zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2015 

This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish FY2016 spending limits of $2.832 trillion for new budget authority and $2.884 trillion for outlays. Spending for Social Security, Medicare, Veterans Benefits and Services, Net Interest, and Military Personnel is exempt from the limits.

The chairs of the congressional budget committees may make specified adjustments to the limits for legislation that designates amounts for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism.

The bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to limit total annual spending for FY2016-FY2025 to a specified percentage of projected annual gross domestic product (GDP), which begins at 19.9% for FY2016 and decreases each year until it reaches 18% for FY2021-FY2025.

The bill enforces the spending limits using automatic spending cuts known as sequestration and specifies exemptions.

The Department of the Treasury may not exercise additional borrowing authority in subsequent legislation until a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is submitted to the states that: (1) requires that total outlays not exceed total receipts, (2) contains a spending limitation as a percentage of GDP, and (3) requires tax increases be approved by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.

Date: 2015-10-19
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Long-Term Studies of Comprehensive Outcomes and Returns for the Economy Act or the Long-Term SCORE Act

This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare long-term cost estimates for legislation reported by congressional committees. The bill requires the long-term estimates to cover at least each of the next four ten-year periods. CBO currently provides cost estimates over a 5- or 10-year period.

Date: 2015-11-09
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
This bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to exempt national security agencies from sequestration, which is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.

The exemption applies to the Department of Defense, each element of the intelligence community, the Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Date: 2015-11-18
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Legislative Performance Review Act of 2016 

This bill limits the duration of authorizations of appropriations, requires programs with expired authorizations to be terminated, and establishes reporting requirements.

The bill prohibits Congress from considering legislation that: (1) authorizes appropriations for more than four years, or (2) authorizes the enactment of an unlimited amount of appropriations for any purpose.

If Congress determines that an authorization for more than four years is necessary to accomplish the purposes of an authorization, it may waive the time limit by considering a waiver resolution using expedited legislative procedures.

Congressional committees that report legislation authorizing appropriations must include in committee reports: (1) an analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of existing programs for which appropriations are authorized; and (2) specified details regarding the purpose and need for new programs for which appropriations are authorized.

Federal agencies must implement a two-year plan to terminate programs with expired authorizations.

The bill establishes new points of order against legislation that provides appropriations that are either unauthorized or are pursuant to authorizations that violate the time limits and other requirements established by this bill.

Date: 2016-01-20
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Accurate Accounting Act of 2016 

This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990 to permit Social Security spending and revenues to be counted in the totals included in the congressional budget resolution and the President's budget.

The bill amends the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO) to prohibit increases in Social Security revenues or decreases in Social Security spending from being counted as savings for the purpose of PAYGO rules that restrict legislation that increases the deficit.

(Under current law, the Social Security trust funds are off-budget and all budgetary effects are excluded from the budget totals and PAYGO calculations.)

The President must submit a budget for each department and agency that includes:

 a description of each activity for which funds were appropriated for the current year or requested for the budget year, the legal basis for each activity, three alternative funding levels and the priorities that could be accomplished with each, and measures of cost efficiency and effectiveness for each activity. The Office of Management and Budget must publish guidelines to require: (1) the baseline budget of each department or agency to be assumed to be zero, and (2) each proposed expenditure to be justified as if it were new.

The Government Accountability Office must revise a study of mandatory spending required under current law at least every five years.

Date: 2016-02-08
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Article I Regulatory Budget Act 

This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and other laws to establish and enforce a federal regulatory budget.

The President's annual budget submission must include an analysis of the cost of compliance with current and proposed federal regulations and proposals for complying with the levels and allocations established pursuant to this bill.

The bill amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require agencies to provide additional analysis of the private sector costs for compliance with new regulations.

An agency may not issue certain guidance documents setting forth policies or interpretations regarding statutory, regulatory, or technical issues unless it has provided notice and an opportunity for comment.

