zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Enhancing United States Trustee Oversight Act of 2016

This bill authorizes U.S. trustees (who are appointed by the Attorney General to oversee certain bankruptcy cases and private trustees) to perform investigations, and to contract with auditors to perform audits, of trusts established as part of a reorganization plan confirmed under chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code, including a trust with respect to which an injunction is issued to carry out a discharge and enjoin entities from taking legal action to collect payment on a claim or demand to be paid by the trust.

Date: 2016-07-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Law
Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2016 or the CASE Act of 2016

This bill establishes in the U.S. Copyright Office a small claims board to serve as an alternative forum for parties to voluntarily seek to resolve certain copyright claims if the total monetary recovery sought by a party does not exceed $30,000.

The board is authorized to: (1) conduct hearings and conferences to facilitate parties' settlement of claims and counterclaims; (2) render independent determinations based on copyright laws and regulations; (3) award monetary relief; and (4) require cessation or mitigation of infringing activity, including the takedown or destruction of infringing materials, where the parties agree.

The bill preserves the right of parties to instead pursue a claim or defense in court.

Board proceedings shall not require in-person appearances by parties. Proceedings may take place through Internet-based teleconference applications.

Discovery shall be limited to the production of relevant information and documents, written interrogatories, and written requests for admission. But the board may consider a party's request for additional limited discovery.

A party may request: (1) the claims board to reconsider its determinations, and (2) the Register of Copyrights to review a claims board determination if the board denies reconsideration.

A final determination precludes relitigation of the claims before a court or the board, but parties may apply for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to vacate, modify, or correct a determination that: (1) was issued as a result of fraud, corruption, misrepresentation, or misconduct; (2) exceeds the board's authority or fails to render a definite determination; or (3) was based on a default determination or failure to prosecute that was due to excusable neglect.

If a party fails to pay or comply with relief awarded in a final board determination, the aggrieved party may apply for a court order confirming the final award.

Date: 2016-07-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Commerce
Patents for Humanity Program Improvement Act

This bill allows the holder or successor of an acceleration certificate issued pursuant to the Patents for Humanity Program (a pilot awards program established by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office [USPTO] entitling awardees to accelerate certain USPTO proceedings for patented technologies addressing humanitarian needs among an impoverished population or for further research on humanitarian technologies) to transfer, including by sale, the entitlement to such certificate to another person.

Date: 2016-11-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Commerce
Fairness for American Small Creators Act

This bill establishes in the U.S. Copyright Office a copyright claims board to serve as an alternative forum for parties to choose to resolve certain copyright claims if the total damages sought by a party do not exceed $30,000.

The board must certify its determinations on copyright claims, counterclaims, and defenses for confirmation by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The board is authorized to: (1) conduct hearings and conferences; (2) facilitate settlements; (3) render independent determinations based on copyright laws and regulations without consultation from the Register of Copyrights regarding the facts of a case; (4) award damages; and (5) require cessation or mitigation of infringing activity, including the takedown or destruction of infringing materials, where the parties agree.

The bill preserves the right of parties to instead pursue a claim or defense in court.

The board may conduct proceedings through Internet-based teleconference applications.

Discovery shall be limited to the production of relevant information and documents, written interrogatories, and written requests for admission. But the board may request specific information or approve a party's request for additional limited discovery.

A party may request: (1) the claims board to reconsider its determinations, and (2) the Register of Copyrights to review whether the claims board abused its discretion in denying any requested reconsideration.

The Register of Copyrights may issue regulations to dispose of any claim with total damages of $5,000 or less through a process that provides for: (1) one copyright claims officer to consider the claim and issue a determination, and (2) a copyright claims attorney to determine whether the case shall be heard by one officer or the board.

A party may not assert before a court or tribunal any claim resolved by the board's final determination, but parties may petition the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to vacate, modify, or correct a determination that: (1) was issued as a result of fraud, corruption, misconduct, or undue means; (2) exceeds the board's authority or was executed so imperfectly that the determination was neither final nor definite; or (3) was based on a default determination or failure to prosecute that was due to excusable neglect.

If a party fails to pay damages or comply with relief awarded in a final board determination, the aggrieved party may apply for a court order confirming the final award.

Date: 2016-12-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Commerce
Family Farmer Bankruptcy Clarification Act of 2015

 Amends chapter 12 of federal bankruptcy law (Debt Adjustment of a Family Farmer or Fisherman with Regular Annual Income) with respect to discharge of governmental claims based upon the disposition of property used in a farming operation.

