Pelosi to EPA head on CA waiver denial: "I vigorously disagree with your rationale," "strongly support the inquiry"
Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, chimed in on the head of the EPA, Stephen Johnson's, decision to deny California's waiver request to regulate tailpipe emissions. Pelosi really disagrees with Johnson and supports an inquiry into the decision. Here is part of a letter to Stephen from Pelosi:
I vigorously disagree with your rationale for that decision and I strongly support the inquiry into your decision-making process announced by Congressman Henry Waxman, the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. In particular, I find implausible your inference that the passage this week of the "Energy Independence and Security Act" eliminated the need for the waiver requested by California. Surely you and others in the Bush Administration were aware that the Congress rejected requests from the Administration to waive the Environmental Protection Agency's longstanding authority to regulate emissions and to grant states waivers under the Clean Air Act. Citing the passage of our new law as a justification for denying California's request defies the legislative history as well as the explicit language of the "Energy Independence and Security Act."
It's just not Johnson's week.
Related:
[Source: House.gov]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GreatGreenHammer 4:54PM (12/22/2007)
Who woulda thunk that Pelosi and the democrats would be such strong "states rights" advocates?
When republicans look back on the disasterous elections of 06' and the steamroller comming in 08', they'll have no-one to blame but themselves for abandoning their core principles on government spending and most importantly: "federalism"
If we republicans want to entrust states with making their own decision on abortion, private schooling, immigration and so-on, why can't we trust states to set their own emmission standards?
Hypocracy, inconsistency.
I'm ready for a third party.
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Tim 6:00PM (12/22/2007)
With these democrats and Neocons EVERYTHING is political posturing and only an ABSOLUTE FOOL would believe a single word they say other.
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Dad 8:52PM (12/22/2007)
". Pelosi really disagrees with Johnson and supports an inquiry into the decision"
Oooh, scary, Nancy supports something, let us run and hide ;-) She "really disagrees" as opposed to "sort of" disagrees.
Anything Pelosi does is doomed to fail.........Just look at her track record for the last year. Loser!
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Dad 9:02PM (12/22/2007)
"If we republicans want to entrust states with making their own decision on abortion ..."
Hmm, I don't think Roe vs Wade allows states to make their own decisions on abortion. In a 5 to 4 decision, abortion was made the law of the land. Same 5 to 4 that made Bush 2 President when the folks in Florida could hand the chads and Al Gore delayed the results of the election for a few months. 5 to 4 is an important ration, don't you think?
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GreatGreenHammer 10:13PM (12/22/2007)
Uhh.. Dad?
Please read more carefully. I did not mention Roe v Wade.
What i did say, is that my party, now ex-party "wants" to give states more rights. That includes abortion legislation along with everything else except appearantly emmisions. The current members of the supreme court are still skeptical of "federalism". Right now, the non-federalists outnumber the federalists. Which is why Roe v Wade still stands and will continue to stand for the next 30 years. And now emissions will suffer the same fate. This time, it won't take a supreme court decision to ruin things, just a short sighted EPA beurocrat. And yet another "core principle" abandoned by our president (the anti-federalist)
Pay attention please.
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BlackbirdHighway 6:06AM (12/23/2007)
The Republicans don't care at all about states rights. All they care about is helping rich people and big corporations get richer.
Everything they have ever done has been completely consistent with that goal. Amnesty for illegal aliens? How does that support states rights? It keeps the wages of the common workers suppressed, and increases corporate profits.
The invasion of Iraq had nothing to do with protecting America from WMDs. It was all about controlling a big portion of the worlds oil supplies, to make more money.If we could see the transcripts of Cheney's Energy Task Force from early 2001, that's what it would say. The VP and the oil companies came up with a plan to take control of Iraqs oil.
This deision by the PEA is to protect the profits of the automakers. Everything is very consistent with helping rich people and big corporations get richer.
Warren Buffet is worth $40 billion, and the lady who cleans his office pays a higher tax rate than he does.
Wake up people, how much longer are you goning to let these politicians pull the wool over your eyes?
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Tim 11:17AM (12/23/2007)
BlackbirdHighway- REAL conservative Republicans care very deeply for States Rights whereas the Neocons and liberals don't!
The Republican party has been hijacked by elite spendthrift Neocons like GW Bush, Giuliani, McCain, Romney, and Hunter!
The ONLY real difference between these Neocons and the liberals is that they disagree where they should spend the tax money from other people’s labor.
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Dad 1:13PM (12/23/2007)
"5. Uhh.. Dad?
Please read more carefully. I did not mention Roe v Wade. "
I never said you mentioned Roe v Wade, I did.
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Rick 1:45PM (12/23/2007)
Sorry, but Al Gore won Florida only a republican Harris (promoted up the political ladder after Bush wins??) would not allow the recounted votes to count. Great country we live in. Then in the last election 14,000 democratic votes found in the trash can in Volusia County behind a voting location? Great country we live in. Bush's legacy is one on lies, war mongering and scandal.
Why would his administration sway from that? CA is one of the few states that has enough clout to force change, and yet this administration shoots down a request to set it's own standard to help with the smog and related issues to crappy American cars and their crappy gas milage running off $4 gas ran by crappy oil companies with their hands all over this crappy administration. Sorry republican Arnold, your republican oil pres doesn't want to lose any money for the next 30 years of his life and needs to keep the profits high long after he leaves office. We are only still in Iraq to keep tensions high and wallstreet nervous enough to overvalue oil by 200%.
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susan.kraemer 4:51PM (12/23/2007)
Dad,
Pelosi is the Speaker of the House. Her job is simply to get good Democratic legislation through the House. Then it must go to the Senate, where it is the Senate majority leaders job to get it through the Senate, which is half full of Republicans, making it almost impossible.
