discharged veterans -- and have not been convicted of a significant misdemeanor or felony offense.

    As the nation discusses immigration policy, POPVOX would like to share the immigration bills that are among the most popular on our platform. We hope you'll share this Issue Spotlight with your friends and networks and weigh in on these and other immigration bills.

    Issue Spotlight: Immigration

    • HR 3012 The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants. (Also, S 1857)
      (1,585 users have weighed in so far: 73% supporting | 27% opposing)
    • HR 140 The Birthright Citizenship Act amends section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify those classes of individuals born in the United States who are nationals and citizens of the United States at birth. (Also, S 723)
      (1,326 users have weighed in so far: 69% supporting | 31% opposing)
    • HR 43 Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the diversity immigrant program and to re-allocate those visas to certain employment-based immigrants who obtain an advanced degree in the United States.
      (1,155 users have weighed in so far: 77% supporting | 23% opposing)
    • HR 45 The Criminal Alien Accountability Act amends section 276 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose mandatory sentencing ranges with respect to aliens who reenter the United States after having been removed.
      (1,010 users have weighed in so far: 80% supporting | 20% opposing)
    • HR 3166 The Enemy Expatriation Act adds engaging in or supporting hostilities against the United States to the list of acts for which United States nationals would lose their nationality. (Also, S 1698)
      (1,000 users have weighed in so far: 11% supporting | 89% opposing)
    • S 565 The StartUp Visa Act establishes an employment-based immigrant visa for alien entrepreneurs who have received significant capital from investors to establish a business in the United States. (Also, HR 1114)
      (616 users have weighed in so far: 50% supporting | 50% opposing)
    • S 952 The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act authorizes the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children. (Also, HR 1842)
      (597 users have weighed in so far: 41% supporting | 59% opposing)
    • HR 218 The People Resolved to Obtain an Understanding of Democracy (PROUD) Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for naturalization for certain high school graduates.
      (356 users have weighed in so far: 28% supporting | 72% opposing)
    • HR 250 Provides discretionary authority to an immigration judge to determine that an alien parent of a US citizen child should not be ordered removed, deported, or excluded from the US.
      (245 users have weighed in so far: 37% supporting | 63% opposing)
    • S 1258 The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act provides for comprehensive immigration reform.
      (173 users have weighed in so far: 36% supporting | 64% opposing)
    • HR 1796 The Reuniting Families Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote family unity.
      (101 users have weighed in so far: 56% supporting | 44% opposing)

    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.

12. Bills before Congress: June 18-22

    by rachna on June 17, 2012

    From our Hill Sources: The House and Senate are both in this week. The Senate will continue trying to make progress on the farm bill, while the House will pass bills dealing with federal land policy and energy.

    Bills before Congress: June 18-22

    • S 3240 The Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act (Number one on POPVOX last week.) The Senate has already spent a week trying to reach an agreement on which amendments to this bill will receive a vote. Supporters of this bill, which include some Republicans, say the bill would impose spending reforms by ending direct payments to farmers, and save $23 billion.

      Several Republicans who oppose the bill, however, note that the bill spends nearly $1 trillion, $400 billion more than the last farm bill, and that "savings" in the bill are only compared to current levels, which includes billions of dollars in stimulus money. That GOP opposition is a likely signal that House Republicans will want to pursue a different farm bill altogether later in the year.

    • HR 2578 The Conservation and Economic Growth Act combines several bills dealing with federal land use, and is expected to be approved by Tuesday. Among other things, the bill would encourage target ranges on federal land, and alter environmental rules that limited Customs and Border Patrol access to certain border lands.
    • HR 4480 The Strategic Energy Production Act combines various energy-related proposals, including language that would require the government to assess how energy policies affect gas prices and jobs, and provisions aimed at increasing domestic energy development.

    Several other bills will be considered and voted on throughout the week after just limited debate:

    • HRes 683 Expressing the regret of the House of Representatives for the passage of laws that adversely affected the Chinese in the United States, including the Chinese Exclusion Act. (Number 14 on POPVOX last week.) (From Rep. Judy Chu)
    • HR 1272 The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Judgment Fund Distribution Act.
    • HR 1556 to amend the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act to allow certain land to be used to generate income to provide funding for academic programs.
    • HR 2938 The Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act.
    • HR 3668 The Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act.
    • HR 4027 To clarify authority granted under the Act entitled "An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah."
    • S 404 To modify a land grant patent issued by the Secretary of the Interior.
    • S 684 To provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of land to the town of Alta, Utah.
    • S 997 The East Bench Irrigation District Water Contract Extension Act.

