zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Farmer Flexibility Act of 2014 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to extend the terms of marketing assistance loans in cases where a farmer has sold, transferred, or delivered the commodity subject to the loan to a purchaser who has filed for bankruptcy prior to payment. Provides that the extension shall last until after the bankruptcy case is closed or dismissed. Suspends the accrual of interest on the loan during the extension period.

Date: 2014-09-16
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Stop Taxpayer-Funded Alcohol Marketing Act 

This bill amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to prohibit the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from awarding value-added agricultural product market development grants to support the marketing of beer, wine, distilled spirits, hard cider, or other alcohol products. The bill also rescinds $8 million of the unobligated funds that were previously provided to USDA for the grants.

Date: 2016-02-25
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Dairy Margin Insurance Location Calculation Act of 2016 or the Dairy MILC Act of 2016 

This bill amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to calculate the average feed cost for the Dairy Margin Protection Program using data from each state rather than the national average. USDA must also take into consideration costs for energy, transportation, and labor.

(The Dairy Margin Protection Program makes payments to participating farmers when actual dairy production margins fall below a farmer-selected insured margin. Average feed costs are part of the formula used to calculate actual dairy production margins.)

Date: 2016-04-11
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Wine Excise Tax Modernization Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify excise taxes and tax credits that apply to wine.

The bill expands the small wine producer tax credit to include anyone who produces wine in or imports wine into the United States. It also sets forth: (1) rates for the credit based on the amount of wine which is removed during the year for consumption or sale, and (2) adjustments to the credit for hard cider.

The bill increases: (1) the percentage of alcohol by volume limitation for taxation of a still wine, and (2) the carbonation limitation for taxation as still wine.

It reduces the excise tax rates on: (1) champagne and other sparkling wines, and (2) artificially carbonated wines.

Date: 2016-04-13
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Taxation
Timber Innovation Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a performance-driven research and development program to advance tall wood building construction in the United States.

"Tall wood building" means a building designed to be over 85 feet high and constructed with large panelized wood construction (mass timber), including cross-laminated timber, nail laminated timber, glue laminated timber, laminated strand lumber, and laminated veneer lumber.

 USDA shall for FY2017-FY2021 carry out an annual competition for a tall wood building design in accordance with the requirements for prize competitions carried out under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.

In carrying out a wood innovation grant program, USDA may make a wood innovation grant to one or more specified eligible entities in order to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies in the development of innovative wood products for tall wood building construction.

USDA shall give priority to grant proposals which include the use or retrofitting (or both) of existing sawmill facilities in counties where the average annual unemployment rate exceeded the national average by more than 1% in the previous year.

USDA shall carry out a program of education and technical assistance for mass timber applications.

USDA shall collaborate and partner with one or more nonfederal entities, including governments of other countries, to:

 enhance tall wood building commercialization of the United States, develop technical assistance related to tall wood building commercialization, and carry out the program.

Date: 2016-07-06
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Low Alcohol Wine Act 

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require mead and low alcohol by volume wine to be taxed at the same rate as still wines containing not more than 14% of alcohol by volume.

Mead is a wine that: (1) contains not more than 0.64 grams of carbon dioxide per hundred milliliters of wine with an exception for a limit that is reasonably necessary in good commercial practice, (2) is derived solely from honey and water, (3) contains no fruit product or fruit flavoring, and (4) contains less than 8.5% alcohol by volume.

A low alcohol by volume wine is a wine that: (1) contains not more than 0.64 grams of carbon dioxide per hundred milliliters of wine with an exception for a limit that is reasonably necessary in good commercial practice, (2) is derived primarily from grapes or from grape juice concentrate and water, (3) contains no fruit product or fruit flavoring other than grape, and (4) contains less than 8.5% alcohol by volume.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Taxation
Urban Agriculture Production Act of 2016

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an urban agriculture outreach program to award grants to support outreach activities for: (1) infrastructure, (2) land acquisition and conversion, (3) education and training, (4) technical and financial assistance to farmers or ranchers in urban areas, and (5) other activities that support urban agriculture. USDA must give preference to grants for activities in historically underserved communities.