Treats any unsecured claim of a governmental unit against the debtor or debtor's estate as an unsecured debt (hence, not entitled to priority payment), if it results from the sale, transfer, exchange, or other disposition of any property used in the debtor's farming operation and it arises either: (1) before the petition in bankruptcy is filed, or (2) after such filing but before the debtor's discharge.

Authorizes a governmental unit to file a proof for a claim that arises after the date on which the petition is filed.

Requires such debt to be discharged in accordance with specified discharge procedures.

States that, for purposes of applying procedures governing plan confirmation, discharge, and modification after plan confirmation, the amount that would be paid on the claim if the estate were liquidated under chapter 7 shall be the amount that would be paid by the estate in a chapter 7 case if the claim were an unsecured claim arising before the date on which the petition was filed and not entitled to priority payment status.

Date: 2015-01-20
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Fairness for Struggling Students Act of 2015

This bill amends federal bankruptcy law to make privately issued student loans dischargeable in bankruptcy. Under current law, student loans (whether issued privately or by a governmental unit) are dischargeable only if excepting the loans from dischargeability would impose undue hardship on the debtor and the debtor's dependents.

Date: 2015-03-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Consumer Reporting Fairness Act of 2015

This bill requires a creditor that has provided or furnished to a consumer reporting agency any item of information pertaining to an account based on a debt discharged in a case under the federal bankruptcy code to inform such agency that the debt has been discharged in bankruptcy and has a zero balance.

An individual injured by any willful violation of this provision shall recover actual damages, including costs and attorneys' fees, and may recover punitive damages in appropriate circumstances.

Date: 2015-07-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Taxpayer Protection and Responsible Resolution Act

This bill amends federal bankruptcy law with respect to a "covered financial corporation" incorporated or organized under any federal or state law (other than a stockbroker, a commodity broker, or a domestic or foreign insurance company or financial institution meeting certain criteria) that is: (1) a bank holding company; or (2) a corporation that exists for the primary purpose of owning, controlling, and financing subsidiaries predominantly engaged in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to such an activity.

The bill adds "Chapter 14 - Liquidation, Reorganization, or Recapitalization of a Covered Financial Corporation," setting forth requirements and prohibitions regarding: (1) commencement of a case concerning a covered financial corporation; (2) a special trustee and bridge company; (3) special transfer of the property of the estate in bankruptcy; (4) treatment of qualified financial contracts and affiliate contracts; (5) licenses, permits, and registrations; (6) exemption from securities laws; and (7) inapplicability of certain avoiding powers.

A court may convert a case under chapter 14 to chapter 7 (Liquidation) if certain conditions are met.

The Judicial Code is amended to require the Chief Justice of the United States to designate at least 10 bankruptcy judges to be available to hear a bankruptcy case under chapter 14.

The bill prescribes requirements for assignment of bankruptcy judges to chapter 14 cases.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is amended to repeal Title II (Orderly Liquidation Authority), governing the bankruptcy of financial institutions. Makes conforming amendments to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Reserve Act. The Federal Reserve Act is amended to prohibit a Federal Reserve bank from making advances for the purpose of providing debtor-in-possession financing to either: (1) a bridge company, or (2) a covered financial corporation that is a debtor in a pending case under Chapter 14. No funds appropriated to the federal government may be paid to a covered financial corporation or to any of its creditors to satisfy a claim in a case under chapter 14.

Date: 2015-07-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Taxpayer Protection and Responsible Resolution Act

This bill amends federal bankruptcy law with respect to a "covered financial corporation" incorporated or organized under any federal or state law (other than a stockbroker, a commodity broker, or a domestic or foreign insurance company or financial institution meeting certain criteria) that is: (1) a bank holding company; or (2) a corporation that exists for the primary purpose of owning, controlling, and financing subsidiaries predominantly engaged in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to such an activity.

The bill adds "Chapter 14 - Liquidation, Reorganization, or Recapitalization of a Covered Financial Corporation," setting forth requirements and prohibitions regarding: (1) commencement of a case concerning a covered financial corporation; (2) a special trustee and bridge company; (3) special transfer of the property of the estate in bankruptcy; (4) treatment of qualified financial contracts and affiliate contracts; (5) licenses, permits, and registrations; (6) exemption from securities laws; and (7) inapplicability of certain avoiding powers.