    Other bills of interest:

    • SCRes 44 A federal budget resolution for FY 2013 from Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) would reduce federal spending, and reform and simply the tax code. The resolution (number two on POPVOX) is not likely to be moved by the Democratic Senate.
    • HCRes 127 A resolution expressing the preference of Congress to keep the Internet free from government regulation and interference. This resolution (number three on POPVOX) from Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) has had a Congressional hearing, but there are no plans yet to move it to the floor.

      A related resolution is HRes 57 also from Rep. Bono Mack was introduced last year and referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. (Number eight on POPVOX.)

    Several bills are still in congressional limbo, reflecting disputes between the House and Senate over whether or how to move them:

    • S 1789 The 21st Century Postal Service Act. The Senate approved this bill (number four on POPVOX) in April, but there has been no action in the House.
    • HR 10 The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act. The House approved this bill (number five on POPVOX) last December, but the Senate has not considered it.
    • HR 4348 The Federal Highway Bill. The House and Senate are still meeting on a multi-year highway spending bill. The Senate's bill would spend $109 billion over two years, which House Republicans have rejected as too expensive. House Republicans have indicated that another short-term extension might be needed. (Also in the Senate, S 1813)

    (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: June 15

    by rachna on June 17, 2012

    Round Up: Week of June 11 - 15

    Top Bills of the Week on POPVOX

    Here's what POPVOXnation weighed in on this week.

    • S 3240 #1 - Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act (the Farm Bill)
    • SCRes 44 #2 - The federal budget resolution for FY 2013
    • HCRes 127 #3 - Preserving and advancing the multistakeholder governance model for the Internet
    • S 1789 #4 - 21st Century Postal Service Act
    • HR 10 #5 - REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act
    • HR 5936 #6 - The Civil Liberties Act
    • HR 1146 #7 - American Sovereignty Restoration Act
    • HRes 57 #8 - Expressing that the UN shall not be allowed to exercise control over the Internet.
    • HR 3594 #9 - Second Amendment Protection Act
    • SRes 446 #10 - Expressing that the UN shall not be allowed to exercise control over the Internet.
    • S 1108 #11 - 10 Million Solar Roofs Act
    • HR 436 #12 - Health Care Cost Reduction Act
    • HR 5882 #13 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2013
    • HRes 683 #14 - Expressing regret for laws that adversely affected the Chinese in the US, including the Chinese Exclusion Act
    • SRes 99 #15 - Expressing the sense of the Senate that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child undermines principles of law in the US
    • LOST #16 - The Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST)
    • HR 2059 #17 - Prohibits funding to the UN Population Fund
    • HR 4170 #18 - Student Loan Forgiveness Act
    • S 2230 #19 - Paying a Fair Share Act
    • S 2188 #20 - National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act

    

    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. Issue Spotlight: American Flags

    by rachna on June 14, 2012

    Today, June 14, is Flag Day! Be sure to check out photos of Old Glory from POPVOX users on our Pinterest page. 

    Here's a little history about our very own "Stars and Stripes". Flag Day was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 to commemorate the Second Continental Congress's Flag Resolution of 1777, which determined the US flag have 13 stripes, alternating red and white, with 13 white stars in a blue field, representing a new Constellation. In 1949, President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

    The flag's colors have specific names too: Old Glory Red, White and Old Glory Blue (from the Standard Color Reference of America, according to the GSA).

    Weigh in on these flag bills and please share this list with your friends and networks. (And please send us your own flag photos to info@popvox.com. We'll be collecting them until July 4th. Don't forget to mention where the photo was taken.) Thanks for using POPVOX!

    Issue Spotlight: American Flags

    • HR 1344 The All-American Flag Act requires the purchase of domestically made flags of the USA for use by the Federal Government.
    • HR 474 The Genuine American Flag Act prohibits the importation for sale of foreign-made flags of the USA.
    • SJRes 19  A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the US Constitution authorizing Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the US.
    • HJRes 13  Proposing an amendment to the US Constitution giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the US.
    • HR 926 The Fallen Heroes Flag Act provides Capitol-flown flags to the immediate family of fire fighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, and other rescue workers who are killed in the line of duty.

    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.

15. Issue Spotlight: Voting Rights

    by rachna on June 12, 2012

    Issue Spotlight: Voting Rights

    In case you hadn't noticed, Election Day is almost around the corner. Or at least it feels that way, with 31 Senate races and 435 House races, not to mention one Presidential race! POPVOX is spotlighting bills related to the right to vote. We hope you'll weigh in on these bills and share this list with your friends and networks. Thanks for using POPVOX!