A concurrent resolution on the budget must include levels for the federal regulatory cost for at least five years. The bill establishes a process for allocating the totals among congressional committees, agencies, programs, and major functional categories.

The bill establishes procedures for enforcing the requirements, including:

 points of order which may be raised against legislation to enforce the allocations, subject to a waiver by Congress; private rights of action in federal court; and a requirement for appropriations legislation to include enforcement provisions. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) must submit: (1) a baseline projecting the federal regulatory cost over at least five years, (2) analysis of the federal regulatory cost of legislation reported by congressional committees, and (3) look-back reviews comparing CBO estimates with actual costs.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the CBO must submit jointly to the President and Congress an analysis of the cost and economic effects of federal regulations, including recommendations for improvements to the regulatory budgeting process.

Federal agencies and the Government Accountability Office must provide reports and cost estimates for specified regulations.

Date: 2016-05-25
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2016 or the FIRE Act 

This bill requires the President and the congressional leadership to appoint members of a National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform within 180 days of the inauguration of a President.

The commission must identify policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium-term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long-term. In carrying out these duties, the commission must propose recommendations to: (1) balance the budget, excluding interest payments on the debt, within 10 years, in order to stabilize the debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio at an acceptable level; and (2) meaningfully improve the long-term fiscal outlook, including changes to address the growth of entitlement spending and the gap between projected revenues and expenditures.

Within one year of the appointment of its members, the commission must vote on a report including the required recommendations. The commission may only issue a final report to be submitted to Congress if at least 12 of its 18 members approve the report. Each commission terminates 30 days after submitting a report to Congress.

After consulting with Congress and specified agencies, the President must submit to Congress a joint resolution containing the legislative text necessary to implement the recommendations contained in a report submitted to Congress. The resolution must be accompanied by a special message that includes specified details regarding recommendations of the commission that are excluded from or included in the resolution.

Congress must consider the joint resolution using expedited legislative procedures specified in the bill.

Date: 2016-06-15
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Reducing Excessive Government Act of 2016 or the REG Act

This bill requires Congress, within 60 days after the debt limit is increased or suspended, to enact legislation eliminating rules that results in a reduction of the direct cost of federal regulation during a specified 10-fiscal-year period by at least 15% of the amount of such increase.

If the debt limit is increased or suspended, each agency shall submit to the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) a report identifying each major rule of the agency. (A major rule is defined as a rule that has or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.) GAO shall subsequently submit a report evaluating whether agencies appropriately identified major rules.

Each House and Senate committee shall submit to the Committee on the Budget of its chamber a list of the major rules within the committee's jurisdiction that it recommends should be repealed. Each committee shall consider:

 whether the rule has been ineffective in achieving its purpose, adverse effects that could materialize if the rule is repealed, whether the costs of the rule outweigh its benefits, and whether the rule has become obsolete or overlaps with another rule. The Budget Committees shall report a joint resolution carrying out all such recommendations without substantive revision. The bill provides for the expedited consideration of such a joint resolution. A repealed rule may not be reissued in substantially the same form.

If the Office of Management and Budget determines that legislation has not been enacted under this bill by the prescribed deadline, the public debt limit shall be equal to the sum of the face amount of obligations issued by the United States and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States (except guaranteed obligations held by Treasury) outstanding on the date of the determination.

Date: 2016-06-29
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Government operations and politics
One Percent Spending Reduction Act of 2016 

This bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to establish and enforce new spending caps.

The bill establishes an outlay cap (less net interest payments) for FY2017 of $3.645 trillion, less 1%. For each year from FY2018-FY2021, the bill reduces the outlay cap by 1% of the previous year's outlay cap.

For FY2022 and subsequent years, total outlays may not exceed 18% of the gross domestic product (GDP) for that year as estimated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Beginning in FY2023, total projected outlays may not be less than the total projected outlays for the preceding year.

