zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Fair Treatment of Israel in Product Labeling Act of 2016

This bill requires that, for goods produced or originating in the areas known as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, proper markings for country of origin include: (1) Israel, (2) Product of Israel, (3) Made in Israel, (4) West Bank, (5) Gaza, (6) Gaza Strip, (7) West Bank/Gaza, or (8) West Bank/Gaza Strip.

Neither the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, nor any competent official of another federal department or agency shall prohibit the use of any such markings for purposes of country of origin marking requirements.

Date: 2016-02-01
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Combating BDS Act of 2016

This bill authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit investment of its assets in: (1) an entity that such government determines, using credible information available to the public, engages in a commerce or investment-related boycott, divestment, or sanctions activity targeting Israel; or (2) an entity that owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, such an entity. Such government shall provide written notice to such an entity before applying such a measure.

Such a measure by a state or local government is not preempted by any federal law. The bill applies to any measure adopted by a state or local government before, on, or after the date of this Act's enactment.

The bill amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to prohibit any person from bringing any civil, criminal, or administrative action against any registered investment company, or any officer or employee thereof, based solely upon such company divesting from, or avoiding investing in, securities issued by persons that such company determines, using credible information available to the public, engage in any commerce or investment-related boycotts, divestments, or sanctions activities targeting Israel.

Date: 2016-02-10
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2016 

This bill prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance in excess of FY2014 amounts to the government of Vietnam, or to any organization working within Vietnam under an agreement with an entity, agency, or organization of the government of Vietnam, unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting political, civil, media, Internet, and religious freedoms, minority rights, access to U.S. refugee programs, and actions to end trafficking in persons and the release of religious and political prisoners.

The President may waive such requirements:

 if increased U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance would promote the purposes of this Act or is otherwise in the U.S. national interest, and with respect to all U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam, or one or more programs or projects. It is the sense of Congress that:

 it shall be U.S. policy that further easing of the prohibition on the sale of lethal military equipment to Vietnam shall require Vietnam to take additional and sustained steps to advance human rights protections; the United States should take measures to overcome the jamming of Radio Free Asia by Vietnam and that the Broadcasting Board of Governors should not cut staffing, funding, or broadcast hours for the Vietnamese language services of the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia; U.S.-Vietnam educational and cultural exchange programs should promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam; Vietnam should be designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom; and Vietnam does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
This bill directs the Department of State to consult with South Korean officials on potential opportunities to reunite Korean American families with family members in North Korea from whom such Korean American families were divided after the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement.

At least every 180 days the State Department's Special Representative on North Korea Policy shall consult with representatives of these Korean American families regarding reunification efforts.

Date: 2016-03-09
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Preventing Iran's Access to United States Dollars Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the President from issuing a license that permits a person to:

 conduct an offshore U.S. dollar clearing system for transactions involving the government of Iran or an Iranian person, or provide U.S. dollars for any offshore U.S. dollar clearing system conducted by a foreign government or a foreign financial institution for transactions involving the government of Iran or an Iranian person. The Department of the Treasury shall report to Congress:

 a list of financial institutions operating or participating in an offshore U.S. dollar clearing system that conducts transactions involving the government of Iran or an Iranian person, and an assessment of Treasury efforts to prevent such transactions. The President shall block and prohibit all transactions in property and property interests of any listed institution if the property and interests: (1) are in the United States, (2) come within the United States, or (3) are or come within the possession or control of a U.S. person. The President may impose additional sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 is amended to subject to sanctions: (1) u-turn transactions (fund transfers from a foreign bank that pass through a U.S. financial institution and are then transferred to a second foreign bank), and (2) book transfers (fund transfers for the benefit of an Iranian financial institution made between accounts of the same financial institution).

Date: 2016-04-06
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iran Cyber Sanctions Act of 2016

This bill requires the President to report to Congress at least every 180 days regarding significant activities undermining cybersecurity conducted by Iranian persons against the United States or U.S. persons. The reports must: (1) identify Iranians involved in such activities; (2) describe their conduct; (3) assess the Iranian government's or other foreign governments' material support for such activities; and (4) provide a strategy to counter efforts by Iranian persons to conduct such activities, which shall include engaging foreign governments to halt the capabilities of such Iranian persons.