    • HR 5815 The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act prohibits deceptive practices in Federal elections (and S 1994.)
    • 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.
    • HR 4183 The Weekend Voting Act changes the date for regularly scheduled Federal elections and establish polling place hours.
    • HR 3316 The Voter Access Protection Act prohibits election officials from requiring individuals to provide photo identification as a condition of obtaining or casting a ballot in an election for Federal office or registering to vote in elections for Federal office.
    • HRes 542 Condemning the passage of legislation that would unduly burden an American citizen’s ability to vote and opposing any State election law or proposed legislation that would have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities across the country.
    • HR 2540 The Voter Protection Hotline Act directs the Attorney General to establish and operate a toll-free nationwide telephone hotline through which individuals may obtain information on voting in elections for Federal office and report information on problems encountered in voting in such elections.
    • HR 3846 The National Commission for Independent Redistricting Act establishes a National Commission for Independent Redistricting to prepare Congressional redistricting plans for all States and to require Congressional redistricting in a State to be conducted in accordance with the Commission plan for the State.
    • 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.
    • HR 4126 The Voter ID Accessibility Act requires each voter registration agency in a State which requires an individual to present a government-issued photo identification as a condition of voting in an election for Federal office to provide such an identification without charge upon request to any such individual who does not otherwise possess one.
    • HR 3978 The EASY Voting Act prohibits the dissemination of false information for the purpose of discouraging a student of an institution of higher education from registering to vote or voting in an election for Federal office, and requires States which require individuals to present a photo identification as a condition of voting in elections for Federal office to accept school-issued photo identification.
    • HR 3317 The Same Day Voter Registration Act requires States to provide for same day registration.
    • HR 2212 The Democracy Restoration Act secures the Federal voting rights of persons who have been released from incarceration (and S 2017.)

    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.

16. Bills before Congress: June 11-15

    by rachna on June 10, 2012

    From our Hill Sources:

    The House is out all week, and the Senate is expected to spend most of its time on a five-year farm bill. But other issues may surface, such as the Congressional response to alleged White House security leaks regarding terrorist "kill lists" and cyber-attacks against Iran's nuclear program.

    Bills before Congress: June 11-15

    Missed a bill last week? Get the weekly roundup for June 4 - 8.

    In the Senate

    • S 3240 The Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act: This is "the farm bill" (number 10 on POPVOX), which would reauthorize and adjust U.S. farm policy for the next five years.

      While the Senate will officially start work on the bill this week, it's expected to take several weeks to finish the job. Senators might spend several days and perhaps weeks behind the scenes working out an agreement on what amendments to the bill might be allowed.

    • Leaks Republicans and Democrats alike are upset at leaks to news outlets about national security issues, from unnamed U.S. officials. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has said he would introduce a resolution calling for a special counsel to examine the incident, and will likely push for it to be considered.

    Other bills of interest

    • HR 5882 The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act: The House easily passed this bill (number one on POPVOX) last week, with support from several Democrats.

      This bill was heavily commented on by people in favor of bulk access to legislative information. The bill establishes a task force "composed of staff representatives of the Library of Congress, the Congressional Research Service, the Clerk of the House, the Government Printing Office, and such other congressional offices as may be necessary, to examine these and any additional issues it considers relevant and to report back to the Committee on Appropriations of the House and Senate." In addition, House Leadership issued a statement in support of these efforts.

    • HR 5855 The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act: The House approved this bill (number eight on POPVOX) last week. The bill cuts spending by 1 percent from 2012 levels.
    • HR 436 The Protect Medical Innovation Act: This bill eliminates the 2.3 percent tax on medical device companies that was passed as part of the 2010 healthcare law. The Obama Administration has threatened to veto the measure. (From Rep. Erik Paulsen [R, MN-3])
    • HR 4170 The Student Loan Forgiveness Act: Rep. Hansen Clarke (D-Mich.) introduced this bill (number three on POPVOX), which would significantly limit monthly payments on student loan debt. While House Leadership continues to negotiate ways to keep the interest rate on new Stafford loans low for another year, this bill is not expected to advance.

    (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: June 8

    by rachna on June 9, 2012

    Round Up: Week of June 4 - 8

    Top Bills of the Week on POPVOX

    Here's what POPVOXnation weighed in on this week.