The OMB must enforce the spending caps using a sequestration to eliminate any excess spending through automatic cuts. The bill eliminates most of the existing exemptions from sequestration, with the exception of interest payments on the debt.

If the OMB projects a sequestration, the congressional budget committees may report a resolution directing congressional committees to change existing law to achieve the spending reductions necessary to meet the outlay limits.

The bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish procedures for Congress to enforce the outlay caps established by this bill.

Date: 2016-07-07
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Oil and Gas Payments Taxpayer Protection and Deficit Reduction Act

This bill amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to direct the Department of the Treasury to deposit: (1)50% of qualified Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)revenues into the general fund of the Treasury, and (2) 50% of qualified OCS revenues into a special account. Furthermore, 75% of available revenues in the special account must be used to reduce the federal budget deficit and 25% must be deposited into the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Date: 2016-07-07
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Energy
Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2016

 This bill requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide a report to Congress prior to any date on which Treasury anticipates the public debt will reach the statutory limit.

The Secretary must appear before the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee to submit a report including:

 historic, current, and projected levels of debt; historic levels of revenue; the drivers and composition of future debt; how the United States will meet debt obligations if the debt limit is raised; reduction measures Treasury intends to take to fund obligations if the debt limit is not raised; a recommendation regarding a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution; and contingency plans for any default on Treasury securities or downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. The Secretary must also provide a detailed explanation of:

 proposals to reduce the debt and a progress report on implementing them; the impact an increased debt limit will have on future spending, debt service, and the position of the U.S. dollar as the international reserve currency; projections of the fiscal health and sustainability of major entitlement programs; measures Treasury is taking or intends to take to avoid default, including a plan to publicly disclose the details; and Treasury's capability to pay only principal and interest on the debt if the limit is reached. Treasury must make specified information required by this bill available to the public on its website.

Upon request, Treasury must submit to Congress specified financial and economic data relevant to determining the amount of the public debt.

Date: 2016-07-13
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Pension and Budget Integrity Act of 2016 

This bill prohibits provisions that increase or extend an increase of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) premiums from being counted as an offset to determine budget points of order for legislation in the House or the Senate.

(The PBGC is a federal agency that insures the benefits of private sector, defined benefit pension plans. The PBGC is financed by insurance premiums paid by sponsors of the plans, investment income, assets from pension plans taken over by the PBGC, and recoveries from the companies formerly responsible for the plans. This bill prevents increases in PBGC premiums from being used to pay for provisions that increase the deficit in determining whether a budget point of order applies to legislation.)

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Budgetary Accuracy in Scoring Interest Costs Act of 2016

This bill amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require any cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include debt servicing costs.

Date: 2016-12-09
Topic: Macroeconomics (National Budget)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Civilian Prisoner-of-War Medal Act of 2007 - Requires the President to issue a prisoner-of-war medal to any person who, while serving as a civilian employee of the federal government, was forcibly taken and held captive: (1) while serving in a position or otherwise performing functions in support of the U.S. Armed Forces; or (2) by foreign armed forces that are hostile to the United States.

Date: 2007-01-05
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Waives certain time limitations with respect to the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for acts of heroism during World War II as a member of the United States Navy.

Date: 2007-01-18
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Richard L. Etchberger, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, for acts of valor in Laos during the Vietnam conflict.

Date: 2007-01-31
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Commemorations
Amends the federal charter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United States of America, Incorporated (the corporation), to authorize the corporation to extend eligibility for associate membership in the corporation to the parents, spouse, siblings, and lineal descendants (currently, to parents and lineal descendants) of a Purple Heart recipient.

Date: 2007-02-06
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Amends the federal charter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United States of America, Incorporated (the corporation), to authorize the corporation to extend eligibility for associate membership in the corporation to the spouse and siblings (currently, to lineal descendants) of a Purple Heart recipient.