A court may convert a case under chapter 14 to chapter 7 (Liquidation) if certain conditions are met.

The Judicial Code is amended to require the Chief Justice of the United States to designate at least 10 bankruptcy judges to be available to hear a bankruptcy case under chapter 14 .

The bill prescribes requirements for assignment of bankruptcy judges to chapter 14 cases.

No funds appropriated to the federal government may be paid to a covered financial corporation or to any of its creditors to satisfy a claim in a case under chapter 14.

Date: 2015-07-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
DUE PROCESS Act of 2016 or the Deterring Undue Enforcement by Protecting Rights of Citizens from Excessive Searches and Seizures Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions related to federal civil forfeiture cases. Specifically, the bill:

 raises the evidentiary standard in such cases from "preponderance of the evidence" to "clear and convincing evidence"; with respect to property owners who are indigent, provides for the appointment of counsel; provides for recovery of attorney's fees with respect to settled claims in which the claimant prevails; adds notice requirements; and expedites and otherwise modifies certain procedures. The Department of Justice must: (1) annually audit federal civil forfeiture cases, and (2) establish a publicly available database with respect to seizures in such cases.

Date: 2016-06-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Wage and Garnishment Equity Act of 2016 or the WAGE Act

This bill amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to define "assignment" (of wages and earnings) to exclude payroll deductions or preauthorized payment plans and any assignment applicable only to earnings already earned.

 The bill adjusts the maximum part of a person's aggregate disposable earnings for any workweek that is subject to garnishment or assignment. Such amount shall not exceed the lesser of: (1) 10% of earnings for an individual earning $1200 or less weekly (15% for an individual earning more than $1200), or (2) the amount by which the earnings exceed 80 (currently, 30) times the federal minimum hourly wage in effect.

No employer may take any adverse employment action against an employee because the employee's earnings have been subject to garnishment or assignment.

The Department of Labor may provide the same exemption from maximum allowable garnishment requirements for state-regulated assignments as it does for state-regulated garnishments.

The bill requires specified delays of garnishment pursuant to an order directed at an employer with fewer than 50 employees.

Of the aggregate amount of an individual's funds in deposit accounts, $10,000 (as adjusted for inflation every three years) shall be exempt and immune from attachment or seizure for any judgment related to a debt.

Date: 2016-07-07
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2016

This bill amends federal bankruptcy law to allow a medically distressed debtor to exempt, from the property of the estate in bankruptcy, up to $250,000 of the debtor's aggregate interest in: (1) specified real or personal property that the debtor or debtor's dependent uses as a residence, (2) a cooperative that owns such property, or (3) a burial plot for the debtor or debtor's dependent.

With respect to a medically distressed debtor, the bill waives certain administrative and procedural requirements.

In addition, the bill allows a medically distressed debtor to discharge in bankruptcy debts for certain educational loans.

A debtor who seeks relief as a medically distressed debtor must attest in writing, under penalty of perjury, that the debtor's medical expenses are genuine and were not specifically incurred to bring the debtor within the meaning of "medically distressed debtor."

Date: 2016-09-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2016 

This bill requires the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees, and the Federal Judicial Center to jointly develop and periodically update recommendations regarding the judicial expertise that is required to oversee the bankruptcy process for financial companies and other specified issues related to the bankruptcy process.

After the recommendations are submitted, the U.S. Supreme Court must issue a rule that provides for the orderly appointment of a bankruptcy judge or district court judge with expertise in the resolution of financial companies under the federal bankruptcy code to oversee a bankruptcy case involving a financial company.

The bill amends the federal bankruptcy code to permit specified financial regulators to raise, appear, and be heard on any issues in a bankruptcy case or proceeding in which the debtor is a financial company.

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation must nominate five disinterested individuals to serve as trustees for a financial company debtor. The U.S. trustee must appoint one of the nominees as a trustee, and the trustee is exempt from the requirements for residency or an office in the judicial district where the case is pending.

The Office of Financial Research must submit to Congress a report summarizing and evaluating various analytical works that examine bankruptcy policies. The report must address the effectiveness of the bankruptcy code, a bridge company study, a financing and liquidity study, and a master netting agreement study. It must also include recommendations regarding any legislative or regulatory changes that could address gaps or vulnerabilities identified.