She cannot force a recalcitrant Republican psycopathic president to behave with humanity, and she cannot elect Republican Senators cabable of using half a brain, because that is your job, Dad.
You have fallen down on that job.
Heres what Nancy did get passed through the House, and some of her passed in the House bills made it past Senate Republicans AND the presidents twichy veto pen he just discovered, and got signed into law.
Implementing 9/11 Commission's Recommendations - H.R. 1
This legislation provides for the implementation of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations. The bill’s provisions include major improvements in aviation security, border security, and infrastructure security; providing first responders the equipment and training they need; beefing up efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction; and significantly expanding diplomatic, economic, educational, and other strategies designed to counter Islamic terrorism.
Status: Passed January 9, 2007
Final House-Senate version passed by the House on July 27, 2007
Signed into law by the President on August 3, 2007
Learn more>>
Concurrent Resolution on the President's Escalation Plan - H.RES.63
This resolution disapproves of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq. It further resolves that Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq.
Status: Passed February 16, 2007
Learn more>>
Foreign Investment and National Security Act - H.R. 556
This bill strengthens national security by reforming the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) process by which the Federal Government reviews foreign investments in the United States for their national security implications.
Status: Passed February 28, 2007
Final House-Senate version passed by the House on July 11, 2007
Signed into law by the President on July 26, 2007
Learn more>>
U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act
Had it not been vetoed by the President, this bill would have supported our troops and veterans, held the Bush Administration and Iraqi government accountable, and brought our soldiers home by August 2008 or sooner. It would have expanded funding for veterans’ health care and hospitals and refocused military efforts on Afghanistan and fighting terrorism.
Status: Passed March 23, 2007
Vetoed by the President May 1, 2007
Learn more>>
Rail and Mass Transit Security Act - H.R. 1401
This legislation is designed to close the security gaps facing rail and mass transit and includes provisions on issues such as training, grants, security planning, research and development, and shipments of sensitive materials.
Status: Passed March 26, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
Wounded Warrior Assistance Act - H.R. 1538
This bill responds to the problems brought to light at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other military health care facilities. It includes provisions to improve the access to quality medical care for wounded service members who are outpatients at military health care facilities, begin the process of restoring the integrity and efficiency of the disability evaluation system, and improve the transition of wounded service members from the Armed Forces to the VA system.
Status: Passed March 28, 2007
Learn more>>
FY 2008 Homeland Security Authorization - H.R. 1684
This legislation authorizes $39.8 billion in funding for the Department of Homeland Security in fiscal year 2008. Because the President has been submitting budgets that underfunded key homeland security priorities over the last few years, this bill is authorizing $2.1 billion more than the President requested.
Status: Passed May 9, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
Revised Version of the FY 2007 Supplemental Funding Bill - H.R. 2206
This bill is a revised version of the FY 2007 Supplemental, which fails to include the tough provisions holding the Iraqi government accountable and providing a responsible timetable for the redeployment of U.S. troops contained in the earlier version. However, in this bill, the President was forced to abandon his threat to veto any bill containing accountability – agreeing to 18 benchmarks and a potential cut-off of reconstruction aid if progress is not made toward meeting them. The measure also includes a minimum wage increase, children’s health care, and other important domestic priorities.
Status: Passed May 10, 2007
Signed into the law by the President on May 25, 2007
Learn more>>
FY 2008 Intelligence Authorization Bill - H.R. 2082
This legislation will make new investments in intelligence personnel and enhance oversight of how intelligence is carried out. It authorizes intelligence funding for all U.S. intelligence agencies, including our military intelligence organizations.
Status: Passed May 11, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>
FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill - H.R. 1585
This legislation will provide the necessary resources and authorities to quickly and efficiently reverse declining trends in training and equipment readiness, and will also provide our service members doing their duty overseas in multiple wars with the best gear and force protection possible. Under the bill, our troops will get better health care, better pay, and the benefits they have earned.
Status: Passed May 17, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
Veterans Bills
These 6 bills support our veterans and honor their sacrifices, providing them with expanded health care and the benefits they deserve.
* The Veterans Outreach and Improvement Act of 2007, H.R. 67, would improve outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It allows the VA to partner with state and local governments to reach out to veterans and their families in ensuring they receive the benefits for which they are eligible and assist them in completing their benefits claims.
* The Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007, H.R. 612, extends the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release.
* The Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007, H.R. 2199, ensures that our veterans are properly screened for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI, the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan) and, if diagnosed, receive the appropriate treatment.
* The Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act, H.R. 2239, expands eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits for severely injured service members undergoing long-term care and recovery. It makes it easier for injured veterans with service-connected disabilities by allowing the Veterans’ Administration’s vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) benefits to be received before discharge.
* The Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, H.R. 1470, requires the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical center.
* H.R. 1660 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Southern Colorado region.
Status: Passed May 23, 2007
Learn more>>
The Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act - H.R. 2446
This legislation will fund development, economic and security assistance programs, and establishment of a coordinator to tackle the growing threat of narcotics in Afghanistan. The bill renews a 2002 Afghanistan authorization and provides additional support for programs as diverse as assistance to women and girls, energy development and counter-narcotics. This bill represents the United States’ commitment to achieving long-term stability and security in Afghanistan.
Status: Passed June 6, 2007
Learn more>>
Homeland Security Appropriations - H.R. 2638
This legislation funds 3,000 additional Border Patrol agents, provides first responders with the equipment and training they need, and provides tougher aviation and port security.
Status: Passed June 15, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
International Nuclear Fuel for Peace Nonproliferation Act - H.R. 885
This legislation supports the creation of an international nuclear fuel bank so that any country seeking to develop peaceful nuclear power-producing capability will not have to enrich uranium. This bank will make sure that any state that keeps its nuclear nonproliferation commitments can get the fuel it needs without establishing its own fuel production facilities.