Date: 2007-02-13
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Purple Heart Family Equity Act of 2007 - Amends the federal charter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United States of America, Incorporated (the corporation), to authorize the corporation to extend eligibility for associate membership in the corporation to the parents, spouse, siblings, and lineal descendants (currently, to parents and lineal descendants) of a Purple Heart recipient.

Date: 2007-02-16
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to George D. Wilson for acts of valor as one of the Andrews Raiders during the Civil War.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Philip G. Shadrach for acts of valor as one of Andrews Raiders during the Civil War.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Gary Lee McKiddy of Miamisburg, Ohio, for acts of valor while serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, notwithstanding otherwise application time limitations.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Commemorations
Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) design and produce an Atomic Testing Service Medal to honor members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of U.S. atomic weapons tests conducted between 1945 and 1963; and (2) issue the Medal to such individuals (or their next-of-kin).

Date: 2007-09-04
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor to Danny P. Dietz for acts of valor on June 28, 2005, while fighting against the Taliban in Konar Province, Afghanistan.

Date: 2007-12-19
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Commemorations
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the American soldiers who were prisoners of war in Bataan, Philippines, during World War II, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country. Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the prisoners of war at Bataan.

Date: 2008-02-07
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Commemorations
Iraq Redeployment Timetable and Political Reconciliation Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) begin U.S. military redeployment from Iraq within 90 days after the enactment of the Act; and (2) complete such redeployment within 180 days. States that the redeployment shall be carried out in order to protect U.S. national security interests and improve U.S. military readiness. Authorizes the Secretary to retain U.S. military forces in Iraq as required for protection of the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) continue to work with the government of Iraq to provide for the security and stability of Iraq and its transition to democratic rule through diplomatic means; and (2) begin negotiations for the creation of a multilateral security and economic organization for the Middle East region (the Middle East Security and Economic Organization).

Date: 2008-02-26
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) for propaganda purposes within the United States not otherwise specifically authorized by law. Directs the DOD Inspector General and the U.S. Comptroller General to each conduct a study of, and report to Congress on, the extent to which the DOD has violated the prohibition on propaganda established in specified laws. Defines "propaganda" as any form of communication in support of national objectives designed to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior of the people of the United States in order to benefit the sponsor, either directly or indirectly.

Date: 2008-06-26
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the President to: (1) appoint each astronaut who participated in a mission to the moon in the Apollo program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and is on the retired list of the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps to the grade of major general; (2) appoint each astronaut who participated in a mission to the moon in the Apollo program and is on the retired list of the Navy to the grade of rear admiral; (3) issue posthumously a commission as major general or rear admiral in the name of any astronaut who participated in a mission to the moon in the Apollo program and is deceased; and (4) appoint as a Lunar Ambassador, each astronaut who participated in a mission to the moon in the Apollo program and is not a member of the Armed Forces.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the award of a congressional gold medal to the Army's 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

Date: 2008-09-24
Topic: Defense (Other)
Designates the Honor and Remember Flag, created by Honor and Remember, Inc., as the official symbol of our country's concern and commitment to honoring and remembering all members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. Provides days of the year, and memorials and other locations, on or at which the Flag shall be displayed.

Date: 2008-09-26
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to the Pottawatomi Nation in Canada in settlement and full satisfaction of certain claims. Excludes such payment from the provisions of the Indian Tribal Judgment Funds Use or Distribution Act.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Private legislation
Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code Amendment Act of 2007 - Amends federal law with regard to the flying of the national flag at half-staff to: (1) allow a governor of a state, territory, or possession of the United States (governor) to proclaim that the national flag be flown at half-staff upon the death of a member of the Armed Forces from the governor's state, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty; and (2) require, when a governor issues such a proclamation, the national flag flown at any federal installation or facility in that state, territory, or possession to be flown at half-staff consistent with that proclamation.

Date: 2007-03-01
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Commemorations
Cold War Medal Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, upon application, to issue Cold War service medals to military personnel who served honorably during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991).