    • HR 5882 #1 - Legislative Branch Appropriations for FY 2013
    • S 3220 #2 - Paycheck Fairness Act
    • HR 4170 #3 - Student Loan Forgiveness Act
    • HR 3541 #4 - Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA)
    • HR 5846 #5 - Second Amendment Sovereignty Act
    • HR 5325 #6 - Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for FY 2013
    • SRes 446 #7 - Expressing the sense of the Senate that the UN should not exercise control over the Internet
    • HR 5855 #8 - Dept. of Homeland Security Appropriations Act
    • HR 1146 #9 - American Sovereignty Restoration Act
    • S 3240 #10 - Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act (the Farm Bill)
    • HR 4282 #11 - International Child Support Recovery Improvement Act
    • S 1231 #12 - Second Chance Reauthorization Act
    • HR 3594 #13 - Second Amendment Protection Act
    • S 1640 #14 - Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act
    • S 1108 #15 - 10 Million Solar Roofs Act
    • S 2230 #16 - Paying a Fair Share Act
    • S 1955 #17 - Authorizes the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk.
    • S 2188 #18 - National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act
    • HR 4970 #19 - Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
    • HR 2674 #20 - 340B Program Improvement Act

    

    Here's the round up of the week.

    In the House

    • HR 5325 Energy and Water spending bill appropriates money for the Department of Energy, the Department of Interior, and other related agencies. It increases spending by nearly $90 million compared to the 2012 bill. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 5855 The Department of Homeland Security spending bill cuts nearly $400 million from the current DHS spending levels. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 5882 The Legislative Branch spending bill, $3.3 billion on the House and Capitol operations, $34 million less than current levels. This bill does not include spending for the Senate, which will propose its own spending. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 4282 The International Child Support Recovery Improvement Act ensures that the United States can comply fully with the obligations of the Hague Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 241 Authorizes the conveyance of certain National Forest System lands in the Los Padres National Forest in California. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 1740 Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of Illabot Creek in Skagit County, Washington, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 2060 The Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act adjusts the Crooked River boundary, provides water certainty for the City of Prineville, Oregon. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 2336 The York River Wild and Scenic River Study Act designates segments of the York River and associated tributaries for study for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 2512 The Three Kids Mine Remediation and Reclamation Act provides for the conveyance of certain Federal land in Clark County, Nevada, for the environmental remediation and reclamation of the Three Kids Mine Project Site. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 3263 The Lake Thunderbird Efficient Use Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow the storage and conveyance of nonproject water at the Norman project in Oklahoma. (Passed by the House.)
    • HR 4222 Provides for the conveyance of certain land inholdings owned by the United States to the Tucson Unified School District and to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona. (Passed by the House.)
    • S 363 Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to convey property of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the City of Pascagoula, Mississippi. (Passed by the House.)
    • S 292 The Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution Act resolves the claims of the Bering Straits Native Corporation and the State of Alaska to land adjacent to Salmon Lake in the State of Alaska and to provide for the conveyance to the Bering Straits Native Corporation of certain other public land in partial satisfaction of the land entitlement of the Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. (Passed by the House.)

    In the Senate

    • S 3220 The 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. (Failed cloture vote.)
    • S 3240 The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act: This is a five year reauthorization of federal farm programs. (Senate continues to consider.)

    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. Tips on Using POPVOX to Contact Congress

    by marci on June 7, 2012

    What's the best way to contact Congress using POPVOX? Our wonderful interns, Wesley Haines and Ken Tai, have pulled together a slideshow to show you step-by-step.

    Using POPVOX to contact Congress

    View more presentations from POPVOX

    Have a look and let us know if you have questions.

19. Issue Spotlight: Dr. Shakil Afridi

    by rachna on June 7, 2012

    Dr. Shakil Afridi, the Pakistani doctor who assisted the United States in locating Osama bin Laden, was found guilty of treason by a Pakistani court and sentenced to serve 33 years in prison. Several Members of Congress have introduced legislation related to Dr. Afridi, and many more have issues statements, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Carl Levin (D-MI) and Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16).

    Issue Spotlight: Dr. Shakeel Afridi

    • S 3269 provides that no United States assistance may be provided to Pakistan until Dr. Shakil Afridi is freed.
    • S 3260 provides that no United States assistance may be provided to Pakistan until Dr. Shakil Afridi is freed.
    • S 3259 provides  relief of Dr. Shakeel Afridi.
    • HR 3901 provides for the relief of Dr. Shakeel Afridi.
    • HR 4069 awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Shakeel Afridi.

    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.

     

     

20. New Bills in Congress: May 28 - June 8

    by rachna on June 6, 2012

    Here are the newly introduced bills. We hope you'll weigh in on these bills and share the list with your friends and networks.