Status: Passed June 18, 2007
Learn more>>
State-Foreign Operations Appropriations - H.R. 2764
This legislation supports our allies in the campaign against terrorism, including providing more than $1 billion in aid to Afghanistan; and promotes global stability by strengthening development assistance and addressing humanitarian crises such as the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and Darfur.
Status: Passed June 22, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
Collective Bargaining for Public Safety Personnel - H.R. 980
This legislation would provide firefighters and police officers with basic workplace collective bargaining rights. In the post-9/11 era of protecting America from terrorism, in which we are asking our police officers, firefighters, and other public safety officers to take on even more responsibilities than they had before, the least we can do is ensure that they have basic rights to seek better wages and benefits.
Status: Passed July 17, 2007
Learn more>>
Banning Permanent U.S. Bases in Iraq - H.R. 2929
This legislation states that it is the policy of the United States not to establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing a permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq. It also states that it is the policy of the United States not to exercise U.S. control of the oil resources of Iraq. The measure bars the use of any funds provided by any law from being used to carry out any policy that contradicts these statements of policy.
Status: Passed July 25, 2007
Learn more>>
Iran Sanctions Enabling - H.R. 2347
This legislation empowers Americans to apply economic pressure on the Iranian regime by establishing a federal list of entities that invest in Iran and allowing for divestment. As Iran continues to threaten regional stability and international security by pursuing a nuclear program, rattling sabers at its neighbors – especially Israel – and supporting terrorist groups funded by its energy sector, this bill will enable investors and state and local governments to ensure they are not invested in companies that support Iran’s oil and gas industry.
Status: Passed July 31, 2007
Learn more>>
Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act - H.R. 3159
This bill would require active duty forces to be guaranteed that their time at home match the length of their deployment. National Guard and reservists would be home for three times the length of the deployments. The bill would allow the President to waive these requirements to meet the national security needs of the country, and allow Service Chiefs of Staff to allow for the voluntary mobilization of members. These requirements would apply to those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Status: Passed August 2, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act - H.R. 4299
This revised bill extends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for 7 years. TRIA provides a federal backstop to the insurance industry by providing compensation for a portion of insured losses resulting from acts certified by the government as acts of terrorism.
Status: Passed September 19, 2007
Revised version passed by the House on December 12, 2007
Learn more>>
Contingency Planning for Redeployment from Iraq - H.R. 3087
This bill requires the Department of Defense, within 60 days, to submit a report on the status of planning for redeployment from Iraq to the congressional defense committees, with updated reports every 90 days thereafter.
Status: Passed October 2, 2007
Learn more>>
Accountability for Crimes Committed by Overseas Contractors - H.R. 2740
This bill is designed to ensure that all private security contractors in war zones overseas will be held accountable for any criminal behavior. Currently, there is only clear jurisdiction of the U.S. courts over those contractors who are on contract with the Department of Defense. Following are highlights of some of the bill’s provisions.
Status: Passed October 4, 2007
Learn more>>
The War Profiteering Prevention Act - H.R. 400
This legislation creates a new federal criminal fraud offense to prohibit fraudulent acts involving the provision of goods or services in connection with a mission of the U.S. government overseas. Following are highlights of some of the bill’s provisions.
Status: Passed October 9, 2007
Learn more>>
Iraqi Corruption - H.Res. 734
This legislation raises objections to the Administration’s withholding of information relating to corruption in Iraq. The American people and Congress deserve honest answers about the extent of corruption in the Iraqi government and whether corruption is fueling the insurgency and endangering our troops.
Status: Passed October 16, 2007
Learn more>>
Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act - H.R. 1955
This bill is designed to take steps to better understand violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in order to prevent them.
Status: Passed October 23, 2007
Learn more>>
Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - H.R. 327
This legislation directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop and implement a comprehensive program to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. The bill is named for an Iraq veteran who took his own life, and recognizes the special needs of veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and elderly veterans who are at high risk for depression and experience high rates of suicide.
Status: Passed October 23, 2007
Learn more>>
The Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act, H.R. 4156
The American people continue to demand a New Direction in Iraq. This war – now lasting nearly five years, longer than World War II – has cost Americans too much, in terms of lives, dollars, and our reputation around the world. This legislation will change the direction of President Bush’s failed Iraqi policy: require the President to redeploy our troops, while providing our troops in harm’s way with the resources they need.
Status: Passed November 14, 2007
Learn more>>
Defense Authorization for FY 2008 - H.R. 1585
This measure will provide the necessary resources and authorities to quickly and efficiently reverse declining trends in military readiness, and will also provide our service members in harm’s way with the best gear and force protection possible. Under the conference report, our troops will get better health care, better pay, and the benefits they have earned.
Status: Passed December 12, 2007
Learn more>>
Intelligence Authorization for FY 2008 - H.R. 2082
The bill authorizes the largest amount for intelligence programs ever authorized - containing numerous provisions to improve the effectiveness of intelligence programs and agencies. It also includes an amendment that extends to U.S. intelligence agencies and personnel the current prohibitions in the Army Field Manual against torture.
Status: Passed December 13, 2007
Learn more>>
GROWING OUR ECONOMY
Raising the Minimum Wage - H.R. 2
This bill increases the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over two years. Increasing the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour brings a pay raise for up to 13 million Americans.
Status: Passed January 10, 2007
The President signed into law on May 25 as part of the revised 2007 supplemental funding bill, H.R. 2206
Learn more>>
Employee Free Choice Act - H.R. 800
The Employee Free Choice Act will restore workers’ rights by removing obstacles that prevent workers from choosing whether or not they want to form or join a union.