The President must include on the Office of Foreign Assets Control's specially designated nationals and blocked persons list (which identifies individuals and entities whose assets within the United States are blocked from being accessed and with whom U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions) Iranian persons who are: (1) identified in such reports; or (2) indicted by the Department of Justice in connection with such activities undermining U.S. cybersecurity, unless the President submits an explanation for excluding such a person from that list.

Date: 2016-04-06
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iran Financial System Access Limitation Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that Congress must act to preempt any move to grant licenses resulting in Iran's access to the U.S. dollar.

The President may not issue a license to an offshore dollar-clearing entity to conduct a transaction in U.S. dollars with an Iranian financial institution.

A U.S. person may not process (in a U-turn transaction) any transfer of funds to or from Iran, or for the benefit of persons in Iran or the government of Iran, even if the transfer arises from, and is ordinarily incident and necessary to give effect to, an underlying transaction.

The President shall block and prohibit transactions in all property and property interests of any foreign financial institution that serves as an offshore dollar clearing entity to conduct a transaction with an Iranian financial institution in U.S. dollars if such property and property interests are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a U.S. person.

Date: 2016-04-06
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
This bill prohibits the President from prohibiting the provision of technical services permitted under an international air transportation agreement in the United States for an aircraft of a foreign air carrier that is en route to or from Cuba based on the restrictions set forth in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations.

This prohibition shall not apply:

 if the United States is at war with Cuba, armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba are in progress, or there is imminent danger to the public health or physical safety of U.S. citizens; or to foreign air carriers that are owned by the government of Cuba or based in Cuba.

Date: 2016-05-25
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a qualified hazardous duty area to be treated in the same manner as a combat zone for certain tax provisions.

A "qualified hazardous duty area" is the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt if a member of the Armed Forces performs services in such location that qualify for special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger.

The requirement applies to specified tax provisions relating to:

 the special rule where a deceased spouse was in missing status; the exclusion from gross income of certain combat pay of members of the Armed Forces; income taxes of members of the Armed Forces on death; combat zone-related deaths of members of the Armed Forces; the definition of wages relating to combat pay for members of the Armed Forces; the taxation of phone service originating from a combat zone from members of the Armed Forces; joint tax returns where an individual is in missing status; and additional time for individuals serving in combat zones to file returns, pay taxes, and perform other specified acts.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Taxation
Remedies for Refusal of Repatriation Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish procedures for determining whether a foreign government systematically and unreasonably refuses or delays the repatriation of its nationals who: (1) have been ordered deported by the United States; and (2) have been convicted of a felony or a crime of violence or are a threat to national security or public safety.

Upon determining that a country does refuse or delay repatriation of its citizens, DHS shall notify the Department of State and the two departments shall meet with the country's representatives and notify them that the United States may deny visas to their nationals.

If the country continues to refuse or delay the repatriation of its nationals, the State Department shall discontinue the issuance of visas, unless DHS determines that such discontinuance is not in U.S. interests.

DHS and the State Department shall list such countries on their websites.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Immigration
Taiwan Travel Act

This bill states that it should be U.S. policy to permit:

 officials at all levels of the U.S. government to travel to Taiwan to meet their Taiwanese counterparts; high-level Taiwanese officials to enter the United States under respectful conditions and to meet with U.S. officials; and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, and any other instrumentality established by Taiwan, to conduct business in the United States.

Date: 2016-09-27
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Taylor Force Act

This bill prohibits certain assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 from being made available for the West Bank and Gaza unless the Department of State certifies that the Palestinian Authority:

 is taking steps to end acts of violence against U.S. and Israeli citizens perpetrated by individuals under its jurisdictional control, such as the March 2016 attack that killed former Army officer Taylor Force; is publicly condemning such acts of violence and is investigating, or cooperating in investigations of, such acts; and has terminated payments for acts of terrorism against U.S. and Israeli citizens to any individual who has been convicted and imprisoned for such acts, to any individual who died committing such acts, and to family members of such an individual.

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Terrorism Art and Antiquity Revenue Prevention Act of 2016 or the TAAR Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the transportation, sale, or receipt of certain cultural property that has been removed or excavated in violation of local law.

Department of Homeland Security must establish an inventory database system for cultural property of Iraq or Syria that legally enters the United States.

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Protecting Israel Against Economic Discrimination Act of 2016

This bill declares that Congress opposes politically motivated boycotts, divestment from, and sanctions against Israel.