    • S 3268 The Pilot's Bill of Rights amends title 49, United States Code, to provide rights for pilots.
    • S 3269 provides that no United States assistance may be provided to Pakistan until Dr. Shakil Afridi is freed.
    • S 3267 amends the tax code to extend and modify the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
    • S 3270 amends title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to consider the resources of individuals applying for pension that were recently disposed of by the individuals for less than fair market value when determining the eligibility of such individuals for such pensions.
    • S 3266 The Comprehensive Student Loan Protection Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reset interest rates for new student loans.
    • SRes 483 commends efforts to promote and enhance public safety on the need for yellow corrugated stainless steel tubing bonding.
    • HR 5902 establishes a Congressional Advisory Commission on the Implementation of United States Policy under the Taiwan Relations Act.
    • HR 5903 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat recipients of the Korea Defense Service Medal as war veterans for purposes of determining whether contributions to posts and organizations of war veterans are charitable contributions.
    • HR 5883 makes a technical correction in Public Law 112-108.
    • HR 5884 The Homeownership Preservation Education Act establishes a 1-year pilot program to reduce up-front premiums on FHA mortgage insurance for first-time homebuyers who complete a homeownership counseling program and thereby help to reduce default rates on residential mortgages.
    • HRes 673 expresses support for designation of May 2012 as “National Mobility Awareness Month.”
    • HR 5888 The Physician Reentry Demonstration Program Act establishes a demonstration program to facilitate physician reentry into clinical practice to provide required primary health services.
    • HR 5887 authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2013 through 2015, and for other purposes.
    • HR 5886 The Middle Class Dependent Care Fairness Act amends the tax code to improve the dependent care credit by repealing the phasedown of the credit percentage and making permanent the increased dollar limitations.
    • S 3255 relieves Miguel Santillan.
    • S 3256 The End Pay Discrimination Through Information Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to improve nonretaliation provisions relating to equal pay requirements.
    • SRes 476 honors the contributions of the late Fang Lizhi to the people of China and the cause of freedom.
    • S 3261 allows the Chief of the Forest Service to award certain contracts for large air tankers.
    • S 3259 for the relief of Dr. Shakeel Afridi.
    • S 3260 provides that no United States assistance may be provided to Pakistan until Dr. Shakil Afridi is freed.
    • S 3257 amends the tax code to prohibit the use of public funds for political party conventions, and to provide for the return of previously distributed funds for deficit reduction.
    • S 3258 amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to clarify the maximum distance between Farm Service Agency county offices for purposes of the closure or relocation of a county office for the Farm Service Agency.
    • HR 5878 The Deductibility and Incentives to Promote Learning Opportunities and Maximize Assistance Act (DIPLOMA Act) amends the tax code to expand deductions allowed for education-related expenses and to extend the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
    • HR 5877 The Child Care Public-Private Partnership Act establishes a program to provide child care through public-private partnerships.
    • HR 5876 The Increasing Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care Act provide educational stability for children in foster care.
    • HR 5880 The Veterans Disability Examination Access Improvement Act extends the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with private physicians to conduct medical disability examinations.
    • HR 5881 The Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act provides certain employees of Members of Congress and certain employees of local governmental agencies with access to case-tracking information of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    • HR 5879 The Protect our Prairies Act amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to modify the ineligibility requirements for producers that produce an annual crop on native sod.
    • HR 5875 The Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act establishes a visa waiver program for the United States Virgin Islands.
    • HR 5871 The Access to Papers Leads to Uninterrupted Scholars Act (A Plus Act) amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to provide improvements to such Act.
    • HRes 671 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the need for a comprehensive public alert and warning system for the United States.
    • HRes 672 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the energy, environmental, and foreign policies of the United States should reflect appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to climate change, as documented by credible scientific findings and as evidenced by the extreme weather events of recent years.
    • HR 5874 The American Entrepreneurship and Investment Act facilitates foreign investment by permanently reauthorizing the EB-5 regional center program.
    • HR 5873 The Forest Products Fairness Act amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to modify the definition of the term "biobased product".
    • HR 5872 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.
    • HCR 128 authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to award the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the Montford Point Marines.
    • HRes 668 refers HR 5862, a bill making congressional reference to the United States Court of Federal Claims pursuant to sections 1492 and 2509 of title 28, United States Code, the Indian trust-related claims of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma (O-Gah-Pah) as well as its individual members.
    • HR 5870 The Disaster Declaration Improvement Act revises the regulations regarding estimated cost of the assistance and localized impacts factors used by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
    • HRes 669 commends the Patriot Guard Riders for their mission to show sincere respect for fallen members of the Armed Forces by attending the funeral services of a fallen member as invited guests of the family of the member.
    • HCR 127 expresses the sense of Congress regarding actions to preserve and advance the multistakeholder governance model under which the Internet has thrived.
    • HRes 670 expresses support for designating August 22, 2012, as national “Chuck Brown Day” and honoring Chuck Brown’s contributions to music and to the District of Columbia.
    • HR 5866 The Medical Device Patient Safety Act enhances Food and Drug Administration oversight of medical device recalls, to provide for the conditional clearance of certain medical devices.
    • HR 5865 The American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act promotes the growth and competitiveness of American manufacturing.
    • HR 5868 The Fostering Success in Education Act provides children in foster care with school stability and equal access to educational opportunities.
    • HR 5869 The Studying Towards Residency Status Act (STARS Act) authorizes the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain aliens who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children.
    • HR 5864 The Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act establishes an improved regulatory process for injurious wildlife to prevent the introduction and establishment in the United States of nonnative wildlife and wild animal pathogens and parasites that are likely to cause harm.
    • HR 5860 prohibits individuals from insuring against possible losses from having to repay illegally-received compensation or from having to pay civil penalties.
    • HR 5859 repeals an obsolete provision in title 49, United States Code, requiring motor vehicle insurance cost reporting.
    • HR 5861 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a grant pilot program to provide housing to elderly homeless veterans.
    • HR 5863 clarifies section 1702 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to include penalties for violations of title XVII of that Act.
    • HR 5858 amends the tax code to improve health savings accounts.
    • HCR 126 expresses the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued honoring Bil Keane.
    • HR 5862 relates to members of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma (O-Gah-Pah).

