jiayi-li23/proxann_data huggingface dataset:
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2007-07-27 00:00:00

Foreign Service Overseas Pay Equity Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide that Foreign Service officers designated class 1 or below stationed outside the continental United States and not in a non-foreign area receive locality-based comparability payments that would be paid to a member if his or her official duty station were in Washington, DC. Phases in such adjustment pay. Makes conforming amendments to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund and to the Foreign Service Pension System. (Sec. 3) Amends the death gratuity computation payable to surviving dependents of Foreign Service officers who die from injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad to provide for payments at level II of the Executive Schedule at the time of death, except that for employees compensated under local compensation plans the amount shall be equal to the greater of one year's salary at the time of death or one year's salary at the highest step of the highest grade on the local compensation plan from which the employee was being paid at the time of death.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2007-07-27 00:00:00

Foreign Service Global Compensation Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to revise the Foreign Service compensation system, including: (1) transition to a performance-based system; and (2) uniform compensation for worldwide service. Sets forth the rate of basic salary payable to a Foreign Service employee at the time of death for death gratuity compensation purposes.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2007-09-14 00:00:00

Establishes in the Treasury a fund for the Peace Corps to provide separation payments for host country resident personal services contractors of the Peace Corps. Makes fund amounts beginning in FY2007 available without fiscal year limitation for such payments.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2007-09-25 00:00:00

Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to permit rest and recuperation travel for Foreign Service members and family members to U.S. territories, including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifies that required leave based upon continuous service abroad may be taken in the United States or its territories, including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Current law refers to the United States, its territories and possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.)
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2007-09-27 00:00:00

Global Service Fellowship Program Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish and administer a Global Service Fellowship Program to fund fellowships to promote international volunteering opportunities as a means of building bridges across cultures, addressing critical human needs, and promoting mutual understanding. Sets forth Program provisions. Authorizes appropriations.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Taxation
Date: 2007-10-04 00:00:00

Peace Corps Volunteers Tax Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer election to suspend the five-year ownership and use requirements for the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence during any period in which such taxpayer (or spouse) is serving outside the United States as a Peace Corps employee or volunteer.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Director of the Peace Corps, to publish guidance on allowable tax deductions related to Peace Corps service.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2007-10-18 00:00:00

Directs the President to impose specified travel and other related restrictions on heads of state of countries that are state sponsors of terrorism who are attending U.N. events in New York City. Authorizes the President to waive such restrictions if in the national interest.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2008-03-05 00:00:00

Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to: (1) authorize appropriations through FY2012; and (2) increase the readjustment allowance for returning Peace Corps volunteers.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Immigration
Date: 2008-04-09 00:00:00

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government must set the highest standards to protect U.S. passport privacy and security; and (2) the Department of State must safeguard U.S. passport security. Directs the Secretary of State: (1) when establishing the requirements for physical and security components of U.S. passports and passport cards, to include only such electronic components as are currently manufactured in the United States, or can be manufactured in the United States; and (2) to ensure that all assembly of U.S. passports occurs only within U.S. borders and personalization of permanent U.S. passports occurs only under the direct supervision of U.S. government employees.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2008-04-24 00:00:00

Limiting the Intrusive Miles of International Terrorist Sponsors Act of 2008 or LIMITS Act of 2008 - Directs the President to restrict to the designated area the travel of officials and representatives of countries that are designated as state sponsors of terrorism who are visiting the U.N. headquarters complex in connection with official business. Authorizes presidential waiver of such restriction upon submission of a report to Congress explaining why it is in the national interest to do so. Excludes from such restriction: (1) direct travel to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport or LaGuardia Airport to the designated area in connection with meetings at the U.N. headquarters complex; (2) land travel to and from any lodgings or other hotel accommodations in which an official or representative is staying if such lodging or other hotel accommodation is within the designated area; and (3) travel to and from New York University medical center or Bellevue Hospital Center for emergency medical care. Defines: (1) "designated area"; (2) "state sponsor of terrorism"; and (3) "United Nations headquarters complex."
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2008-07-10 00:00:00

International Documentary Exchange Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to make grants to U.S. nongovernmental organizations that use independently produced documentary films to promote better understanding of the United States abroad and better understanding of global perspectives and other countries in the United States.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2008-07-31 00:00:00

Ambassadors Qualification Act of 2008 - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to specify certain qualifications to be eligible to serve as an ambassador or an ambassador at large.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2008-09-25 00:00:00

United States Broadcasting Reorganization Act of 2008 - Amends the U.S. International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to establish the United States International Broadcasting Agency, which shall be headed by the Board of Governors of the United States International Broadcasting Agency, to carry out various international broadcasting activities of the United States (thereby eliminating the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the International Broadcasting Bureau). Sets forth: (1) Agency authorities and functions; and (2) transition provisions. Directs the Board to establish an Office of the Ombudsman to be a liaison between both the audience and employees and employees and management of the broadcasting entities under Board control.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Immigration
Date: 2008-09-26 00:00:00