The bill amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to declare that it shall be U.S. policy to oppose:

 requests by foreign countries to impose restrictive practices or boycotts against other countries friendly to the United States or against U.S. persons; and restrictive trade practices or boycotts fostered or imposed by an international governmental organization, or requests to impose such practices or boycotts, against Israel. The bill prohibits U.S. persons engaged in interstate or foreign commerce from:

 requesting the imposition of any boycott by a foreign country against a country which is friendly to the United States; or supporting any boycott fostered or imposed by an international organization, or requesting imposition of any such boycott, against Israel. The bill amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to include as a reason for the Export-Import Bank to deny credit applications for the export of goods and services between the United States and foreign countries, opposition to policies and actions that are politically motivated and are intended to penalize or otherwise limit commercial relations specifically with citizens or residents of Israel, entities organized under the laws of Israel, or the Government of Israel.

Date: 2016-09-29
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2016

This bill amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Department of State to report to Congress (within 90 days and annually thereafter through 2023) on conditions in Hong Kong that are of U.S. interest.

Such report shall include matters in which Hong Kong is given separate treatment under U.S. laws from that accorded to China.

 The State Department shall certify to Congress annually whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify separate treatment different from that accorded to China in any new laws, agreements, treaties, or arrangements entered into between the United States and Hong Kong.

 The President shall identify persons responsible for: (1) the surveillance, abduction, detention, or forced confessions of certain booksellers and journalists in Hong Kong; and (2) other actions suppressing basic freedoms.

 The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny U.S. entry to identified individuals and revoke visas or other entry documentation.

 Entry, work, or study visa applicants who resided in Hong Kong in 2014 shall not be denied visas on the basis of the applicant's arrest or detention or other adverse government action taken as a result of participation in the nonviolent protest activities related to Hong Kong's electoral process.

 The President shall freeze the U.S.-based assets of identified individuals.

Date: 2016-11-16
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) China cannot be allowed to interfere with the free use of waters and airspace in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, (2) China should not be allowed to pursue illegitimate claims and to militarize an area that is essential to global security, (3) the United States should expand freedom of navigation operations and overflights and respond to Chinese provocations with commensurate actions, and (4) the United States should oppose any unilateral Chinese actions to undermine Japan's control of the Senkaku Islands.

The bill requires the President to impose entry and U.S.-based property sanctions with respect to: (1) any Chinese person that contributes to construction or development projects in areas of the South China Sea contested by one or more members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); (2) any Chinese person that has engaged in actions or policies that threaten the peace or stability of areas of the South China Sea contested by one or more ASEAN members or areas of the East China Sea administered by Japan; and (3) any person that is owned or acting on behalf of such person or that provides such person with financial, material, technological, or other support.

 The President shall prohibit the opening in the United States of, and shall prohibit or impose strict conditions on the maintaining in the United States of, a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that conducts financial transactions for a sanctioned person if China has taken specified military-related actions concerning the South China Sea or the East China Sea.

The Department of State shall submit a report to Congress identifying each Chinese person that is engaged in sanctioned activities.

The bill prohibits: (1) the provision of foreign assistance, with specified exceptions, to the government of a country that recognizes China's sovereignty over the contested territory or airspace in the South China Sea or the East China Sea; and (2) the Government Publishing Office, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice from taking certain actions that would imply U.S. recognition of China's sovereignty over such territory or airspace.

No U.S. person may take any action to approve, facilitate, finance, or guarantee any investment, or provide insurance or underwriting, in the South China Sea or the East China Sea that involves any sanctioned person.

Date: 2016-12-06
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act or the STAND for Ukraine Act

 This bill states that it is U.S. policy to assist the government of Ukraine in restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to reverse and deter Russian aggression in Ukraine.

 The bill prohibits: (1) a federal agency from taking any action or extending any assistance that recognizes Russian sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters; and (2) the Government Publishing Office from printing any document indicating Crimea as part of the Russian Federation (Russia).

 U.S. sanctions provided for in Executive Order 13685 (blocking property of certain persons and prohibiting certain transactions with respect to the Crimea region of Ukraine) shall remain in effect until the President certifies to Congress that Ukraine's sovereignty over Crimea has been restored.

 The Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 is amended to authorize the President to block and prohibit a foreign person's transactions of property or property interests that are U.S.-sited or controlled by a U.S. person if the foreign person has knowingly: (1) violated Executive Orders 13685 or Executive Orders 13360 or 13661(blocking property of persons contributing to the situation in Ukraine), or (2) facilitated deceptive or structured transactions for, or on behalf of, any person subject to U.S. sanctions against Russia.