The bill amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to expand the purpose and duties of USDA's Office of Advocacy and Outreach to include activities on behalf of urban farmers or ranchers.

USDA must award grants, on a competitive basis, for scientific and community-based participatory research related to urban agriculture. The bill provides specified funds for the grants and requires USDA to give priority to outreach activities to be carried out in historically underserved communities.

The bill amends the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 to: (1) establish a program to provide loans and loan guarantees for projects or activities to establish, expand, and promote direct producer-to-consumer marketing and assist in the development of local food business enterprises; and (2) extend and provide additional funding for the Farmers' Market Promotion Program.

The bill amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and provide additional funding.

The bill amends the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 to require additional USDA reporting on farmers' markets and agricultural production in urban areas.

Date: 2016-12-08
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Agriculture and food
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Charitable Agricultural Research Act

(Sec. 2) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction for a charitable contribution to an agricultural research organization directly engaged in the continuous active conduct of agricultural research, and (2) make prohibitions against expenditures to influence legislation applicable to such organizations.

(Sec. 3) Increases from 30% to 35% the rate of the continuous levy on payments made after 180 days after the enactment of this Act to Medicare providers and suppliers for unpaid taxes.

Date: 2015-04-14
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Taxation
Timber Innovation Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a performance-driven research and development program to advance tall wood building construction in the United States.

"Tall wood building" means a building designed to be over 85 feet high and constructed with large panelized wood construction (mass timber), including cross-laminated timber, nail laminated timber, glue laminated timber, laminated strand lumber, and laminated veneer lumber.

 USDA shall for FY2017-FY2021 carry out an annual competition for a tall wood building design in accordance with the requirements for prize competitions carried out under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.

In carrying out a wood innovation grant program, USDA may make a wood innovation grant to one or more specified eligible entities in order to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies in the development of innovative wood products for tall wood building construction.

USDA shall carry out a program of education and technical assistance for mass timber applications.

USDA shall collaborate and partner with one or more nonfederal entities, including governments of other countries, to:

 enhance tall wood building commercialization of the United States, develop technical assistance related to tall wood building commercialization, and carry out the program.

Date: 2016-04-28
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Urban Agriculture Act of 2016 

This bill amends several agricultural laws to establish an Office of Urban Agriculture within the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and make urban agricultural activities eligible to receive funding from various USDA programs.

The Office of Urban Agriculture must:

 manage programs, coordinate agencies, and advise USDA on urban agriculture and urban food systems; continue a community garden program; and establish a rooftop agriculture and outdoor vertical production program. The bill includes urban agricultural activities in several existing and new grant, loan, risk management, and research programs. It also authorizes and provides funding for several of the programs.

USDA must conduct various studies and collect specified data related to urban agriculture. USDA must also establish a voluntary farmer-to-farmer assistance and mentorship program.

USDA must take several actions related to soil assessment and remediation, including:

 establishing a coordinated soil testing protocol, coordinating and conducting research to inform the protocol and soil remediation practices with respect to soil contaminated with high levels of heavy metals or other contaminants, and establishing a national soil testing and remediation program to provide related technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers. The bill establishes pilot programs for USDA to: (1) increase municipal compost and food waste reduction activities; and (2) make grants for projects that strengthen marketplace links between healthy food consumption, good environmental practices, and direct public health outcomes.

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: Agriculture (Marketing & Promotion)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide assistance to combat HIV/AIDS in India.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Prosperous and Secure Neighbor Alliance Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to increase U.S. foreign assistance to improve security and promote economic development in Mexico, both of which are crucial to combat illicit drugs and drug-related violence and other criminal activities in Mexico and the United States. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President to provide assistance to improve security and promote economic development in Mexico by: (1) professionalizing Mexican law enforcement personnel; (2) providing technology to assist Mexican law enforcement personnel; (3) strengthening the Mexican judicial branch; (4) supporting anti-corruption programs in Mexico; and (5) reducing poverty through targeted funding to enhance social development in Mexico.