    See the previous list of New Bills (May 7 - 24).

    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.

21. Mid-Week Update, June 6

    by rachna on June 6, 2012

    Mid-Week Update, June 6

    From our Hill Sources

    In the House

    • HR 5882 The Legislative Branch spending bill: This bill received a wave of attention on POPVOX this week, almost entirely from opponents who are protesting the lack of transparency in information from Congress. The House could take up this bill by Wednesday.

    Other bills that passed the House this week:

    • HR 241 Authorizes the conveyance of certain National Forest System lands in the Los Padres National Forest in California. (From Rep. Elton Gallegly [R, CA-24]).
    • HR 1740 Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of Illabot Creek in Skagit County, Washington, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. (From Rep. Rick Larsen [D, WA-2]).
    • HR 2060 The Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act adjusts the Crooked River boundary, provides water certainty for the City of Prineville, Oregon. (From Rep. Greg Walden [R, OR-2]).
    • HR 2336 The York River Wild and Scenic River Study Act designates segments of the York River and associated tributaries for study for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. (From Rep. Chellie Pingree [D, ME-1]).
    • HR 2512 The Three Kids Mine Remediation and Reclamation Act provides for the conveyance of certain Federal land in Clark County, Nevada, for the environmental remediation and reclamation of the Three Kids Mine Project Site. (From Rep. Joe Heck [R, NV-3]).
    • HR 3263 The Lake Thunderbird Efficient Use Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow the storage and conveyance of nonproject water at the Norman project in Oklahoma. (From Rep. Tom Cole [R, OK-4]).
    • HR 4222 Provides for the conveyance of certain land inholdings owned by the United States to the Tucson Unified School District and to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona. (From Rep. Raul Grijalva [D, AZ-7]).
    • HR 4282 The International Child Support Recovery Improvement Act ensures that the United States can comply fully with the obligations of the Hague Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance. (From Rep. Rick Berg [R, ND-0]).

    In the Senate

    • S 3220 The Paycheck Fairness Act: This bill, S 3220, failed in the Senate on Tuesday in a 52-47 procedural vote. The bill needed 60 votes to advance, but as expected, Republicans opposed the legislation, which would make it easier for women to challenge wage discrimination. (From Sen. Barbara Mikulski [D, MD]).

      Democrats cast the vote as proof that Republicans are insensitive to the challenges women face in the workplace, while Republicans said the bill includes language that would pose burdensome wage reporting requirements on companies.

    See the "Week Ahead" Update for this 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. 

22. Bills before Congress: June 4 - 8

    by rachna on June 3, 2012

    From our Hill Sources:

    The first full week of June should see House passage of a few major spending bills for fiscal year 2013, while the Senate is expected to consider farm legislation.