 The President is authorized to impose similar sanctions against a foreign person: (1) who is responsible for, or complicit, in the commission of serious human rights abuses in any territory occupied or controlled by Russia; or (2) has materially assisted, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, such a person or is controlled by such a person.

 The President shall: (1) use U.S. influence to seek North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) adoption of a policy that opposes the transfer of defense articles and services to Russia while Russia occupies the territory of Ukraine or of a NATO member, and (2) direct appropriate U.S. agencies to monitor and identify transfers by NATO members of defense articles and services that are contrary to U.S policy.

 The Department of State shall develop and implement a strategy to respond to Russian-supported disinformation and propaganda efforts against persons in countries bordering Russia.

Date: 2016-12-09
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Safe Access in Fire Emergencies Act of 2007 - Requires the Consumer Products Safety Commission to establish a consumer product safety standard for window bars that: (1) requires all window bars manufactured or installed in the United States to incorporate releasing systems that meet minimum standards; and (2) addresses such systems for interior and exterior based bars. Provides that the minimum standards shall require that such systems provide for: (1) egress when actuated; and (2) manual activation from inside a residence allowing escape through a protected opening. Requires compliance enforcement under the Consumer Products Safety Act. Directs the Commission to require each manufacturer to include in the packaging a statement explaining window bar installation and releasing system operation. Expresses the sense of the Congress that public housing, low-income housing, manufactured housing units, and homes purchased using any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under the National Housing Act should meet a minimal standard that requires window bars to incorporate an emergency releasing system. Requires the Commission to establish and maintain a National Electronic Injury Surveillance System code and system for collection of information and statistics on casualties associated with window bars.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Identity Theft Protection and Timely Reporting Act of 2007 - Directs the National Technical Information Service of the Department of Commerce to provide monthly updates of the Death Master List prepared by the Social Security Administration to each consumer reporting agency described in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require each such consumer reporting agency to include a fraud alert in the consumer file of each consumer whose name appears on the Death Master List prepared by the Social Security Administration so long as the agency continues to maintain such file.

Date: 2007-01-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a rule declaring any toy which resembles a real handgun in size, shape, or overall appearance to be a banned hazardous product under the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Date: 2007-01-11
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Seniors Taking on Phony Marketers Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to increase from 10 to 15 years the additional term of imprisonment for telemarketing fraud aimed at individuals over the age of 55. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for: (1) 50 new postal inspectors to investigate telemarketing fraud; (2) 30 new assistant U.S. attorneys to prosecute telemarketing fraud cases; and (3) public awareness and prevention initiatives to educate senior citizens about telemarketing fraud.

Date: 2007-01-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Preventing Harassment through Outbound Number Enforcement Act of 2007 or the PHONE Act of 2007- Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) using or providing false caller ID information with the intent to wrongfully obtain anything of value (imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years) or using or providing such information without authorization and with intent to deceive any person or other entity about the identity of the caller (imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year); or (2) attempting or conspiring to do so. Exempts from the prohibitions of this Act: (1) lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activities of a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency or U.S. intelligence agency; or (2) activities relating to witness protection.Provides for forfeiture of property traceable to a violation of this Act or of equipment, software, or other technology used to commit a violation of this Act. Includes fraud and related activity in connection with electronic mail and caller ID spoofing as predicate activities for money laundering.

Date: 2007-01-31
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act - Requires each portable gasoline container manufactured for sale in the United States and intended for use by consumers to conform to a specified child-resistance standard issued by ASTM International. Considers that requirement to be a consumer product safety rule issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Requires the CPSC to report to specified congressional committees on the degree of industry compliance, related enforcement actions, and incidents involving children interacting with portable gasoline containers (including both those that are and are not in compliance with the standard).

Date: 2007-02-05
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act - Amends provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 that prohibit the importation of dog or cat fur to modify the definitions of "cat fur" and "dog fur" to include the pelt or skin of the domestic cat or dog, respectively. Amends the Fur Products Labeling Act to expand the definition of "fur product" to include all fur as defined by such Act regardless of the quantity used.

