hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-733
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2009-03-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Emergency medical services and trauma care
Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Health programs administration and funding
Indian social and development programs
Minority health

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-26
text: 
National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the trauma center grant program that provided for operating expenses for trauma centers incurring substantial uncompensated costs due to violence from illicit trafficking in drugs with a program to provide grants to public, nonprofit, Indian Health Service, Indian tribal, and urban Indian trauma centers to assist in defraying substantial uncompensated care costs, further the core mission of such trauma centers, and provide emergency relief to trauma centers at risk of closing or centers operating in an area where a closing has occurred within their primary service area. Sets forth qualifications for grantees and provisions governing the amount of the grant award.
 
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide funding to states for grants to eligible entities to: (1) improve the availability of trauma services in underserved areas; (2) address trauma center overcrowding; (3) enhance trauma surge capacity; (4) address shortages of trauma surgeons and certain other trauma-related physician subspecialties; and (5) improve trauma service coordination and the appropriate transport of trauma patients to trauma centers. Requires the Secretary to distribute amounts based on a state's population.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2009-03-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-734
Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI]
Introduced: 2009-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Department of Veterans Affairs
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Health care coverage and access
Health personnel
Medical education
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Mental health
Neurological disorders
Rural conditions and development
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Student aid and college costs
Transportation costs
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: 
Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009 - Removes the $44,000-per-individual limit on authorized payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health professionals education debt reduction program. Requires notice to potential employees of their eligibility and selection for participation in such program.
 
Includes VA facilities in the list of medical facilities eligible for the assignment of participants under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program.
 
Requires the Director of the VA's Office of Rural Health to develop an Office five-year strategic plan.
 
Authorizes the use of volunteer counselors as part of the Vet Center program.
 
Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of teleconsultation for the provision of remote mental health and traumatic brain injury assessments in VA facilities not otherwise able to provide such assessments without contracting out or reimbursing other providers for such services.
 
Requires the Secretary, for each Veterans Integrated Services Network, to negotiate with each party that has contracts to provide services at more than one community-based outpatient clinic in that Network to consolidate such contracts. Directs the Secretary to designate a rural outreach coordinator at each such clinic at which not less than 50% of the veterans enrolled reside in a highly rural area. Provides for peer review of health care services and patient records within the Network.
 
Authorizes reimbursement for veterans' beneficiaries for air travel when it is the only practical way to reach a VA health care facility.
 
Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program on incentives for physicians who assume responsibilities of primary care and mental health services to veterans at community hospitals in health professional shortage areas.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-04-22
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 111-76.
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3989-3991)
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3988-3989)
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to conduct research, development, and demonstration to make biofuels more compatible with small nonroad engines, and for other purposes.

Bill: 111-s-737
Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Introduced: 2009-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Energy research
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Research and development

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: 
Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the program of research, development, and demonstration relating to existing transportation fuel distribution infrastructure and new alternative distribution infrastructure to address: (1) the effects of such infrastructure on small engines; and (2) efforts to prevent or mitigate against adverse impacts of the use of biofuels in small nonroad engines.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-12-08
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 111-330.
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3993)
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3993)
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-738
Sponsor: Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA]
Introduced: 2009-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Business records
Civil actions and liability
Consumer affairs
Consumer credit
Contracts and agency
Evidence and witnesses
Federal Reserve System
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Federal preemption
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: 
Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act of 2009 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prescribe consumer protection guidelines for rental-purchase transactions, including: (1) the determination of rental-purchase cost; (2) disclosure requirements; (3) prohibitions against confessions of judgment, wage assignments, and waiver of consumer claims or defenses; (4) furnishing of statements of account; (5) point-of-rental disclosures; and (6) rental-purchase advertising disclosures.

Declares that an action for civil liability may be brought against a merchant's assignee only if the violation is apparent on the face of a rental-purchase agreement to which it relates, including, but not limited to, a disclosure that can be determined to be incomplete or inaccurate from the face of the agreement. 

Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to promulgate implementing regulations. 

Grants enforcement powers to the Federal Trade Commission and to state attorneys general. 