Date: 2016-12-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Bankruptcy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Community Action Rebuilding Effort Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide with respect to the California wildfires of October 2007 tax treatment of employer leave-based donation programs similar to the tax treatment provided for such programs after Hurricane Katrina by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Notice 2005-68 (i.e., cash payments by employers to charitable organizations for disaster relief purposes in exchange for foregone employee leave is not taxed as income to participating employees and is deductible by employers as a necessary business expense.)

Date: 2007-10-31
Topic: Labor (Other)
Subject: Taxation
Repeals a provision requiring both a vessel and its master to have a license to engage in the business of salvaging on the coast of Florida.

Date: 2007-12-13
Topic: Labor (Other)
Subject: Transportation and public works
United States Call Center Worker and Consumer Protection Act of 2013 - Requires a business enterprise that employs 50 or more employees, excluding part-time employees, or 50 or more employees who in the aggregate work at least 1,500 hours per week, exclusive of overtime, in a call center to notify the Secretary of Labor at least 120 days before relocating such center outside of the United States. Subjects violators to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 a day. Directs the Secretary to establish, maintain, and make publicly available a list of all such employers that relocate a call center. Authorizes the Secretary to remove from the list an employer that has relocated the call center from a location outside the United States to a location inside the United States.

Requires such an employer to remain on the list for up to three years after each relocation. Makes such an employer ineligible for federal grants or federal guaranteed loans for five years after being added to the list, except where the employer demonstrates that a lack of such loan or grant would threaten national security, result in substantial job loss in the United States, or harm the environment. Requires the head of federal or state executive agency or military department, when awarding a civilian or defense-related contract, to give preference to a U.S. employer that does not appear on the list.

Requires a business entity that initiates or receives a customer service communication to require each of its employees or agents participating in the communication to disclose their physical location at the beginning of each such communication unless all involved employees or agents are located in the United States. Exempts any communication: (1) initiated by a consumer if the consumer knows or reasonably should know that the employee or agent is located outside the United States, or (2) related to the provision of emergency services. Requires such a business entity, upon request, to transfer a customer to a customer service agent who is physically located in the United States.

Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to exclude certain classes or types of business entities or customer services communications from the requirements of this Act under exceptionally compelling circumstances. Sets forth enforcement provisions.

Date: 2013-09-30
Topic: Labor (Other)
Subject: Commerce
Voluntary Protection Program Act

This bill provides statutory authority for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) voluntary protection program, under which management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system.

Date: 2016-04-28
Topic: Labor (Other)
Subject: Labor and employment
Comprehensive Labor Evaluation and Research Act or the CLEAR Act

This bill establishes in the Department of Labor an Office of Labor Evaluation and Research to collaborate with federal agencies to ensure that evaluations of labor issues meet evidence-based research standards and that the results are disseminated in forms that are usable or adaptable by practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and the public.

Labor must appoint a Chief Evaluation Officer as the head of the office to: (1) manage and conduct scientifically valid evaluation and research of labor issues, (2) assist in establishing and refining structures for programs and activities, (3) measure impacts of programs, (4) carry out data analytics to strengthen management, (5) solicit stakeholder recommendations, (6) identify long-term priority topics, (7) coordinate activities with other federal agencies, and (8) disseminate information to stakeholders.

The Chief Evaluation Officer must maintain a Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research that: (1) reviews whether labor evaluations and research meet evidence-based research standards; (2) promotes accessibility and public awareness of results that meet the standards; (3) encourages the use of reviewed evaluations and research to inform policies, programs, and activities; (4) assesses the quality of evaluations that examine the effectiveness of particular programs; and (5) acts to synthesize evaluations and research within a topic area, highlight gaps in literature, and identify areas for further research.

The Chief Evaluation Officer may award grants, enter contracts and cooperative agreements, and provide technical assistance to Labor agencies and other entities to carry out this bill.

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: Labor (Other)
Subject: Labor and employment
Building a Stronger America Act - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to award grants for the development of feasibility studies and plans for the construction of new or expansion of existing science parks. Allows the Secretary to guarantee up to 80% of the loan amount for loans exceeding $10 million for projects for the construction of such infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) under which NAS shall evaluate, every three years, such development. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enter into an agreement with NAS to study the successes of international partnerships among governments, industry, and academia in advancing the capabilities of science and technology in conjunction with a corresponding increase in business opportunities.