Date: 2007-01-17
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Global Democracy Promotion Act - Declares that foreign nongovernmental organizations: (1) shall not be ineligible for assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 solely on the basis of health or medical services (including counseling and referral services) provided by them with non-U.S. government funds if such services do not violate the laws of the country in which they are being provided, and would not violate U.S. federal law if provided in the United States; and (2) shall not be subject to requirements relating to the use of non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying activities other than those that apply to U.S. nongovernmental organizations receiving such assistance.

Date: 2007-01-22
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to make Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic eligible for assistance to combat HIV/AIDS.

Date: 2007-02-06
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Focus on Family Health Worldwide Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance for voluntary family planning programs in developing countries, including activities to: (1) improve public knowledge of voluntary family planning programs; (2) support public and private voluntary family planning programs, including networks for community-based and subsidized commercial distribution of contraceptives; (3) expand training for health care providers and educators; (4) provide improved coordination between voluntary family planning programs and programs that receive U.S. assistance for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections; and (5) strengthen supply chain logistics for the procurement and distribution of safe contraceptives, including coordination with the supply chain for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment. Gives priority to developing countries with acute family planning and maternal health needs.

Date: 2007-02-28
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to furnish assistance for tuberculosis (TB) prevention, treatment, and elimination.(Current law authorizes such assistance.) Gives priority to activities described in the Stop TB Strategy (as defined by this Act). Revises related fund use provisions. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership to improve the capacity of countries with high TB rates and other affected countries to implement the Stop TB Strategy and specific strategies related to addressing drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). Authorizes: (1) FY2008-FY2009 appropriations for the President to carry activities to combat tuberculosis; and (2) set-asides from such amounts for global tuberculosis activities by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Date: 2007-03-19
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Iraq Reconstruction Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the the President to: (1) appoint a Coordinator of United States Economic Reconstruction Assistance for Iraq; (2) provide assistance to increase the capacity and improve the sustainability of Iraq's national, provincial, and local governmental institutions; (3) provide assistance for anti-corruption activities in Iraq; (4) provide assistance to support provincial and local reconstruction programs in Iraq; (5) support private sector development and employment programs, including short-term job creation programs, in Iraq; (6) provide assistance to improve the auditing, investigation, and oversight capacity of the Offices of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); and (7) provide assistance to improve Department of State and USAID reconstruction contracting capacity in Iraq. Directs the Secretary of State to provide assistance to: (1) refugees from Iraq who have been outside Iraq in a Middle East country since no earlier than March 19, 2003; and (2) internally displaced persons in Iraq who have been outside their original residence since no earlier than March 19, 2003. Increases FY2007-FY2008 refugees admissions in order to admit Iraqi refugees. Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004 to extend authority for the Office of Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. Prohibits Iraq-related contracts from being given to contractors who have overcharged the federal government, committed fraudulent acts, or been suspended under federal regulations. Authorizes waivers in the interest of national security on a case-by-case basis. Directs the Secretary: (1) in consultation with the Administrator of USAID, to establish a Civilian Active Response Corps to provide stabilization and reconstruction activities in foreign countries or regions that are in, are in transition from, or likely to enter into conflict or civil strife; (2) in consultation with relevant executive agencies, to establish a Civilian Reserve Readiness Corps to augment the Active Corps; and (3) to develop an inter-agency stabilization and reconstruction strategy.

Date: 2007-03-20
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act Amendments of 2007 - Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 to revise the presidential certification and related provisions required in order for U.S. assistance to be provided to the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Date: 2007-03-30
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Education for All Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to state that it is U.S. policy to work with foreign countries and international and civil society organizations to increase the global commitment to achieving universal basic education by assisting: (1) developing countries to provide all children with a quality basic education; and (2) nongovernmental and multilateral organizations working in developing countries to provide all children with a quality basic education. Directs the President to develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote universal basic education by 2015. Authorizes the President to provide funds and other assistance to qualifying foreign countries to create the policies, processes, and infrastructure to develop national basic education plans. Authorizes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish an education fellowship program to increase the expertise of USAID personnel in promoting universal basic education. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department of State a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Provide Education for All in Developing Countries, who shall shall have primary responsibility for the oversight and coordination of all U.S. government resources and international activities to promote universal basic education.