Subjects to criminal penalties any willful and knowing violation of the information disclosure requirements of this Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Drywall Safety Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-739
Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL]
Introduced: 2009-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Asia
China
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Florida
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Housing industry and standards
Louisiana
Manufacturing
Mississippi
Product safety and quality
Residential rehabilitation and home repair
Texas
Virginia

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: 
Drywall Safety Act of 2009 - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to: (1) study drywall that was imported from China from 2004 through 2007 and used in U.S. residences; and (2) initiate a proceeding on whether a consumer product safety standard regulating drywall materials is necessary.
 
Requires the CPSC to: (1) designate drywall containing over 5% organic compounds by weight as a product with a product defect which constitutes a substantial product hazard; and (2) order manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of such drywall to cease distribution and notify all persons who handle such product to cease distribution. Requires that the order remain in effect until: (1) the CPSC publishes a determination that such a standard is not necessary; or (2) such a standard takes effect.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the homebuyer tax credit, and for other purposes.

Bill: 111-s-740
Sponsor: Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]
Introduced: 2009-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Housing finance and home ownership
Income tax credits

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: 
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit to all purchasers of a principal residence; (2) increase the maximum amount of such credit from $8,000 to $15,000; and (3) repeal the reduction in such credit for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of married couples filing jointly).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4065)
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3994)
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Flat Tax Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-741
Sponsor: Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]
Introduced: 2009-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Aging
Coal
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Employee benefits and pensions
Government trust funds
Health care costs and insurance
Housing finance and home ownership
Income tax deductions
Income tax rates
Interest, dividends, interest rates
Mining
Public participation and lobbying
Separation, divorce, custody, support
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
Tax reform and tax simplification
Transfer and inheritance taxes
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: 
Flat Tax Act of 2009- Replaces the income tax with a flat tax of 20 percent of taxable earned income of individual taxpayers. Defines &quot;taxable earned income&quot; as the excess of earned income (wages, salaries, professional fees) over a standard deduction, a deduction for cash charitable contributions, and a deduction for home mortgage interest. Sets forth definitions and special rules for surviving spouses, heads of household, and dependents.
 
Imposes a flat tax of 20 percent on business taxable income. Defines &quot;business taxable income&quot; as gross active income (other than investment income) reduced by: (1) the cost of business inputs (cost of specified goods, services, travel, and entertainment expenditures); (2) employee compensation; and (3) the cost of personal and real property used in business activities. Disallows a deduction from gross active business income for purchases of goods and services provided to employees or owners and certain lobbying and political expenditures.
 
Repeals: (1) estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes; (2) financing of presidential election campaigns provisions; and (3) coal industry health benefits provisions.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4065-4070)
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3994-3997)
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Expansion Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-742
Sponsor: Sen. Chambliss, Saxby [R-GA]
Introduced: 2009-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Georgia
Historic sites and heritage areas
Land transfers
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Presidential administrations
Rural conditions and development
U.S. history

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: 
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Expansion Act of 2009 - Redesignates the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Georgia as the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. 
 
Requires, in the administration of the Historical Park, the preservation and interpretation of a southern agricultural-based rural community during the early to middle years of the 20th century. 
 
Includes as real property of the Historical Park that which is needed to enhance visitor experience at the Site. 
 
Increases the acreage comprising the boyhood home of former President Jimmy Carter. Adds specified real properties and land to the Historical Park. 
 
Authorizes the acquisition of the Georgia Welcome Center on State Route 280/27 by donation only. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-07-22
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Airline Personnel Training Enhancement Act

Bill: 111-s-743
Sponsor: Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM]
Introduced: 2009-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Aviation and airports
Department of Transportation
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Transportation employees
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: 
Airline Personnel Training Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations that require air carriers to provide initial and annual recurring training for flight attendants and gate attendants (including contracted attendants) regarding serving passengers alcohol, recognizing intoxicated passengers, and dealing with disruptive passengers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3997)
action_date: 2009-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Affordable Tutoring of Our Children Act