Date: 2007-04-12
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Gary Lee McKiddy of Miamisburg, Ohio, for acts of valor while serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, notwithstanding otherwise application time limitations.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Commemorations
Cold War Medal Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, upon application, to issue Cold War service medals to military personnel who served honorably during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991).

Date: 2007-07-11
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) design and produce an Atomic Testing Service Medal to honor members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of U.S. atomic weapons tests conducted between 1945 and 1963; and (2) issue the Medal to such individuals (or their next-of-kin).

Date: 2007-10-23
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to undertake specified actions to enhance the suicide prevention programs of the Department of Defense (DOD), including: (1) suicide prevention training for all members of the Armed Forces and DOD civilian health care community and family support professionals; and (2) a suicide prevention outreach program throughout the Armed Forces and military family communities. Directs the Secretary to provide readjustment assistance to spouses and parents of members returning from deployments, including information on: (1) ways to identify signs and symptoms of risk factors for suicide; and (2) the national suicide prevention hotline and other suicide prevention resources. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements to identify and implement within DOD strategies for: (1) the recruitment and retention of qualified military behavioral health professionals to provide mental health services, and substance abuse disorder prevention and treatment services, to members; and (2) reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment.

Date: 2008-01-31
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
America's National World War II Museum Expansion Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make a grant to the National D-Day Museum Foundation for facilities and programs of America's National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Date: 2008-02-14
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Megellas for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Date: 2008-07-08
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Private legislation
Executive Order Integrity Act of 2008 - Requires revocations, modifications, waivers, and suspensions of presidential proclamations and executive orders to be published in the Federal Register within 30 days after such actions. Requires any such information which is classified to be provided to Congress, using the security procedures established under the National Security Act of 1947, in the form of a classified annex delivered to: (1) the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate; (2) the Speaker, and Majority and Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives; (3) the congressional judiciary committees; and (4) if the information pertains to national security matters, the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) ensure that each member and unit of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserve) that has served since March 20, 2003, is awarded each decoration, medal, citation, commendation, or other military award (award) to which such member or unit is entitled by reason of service since that date; and (2) conduct an audit to determine whether any such award has yet to be awarded. Directs each military department Secretary to establish procedures for the expedited review by general or flag officers of awards for service in combat or under hostile fire. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on progress made in authorized awards.

Date: 2008-08-01
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Telehealth for America Act of 2008 - Amends provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 relating to universal service to require a telecommunications carrier, on request, to provide telecommunications services, advanced telecommunications services and information services, and network management services (currently, only telecommunications services) to any public or nonprofit health care provider serving rural areas at rates that are up to 60% less than (currently, reasonably comparable to) urban areas in that state. Includes 14 specific types of providers, facilities, agencies, and organizations under the terms "rural health clinics and rural health care providers" (as part of the definition of "health care provider").

Date: 2008-09-16
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Municipal Bond Market Support Act of 2008 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the small issuer exemption from interest expense allocation rules for financial institutions to: (1) increase from $10 to $30 million the annual limit on small issuers of tax-exempt municipal bonds; (2) allow an inflation adjustment to such increased limit amount after 2009; (3) repeal aggregation rules relating to the determination of small issuer eligibility; (4) allow small issuers an election to treat borrowers separately for purposes of issuance limitations; and (5) allow financial institutions and brokers to hold up to 2% of their assets in tax-exempt securities without affecting their interest expense tax deduction.

Date: 2008-09-18
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Taxation
Redesignates: (1) the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps; and (2) the Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Makes similar redesignations with respect to the Department Under Secretary, the Department Assistant Secretaries, and the General Counsel.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to award the Army Combat Action Badge to any member of the Army who participated in combat during which the person actually engaged, or was personally engaged by, the enemy at any time between December 7, 1941, and September 18, 2001, as long as such person has not been previously recognized for such participation.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Prohibits federal funds from being used to transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the Naval Consolidated Brig, Charleston, South Carolina.