Status: Passed March 1, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act – H.R. 362
This legislation ensures that our teachers are equipped to adequately prepare the workforce of tomorrow in science, math, and technology. It invests in new teachers through professional development, summer training institutes, graduate education assistance, and scholarships.
Status: Passed April 24, 2007
Learn more>>
Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act – H.R. 363
This act encourages scientists by providing grants in the early stages of their careers, supporting recruiting and training young scientists and engineers.
Status: Passed April 24, 2007
Learn more>>
Small Business Lending Improvement Act – H.R. 1332
This legislation provides small businesses with the access to capital they need to start and expand their businesses.
Status: Passed April 25, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>
National Science Foundation Authorization Act – H.R. 1867
This legislation puts us on a path to doubling funding for the National Science Foundation’s research over the next 10 years, and encourages young scientists and researchers.
Status: Passed May 2, 2007
Learn more>>
Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act – H.R. 1868
This legislation is the first full reauthorization of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology since 1991, authorizing $2.5 billion for fiscal year 2008-2010.
Status: Passed May 3, 2007
Learn more>>
Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act - H.R. 1873
This legislation will put small businesses on a level playing field with big corporations by increasing their access to federal contracts. It will require the Small Business Administration to reach out to small businesses regarding opportunities for earning government contracts, and mandate stricter oversight of government agencies to ensure they are making progress in awarding contracts to small businesses.
Status: Passed May 10, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>
America COMPETES Act: The Innovation Agenda – H.R. 2272
This bill is made up of five Innovation Agenda bills that have been passed by the House. They were combined into one bill to prepare to go to conference with the Senate, which passed an omnibus innovation and competitiveness bill (S. 761) on April 25.
On August 2nd, the House passed the final House-Senate agreeement on H.R. 2272. This legislation is the culmination of a year and a half-long, bipartisan effort to pass an Innovation Agenda that boldly responds to the global economic challenges identified in the 2005 National Academies report, Rising above the Gathering Storm. It ensures American students, teachers, businesses, and workers are prepared to continue leading the world in innovation, research, and technology well into the future.
H.R. 2272 combined the following five bills:
The 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act, H.R. 362
The Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, H.R. 363
The National Science Foundation Authorization Act, H.R. 1867
The Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act, H.R. 1868
The Amending High-Performance Computing Act, H.R. 1068
Status: Passed the House May 21, 2007
Final House-Senate agreement passed the House August 2, 2007
Signed into law by the President on August 9, 2007
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The No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) Act - H.R. 2264
This legislation enables the Department of Justice to take legal action against foreign nations for participating in oil cartels that drive up oil prices globally and in the United States. It does so by exempting OPEC and other nations from the provisions of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act when acting in a commercial capacity; by making clear that the so-called “Act of State” doctrine does not prevent courts from ruling on antitrust charges brought against foreign governments; and by authorizing the Department of Justice to bring lawsuits in U.S. courts against cartel members.
Status: Passed May 23, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
The Energy Price Gouging Act – H.R. 1252
This legislation will reduce the burden of rising gas prices on American families, providing immediate relief to consumers by giving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to investigate and punish those who artificially inflate the price of energy. It ensures the federal government has the tools it needs to adequately respond to energy emergencies and prohibit price gouging – with a priority on refineries and big oil companies.
Status: Passed May 24, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
Small Business Bills
During the week of June 18th, the House passed a package of bills that strengthen the Small Business Administration and help grow America’s businesses and economy. These bills also assist veterans and women, and encourage Native American entrepreneurs. They are:
The SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2359
The Veterans’ Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2366
The Women’s Business Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2397
The Native American Small Business Development Act of 2007, H.R. 2284
Status: Passed the week of June 18, 2007
Learn more>>
Patent Reform Act of 2007 - H.R. 1908
The most significant patent legislation in 50 years, this bill will strengthen the patent system and improve patent quality by deterring abusive practices and by creating a more effective system for considering challenges to the validity of patents.
Status: Passed September 7, 2007
Learn more>>
Internet Tax Freedom - H.R. 3678
This bill will temporarily bans state and local taxes on Internet access. The bill extends the Internet tax moratorium, first passed in 1998, through to 2014, and will now go to the President’s desk for his signature.
Status: Passed October 16, 2007
Learn more>>
The Small Business Contracting Improvements Act - H.R. 3867
The bill brings Small Business Administration’s contracting initiatives into the 21st century, by raising the profile of veteran entrepreneurs and rooting out fraud and taxpayer waste in SBA’s contracting programs.
Status: Passed October 30, 2007
Learn more>>
Making Trade Work for All Americans: The Trade and Globalization Assistance Act - H.R. 3920
This legislation will overhaul the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program – expanding opportunities for job training to transition workers into 21st Century jobs to take advantage of increasing globalization.
Status: Passed October 31, 2007
Learn more>>
The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act - H.R. 2662
This bill is a long-overdue reform bill that updates the Mining Law of 1872 for the 21st century. For example, it requires hardrock mining companies (which mine for such valuable minerals as gold, silver and copper), for the first time, to pay royalties for their operations on federal lands.
Status: Passed November 1, 2007
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Section 202 Affordable Housing for the Elderly Act - H.R. 2930
The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program is the only U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that provides housing exclusively for seniors. This legislation would: help preserve the existing supply of affordable housing for seniors, while facilitating the development of new homes to meet increasing demand; allow for adjustment to Project Rental Assistance contracts to accommodate fluctuations in project costs and emergencies, such as utility cost spikes; and maintain and upgrade existing Section 202 housing by allowing property owners to seek financing for the rehabilitation and improvement of current housing, while keeping costs low for their residents.