Date: 2007-05-01
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Repairing Young Women's Lives Around the World Act - Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY2008 to be used only for U.S. voluntary contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for prevention and repair of obstetric fistula.

Date: 2007-05-02
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), upon request, to provide technical and other assistance to: (1) The Cook Islands; (2) The Federated States of Micronesia; (3) The Independent State of Samoa; (4) The Kingdom of Tonga; (5) Niue; (6) Papua New Guinea; (7) The Republic of Fiji; (8) The Republic of Kiribati; (9) The Republic of the Marshall Islands; (10) The Republic of Nauru; (11) The Republic of Palau; (12) The Republic of Vanuatu; (13) The Solomon Islands; and (14) Tuvalu.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, to extend through FY2011 the supplemental security income (SSI) benefits eligibility of certain aliens (refugees, asylees, and elderly noncitizens with pending naturalization applications) and victims of trafficking in persons, including such aliens and victims whose SSI benefits ceased in prior fiscal years. Requires a sworn declaration from such aliens or victims (except children under age 18) that they have made a good faith effort to pursue U.S. citizenship.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to offset overpayments of federal taxes by any amount owed to a state for a covered unemployment compensation debt. Defines "covered unemployment compensation debt" as a past-due debt (including penalties and interest) for erroneous payment of state unemployment compensation due to fraud which has become final under state law and remains uncollected for not more than 10 years. Terminates the Secretary's offset authority after 10 years.Requires states to notify by certified mail any individual who owes a covered unemployment compensation debt before taking action to offset such debt. Gives such individual 60 days to present evidence that such debt is not legally enforceable or was not incurred due to fraud. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations pertaining to such notices.

Date: 2007-06-07
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: Social welfare
Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 with respect to: (1) the provision of emergency and disaster assistance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands; (2) Palau; and (3) the continuation of legal services to the citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands residing in the United States (including territories and possessions). Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Turkey, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates GEORGE PHILIP and SIDES; and (2) Lithuania, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships CORMORANT and KINGFISHER. Authorizes the President to transfer on a sale basis to: (1) Taiwan, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ships ORIOLE and FALCON; and (2) Turkey, the OSPREY class minehunter coastal ship SHRIKE. States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act.

Date: 2007-06-13
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Prohibits U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) unless the President certifies to the House Committee on International Relations and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations that: (1) the PA leadership is not tainted by violence, has publicly rebuked Palestinian violence, has ended incitement, and has taken all actions within its capacity to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure; and (2) the violence in the West Bank and Gaza has subsided.

Date: 2007-07-10
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Responsible Security in Iraq Act - Prohibits fund use to: (1) train the Iraqi Security Forces (as defined by this Act); or (2) sell or otherwise transfer arms to the Iraqi Security Forces unless specifically authorized by an Act of Congress enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2007-07-23
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
United States-China Market Engagement and Export Promotion Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) provide grants to states to establish and operate state offices in the People's Republic of China (PRC) to promote U.S. exports to PRC; (2) establish a program to create China market advocate positions in United States Export Assistance Centers in order to provide assistance to small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses in the export U.S. goods to PRC, including assistance for business-related expenses for trade missions to PRC; and (3) submit to Congress a plan to consolidate fees for Gold Key matching services provided to such U.S. businesses that export U.S. goods or services to more than one market in PRC. Amends the Small Business Act to require the Office of International Trade of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide guidance to U.S. small businesses with respect to the export of U.S. goods and services to PRC. Establishes in the Office a Director of China Program Grants. Directs the Administrator of SBA, acting through the Director of China Program Grants, to make grants to institutions of higher education to establish and operate Chinese business education programs.

Date: 2007-08-01
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Support for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide up to a specified amount to fund the establishment of, and maintain the permanent collection of, the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Terminates the authority under this Act on October 1, 2010.

Date: 2007-08-02
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
African Health Capacity Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance, including through international or nongovernmental organizations, for programs to improve human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. Directs the President to develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring assistance programs for human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Date: 2007-10-10
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Students in Business Development in Africa Assistance Act of 2007 [sic] - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance for partnerships between businesses and postsecondary educational institutions in developing African countries to increase economic freedom, promote civil society, and improve the quality of life. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should provide an appropriate level of assistance through nongovernmental organizations, including non-profit organizations, that have a minimum of 30 years experience working to further postsecondary students' entrepreneurship skills.