Date: 2009-01-15
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
In Memory Medal For Forgotten Veterans Act - Establishes the "Jesus (Chuchi) Salgado Medal" to be issued by the Secretary of Defense to a qualifying veteran who died after serving in the Vietnam War but whose death is determined to be a direct result of such service and whose name is not eligible for placement on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Date: 2009-01-26
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Designates the Honor and Remember Flag, created by Honor and Remember, Inc., as the official symbol of our country's concern and commitment to honoring and remembering all members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. Provides days of the year, and memorials and other locations, on or at which the Flag shall be displayed.

Date: 2009-02-12
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any military installation or federal detention center in Virginia; or (2) house any such individual at a Virginia installation or detention center.

Date: 2009-02-25
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Waives certain time limitations with respect to the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for acts of heroism during World War II as a member of the United States Navy.

Date: 2009-02-26
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Arnold Palmer (golf professional) in recognition of his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship.Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of such medal. Requires proceeds from the sale of such medals to be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Date: 2009-03-02
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Sports and recreation
Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Tiger Woods in recognition of his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship and in breaking barriers with grace and dignity by showing that golf is a sport for all people.

Date: 2009-03-02
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Sports and recreation
Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the posthumous award of a congressional gold medal in commemoration of Shirley Chisholm, in recognition of her activism, independence, and ground-breaking achievements in politics, her election as the first African-American woman in Congress, and her campaign to be the first African-American to gain the nomination of a major political party for President of the United States.

Date: 2009-03-03
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey certain real property, including improvements, that was formerly used by the Navy as an Extremely Low Frequency communications project site in Republic, Michigan, to Humboldt township in Marquette County, Michigan.

Date: 2009-03-05
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Eliminates the statute of limitations on the award of the Medal of Honor. (Under current law, the Medal must be awarded within three years after the date of the act justifying the award.)

Date: 2009-03-16
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Adds certain tax-exempt organizations consisting of past and present members of the Armed Forces to the list of organizations eligible for donations of personal property through state agencies.

Date: 2009-03-16
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Affordable Reloaded Munitions Supply (ARMS) Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from implementing any policy that would prevent or place undue restriction on the sale of intact spent military small arms ammunition casings to domestic manufacturers of small arms ammunition that are approved under trade security controls.

Date: 2009-04-30
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from authorizing an honor guard to participate in the funeral of any veteran interred in a national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration unless the honor guard offers to the family of each veteran in whose funeral the honor guard chooses to participate the option of having it perform one of the 13-fold flag recitations. Expresses the sense of Congress that 13-fold flag recitations are a historical tradition and that it should be the policy of the VA to authorize honor guards to participate in the funerals of veterans and proactively offer such a recitation to each veteran's family.

Date: 2009-05-21
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Felix Sosa-Camejo of Florida for his actions during the Vietnam War, ending with his death in combat on February 13, 1968.

Date: 2009-06-17
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Emil Kapaun for acts of valor during the Korean War.

Date: 2009-10-06
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to issue the Cold War Service Medal to members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions after having: (1) served on active duty for at least 24 consecutive months during the Cold War (September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991); (2) deployed outside the continental United States for at least 30 days during such period; or (3) performed other Cold War service as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite the design of the Medal as well its issuance to eligible members.

Date: 2009-11-06
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a single Congressional gold medal in honor of the steward and messman branches of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard that served during World War II in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country. Requires, after presentation, that the medal be given to the Smithsonian Institution. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, depositing receipts in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Date: 2009-11-07
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Guantanamo Detainee Transfer Impact Assessment Act of 2009 - Requires that the following conditions be met before a Guantanamo detainee may be transferred to any state: (1) a Homeland Insecurity Impact Statement (as set forth in this Act) has been prepared; (2) the President has submitted a copy of such Statement to Congress and to the governor and legislature of the affected state; and (3) the legislature of that state has consented to the transfer by a majority vote. Defines "state" to include the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and any other U.S. territory or possession.