Date: 2007-02-07
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Social Security Number Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make it unlawful for any person, except in certain circumstances, to: (1) intentionally display the Social Security number of another individual on a website generally accessible to the public or providing an individual with access to another individual's Social Security number through the Internet; (2) require an individual who is a customer of or member associated with such person to use the individual's Social Security number as a password for access to any good or service, including any account or protected access website; or (3) display any individual's Social Security number on any membership or identity card. Amends SSA title II to make it unlawful for any person to sell or purchase a Social Security number, without an individual's voluntary written consent, in a manner that violates a regulation promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), except in certain circumstances related to law enforcement, national security, public health, or emergency safety and health. Prescribes requirements for such a sale or purchase in other circumstances related to consumer credit verification or specified research. Requires the Commission to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of banning use of the Social Security number as a primary means of authenticating identity or verifying it for commercial transactions. Requires the study also to examine possible alternatives to Social Security numbers for such purposes and uses.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Respirator Access Assurance Act of 2007 - Declares that manufacturers or sellers of respirators shall not be subject to claims for defective design or warning, or any claims based on such allegations, if the respirator in question received National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approval and was manufactured in compliance with NIOSH-approved design and labeling. Preempts all state and local laws with regard to such claims. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action in federal or state court for harm allegedly caused by a respirator, respirator manufacturer, or respirator seller. Applies this Act to any action than has not proceeded to trial as of the date of enactment.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Law
Considers the event data recorder (EDR) and any data recorded to be the property of the vehicle owner. Makes EDR data retrieval by anyone other than the vehicle owner unlawful, except : (1) with the owner's consent; (2) in response to a court order; (3) by a vehicle dealer or an automotive technician for servicing the vehicle; or (4) for improving vehicle safety, provided the identity of the registered owner or driver is not disclosed. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, sell, or import new automobiles for sale in the United States after 2009 (bearing a model year of 2010 or later) that are equipped with EDRs, unless those EDRs can be disabled by the consumer. Treats a violation of EDR requirements of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Date: 2007-02-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Vending Machine Safety Act of 2007 - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard for the manufacture and installation of vending machines, particularly those using a lever or crane apparatus to dispense a product. Allows such standard to include: (1) a requirement for warning labels or signs relating to the use of such machines to prevent injuries to individuals, including children; and (2) requirements for an emergency release mechanism for opening the machine if the machine has an opening big enough to permit entrapment of a small child.

Date: 2007-02-16
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Consumer Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to treat as an unfair and deceptive trade act or practice under federal or state law any written provision in a consumer transaction or contract which requires binding arbitration to resolve a controversy arising out of or related to the transaction or contract, or the failure to perform any part. Declares such a provision unenforceable. Permits a written agreement to determine an existing controversy by binding arbitration if the parties agree after the controversy has arisen.

Date: 2007-03-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2007, or the Credit CARD Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require advance notice of any increase in the annual percentage rate (APR) of interest pertaining to a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan. Imposes a freeze on interest rate terms and fees on canceled cards. Prohibits: (1) penalties for on-time payments; (2) fees for non-use of credit card; (3) over-the-limit fees for creditor-approved transactions; and (4) use by a credit card issuer of adverse information unrelated to a cardholder's account with that issuer in order to increase the APR under an open-end consumer credit plan. Requires disclosure of: (1) repayment information applicable to the outstanding balance; and (2) late payment deadlines, postmark dates, and any increase in interest rates for late payments. Increases the civil penalty against any creditor who fails to comply with specified requirements in the case of an individual action relating to an open end credit plan that is not secured by real property or a dwelling. Prohibits issuance of: (1) a credit card under an open end credit plan on behalf of a consumer who has not attained the age of 18, unless the consumer has submitted a written application meeting specified requirements; or (2) certain affinity cards to students unless certain requirements have been met.

Date: 2007-03-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Video Game Decency Act of 2007 - Makes it unlawful for any person to distribute any video game whose label contains an age-based content rating if, with the intent of obtaining a less restrictive age-based rating, that person fails to disclose game content to an independent ratings organization, with the result that the video game receives a less-restrictive age-based content rating. Treats any violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice. Preempts state or local law or regulation related to video game content rating.

Date: 2007-03-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Protection From Telemarketers Act - Amends the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act to require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to include in rules respecting abusive telemarketing acts or practices a requirement that telemarketers not initiate any outbound telephone calls during the hours of 5 to 7 p.m. in the locality of the person called.