Date: 2008-04-17
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
End the Turkish Blockade of Armenia Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the President and Secretary of State should call upon Turkey to comply with the long-standing U.S. position that Turkey should lift its ongoing blockade with Armenia. Directs the Secretary to report on U.S. plans and steps taken to end such blockade.

Date: 2008-05-15
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Stability and Democracy for Georgia Act of 2008 or the STAND for Georgia Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President, in the wake of Georgia's August 2008 conflict with the Russian Federation, to provide assistance to Georgia for: (1) humanitarian needs; (2) infrastructure reconstruction; (3) economic development; and (4) governance. Authorizes the use of assistance under this Act to extend broadcasting efforts by the Broadcasting Board of Governors to Georgia and to enhance Russian- and Georgian-language Internet and broadcast capacity for the Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Inc.

Date: 2008-09-16
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Humanitarian Relief to Cuba Act - Prohibits for 180 days from the enactment of this Act: (1) the President from prohibiting or regulating travel to or from Cuba, or certain transactions incident to such travel, by a U.S. citizen or any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction with family residing in Cuba; (2) the President from limiting the size, quantity or frequency, or the carrying or shipping of, personal gift items and relief supplies by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction that are eligible to be so shipped or delivered; and (3) the Secretary of the Treasury from limiting the amount of remittances to Cuba that may be made by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction.

Date: 2008-09-18
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
African Health Capacity Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance, including through international or nongovernmental organizations, for programs to improve human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. Directs the President to develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring assistance programs for human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. Authorizes FY2008-FY2010 appropriations.

Date: 2007-03-07
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
African Development Foundation Act of 2007 - Amends the African Development Foundation Act to rename the African Development Foundation as the United States African Development Foundation. Increases individual project funding limits.Authorizes the Foundation to make awards to qualifying small- or medium-sized entities that are not wholly owned or controlled African entities.Authorizes (current law requires) the Foundation's Board of Directors to establish an advisory council.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Global Democracy Promotion Act - Declares that foreign nongovernmental organizations: (1) shall not be ineligible for assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 solely on the basis of health or medical services (including counseling and referral services) provided by them with non-U.S. government funds if such services do not violate the laws of the country in which they are being provided, and would not violate U.S. federal law if provided in the United States; and (2) shall not be subject to requirements relating to the use of non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying activities other than those that apply to U.S. nongovernmental organizations receiving such assistance.

Date: 2007-06-28
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Social Investment and Economic Development for the Americas Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in Western Hemisphere countries. Requires a 10% recipient country contribution. Establishes within USAID the Western Hemisphere Economic Investment and Development Advisory Committee which shall: (1) serve as a link among the U.S. government, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and other interested parties; and (2) review projects funded under this Act. Directs the President to report annually to Congress on programs and activities under this section. Authorizes FY2008-FY2017 appropriations. (Sec. 4) Amends the Inter-American Development Bank Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director at the Bank to use U.S. influence to urge the Bank to establish a Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas to provide assistance to reduce poverty, expand the size of the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in Western Hemisphere countries. Authorizes FY2008-FY2017 appropriations for U.S. contributions to the Fund. (Sec. 5) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act should be used to help countries in Latin America and the Caribbean focus on improving indicators in the area of investing in people; (2) the Multilateral Investment Fund has been successful in promoting inclusive economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean; (3) creating a public-private partnership working in coordination with the Fund will allow the Fund to expand economic opportunity to the people in the Western Hemisphere; and (4) amounts authorized to be appropriated pursuant to this Act for initiatives to reduce poverty, expand the middle class, and foster increased economic opportunity in the countries of the Western Hemisphere are in addition to amounts that would be allocated or projected in the President's budget request for Latin America and Caribbean. (Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for payment to the Inter-American Development Bank of arrears owed by the United States to the Fund.

