hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Contempt of the House of Representatives Subpoena Authority Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-263
Sponsor: Rep. Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Evidence and witnesses
Federal district courts
House of Representatives
Intergovernmental relations
Jurisdiction and venue
Legislative rules and procedure
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Contempt of the House of Representatives Subpoena Authority Act of 2009 - Grants the U.S. district court for the District of Columbia original jurisdiction over any civil action brought by the House of Representatives (or any authorized committee or subcommittee) to enforce, to secure a declaratory judgment concerning the validity of, or to prevent a threatened refusal or failure to comply with, any subpoena or order issued by it to any entity acting or purporting to act under color or authority of state law, or to any natural person, to secure the production of: (1) documents or other materials of any kind, or the answering of any deposition or interrogatory; (2) testimony; or (3) any combination of such things.
 
Requires the district court, upon application by the House (or any authorized committee or subcommittee), to issue a mandatory compliance order to an entity or person refusing, or failing to comply with, or threatening to refuse or not to comply with, a subpoena or order. Authorizes the court to hold in contempt any refusal or failure to obey a lawful order.
 
Authorizes the General Counsel of the House of Representatives to bring a civil action under any statute conferring jurisdiction on any U.S. court to enforce, to secure a declaratory judgment concerning the validity of, or to prevent a threatened failure or refusal to comply with, any subpoena or order issued by the House (or a committee or a subcommittee).
 
Prescribes a procedure for consideration in the House of a resolution to direct the General Counsel to bring such an action.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to House Rules
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to House Judiciary
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-265
Sponsor: Rep. Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Justice
Department of the Treasury
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Executive agency funding and structure
Firearms and explosives
Law enforcement administration and funding
U.S. Sentencing Commission
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2009 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the amount of a controlled substance or mixture containing a cocaine base (i.e., crack cocaine) required for the imposition of mandatory minimum prison terms for crack cocaine trafficking to eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.

Eliminates the five-year mandatory minimum prison term for first-time possession of crack cocaine. 

Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend, if appropriate, its sentencing guidelines for trafficking in a controlled substance to reflect the use of a dangerous weapon or violence in such crime and the culpability and the role of the defendant in such crime, taking into account certain aggravating and mitigating factors. 

Directs the Attorney General to make grants to improve drug treatment to offenders in prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities. 

Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to establish demonstration programs to reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs by substance abusers while incarcerated and until the completion of parole or court supervision. 

Increases monetary penalties for drug trafficking and for the importation and exportation of controlled substances. 

Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of Justice (DOJ), the Treasury, and Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2009-FY2010 for the prosecution of, and for supporting the prosecution of, high-level drug offenses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-05-21
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2009-02-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
action_date: 2009-01-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to House Energy and Commerce
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to House Judiciary
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
Cybersecurity Education Enhancement Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-266
Sponsor: Rep. Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Computer security and identity theft
Education programs funding
Educational technology and distance education
Higher education
Intergovernmental relations
Minority education
Public participation and lobbying

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Cybersecurity Education Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Cybersecurity, to establish, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation, a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) cybersecurity professional development programs; (2) associate degree programs in cybersecurity; and (3) the purchase of equipment to provide training in cybersecurity for either professional development or degree programs.
 
Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to operate the program.
 
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to establish an E-Security Fellows program to bring state, local, tribal, and private sector officials to participate in the work of the National Cybersecurity Division in order to become familiar with Department of Homeland Security cybersecurity missions and capabilities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
action_date: 2009-02-05
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to House Homeland Security
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to House Education and Labor
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to House Science and Technology
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
Expanding Tax Assistance Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-267
Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Eddie Bernice [D-TX-30]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Department of the Treasury
Financial services and investments
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Government information and archives
Public contracts and procurement
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Expanding Tax Assistance Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, subject to available funding, to expand Taxpayer Assistance Centers with the goal of providing at least one Center in each congressional district. Authorizes the use of volunteers and private contractors and grants to accomplish the expansion of such Centers. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that every military chaplain has the prerogative to close a prayer outside of a religious service according to the dictates of the chaplain's own conscience.

Bill: 111-hr-268
Sponsor: Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Military personnel and dependents
Religion

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Authorizes a military chaplain, if called upon to lead a prayer outside of a religious service, to close the prayer according to the dictates of the chaplain's conscience.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-30
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
Fallen Hero Commemoration Act

Bill: 111-hr-269
Sponsor: Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
Cemeteries and funerals
Commemorative events and holidays
First Amendment rights
Licensing and registrations
Military personnel and dependents
Photography and imaging

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Fallen Hero Commemoration Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to grant access to accredited members of the media: (1) at military commemoration ceremonies and military memorial services for members of the Armed Forces who have died on active duty; and (2) when the remains of such members arrive at U.S. military installations.
 
Authorizes the Secretary to establish the policy for media accreditation.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-270
Sponsor: Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Military medicine
Military personnel and dependents
National Guard and reserves
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2009 - Makes a member of the Retired Reserve who is qualified for a non-regular (reserve) retirement at age 60, but is not yet 60, eligible for health benefits under TRICARE Standard (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed health care program for members of the reserves). Terminates such eligibility when the member becomes eligible for TRICARE Standard at age 60.
 
Includes immediate family members under such coverage.
 
Requires members to pay a premium for such coverage.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-30
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the standard charitable mileage rate for delivery of meals to elderly, disabled, frail and at risk individuals.