Status: Passed December 5, 2007
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The AMT Relief Act of 2007 - H.R. 4351
This bill restates House Democrats' commitment to fiscal responsibility, and will provide millions of middle-class families with tax cuts to grow our economy without increasing the national debt. The bill contains provisions that provide $50 billion in alternative minimum tax (AMT) relief to 23 million families and expands the child tax credit to help 12 million children.
Status: Passed December 12, 2007
Learn more>>
CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Promoting Life-Saving Stem Cell Research - H.R. 3/S.5
This research bill increases the number of lines of stem cells that are eligible to be used in federally-funded research. The bill authorizes Health and Human Services (HHS) to support research involving embryonic stem cells meeting certain criteria, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from an embryo. The bill only authorizes the use of stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics.
Status: Passed January 11, 2007
Final version passed by the House on June 7, 2007
The President vetoed this bill on June 20, 2007
Learn more>>
Requiring Medicare to Negotiate Lower Prescription Drug Prices - H.R. 4
This bill repeals the current provision that prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from negotiating with drug companies for lower prices for those enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans and instead requires the Secretary to conduct such negotiations.
Status: Passed January 12, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
Cutting Interest Rates on Student Loans - H.R. 5
This bill makes college more accessible and affordable by cutting the interest rates on subsidized student loans in half – from the current 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent. This significantly cuts the student debt burden of about 5 million students.
Status: Passed January 17, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
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Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act, H.R. 365
This legislation will protect innocent families against the after-effects of methamphetamine production in their neighborhoods by funding meth lab recovery and remediation.
Status: Passed February 7, 2007
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Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act - H.R. 1227
This legislation addresses the housing needs of the survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and is the first of several bills that the House will consider to deal with the unmet needs of the people of the Gulf Coast.
Status: Passed March 21, 2007
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Genetic Nondiscrimination Act – H.R. 493
This legislation will protect personal genetic information from discriminatory use by health insurers and employers.
Status: Passed April 25, 2007
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Improving Head Start Act – H.R. 1429
This legislation will help more children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed by improving program quality and expanding access to more children.
Status: Passed May 2, 2007
Final conference report approved November 14, 2007
Signed into law by the President on December 12, 2007
Learn more>>
Hate Crimes Prevention Act – H.R. 1592
This legislation will provide new resources to help state and local law enforcement agencies prevent and prosecute hate crimes, and closes gaps in current federal hate crimes law.
Status: Passed May 3, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>
COPS Improvement Act of 2007 - H.R. 1700
This legislation will provide much needed support to local law enforcement agencies for their community oriented policing (COPS) efforts. This legislation is especially important as local law enforcement agencies struggle with funding gaps to keep officers on the streets.
Status: Passed May 15, 2007
Learn more>>
Child Labor Protection Act of 2007 - H.R. 2637
This legislation would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act by increasing penalties for those who violate child labor provisions. The Fair Labor Standards Act, enacted in 1938, prohibits businesses from employing minors in “oppressive child labor." If businesses violate these laws, they can be fined by the Department of Labor.
Status: Passed June 12, 2007
Learn more>>
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Improvement Act - H.R. 2640
This legislation enforces the provisions of the 1968 Gun Control Act, and is designed to make the NICS work better by ensuring it has the appropriate records. It requires the transmittal of federal and state records to NICS, and authorizes grants to states over the next three years.
Status: Passed June 13, 2007
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The College Cost Reduction and Access Act - H.R. 2669
This legislation provides the single largest increase in college aid since the GI bill in 1944. The Democratic-led Congress is committed to growing and strengthening America’s middle class, and will ensure that college is affordable for every qualified student who wants to attend. This legislation both expands educational opportunities for our nation’s young people, and is an investment in our workforce that will continue our economic leadership in the world.
Status: Passed July 11, 2007
On September 7, the House passed the final House-Senate agreement
On September 27, this bill was signed into law by the President
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Section 8 Voucher Reform Act - H.R. 1851
The legislation will change Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Section 8 public housing programs - expanding rental assistance opportunities, improving program efficiency, and encouraging family self-sufficiency. The bill expands the number of families receiving vouchers by 20,000 a year for each of the next five years and ensures the program works effectively for the nation’s low income working families with children, elderly and disabled.
Status: Passed July 12, 2007
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The Rural Housing and Economic Development Act of 2007 - H.R. 1982
This bill would improve the quality of life by providing resources to address substandard housing in rural America. It authorizes $30 million for the Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) program for fiscal year 2008, and $40 million for Fiscal Years 2009 through 2013. This program increases and improves capacity building at the state and local level for rural housing and economic development and supports innovative housing and economic development activities in these areas.
Status: Passed July 16, 2007
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Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act - H.R. 2419
This legislation begins to reform farm policy while investing in energy independence, supporting conservation, strengthening nutrition assistance, and recognizing the importance of specialty crops.
Status: Passed July 27, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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Reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program - H.R. 976
This bill will bring health coverage to approximately ten million children in need – preserving coverage for all 6.6 million children currently covered by CHIP, and reaching millions more low-income, uninsured American children in the next five years.
Status: Passed August 1, 2007
Passed final House-Senate agreement On September 25, 2007
The President vetoed on October 3, 2007
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Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 - H.R. 2786
This legislation reauthorizes the Native American Housing Assistance Self Determination Act of 1996 for five years and amends the law to address housing needs of Native Americans. The bill clarifies rules and regulations and makes it easier for tribes to attain affordable housing.
Status: Passed September 6, 2007
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The Expanding Homeownership Act of 2007 - H.R. 1852
This bill will revitalize the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which was established to provide a reliable source of affordable mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers. The bill will enable the FHA to serve more subprime borrowers at affordable rates and terms, to attract borrowers that have turned to predatory loans in recent years, and to offer refinancing to homeowners struggling to meet their mortgage payments in the midst of the current turbulent mortgage markets.