Date: 2007-10-01
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Support for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of State, from funds made available to the Secretary for assistance under the Support For East European Democracy (SEED) Act, to provide up to a specified amount in assistance to fund the establishment of, and maintain the permanent collection of, the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland.

Date: 2008-02-28
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
International Mental Disability and Mental Trauma Care Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to award grants to nongovernmental organizations (including faith-based and community-based organizations) and individuals to: (1) provide training and technical expertise for foreign governments in the adoption of a national mental disability and mental trauma care framework; (2) initiate system reform of mental disability and mental trauma care; (3) provide training for disability and mental trauma care providers; or (4) provide direct, short-term emergency mental trauma assistance for the victims of humanitarian or political crises.

Date: 2008-03-12
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Eurasia Foundation Act - Directs the Secretary of State to make an annual grant to the Eurasia Foundation to: (1) promote civil society, private enterprise, and public administration and policy in the countries of Eurasia; (2) strengthen indigenous institutions that foster national development, social change, economic growth, and cooperative international relationships consistent with U.S. interests in Eurasia; and (3) conduct programs in the countries of Eurasia that would be difficult or impossible for an official U.S. entity. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) grant eligibility; (2) audits; (3) recordkeeping; and (4) reports. Directs the Foundation and any successor or related entity to the U.S. Russia Investment Fund to enter into a memorandum of understanding to: (1) coordinate activities carried out by the Foundation and the successor or related entity; and (2) ensure that the activities of one entity do not duplicate the activities of the other entity. Authorizes FY2009-FY2010 appropriations.

Date: 2008-05-15
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Ethiopia Act of 2008 - States that the President should take additional steps to support the implementation of democracy and governance institutions and organizations in Ethiopia consistent with the Ethiopian Constitution of 1994 and related national law, including: (1) support of democracy development; (2) promotion of judicial independence; (3) support of human rights programs, especially regarding women and minorities; (4) expansion of the Voice of America (VOA) and other independent media; (5) support of international efforts to gain full access to the Ogaden and other conflict-affected regions; and (6) support of a United Nations Special Envoy to launch a dialogue to bring about the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea and who works with both governments to address issues of stability both along their border as well as more broadly across the Horn of Africa, including in Somalia. Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2008-09-09
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Afghan Freedom Support and Security Act of 2008 - Authorizes funds for assistance to Afghanistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Directs the President to: (1) implement a system to monitor assistance provided under this Act on a program-by-program basis; and (2) provide assistance to enhance the government of Afghanistan's capacity to monitor programs carried out by the national, provincial, and local governments in Afghanistan. Authorizes appropriations. Directs: (1) the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Afghanistan to oversee the programs authorized under this Act; and (2) the Office of Technical Assistance of the Department of the Treasury to conduct an annual assessment of Afghanistan's public finance system. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) supporting the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan; and (2) that the President should expand assistance programs to innocent Afghan individuals, families, and communities that suffered losses from U.S. and allied military operations. Directs the President to appoint a coordinator who shall: (1) design an overall non-military strategy to advance U.S. interests in Afghanistan; (2) ensure policy coordination among federal agencies, including the Department of Defense; (3) coordinate with other countries and international organizations, including those supporting counter-insurgency and counter-narcotics efforts; and (4) review major security and development contracts. Directs the President to appoint a special envoy who shall coordinate U.S. policy on issues relating to strengthening relations between the nations of South and Central Asia. Authorizes appropriations for daily Radio Free Afghanistan broadcasting in the Dari and Pashto languages.

Date: 2008-09-22
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish the Office of Water which shall: (1) implement the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005; and (2) place primary emphasis on providing safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. Directs the Secretary of State to establish the Bureau for International Water within the Office of the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs which shall: (1) coordinate U.S. diplomatic policy regarding global freshwater issues; and (2) ensure that international freshwater issues are represented within the U.S. government. Amends the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary and the Administrator to establish in every priority country a program to train local water and sanitation managers to promote government capacity to provide access to safe drinking water and sanitation; and (2) require that the water for peace and security report includes an assessment of current and likely future political tensions over water sources and an assessment of the future impacts of global climate change on water supplies. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize grants through USAID to develop technologies for providing clean water and sanitation in high priority countries with limited resources and infrastructure.