Date: 2007-11-15
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable to: (1) any amount collected or received as federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.

Date: 2007-02-15
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Health Care and Training for Older Workers Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to extend COBRA continuation coverage for certain older workers. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to revise: (1) statewide employment and training activities, adding developing strategies for serving hard-to-serve populations and coordinating programs among one-stop partners; (2) local employment and training activities, with respect to intensive services and training services, and adding customer support for members of hard-to-serve populations, including individuals with disabilities; and (3) performance measures, data, and reporting.

Date: 2007-02-28
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Labor and employment
E-Government Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the E-Government Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) the integrated Internet-based system providing public access to government information and services (federal Internet portal); (2) the governmentwide repository and website; (3) the study of best practices at community technology centers, development and dissemination of the online tutorial, and promotion of community technology centers; (4) common protocols for geographic information systems; and (5) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) electronic government services, and federal management and promotion of such services. Extends the authorization of appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) coordination of federal information policy (information security); (2) the E-Government Fund; and (3) the Information Exchange Program. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to extend the Computer Standards Program through FY2012. Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) develop best practices for agencies to follow in conducting privacy impact assessments; and (2) ensure that publicly available online federal government information and services are made more accessible to external search capabilities, including commercial and governmental.

Date: 2007-11-07
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Efficiency in Decision Making Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make a decision that either grants or denies a Petition for Reconsideration and issue a Memorandum Opinion and Order not later than one year after the submission of the petition. Deems a petition granted if the FCC fails to act within that time limit.

Date: 2007-12-05
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Protecting Consumers through Proper Forbearance Procedures Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant or deny, within one year, a petition by one or more telecommunications carriers or classes of carriers requesting that the FCC forbear from applying any regulation or provision under the Act. (Current law deems such a petition granted if not denied within one year.)

Date: 2007-12-13
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
National Innovation and Job Creation Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a National Innovation Council, to be responsible for formulating and advocating for the federal government's innovation policy. Requires the Council to collaborate with major statistical agencies, collect data concerning the impact on productivity of the Council's programs, and annually report to Congress on national innovation and productivity. Places the Council under the direction of a National Innovation Council Board.Transfers to the Council specified research and innovation programs of the National Institute of Standards of Technology, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Labor.Establishes within the Council the CLUSTER Information Center to promote the collection, development, and dissemination of data and analysis on industry clusters (geographic concentrations of interconnected businesses and associated institutions in a particular field).Requires the Council to award grants for: (1) operation of CLUSTER Initiatives (formal efforts to promote cluster growth and competitiveness through collaborative activities); (2) research partnerships between academic institutions and industry research alliances; (3) early-stage research, by academic institutions and joint ventures, into methods of increasing productivity and innovation; (4) state innovation-based economic development partnerships; and (5) diffusion of technological innovations by manufacturing extension partnership centers.

Date: 2008-06-03
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Commerce
Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to extend the regulatory authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to certain transactions in derivatives involving specified energy commodities ("included energy transactions"), including those on foreign boards of trade.Defines "included energy transaction" as a contract, agreement, or transaction in an energy commodity for future delivery that: (1) provides for a delivery point in the United States; or (2) is transacted on a computer terminal located in the United States.Prohibits the CFTC from exempting from regulation any "included energy transaction" unless certain notice to Congress and public comment requirements are met. Declares null and void any CFTC "no-action letter" exemptions from CEA requirements for "included energy transactions."Requires the CFTC to establish uniform limits on the aggregate number of positions with respect to "included energy transactions" which may be held by any person for the prompt month, for each month, and for all months in all markets subject to CFTC jurisdiction.Excludes swaps involving "included energy transactions" from any CEA exemption for bona fide hedging transactions.Defines "bilateral included energy transaction" as an included energy transaction executed or traded other than on or through a trading facility. Exempts such transactions from the requirement that transactions be made on or through a designated contract market. Applies to "bilateral included energy transactions" certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements.Instructs the CFTC to publish monthly on its website: (1) the aggregate number and value of long and short positions held by a person in any portfolio constructed to match or track the components of an index of all commodities; and (2) the portion of the positions that are net long positions in "included energy transactions."Amends the Natural Gas Act and the Federal Power Act to set forth enforcement powers of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), including cease-and-desist proceedings, temporary orders, and general implementation authority.