Status: Passed September 18, 2007
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The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act - H.R. 2881
This legislation would modernize the nation's aging air traffic control system, dedicating an increase in the aviation fuel taxes to pay for these improvements. It would modernize airports to reduce flight delays, and protect consumers by reducing over-scheduling and improving the system to address complaints.
Status: Passed September 20, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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The Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act - H.R. 2693
This legislation responds to the appearance of a fatal and irreversible disease called bronchiolitis obliterans that appeared among a group of workers in a popcorn plant in 2000. The disease, which has come to be known as “popcorn lung,” is connected to diacetyl, a chemical used in artificial butter flavoring that the workers were exposed to, according to the National Institute for Occupations Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Status: Passed September 26, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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The Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - H.R. 3121
This legislation reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years, through FY 2013 (the current authorization for NFIP expires on September 30, 2008). It also provides for reforms to the NFIP, improves flood mapping, and expands the NFIP to provide for multiple peril coverage. Following are highlights of some of the bill’s provisions.
Status: Passed September 27, 2007
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Small Business Investment Expansion - H.R. 3567
This bill will help business owners, particularly veterans and women, to obtain investment capital to start or grow their small businesses
Status: Passed September 27, 2007
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Housing Tax Relief - H.R. 3648
Under current law, when a family faces mortgage foreclosure, any debt forgiven or renegotiation is considered income for tax purposes, creating a large tax bill. Families dealing with the pain of foreclosure should not have the double burden of a large tax bill for terminating their mortgage through no fault of their own.
Status: Passed October 4, 2007
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Child Safety Bills
The House passed four bills that are designed to improve child safety – better ensuring that the products that children use are completely safe and reliable.
Status: Passed October 9, 2007
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National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act - H.R. 2895
This bill will establish a national affordable housing trust fund to build or preserve 1.5 million homes or apartments over the next 10 years, without increasing government spending or the federal deficit. The bill will initially allocate between $800 million and $1 billion annually directly to states and local communities, targeting funds for the construction of affordable housing and for lower income families facing the greatest housing affordability challenges.
Status: Passed October 10, 2007
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Railroad Safety - H.R. 2095
The bill reauthorizes and renames Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”) and takes a variety of steps to strengthen rail safety including updating the limits on rail workers' hours of service to reduce fatigue-related accidents, nearly doubling the number of safety inspectors, requiring new safety technologies on trains, and upgrading safety at rail tracks and crossings.
Status: Passed October 17, 2007
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The Homeowners’ Defense Act of 2007 - H.R. 3355
This bill is designed to address the growing crisis in the availability and affordability of homeowners’ insurance. The legislation focuses on stabilizing the catastrophe insurance market by expanding private industry’s capacity to cover natural disasters and helping states to better manage risk. Following are highlights of the bill’s provisions.
Status: Passed November 8, 2007
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Online Child Protection
During the week of November 12, the House passed five bills to crack down on online predators and help make the internet safe for children. These bills are:
* H.R. 3845 - PROTECT Our Children Act
* H.R. 719 - Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act
* H.R. 4120 - Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act
* H.R. 4134 – Internet Crime Prevention Education Program Act
* H.R. 4136 - Enhancing the Effective Prosecution of Child Pornography Act
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Transportation-HUD Appropriations - H.R. 3074
The Transportation and Housing conference report addresses the important challenges of keeping our transportation system safe and strong, ensuring that every American has adequate shelter, and doing so in a way that strengthens the economy and is environmentally responsible.
Status: Final conference report passed November 14, 2007
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Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending - H.R. 3915
The bill responds to the subprime mortgage crisis by instituting much needed reform to prevent these bad loans from being made in the first place.
Status: Passed November 15, 2007
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Labor, Health, and Human Services & Veterans Appropriations - H.R. 3043
This bill provides the largest increase for veterans in history, rejects the President’s cuts to needed resources for health care, education, job training, and home heating assistance, and makes critical investments in our future. The President has approved 27 previous appropriations bills that were combined in this fashion by Republican congresses.
Status: Passed November 6, 2007
Vetoed by the President November 13, 2007
The House fell two votes short of overriding the President's veto on November 15, 2007
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PROTECTING OUR PLANET
Repealing Big Oil Subsidies/Investing in Renewable Fuels - H.R. 6
This bill invests in clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency by repealing billions in subsidies given to big oil companies that are raking in record profits.
Status: Passed January 18, 2007
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Reauthorizing Sewer Overflow Control Grants - H.R. 569
This bill authorizes $1.5 billion in grants to local communities over the next five years to construct treatment works to deal with sewer overflows that often occur after heavy rainfalls. This bill is crucial because sewer overflows represent a major public health hazard.
Status: Passed March 7, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
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Reauthorizing Pilot Program for Increasing Useable Water Supply - H.R. 700
This bill authorizes $125 million to fund projects that increase usable water supply by encouraging innovation in water reclamation, reuse and conservation.
Status: Passed March 8, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
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Reauthorizing Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund - H.R. 720
The Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund is a vital program for state and local governments that addresses critical water infrastructure needs. This bill authorizes a total of $14 billion for the fund over the next four years, ensures clean water and fosters economic development in local communities by helping pay for building and improving wastewater treatment facilities.
Status: Passed March 9, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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Advanced Fuels Infrastructure R&D Act - H.R. 547
This legislation will help make alternative biofuels more quickly and affordably, and assists retailers in the transition to clean diesel fuels.
Status: Passed February 17, 2007
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Water Resources Development Act of 2007 - H.R. 1495
This legislation authorizes several projects and studies for the United States Army Corps of Engineers to carry out its major missions of flood control to protect our lives and livelihoods, viable navigation corridors for the movement of goods and services, and ecosystem restoration projects to improve the health of our nation’s environment.