Date: 2007-03-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Data Security Act of 2007 - Prescribes security procedures which an entity that maintains or communicates sensitive account or personal information must implement and enforce in order to protect the information from an unauthorized use likely to result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the consumer. Grants exclusive enforcement powers to specified federal regulatory agencies with oversight of financial institutions. Denies a private right of action, including a class action, regarding any act or practice regulated under this Act. Prohibits any civil or criminal action in state court or under state law relating to any act or practice governed under this Act. Prescribes data security standards to be implemented by federal agencies. Expresses the sense of the Congress that federal regulators shall make every effort to reconcile differences between this Act and specified requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Provides that a notice provided to any consumer under this Act may be the basis for a request by the consumer for an initial fraud alert under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Preempts state law with respect to the responsibilities of any person to protect against and investigate such data security breaches and mitigate any losses or harm resulting from them.

Date: 2007-03-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Infant and Toddler Durable Product Safety Act - Instructs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to: (1) promulgate a consumer product safety standard for durable infant or toddler products; and (2) establish an Infant and Toddler Product Review Panel to advise the CPSC on guidelines and standards for such products. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to declare the limitation on maximum civil penalties inapplicable to this Act.

Date: 2007-03-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act - (Sec. 4) Instructs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate a final consumer product safety rule that requires manufacturers of durable infant or toddler products to: (1) provide consumers with a postage-paid consumer registration form with each such product; (2) maintain a record of registered consumer contact information to improve the effectiveness of product recalls; (3) permanently place the manufacturer name and contact information, model name and number, and the date of manufacture on each durable infant or toddler product; and (4) implement specified recordkeeping and notification requirements. Requires the CPSC to study and report to Congress regarding the effectiveness of the registration forms in facilitating recalls.

Date: 2007-03-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act - (Sec. 3) Requires each swimming pool or spa drain cover manufactured, distributed, or entered into commerce in the United States to conform to specified ASME/ANSI entrapment protection standards. Considers that requirement to be a consumer product safety rule issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) under certain provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act. (Sec. 4) Establishes a program of grants to states to: (1) hire and train enforcement personnel; and (2) educate pool construction, installation, and service companies, pool owners and operators, and other members of the public. Conditions grants on a state imposing certain requirements by statute, including: (1) enclosure of outdoor residential pools and spas to prevent small children from gaining unsupervised access; and (2) drain entrapment prevention devices and systems on all pools and spas. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Requires the CPSC to establish and carry out a public education program on methods to prevent drowning and entrapment in swimming pools, spas, and ornamental pools. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 8) Requires the CPSC to report to Congress regarding the grant program's effectiveness.

Date: 2007-03-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Call Center Consumer's Right to Know Act - Directs each U.S. corporation or subsidiary that utilizes a call center to initiate telephone calls to, or receive calls from, individuals located in the United States to require each call center employee to disclose the physical location of such employee at the beginning of such call. Requires such corporation or subsidiary to annually certify to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) their compliance with such requirement. Subjects noncomplying corporations or subsidiaries to such civil penalties as the FTC may prescribe. Directs the FTC to prescribe rules for effective monitoring and compliance with such requirement.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Choking Hazard Awareness Act - Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require: (1) any advertisement for any toy, game, balloon, small ball, or marble that requires a cautionary "choking hazard" statement to display such statement in its entirety on or immediately adjacent to such advertisement; and (2) the statement to be displayed in the language that is primarily used in the advertisement, catalogue, or website and in conspicuous and legible type.Treats such requirements as consumer product safety standards, and the publication or distribution of any advertisement that is not in compliance with such requirements as a prohibited act, under the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Date: 2007-04-17
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Protect Consumers Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon a determination that it is necessary to implement a mandatory recall of any product regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to issue an order requiring the appropriate person to: (1) immediately cease distribution, manufacture, and sale of such product; (2) immediately provide notice to individuals subject to the risks associated with the use of such product; and (3) implement an immediate recall of such product. Directs that the order shall provide for an informal hearing within ten days. Treats the failure to obey such an order as a prohibited act under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires the Secretary to study and implement new procedures for voluntary and mandatory recalls.

Date: 2007-05-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Children's Health Federal Trade Commission Authority Restoration Act - Repeals Federal Trade Commission Act provisions denying the FTC authority to promulgate any rule in children's advertising proceedings on the basis of a determination that such advertising constitutes an unfair act or practice in or affecting commerce.

Date: 2007-05-10
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to expand the definition of consumer product to include amusement rides permanently fixed to a site (thereby granting the Consumer Product Safety Commission jurisdiction over such rides).