Bill: 111-s-744
Sponsor: Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]
Introduced: 2009-03-31 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments
Child care and development
Elementary and secondary education
Employee benefits and pensions
Income tax exclusion
Teaching, teachers, curricula

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: 
Affordable Tutoring of Our Children Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax exclusion for employer-provided dependent care assistance to allow employees an additional exclusion for payments of supplemental instructional services assistance to their dependents between the ages of 5 and 19 who have not obtained a high school diploma or who have been awarded a general education degree. Defines &quot;supplemental instructional services assistance&quot; to include instructional or other academic enrichment services that are: (1) in addition to instruction provided during the school day; (2) specifically designed to increase academic achievement; (3) in the core academic studies of English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, social studies, and geography; and (4) provided by a state certified instructor or accredited organization.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4071)
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4070-4071)
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Introduced in Senate
Magna Water District Water Reuse and Groundwater Recharge Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-745
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]
Introduced: 2009-03-31 in the Senate
Policy area: Water Resources Development
Subjects: Utah
Water resources funding
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: 
Magna Water District Water Reuse and Groundwater Recharge Act of 2009 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Magna Water District, Utah, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of permanent facilities needed to establish recycled water distribution and wastewater treatment and reclamation facilities that will be used to provide recycled water in that District.

action_date: 2010-09-27
text: 
Magna Water District Water Reuse and Groundwater Recharge Act of 2009 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Magna Water District, Utah, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of permanent facilities needed to establish recycled water distribution and wastewater treatment and reclamation facilities that will be used to provide recycled water in that District.
 
Limits the federal share of the capital cost of the project to 25% of the total cost of the project. Allows each cost incurred by the District after January 1, 2003, relating to any capital, planning, design, permitting, construction, or land acquisition (including the value of reallocated water rights) for the project to be credited towards the non-federal share of the project's costs.
 
Prohibits funds provided by the Secretary from being used for the project's operation or maintenance. 
 
Authorizes appropriations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2010-09-27
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 591.
action_date: 2010-09-27
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment. With written report No. 111-305.
action_date: 2010-09-27
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment. With written report No. 111-305.
action_date: 2010-07-21
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
action_date: 2010-04-27
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 111-619.
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4071-4072)
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Sarpy County region to serve veterans in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and northwest Missouri.

Bill: 111-s-746
Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Ben [D-NE]
Introduced: 2009-03-31 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Cemeteries and funerals
Iowa
Missouri
Nebraska

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: 
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Sarpy County, Nebraska, region to serve the needs of veterans and their families in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-04-29
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 111-81.
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize travel and transportation allowances for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces on leave for suspension of training.

Bill: 111-s-747
Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Ben [D-NE]
Introduced: 2009-03-31 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: National Guard and reserves
Transportation costs

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: 
Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse or provide transportation to a member of the reserves on active duty for more than 30 days who is performing duty at a temporary duty station for travel between the member's temporary and permanent duty station in connection with authorized leave pursuant to a suspension of training. Sets minimum distance requirements and reimbursement limits. Allows such reimbursement or transportation only in connection with a suspension of training of five days or longer.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Introduced in Senate
Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act

Bill: 111-s-749
Sponsor: Sen. Cochran, Thad [R-MS]
Introduced: 2009-03-31 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments
Area studies and international education
Earth sciences
Education programs funding
Educational technology and distance education
Elementary and secondary education
Higher education
Teaching, teachers, curricula

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: 
Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a geography education grant program under title II (Teacher Quality Enhancement).
 
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to a national nonprofit educational organization or consortium, with 75% to be used for matching subgrants to institutions of higher education associated with state geographic alliances, nonprofit educational organizations, or state or local educational agencies. 
 
Requires program participants to use their grants and subgrants to enhance the geographic literacy of students in kindergarten through grade 12 by supporting specified activities, including: (1) educational research; (2) teacher training; (3) the development of effective teaching tools and learning materials; (4) the application of rigorous academic standards and assessment techniques; (5) comparative studies of world cultures, economies, and environments; and (6) the exchange of information regarding the state of geographic literacy and strategies for its improvement.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4072-4073)
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Introduced in Senate