    The Week Ahead in Congress: June 4 - 8

    In the House

    • HR 5325 Energy and Water spending bill: The House started work last week on HR 5325, which appropriates money for the Department of Energy, the Department of Interior, and other related agencies. It increases spending by nearly $90 million compared to the 2012 bill.
    • HR 5855 The Department of Homeland Security spending bill: Work may commence on this bill, HR 5855. The bill cuts nearly $400 million from the current DHS spending levels.
    • HR 5882 The Legislative Branch spending bill: The House might also start work on HR 5882, which spends $3.3 billion on the House and Capitol operations, $34 million less than current levels. This bill does not include spending for the Senate, which will propose its own spending.
    • HR 4282 The International Child Support Recovery Improvement Act ensures that the United States can comply fully with the obligations of the Hague Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance. (From Rep. Rick Berg [R, ND-0]).

    Land Use Bills in the House

    The House also has plans to take up 10 non-controversial bills dealing with land use across the country:

    • HR 241 Authorizes the conveyance of certain National Forest System lands in the Los Padres National Forest in California. (From Rep. Elton Gallegly [R, CA-24]).
    • HR 1740 Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of Illabot Creek in Skagit County, Washington, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. (From Rep. Rick Larsen [D, WA-2]).
    • HR 2060 The Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act adjusts the Crooked River boundary, provides water certainty for the City of Prineville, Oregon. (From Rep. Greg Walden [R, OR-2]).
    • HR 2336 The York River Wild and Scenic River Study Act designates segments of the York River and associated tributaries for study for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. (From Rep. Chellie Pingree [D, ME-1]).
    • HR 2512 The Three Kids Mine Remediation and Reclamation Act provides for the conveyance of certain Federal land in Clark County, Nevada, for the environmental remediation and reclamation of the Three Kids Mine Project Site. (From Rep. Joe Heck [R, NV-3]).
    • HR 3263 The Lake Thunderbird Efficient Use Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow the storage and conveyance of nonproject water at the Norman project in Oklahoma. (From Rep. Tom Cole [R, OK-4]).
    • HR 4222 Provides for the conveyance of certain land inholdings owned by the United States to the Tucson Unified School District and to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona. (From Rep. Raul Grijalva [D, AZ-7]).
    • S 363 Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to convey property of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the City of Pascagoula, Mississippi. (From Sen. Roger Wicker [R, MS]).
    • S 292 The Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution Act resolves the claims of the Bering Straits Native Corporation and the State of Alaska to land adjacent to Salmon Lake in the State of Alaska and to provide for the conveyance to the Bering Straits Native Corporation of certain other public land in partial satisfaction of the land entitlement of the Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. (From Sen. Lisa Murkowski [R, AK]).

    In the Senate

    • S 3220 The Paycheck Fairness Act: The Senate will hold a procedural vote on this bill, which Democrats say is needed to boost enforcement of federal fair-pay laws. (From Sen. Barbara Mikulski [D, MD]).
    • S 3240 The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act: This is a five year reauthorization of federal farm programs.

    Other Bills of Interest

    • HR 5846 The Second Amendment Sovereignty Act (number one on POPVOX last week). This bill, from Rep. Ben Quayle (R-Ariz.), would ensure that a UN arms trade treaty does not infringe on the Second Amendment rights of U.S. citizens. It was introduced in May, and has not advanced in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
    • SRes 446 Expressing the Senate of the Senate that the UN should not be allowed to control the Internet (number three on POPVOX). This resolution from Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is a response to worries that an international consensus is growing to give the UN control over the Internet. The bill has not advanced in the Senate.
    • HR 3541 The Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (number four on POPVOX last week), which would impose penalties against doctors who perform abortions solely to select the sex of an unborn child. A majority of House members supported this bill last week, but it was brought up under a process that required a two-thirds vote in order to pass. House Republicans have given no indication that they would bring up the bill again under a regular process requiring a simple majority vote. (From Rep. Trent Franks [R, AZ-2]).

    (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. 

23. Weekly Bill Round Up: May 31, 2012

    by rachna on June 2, 2012

    Round Up: Week of May 28 - June 1

    Here's the round up of the week, from our "Hill Sources."

    • HR 3541 On Thursday, the House voted 246-168 on PRENDA, The Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act, a bill that could have led to fines or imprisonment of doctors who performed abortions solely based on the gender of the fetus. The bill was brought to the Floor under "suspension of House rules", a process that requires a two-thirds majority for a bill to pass. The procedure is normally reserved for noncontroversial bills.

      House Republicans could decide to bring up the bill again under "normal" rules, which would require a simply majority, but there has been no indication that the bill will come up again. The Obama Administration, and most House Democrats, opposed the bill.