Date: 2007-05-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Product Safety Civil Penalties Improvement Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and the Flammable Fabrics Act to increase the maximum civil penalty for violations of those Acts from $1.25 million to $10 million. Revises the factors to be considered in determining the amount of those penalties.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to: (1) promulgate rules prohibiting, as unfair and deceptive acts or practices, persons from advertising with the intent to deceptively create the impression that such persons provide abortion services; and (2) enforce violations of such rules as unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce
Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act of 2007 - Requires the manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold, leased, or otherwise introduced into U.S. commerce to: (1) provide to the vehicle owner and service providers all information necessary to diagnose, service, maintain, or repair the vehicle; (2) offer for sale to consumers and service providers any related tool or equipment; and (3) provide the information necessary to enable aftermarket tool companies to manufacture tools with the same functional characteristics. Exempts trade secrets, so long as the information is not disclosed to authorized dealers or service providers. Authorizes enforcement of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and civil actions by state attorneys general, consumers, and service providers.

Date: 2007-06-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Passenger Vehicle Loss Disclosure Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require all insurers and self-insurers of passenger motor vehicles to disclose to the public, in a commercially reasonable, electronically accessible manner, for each passenger motor vehicle declared or determined to be a total loss: (1) the vehicle identification number and odometer reading; (2) the date of and primary reason for the total loss determination; and (3) whether the airbags deployed.

Date: 2007-06-21
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Electronic Funds Transfer Equal Consumer Protection Act - Amends the the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to treat as an error any electronic fund transfer affecting the customer's account regarding a transaction for goods or services not accepted by or not delivered to the customer, or not in accordance with the agreement made at the time of the transaction. Redefines electronic fund transfer to cover any transaction initiated through an electronic terminal, telephonic instrument, or computer, including transactions initiated through the use of a check card or a debit card. Revises requirements for a financial institution's discretionary provisional recredit of a consumer's account after receiving notice of an error. Makes such a provisional recredit mandatory, within one business day after receipt of such a notice. Revises requirements for prompt resolution of errors to authorize a financial institution to require a consumer to submit written confirmation of an oral error notice before it recredits provisionally the consumer's account.

Date: 2007-06-28
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require any person selling personal property to consumers on a business premises to display conspicuously, at each location on the premises where a credit or charge card account may be submitted by a consumer, a sign that contains the same information required by the Act to be prominently placed in tabular format on the account application itself.

Date: 2007-07-10
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) specify restrictions on the sale and display to the general public of Social Security account numbers (SSNs) by governmental entities; (2) prohibit the display of SSNs (or any derivatives) on checks issued for payment by such entities; (3) prohibit governmental entity display of SSNs (or any derivatives) on employee identification cards or tags (IDs); (4) prohibit access to the SSNs of other individuals by prisoners employed by governmental entities; (5) prohibit the selling, purchasing, or displaying of SSNs (with certain exceptions) to the general public, or the acquisition or use of any individual's SSN to locate or identify such individual with the intent to physically injure or harm him or her, or to use the individual's ID for any illegal purpose by any person; (6) provide for uniform standards for truncation of an SSN; and (7) establish new criminal penalties for the misuse of SSNs.(Sec. 10) Amends SSA title XI to provide for the imposition of civil monetary penalties for specified offenses involving SSNs or Social Security cards.(Sec. 11) Imposes: (1) new criminal penalties upon Social Security Administration employees who knowingly and fraudulently issue Social Security cards or SSNs; and (2) enhanced penalties in cases of terrorism, drug trafficking, crimes of violence, or prior offenses.(Sec. 13) Amends SSA title XI with respect to regulatory and enforcement authority with respect to misuse of SSNs.(Sec. 14) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council to study and report to the Commissioner and Congress on: (1) the extent of the use of SSNs as a primary means of authenticating identity or for verification in commercial transactions; and (2) the feasibility of a prohibition on such use. Requires the study also to examine possible alternatives to SSNs for such uses.

Date: 2007-07-16
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Social welfare
Import Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase civil monetary penalties for introducing into interstate commerce or delivering for introduction into interstate commerce food that is adulterated. Authorizes additional appropriations for the examination by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of processed food and toothpaste which is being imported or offered for import into the United States. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to: (1) increase fines for knowing and willful violations of prohibited acts related to consumer product safety standards; and (2) establish separate fines for offenses that result in death. Authorizes additional appropriations for inspection of toys imported or offered for import into the United States.

Date: 2007-07-19
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Safety)
Subject: Commerce