Bill: 111-hr-271
Sponsor: Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Disability assistance
Food assistance and relief
Income tax deductions
Motor vehicles
Social security and elderly assistance
Transportation costs

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to 58.5 cents per mile the standard mileage rate for the tax deduction for the charitable use of a passenger automobile to deliver meals to homebound individuals who are elderly, disabled, frail, or at risk.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-272
Sponsor: Rep. Meek, Kendrick B. [D-FL-17]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business investment and capital
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Infrastructure development
Railroads

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2012. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the treatment of qualified restaurant property as 15-year property for purposes of the depreciation deduction.

Bill: 111-hr-273
Sponsor: Rep. Meek, Kendrick B. [D-FL-17]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business investment and capital
Food industry and services
Income tax deductions

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the 15-year recovery period for purposes of the tax deduction for depreciation of qualified restaurant property. Revises the term &quot;qualified restaurant property&quot; to include existing buildings as well as improvements to buildings.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
Solid Waste Interstate Transportation Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-274
Sponsor: Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Air quality
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Intergovernmental relations
Licensing and registrations
Public contracts and procurement
Radioactive wastes and releases
Solid waste and recycling
State and local government operations
Water quality

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Solid Waste Interstate Transportation Act of 2009 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a landfill or incinerator (facility) from receiving out-of-state municipal solid waste (MSW) for disposal or incineration unless the waste is received pursuant to a new or existing host community agreement or an exemption from this prohibition (which may be limited by the state). Establishes conditions for exemptions. 
 
Authorizes states to establish limits on the amount of out-of-state MSW received annually for disposal at each facility. Sets the limitation amount for any facility that began receiving documented out-of-state waste before enactment of this Act at the amount received during 1993 (or first subsequent year of documentation). Prohibits state limits from conflicting with permits or host community agreements. 
Authorizes states to require that a permit for a new or expanded facility include an annual limitation of not less than 20% on the total quantity of out-of-state MSW relative to the total waste received by the facility. Requires percentage limitations to be uniform and not discriminate against out-of-state MSW according to state of origin. 
Allows states to limit the amount of out-of-state MSW received annually at each facility to the amount received during 1995 if the state has a comprehensive, statewide recycling program. Prohibits discrimination against shipments of such waste on the basis of state of origin. 
Authorizes states to require inspectors to be onsite during operation of a facility that receives out-of-state MSW.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
To repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.

Bill: 111-hr-275
Sponsor: Rep. Meek, Kendrick B. [D-FL-17]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Employment taxes
Public contracts and procurement
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Repeals the requirement that federal, state, and local governmental entities withhold 3% of payments due to vendors providing goods and services to such entities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
Drug Free Water Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-276
Sponsor: Rep. Miller, Candice S. [R-MI-10]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Government information and archives
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Solid waste and recycling
Water quality

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Drug Free Water Act of 2009 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to convene a task force to develop: (1) recommendations on the proper disposal of unused pharmaceuticals to prevent or reduce the detrimental effects caused by introducing such materials into water systems and for limiting the disposal of unused pharmaceuticals through treatment works in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act); and (2) a strategy for educating the public on such recommendations.
 
Requires a report by the task force to Congress containing the recommendations and strategy required by this Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
Special Criminal Contempt of Congress Procedures Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-277
Sponsor: Rep. Miller, Brad [D-NC-13]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Congressional-executive branch relations
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Evidence and witnesses
House of Representatives

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
Special Criminal Contempt of Congress Procedures Act of 2009 - Establishes alternate procedures for the prosecution of current or former officers or employees of the executive branch found in contempt of Congress for refusal to testify or produce documents in response to a congressional subpoena. 

 Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives to certify a finding of contempt of Congress to the appropriate U.S. attorney for presentation to a grand jury. Requires the Chief Judge of a U.S. district court to appoint a special counsel to prosecute any contempt case certified by the Speaker if the Attorney General or U.S. attorney to whom a finding of contempt was certified declines to prosecute or a grand jury does not return an indictment within a specified time period. Requires such special counsel to be an attorney in good standing with substantial prosecutorial experience who did not serve in the administration of a President in office when a finding of contempt was certified. Grants full power and independent authority to the special counsel to exercise all prosecutorial functions and powers.

Sets forth provisions for the removal of the special counsel and the termination of the special counsel's authority. 

Increases the penalty for refusal of witnesses to testify or produce papers in response to a congressional subpoena.

Makes this Act effective on January 20, 2009. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
OLC Reporting Act of 2009

Bill: 111-hr-278
Sponsor: Rep. Miller, Brad [D-NC-13]
Introduced: 2009-01-07 in the House
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Congressional-executive branch relations
Constitution and constitutional amendments
Department of Justice
Government information and archives
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information

Summary:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: 
OLC Reporting Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to require the Attorney General to report to Congress on any instance in which the Attorney General or any officer of the Department of Justice (DOJ) issues an authoritative legal interpretation of any provision of a federal statute that: (1) concludes that the provision is unconstitutional or would be unconstitutional in a particular application; (2) relies for its conclusion on a determination that any other interpretation would raise constitutional concerns under article II of the Constitution or separation of powers principles; (3) relies for its conclusion on a legal presumption against applying the provision to the executive branch or any member thereof; or (4) concludes the provision has been superseded or deprived of effect by a subsequently enacted statute where there is no express statutory language stating an intent to do so. 
 
Provides for the protection of privileged and classified information contained in a report by the Attorney General on the enforcement of laws.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-01-07
text: Introduced in House