    • HR 5740 Flood insurance: The House approved the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Extension Act, on Thursday. The bill extends the NFIP for another 60 days. The House voted on the Senate-approved bill, and House passage was expected to be followed by President Obama's signature.

      The NFIP is the only provider of flood insurance, and failing to extend the program by the end of May was expected to significantly hurt home sales in flood regions of the country. A multi-year extension is expected to be approved in the coming 60 days.

    • HR 5651 FDA: The House approved a bill reauthorizing and expanding a user-fee program at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The program already exists for some drugs and medical devices. Industry supports these fees because they help hire FDA inspectors who grant approvals. The bill would expand the program to include generic drugs and biosimilar drugs.

      Passage of the Food and Drug Administration Reform Act (HR 5651) will likely set up negotiations with the Senate on a final bill, which approved a similar bill, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Safety and Innovation Act (S 3187), earlier in May.

    • Borders The House approved the Jaime Zapata Border Security Task Force Act (HR 915), and the Secure Border Act (HR 1299), on Wednesday.

    Other bills approved by the House Wednesday and Thursday

    • HR 5854 The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act
    • HR 5743 The Intelligence Authorization Act
    • HR 4041 The Export Promotion Reform Act
    • HR 4201 The Servicemember Family Protection Act
    • HR 5512 The Divisional Realignment Act
    • HR 3310 The Federal Communications Commission Consolidate Reporting Act
    • HR 3670 requiring the Transportation Security Administration to comply with federal labor laws
    • HR 2764 the WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing Act
    • HR 3140 the Mass Transit Intelligence Prioritization Act

    Top Bills of the Week on POPVOX

    

    Weigh in on the Top Bills of the Week

    • HR 5846 #1 - Second Amendment Sovereignty Act
    • S 1925 #2 - Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
    • SRes 446 #3 - Expressing that the UN should not be allowed to exercise control over the Internet
    • HR 3541 #4 - Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA)
    • S 402 #5 - Cold War Service Medal Act
    • HR 5735 #6 - A Tomb of Remembrance at Arlington for internment of the remains of service members killed in Afghanistan and Iraq
    • HR 2829 #7 - United Nations Transparency, Accountability and Reform Act
    • HR 1591 #8 - Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans Act Act
    • HR 1968 #9 - Cold War Service Medal Act
    • HR 1299 #10 - Secure Border Act
    • HR 459 #11 - Federal Reserve Transparency Act
    • S 3205 #12 - Ex-Patriot Act
    • HR 4170 #13 - Student Loan Forgiveness Act
    • HR 3310 #14 - Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act
    • HConRes 45 #15 - Honoring those serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn
    • HR 2674 #16 - 340B Program Improvement Act
    • Agenda 21 #17 - Agenda 21
    • HR 1497 #18 - Transferring remains of service members buried in Tripoli, Libya
    • HR 1978 #19 - Recovering Missing Children Act
    • HR 5651 #20 - Food and Drug Administration Reform Act

    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.

24. Issue Spotlight: Milk

    by rachna on June 1, 2012

    Today, June 1, is World Milk Day! The POPVOX team is taking this opportunity to spotlight bills related to milk and the dairy industry. We hope you weigh in, and share this list with your friends, networks or milk drinkers!

    Issue Spotlight: Milk

    • HR 1830 authorizes the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk products that are packaged for direct human consumption (and S 1955).
    • S 458 The Milk Quality Standards Act establishes and enforces a maximum somatic cell count requirement for fluid milk.
    • HR 3372 The Dairy Pricing Deregulation Act deregulates the Federal milk marketing order program and publishes competitive milk price survey data.
    • S 1714 The Dairy Producer Income Protection Act extends the milk income loss contract program and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct hearings to assess the implications of transitioning Federal milk marketing orders from end-product pricing to a competitive pay pricing system.
    • S 1640 The Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act requires the Secretary of Agriculture to determine the price of all milk used for manufactured purposes, which shall be classified as Class II milk, by using the national average cost of production.
    • S 1682 The Dairy Advancement Act promotes growth and opportunity for the dairy industry in the US.
    • HR 3062 The Dairy Security Act establishes a program for dairy producers under which producers can offset reductions in producer income when the margin between milk prices and feed costs is less than a specified amount and establishes a dairy market stabilization program for producers participating in the margin protection program.
    • S 457 The Democracy for Dairy Producers Act allows modified bloc voting by cooperative associations of milk producers in connection with a referendum on Federal milk marketing order reform.
    • HRes 153 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the school breakfast program (and SRes 98).

    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.