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of State to adjudicate U.S. passport applications in an individualized, evidence-based manner. Requires the passport application adjudicatory process to be based on an assessment of individual circumstances and evidence. Prohibits an applicant's race, ethnicity, or ancestry from being taken into account in the passport application adjudicatory process. Requires: (1) an applicant to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or national; (2) the preponderance of the evidence standard to be applied in a uniform and consistent manner to all passport applications; and (3) any determination that an applicant has not met the burden of proving U.S. citizenship or nationality by a preponderance of the evidence to be made in writing, state the reasons for the determination, and be provided to the applicant in a timely manner. States that a birth certificate signed by a person authorized under state law to sign such a document, or a previously-issued U.S. passport, shall constitute prima facie evidence of U.S. citizenship or nationality and, absent individualized evidence that a birth did not take place in the United States, shall satisfy the preponderance of the evidence standard.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Date: 2007-01-11 00:00:00

Passport and Visa Security Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions relating to the unauthorized issuance of U.S. passports to prohibit any person, during any three-year period, from: (1) producing, issuing, or transferring 10 or more passports without lawful authority; (2) forging, counterfeiting, altering, or falsely making such passports; (3) transacting sales of or distributing such counterfeit passports; or (4) making 10 or more false applications for passports. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to 20 years for violations. Revises criminal prohibitions against: (1) making false statements in an application for a passport; (2) forgery and unlawful production of a passport; (3) misuse of a passport; and (4) immigration and visa fraud, including trafficking in counterfeit immigration documents. Makes the punishment for attempts or conspiracies to commit passport or visa fraud the same as for the completed crime. Prohibits in connection with federal immigration laws: (1) any scheme to defraud persons seeking benefits under such laws; and (2) false representation of attorney (or accredited representative) status. Grants extraterritorial jurisdiction for the prosecution of certain passport and visa fraud offenses. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to revise its sentencing guidelines and policies relating to passport and visa fraud offenses. Directs the Attorney General to develop prosecution guidelines for compliance with U.S. treaty obligations relating to asylum seekers entering the United States with fraudulent documents. Expands the investigative authority of State Department special agents relating to passport and document fraud.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2007-03-22 00:00:00

Passport Backlog Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary of State to employ Foreign Service annuitants to assist in the processing of: (1) passport applications, including passport fraud investigations; and (2) visa applications at consular posts with a substantial application backlog. Authorizes the Secretary to waive salary and full-time employment pension restrictions through: (1) September 30, 2008, for consular-related employment; and (2) through September 30, 2009, for passport-related employment.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2008-02-07 00:00:00

Global Service Fellowship Program Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish the Office of Volunteers for Prosperity which shall implement the Global Service Fellowship Program and promote other international volunteering opportunities. (Sec. 4) Directs the Administrator to establish and administer a Global Service Fellowship Program to fund fellowships to promote international volunteering opportunities as a means of building bridges across cultures, addressing critical human needs, and promoting mutual understanding. Sets forth Program provisions. (Sec. 5) Directs the Administrator to: (1) implement a Program evaluation process; and (2) report to the appropriate congressional committees. (6) Directs the Administrator to prescribe implementing regulations. (Sec. 7) Authorizes FY2009-FY2011 appropriations.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2008-08-01 00:00:00

Foreign Service Overseas Pay Equity Act of 2008 - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to: (1) extend comparability pay adjustments to Foreign Service members assigned abroad; and (2) amend the death gratuity computation payable to surviving dependents of Foreign Service employees who die from injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Environmental protection
Date: 2008-09-25 00:00:00

Greening the Healthcare Workforce Act of 2008 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to nonprofit hospitals or health care institutions to promote environmentally sustainable practices in building and maintenance operations, including: (1) the training of employees in environmentally sound waste management and chemical management practices; (2) the reduction in use of mercury-containing medical supplies; and (3) the conduct of minor improvements to grounds and facilities to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality and to reduce water waste.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Taxation
Date: 2009-01-06 00:00:00

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the limitation on the amount of distilled spirits tax covered (paid over) into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Taxation
Date: 2009-01-06 00:00:00

Virgin Islands Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a reduction of taxes on distributions from certain retirement savings plans designated as being under investment by the Virgin Islands Investment Program for at least 30 years. Defines "Virgin Islands Investment Program" for purposes of this Act as a fund with managed amounts of $50 billion or less. Imposes a 1% annual tax on managed funds to benefit Virgin Island infrastructure development.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Government operations and politics
Date: 2009-01-06 00:00:00

Identification Integrity Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal agencies from accepting for any official purpose an identification document for an individual issued by a foreign government. Creates an exception for foreign passports authorized by federal law to be accepted for a specific official purpose.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Government operations and politics
Date: 2009-01-08 00:00:00