Date: 2009-11-17
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available to any federal department or agency from being used to transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Thomson Correctional Center, Thomson, Illinois.

Date: 2009-11-17
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Keep Terrorists Out of the Midwest Act - Prohibits an individual detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from being: (1) transferred to or housed in a facility in a Midwestern state; or (2) prosecuted or tried for any offense against the United States in any Midwestern state. Defines "Midwestern state" as Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nebraska, and Kansas.

Date: 2009-11-19
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Achievements of the GI Bill Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a single gold medal in honor of the recipients of assistance under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights), in recognition of their great contributions in both their military and civilian life, and the contributions of Harry W. Colmery in initiating actions which led to the enactment of that Act. Requires the medal, following its award, to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display. Expresses the sense of Congress that the medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations selected by the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense (DOD), or Education.

Date: 2010-03-03
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Congress
William Shemin Jewish World War I Veterans Act - Directs the Secretaries of the Army and the Navy to: (1) review the service records of certain Jewish-American World War I veterans to determine whether that veteran should be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor; and (2) upon a positive determination, submit a recommendation to the President that the President make such award. Makes eligible for such review and award each Jewish-American World War I veteran: (1) who was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or other military decoration for service during World War I; or (2) whose name is submitted to either Secretary by the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America within one year after the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2010-05-24
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the President ProTempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to arrange for the award of a congressional gold medal in honor of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps, collectively, in recognition of their patriotism and civic activism in a time of emergency during World War II which saved civilian hospital nursing services and provided 80% of the nursing staff for civilian hospitals during World War II. Directs that such medal be given to the Smithsonian Institution to be displayed as appropriate and made available for research. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian Institution shall make the gold medal received under this Act available for display elsewhere, particularly at other locations associated with the Corps.

Date: 2010-06-08
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Health
Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M., Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to the next of kin or personal representative of Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M., in recognition of his example to the nation of selfless dedication to duty and compassion for one's fellow citizens.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Arts, culture, religion
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation on behalf of Congress of a gold medal of appropriate design to Greg Mortenson in recognition of his humanitarian work in Asia and elsewhere.

Date: 2010-08-10
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Social welfare
Grants a federal charter to the Medal of Courage and Service Corporation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Authorizes the Corporation to award and present in the name of Congress medals of courage and service to first responders in the City of Philadelphia who are selected by a committee of city and union officials and other civilian representatives.

Date: 2010-09-16
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Gold Medal of Remembrance for the Sons and Daughters of Our Fallen Act of 2010 - Directs that a medal, to be known as the Gold Medal of Remembrance, be presented to the child of a member of the Armed Forces who dies: (1) while serving on active duty in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn; or (2) as a result of wounds, injuries, or illness incurred during such service. Expresses the sense of Congress that such Medal should be presented by military commanders in ceremonies recognizing the support and sacrifice of children of members of the Armed Forces. Makes the Medal presentation requirement applicable retroactively with respect to covered deaths of members occurring after September 11, 2001.

Date: 2010-11-18
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) exempt pest control pyrotechnics manufactured, imported, used, and stored in accordance with regulations issued by the Attorney General from requirements governing the importation, manufacture, distribution, and storage of explosive materials; and (2) authorize the Attorney General to exempt from all or a part of such requirements explosive materials or devices containing such materials when a determination is made that such materials or devices are of a type that does not pose a threat to public safety and are unlikely to be used as a weapon.

Date: 2009-01-26
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act - Directs the Postmaster General to provide for the issuance of a forever stamp (a stamp that meets first-class postage requirements even if postage rates increase) to honor the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart.

Date: 2009-03-11
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the award of a congressional gold medal to the Army's 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. Mandates giving the gold medal to the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be displayed as appropriate and made available for research. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian Institution should make such medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with such Battalion, Team, and Service. Provides funding for the medal from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Date: 2009-05-14
Topic: Defense (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security