Date: 2008-06-24
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Webcaster Settlement Act of 2008 - Allows a receiving agent (designated by the Librarian of Congress to collect royalties that ultimately are disbursed to sound recording copyright owners and performers) to enter into agreements with webcasters that establish royalty terms for the performance of sound recordings over the Internet. Provides that such agreements, which may be effective for a period of up to 11 years following January 1, 2005, are to be binding on all copyright owners of sound recordings and other persons entitled to payment, in lieu of any determination of compulsory license rates by the Copyright Royalty Judges.Terminates the authority to negotiate settlement agreements under this Act on February 15, 2009.Declares that nothing in this Act (or any agreement entered into under this Act) shall be taken into account by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in its review of the May 1, 2007, determination of royalty rates by the Copyright Royalty Judges.

Date: 2008-09-29
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Commerce
Protecting Consumers through Proper Forbearance Procedures Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant or deny, within one year, a petition by one or more telecommunications carriers or classes of carriers requesting that the FCC forbear from applying any regulation or provision under the Act. (Current law deems such a petition granted if not denied within one year.)

Date: 2009-01-09
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to include Head Start agencies in the universal support program, which makes them eligible for discounts for advanced telecommunications services.

Date: 2009-04-29
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), subject to exception, to promulgate regulations requiring before adopting, modifying, or deleting a final regulation: (1) publication of the specific regulation language; and (2) specific time periods for comments, replying to comments, and deadlines for comments. Requires the FCC to: (1) ensure adequate review time; (2) establish action deadlines; (3) publish any actions within 30 days; and (4) submit specified notifications to specified congressional committees. Requires the FCC to annually publish the release schedule for all regular or intermittent FCC statistical reports and to notify the chairpersons and ranking members of specified congressional committees of the reason for any delay.

Date: 2009-04-30
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy grant program, which shall provide for: (1) global research competitions to address global challenges and collaborative research; (2) science and engineering institutional capacity building; (3) nonproliferation research and training; and (4) online access to worldwide science journals. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Embassy Science Fellows Program to: (1) pay for the costs of federal scientists to serve for up to three years in the Department of State; and (2) enhance scientists' role in U.S. diplomatic efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Jefferson Science Fellows Program to: (1) provide an opportunity for tenured research-active scientists and engineers from the U.S academic community to serve in the Department of State for one year; and (2) enhance the availability at the Department of up-to-date scientific knowledge relevant to foreign policy and international relations. Directs the Secretary to establish the Scientific Envoys Program under which the Secretary shall appoint scientists and engineers to serve as envoys on behalf of the United States to: (1) represent the U.S. commitment to promote, in collaboration with other countries, the advancement of science and technology; and (2) facilitate partnerships with eligible countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor should be further integrated into Department activities; and (2) relevant federal agencies should work to improve the visa process to ensure that the United States remains a central destination for scientific conferences and programs.

Date: 2010-03-10
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: International affairs
FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to permit each commissioner to appoint an electrical engineer or computer scientist to provide technical consultation and to interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology and other Federal Communications Commission (FCC) bureaus and technical staff. Requires such engineer or scientist to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in his or her respective field of expertise.

Date: 2010-03-10
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
National Institute of Standards and Technology Authorization Act of 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 to the Secretary of Commerce for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for: (1) scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities; (2) facilities construction and maintenance; and (3) industrial technology services activities, including the Technology Innovation Program (TIP), Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP), and Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program. Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and requires the Under Secretary to conduct policy analysis on innovation and technical standards to improve and promote U.S. competitiveness. Requires the Director to reorganize the scientific and technical research and services laboratory program as specified. Directs the Secretary to promote collaboration among federal departments and agencies and private sector stakeholders. Requires the Director to establish, within the Hollings Manufacturing Partnership Program, an innovative services initiative to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers in: (1) reducing their energy usage and environmental waste; and (2) accelerating the domestic commercialization of new product technologies, including components for renewable energy systems. Directs the Secretary to establish appropriate criteria to be considered in determining the cost share of a Hollings Manufacturing Extension Center, but in no case shall it exceed half of the costs incurred by such Center. Revises the funding for a Center under the Program after the sixth year of operation. Requires the Director to establish a bioscience research program. Authorizes the Director to establish university research centers at institutions of higher education to conduct research to further the program's objectives.