Status: Passed April 19, 2007
Final version passed by the House on August 1, 2007
Vetoed on November 2, 2007
Veto Overridden by the House on November 6, 2007
Veto Overridden by the Senate on November 8, 2007
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Interior-Environment Appropriations - H.R. 2643
This legislation fully funds the Clean Water Fund that the President proposed cutting by 37 percent, makes improving our national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests a key priority, and boosts basic research on climate change by 53 percent.
Status: Passed June 27, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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Energy Independence and Security Act
This legislation will move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, develop innovative new technologies, reduce carbon emissions, create green jobs, protect consumers, increase clean renewable energy production, and modernize our energy infrastructure.
Status: Passed August 4, 2007
Final version passed by the House on December 18, 2007
The President signed this bill into law on December 19, 2007
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Renewable Energy - H. Con. Res. 25
This Sense of the Congress resolution expresses that the goal of the U.S. is that America’s farms, forests, and ranches provide 25 percent of the total energy consumed in America from renewable resources by 2025, while continuing to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber. The 110th Congress is taking America in a New Direction, working to strengthen our energy security by reducing American dependence on foreign oil.
Status: Passed October 15, 2007
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Energy & Science Bills
These three bills promote industrial energy efficiency and energy storage technologies, and support the goals and ideals of National Science Week.
Status: Passed October 22, 2007
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RESTORING ACCOUNTABILITY
Honest Leadership - H.Res. 6
To clean up Washington and sever unethical ties between lawmakers and lobbyists, House Democrats started by banning travel and gifts from lobbyists, requiring full transparency to end the abuse of special interest earmarks, banning travel on corporate jets, shutting down the K Street project, reinstating the strict rules of pay-as-you-go budgeting, and ending the abusive processes that have destroyed democracy in the House of Representatives. These measures are the first steps to ensure that this Congress upholds the highest ethical standards.
Status: Passed January 5, 2007
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Pension Forfeiture Act - H.R. 476
This legislation requires that Members convicted of certain federal offenses forfeit their congressional pension rights.
Status: Passed January 23, 2007
The Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007 - H.R. 1309
This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in a dozen substantive provisions to provide for more timely disclosure of government documents, including restoring the presumption of disclosure to FOIA, helping FOIA requesters obtain timely responses, improving transparency in agency compliance with FOIA, providing an alternative to litigation, and providing accountability for FOIA decisions.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
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Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007 - H.R. 1255
Under the Presidential Records Act, presidential records are supposed to be released to historians and the public 12 years after the end of a presidential administration. In 2001, President George W. Bush issued an executive order which gave current and former presidents and vice presidents broad authority to withhold presidential records or delay their release indefinitely. The Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007 nullifies the Bush executive order and establishes procedures to ensure the timely release of presidential records.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2007 - H.R. 1254
This bill requires the disclosure of donors to Presidential libraries. Presidential libraries are built using private funds raised by an organization or foundation working on behalf of the president. Under current law, donations for the presidential library can be unlimited in size and are not required to be disclosed. The bill would require that all organizations established for the purpose of raising funds for presidential libraries or their related facilities report on a quarterly basis all contributions of $200 or more.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
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Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007 - H.R. 985
This bill strengthens protections for federal whistleblowers to prevent retaliation against those who report wrongdoing, waste, fraud, or abuse to authorities.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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Accountability in Contracting Act - H.R. 1362
This bill changes federal acquisition law to require agencies to limit the use of abuse-prone contracts, to increase transparency and accountability in federal contracting, and to protect the integrity of the acquisition workforce.
Status: Passed March 15, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
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Interim Appointment of U.S. Attorneys – H.R. 580
This legislation will help better ensure the independence of U.S. Attorneys – by repealing a provision in a 2006 statute that grants the Attorney General the authority to make indefinite interim appointments of U.S. Attorneys, who can then serve indefinitely without Senate confirmation.
Status: Passed March 26, 2007
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Taxpayer Protection Act - H.R. 1677
This legislation increases IRS outreach to provide taxpayers with stronger protections from identity theft and tax fraud. The bill simplifies tax filing requirements, strengthens outreach so people know they are entitled to tax refunds or payments under the Earned Income Tax Credit, and it increases taxpayer protections from “predatory” providers.
Status: Passed April 17, 2007
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RECOVER Act – H.R. 1361
This legislation overhauls the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Assistance Program. In response to SBA’s disastrous performance after the 2005 Gulf State hurricanes, this bill provides numerous provisions to improve and strengthen the SBA disaster assistance program.
Status: Passed April 18, 2007
The President opposes in its current form
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D.C. Voting Rights Act – H.R. 1905
This legislation will secure voting rights in the House for the District of Columbia, permanently expanding the U.S. House of Representatives from 435 to 437 seats. This provides a vote to the District of Columbia and a new, at-large seat through the 112th Congress to the state next entitled to increase its congressional representation (which, according to the Census, is Utah).
Status: Passed April 19, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act – H.R. 1257
This bill requires that public companies ensure that shareholders have an annual nonbinding vote on their company’s executive compensation plans. It also requires a nonbinding advisory vote if the company awards a new golden parachute package while simultaneously negotiating the purchase or sale of the company.
Status: Passed April 20, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
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Student Loan Sunshine Act - H.R. 890
In light of mounting evidence of unethical practices in the student loan industry, this legislation cleans up the relationships between student lenders and colleges.