Date: 2008-09-27
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the availability of appropriated funds for population activities to any private, nongovernmental, or multilateral organization until it certifies that it will not during the period for which funds are made available: (1) directly or through a subcontractor or subgrantee perform abortions in any foreign country except if the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of forcible rape or incest; or (2) violate the laws of a foreign country regarding the circumstances under which abortion is permitted, regulated, or prohibited, or engage in lobbying activities in an effort to alter its laws with respect to abortion (except lobbying in opposition to coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization).

Date: 2009-01-27
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Newborn, Child, and Mother Survival Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to improve the health of newborns, children, and mothers in developing countries. Directs the President to develop a comprehensive U.S. government strategy to reduce mortality and improve the health of newborns, children, and mothers in developing countries. Establishes the Interagency Task Force on Child Survival and Maternal Health in Developing Countries.

Date: 2009-03-10
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Western Hemisphere Energy Security Act of 2009 - Permits U.S. persons (including agents and affiliates) to: (1) engage in any transaction necessary for exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from any portion of a foreign exclusive economic zone that is contiguous to the exclusive economic zone of the United States; (2) export without license authority all equipment necessary for such exploration or extraction; and (3) import into the United States the hydrocarbon resources and products that are extracted under this Act. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to instruct the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize under a general license certain travel-related transactions for travel to, from, or within Cuba in connection with exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources in any part of a foreign maritime exclusive economic zone that is contiguous to the United States exclusive economic zone.Includes among persons authorized to travel to Cuba under this Act full-time employees, executives, agents, and consultants of oil and gas producers, distributors, and shippers.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: Energy
Native American Challenge Demonstration Project Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and implement the Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project through which federal economic development assistance may be provided for certain Native American communities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such assistance to Alaska Native nonprofit organizations, Native Hawaiian community organizations, and other Indian tribes that enter into Native American Challenge Compacts. Requires such Compacts to establish a multiyear plan for achieving certain development objectives, including promoting economic growth and the elimination of poverty, strengthening good governance, entrepreneurship, and investment in Native American communities, and enhancing the capacity of Alaska Native communities to deal with climate change.

Date: 2009-05-19
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: Native Americans
Global Poverty Act of 2009 - Directs the President, through the Secretary of State, to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the U.S. foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people worldwide who live on less than $1 per day.

Date: 2009-05-21
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs
Roadmap to End Global Hunger and Promote Food Security Act of 2009 or the Roadmap Act of 2009 - Declares that it shall be U.S. policy to reduce global hunger, advance nutrition, increase food security, and ensure that relevant federal policies and programs: (1) provide emergency response and direct support to vulnerable populations in times of need; (2) increase resilience to and reduce, limit, or mitigate the impact of shocks on vulnerable populations; (3) increase and build the capacity of people and governments to sustainably feed themselves; (4) ensure adequate access to the required calories and nutrients needed to live healthy lives; (5) strengthen the ability of small-scale farmers to sustain and increase their production and livelihoods; and (6) incorporate sustainable and environmentally sound agricultural methods and practices. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a White House Office on Global Hunger and Food Security. Directs the President to appoint, as head of such Office, a Coordinator on Global Hunger and Food Security to implement a comprehensive government-wide strategy to address global hunger and food security and to ensure that the strategy: (1) contributes to achieving the Millennium Development Goal of reducing global hunger by half not later than 2015 and to advancing the United Nations Comprehensive Framework for Action with respect to global hunger and food security; and (2) is integrated into any review or development of a federal strategy for global development. Requires: (1) the Office to work with all relevant federal departments and agencies; (2) the Coordinator to establish, schedule, and administer a high-level, government-wide global hunger and food security meeting each week; and (3) the Comptroller General to submit to Congress biennial reports evaluating the design, implementation, and federal coordination of the strategy. Establishes a Permanent Joint Select Committee on Hunger. Expresses the sense of Congress that not less than $50.36 billion should be made available for FY2010-FY2014 for federal programs addressing global hunger and food security.

Date: 2009-06-11
Topic: International Affairs (Foreign Aid)
Subject: International affairs