Date: 2010-04-20
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
National Economic Competitiveness and Innovation Strategy Act of 2010 - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to conduct a comprehensive study and report to Congress on the economic competitiveness and innovative capacity of the United States. Requires the report to include: (1) findings; (2) a list of the type of measurements needed to evaluate economic competitiveness and innovation over time; and (3) a national competitiveness strategy for strengthening the innovative and competitive capacity of the federal government, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, and the private sector, including proposed legislative changes and actions, specified proposed actions, and a proposal for monitoring and oversight of the government's progress in improving conditions for innovation and competitiveness.

Date: 2010-04-26
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Commerce
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security: (1) to study and report to Congress on the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief; and (2) in conducting the study, to utilize the expertise of stakeholder entities and organizations, including the amateur radio, emergency response, and disaster communications communities.Requires the study to: (1) include a review of the importance of amateur radio emergency communications in furtherance of homeland security missions relating to disasters, severe weather, and other threats to lives and property in the United States, as well as recommendations for enhancements in the voluntary deployment of amateur radio licensees and improved integration of amateur radio operators in the planning and furtherance of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiatives; and (2) identify impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications and make recommendations regarding such impediments.

Date: 2009-10-06
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Emergency management
FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to permit each commissioner to appoint an electrical engineer or computer scientist to provide technical consultation and to interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology and other Federal Communications Commission (FCC) bureaus and technical staff. Requires such engineer or scientist to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in his or her respective field of expertise. Directs the FCC Chairman to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to complete a specified study of, and report on, FCC technical policy decisionmaking and the technical personnel at the FCC.

Date: 2009-12-14
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to permit each commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to appoint an electrical engineer or computer scientist to provide technical consultation and to interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology and other FCC bureaus and technical staff. Requires such engineer or scientist to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in his or her field of expertise.

Date: 2011-06-02
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
FCC "ABCs" Act of 2011 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to include in each notice of proposed rule making and in each final rule issued by the FCC an analysis of the benefits and costs of such proposed rule or final rule. Prohibits any appropriations for the express purpose of carrying out this Act.

Date: 2011-06-22
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy, which shall provide for: (1) global, regional, or country-specific research competitions to address global challenges and collaborative research, including programs to employ scientists in research for peaceful purposes; (2) science and engineering institutional capacity building; (3) nonproliferation research and training; and (4) online access to worldwide science journals. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Advisory Panel on International Scientific Cooperation to facilitate Program implementation. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Embassy Science Fellows Program to: (1) pay for the costs of federal scientists to serve in the Department of State, and (2) enhance scientists' role in U.S. diplomatic efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Jefferson Science Fellows Program to: (1) provide an opportunity for tenured research-active scientists and engineers from the U.S academic community to serve in the Department of State for one year, and (2) enhance the availability at the Department of up-to-date scientific knowledge relevant to foreign policy and international relations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Scientific Envoys Program under which the Secretary shall appoint scientists and engineers to serve as envoys on behalf of the United States to: (1) represent the U.S. commitment to promote, in collaboration with other countries, the advancement of science and technology; and (2) facilitate partnerships with eligible countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor should be further integrated into Department activities, and (2) relevant federal agencies should work to improve the visa process to ensure that the United States remains a central destination for scientific conferences and programs.

Date: 2012-08-02
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: International affairs
Cyber Security and American Cyber Competitiveness Act of 2011 - Calls for the enactment of bipartisan legislation to secure the United States against cyber attack, enhance American competitiveness and create jobs in the information technology industry, and protect the identities and sensitive information of American citizens and businesses by: (1) enhancing the security and resiliency of U.S. government communications and information networks against cyber attack; (2) incentivizing the private sector to quantify, assess, and mitigate cyber risks to networks; (3) promoting investments in the American information technology sector; (4) improving the capability of the government and the private sector to assess cyber risks and prevent, detect, and respond to cyber attacks; (5) preventing and mitigating identity theft; (6) enhancing U.S. diplomatic capacity and international cooperation to respond to emerging cyber threats; (7) protecting and increasing the resiliency of U.S critical infrastructure and assets against cyber attacks; (8) expanding resources for investigating and prosecuting cyber crimes in a manner that respects privacy rights and civil liberties and promotes American innovation; and (9) maintaining robust protections of the privacy of American citizens and their on-line activities and communications.

Date: 2011-01-25
Topic: Technology (General)
Subject: Government operations and politics