Peace Stamp for the Peace Corps Act - Directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a semipostal (a postage stamp sold at a premium in order to help provide funding for certain causes) to benefit the Peace Corps.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2009-01-09 00:00:00

United States Broadcasting Reorganization Act of 2009 - Amends the U.S. International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to establish the United States International Broadcasting Agency, which shall be headed by the Board of Governors of the United States International Broadcasting Agency, to carry out various international broadcasting activities of the United States (thereby eliminating the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the International Broadcasting Bureau). Sets forth: (1) Agency authorities and functions; and (2) transition provisions. Directs the Board to establish an Office of the Ombudsman to be a liaison between both the audience and employees and employees and management of the broadcasting entities under Board control.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2009-02-04 00:00:00

Public Diplomacy Resource Centers Act of 2009 - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to direct the Secretary of State to ensure that diplomatic and consular mission libraries and resource centers: (1) are open to the general public to the greatest extent practicable, subject to security considerations; and (2) schedule public showings of American films that showcase American culture, society, values, and history. Directs the Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy to report to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations respecting the functions and effectiveness of such libraries and resource centers.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2009-02-10 00:00:00

Increases the authorized number of annual appointments to the military service academies from: (1) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from one to three; and (2) American Samoa from two to three.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2009-02-13 00:00:00

Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to: (1) authorize appropriations for the Peace Corps; and (2) increase readjustment allowances for Peace Corps volunteers and volunteer leaders.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2009-03-19 00:00:00

International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Authorization Act of 2009 - Urges the President to establish an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace to support cooperation, peaceful coexistence, joint economic development, and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, and Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Authorizes specified Economic Support Fund assistance through FY2014 for the International Fund.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Date: 2009-03-19 00:00:00

International Megan's Law of 2009 - Requires registered sex offenders to notify appropriate jurisdictions of their intent to travel not later than 21 days before their departure or arrival in the United States. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to 10 years for failure to report such travel. Requires diplomatic or consular missions in each foreign country to establish and maintain a countrywide sex offender registry for sex offenders from the United States who temporarily or permanently reside in such country. Directs the Commissioner of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to issue directives for the assessment of sex offenders whose travel is reported to determine whether such offenders are high risk sex offenders. Directs the President to establish the International Sex Offender Travel Center to monitor the travel of high risk sex offenders. Authorizes the Secretary of State to rescind the passports of individuals awaiting trial for a sex offense against a minor or a permanent resident who has been convicted of such an offense. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make convicted sex offenders inadmissible to the United States. Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to include in the annual report of the Secretary of State on the status of severe forms of human trafficking efforts of foreign countries to identify and provide notice of international travel by sex offenders. Encourages the President to use authorities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to assist foreign countries in identifying and providing notice of sex offenders traveling to the United States and other countries. Sets forth reporting requirements relating to the travel of international sex offenders and the implementation of this Act.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2009-03-26 00:00:00

Directs the Secretary of State to establish passport issuance agencies within 50 miles of all major international border crossings. Defines "major international border crossing" as an international border crossing that has an annual privately-owned passenger vehicle crossing volume of at least 5 million vehicles.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Date: 2009-03-30 00:00:00

National Security Letters Reform Act of 2009 - Prohibits a national security letter (letter) (a request for information sought by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with a criminal investigation) from being issued unless the issuing official certifies specific facts providing reason to believe that the information or records sought pertain to a foreign power or agent thereof. Prohibits a letter from being issued in connection with an investigation of a U.S. person solely upon the basis of activities protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. Prohibits: (1) a letter from containing unreasonable requirements or requiring privileged matter; or (2) disclosing to a person that the FBI has sought or obtained access to information under a letter for 30 days after receipt of the FBI's request for such information. Authorizes judicial review for the modification or revocation of a letter. Provides limited uses of information acquired through a letter. Allows persons against whom evidence obtained from a letter is to be used to file a motion to suppress. Provides a civil cause of action for the misuse of letters. Requires the authority to issue letters to revert, five years after the enactment of this Act, to that provided by law on October 25, 2001. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) undertake minimization and destruction procedures with respect to information acquired through letters; and (2) report semiannually on the number and use of letters. Requires the disposal of wrongly acquired information. Revises requirements relating to claims of emergency in connection with certain letters.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2009-04-02 00:00:00

International Documentary Exchange Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to make grants to U.S. nongovernmental organizations that use independently produced documentary films to promote a better understanding of the United States among individuals abroad and, in the United States, a better understanding of global perspectives and of other countries.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2009-04-21 00:00:00

Microfinance Capacity-Building Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide grants to eligible private non-profit microfinance institution networks that provide direct financial services (including credit, savings, insurance, remittances and cash transfers) to the poor and very poor in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries.
Topic: International Affairs — Diplomats
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2009-04-27 00:00:00

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 23, 2009. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy through October 1, 2010.