Status: Passed May 9, 2007
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Honest Leadership and Open Government Act – H.R. 2316/S.1
This legislation ends the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers. This is a tough bill that ends the culture of corruption, and restores accountability in Washington, ending the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers and taking another major step toward making the 110th Congress the most open, honest Congress in history. Status: Passed May 24, 2007
Final version passed the House on July 31, 2007
Signed into law by the President on September 14, 2007
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The Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act – S. 214
This bill reinstates the Senate’s role in the U.S. Attorney confirmation process. It is designed to help better ensure the independence of U.S. Attorneys – by repealing a provision in a 2006 statute that grants the Attorney General the authority to make indefinite interim appointments of U.S. Attorneys, who can then serve indefinitely without Senate confirmation.
Status: Passed May 22, 2007
Signed into law by the President on June 14, 2007
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The Federal Housing Finance Reform Act – H.R. 1427
This legislation will overhaul the regulatory oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks, and create a new, independent regulator with broad powers analogous to current banking regulators. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored enterprises, meaning they are both created and chartered by Congress in addition to being private, profit-seeking businesses. It also creates a non-taxpayer financed affordable housing fund, which will dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars for the construction, maintenance and preservation of affordable housing, with the first year of the fund to be dedicated to the hurricane stricken areas of the Gulf Coast, and billions of dollars over the next five years for affordable housing nationwide.
Status: Passed May 22, 2007
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The Lobbying Transparency Act – H.R. 2317
This bill requiring lobbyists who “bundle,” or collect campaign checks for Members of Congress, to meet strict reporting and disclosure guidelines.
Status: Passed May 24, 2007
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Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act - H.R. 1281
This bill will prohibit and punish deceptive practices that aim to keep voters away from the polls on Election Day. This bill protects every American citizen’s right to vote by making voter deception, for the first time, a crime.
Status: Passed June 25, 2007
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The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 - H.R. 2900
This legislation reauthorizes the prescription drug user fee for five years and increases the fee in order to allow the FDA to approve life-saving drugs more quickly. The bill makes the most sweeping safety and regulatory changes to the agency in years, adding new surveillance and safety requirements for drugs after they have been approved and marketed.
Status: Passed July 11, 2007
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FDIC Enforcement Enhancement Act - H.R. 2547
To protect consumers nationwide, this legislation will impose penalties on companies that falsely claim to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This bill protects the integrity and the reputation of the FDIC as well as the millions of consumers that place their trust in the financial regulatory institutions.
Status: Passed July 16, 2007
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Passport Backlog Reduction Act of 2007 - S. 966
The new passport requirements have triggered an enormous passport backlog, with about 3 million pending passport applications that have yet to be processed. This delay has forced Americans to cancel business, leisure trips, and trips for study abroad. This legislation helps eliminate the backlog that is plaguing American travelers. It waives salary restrictions and allows the Department of State to bring back former employees to assist in passport-related duties.
Status: Passed July 16, 2007
Signed into the law by the President on July 30, 2007
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Campaign Expenditure Transparency Act - H.R. 2630
This legislation raises the bar on the ethical standards of Members of Congress by ending the practice of allowing federal office holders and candidates to employ spouses in their campaign. It would also require the disclosure of all other immediate family members who are employed by a candidate’s campaign. In addition, this bill would ban the egregious practice involving the spouse of an elected official earning commissions for fundraising activity. In those situations, the candidate or elected official personally pockets a percentage of all campaign funds raised by their spouse.
Status: Passed July 23, 2007
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Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act - H.R. 2831
This legislation rectifies the recent Supreme Court decision that makes it harder for workers to pursue pay discrimination claims. The bill simply restores the longstanding interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – that each paycheck that results from a discriminatory decision is itself a discriminatory act that resets the clock on the 180-day period within which a worker must file.
Status: Passed July 31, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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Honest Leadership, Open Government Act - S. 1
This is tough legislation designed to end the culture of corruption and restore accountability in Washington. The bill ends the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers and takes another major step toward making the 110th Congress the most open, honest Congress in history. This legislation will bring unprecedented transparency to lobbyists’ activities and is another major step to change the way business is done in Washington.
Status: Passed July 31, 2007
Signed into the law by the President on September 15, 2007
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Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act - H.R. 180
In continuing efforts to address the genocide and humanitarian crisis in Darfur, the House passed legislation that will require the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a list of companies whose business activities in Sudan directly support the genocidal practices of the regime in Khartoum.
Status: Passed July 31, 2007
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Supporting Democracy in Burma - H. Con. Res. 200
This bill condemns the Violent Suppression of Buddhist Monks and Other Peaceful Demonstrators in Burma, which denounces the violence and human rights violations in Burma and calls for the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Status: Passed October 2, 2007
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The Improving Government Accountability Act - H.R. 928
This bill contains a number of provisions to enhance the effectiveness and independence of Inspectors General. It also contains provisions to enhance the accountability of the Inspector General system overall.
Status: Passed October 3, 2007
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Ending Private Tax Collection - H.R. 3056
This bill was passed to repeal the use of private debt collection companies to collect federal income taxes, delay the application of an onerous three percent withholding requirement on government payments, and discourage individuals who renounce their U.S. citizenship to avoid paying taxes.
Status: Passed October 10, 2007
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Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - H.R. 2102
The bill would provide journalists with a qualified privilege as to sources and information, while at the same time, recognizing the need for effective law enforcement and robust national security. Freedom of the press is fundamental to our democracy and is essential to protecting the public's right to know. Without a federal media shield law to protect the confidential sources of journalists, freedom of the press is threatened.
Status: Passed October 16, 2007
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Combating Human Trafficking - H.R. 3887
The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act will step up U.S. diplomatic efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking worldwide. This legislation addresses the fundamental right of every human being to live in freedom and safety. It requires a comprehensive analysis of trafficking data to yield new information about where victims are going and how to free them. It also provides help for countries to inspect locations where forced labor occurs, to register vulnerable populations and to provide more protection to foreign workers. It ensures that U.S. assistance programs are both transparent and effective, and it urges the Administration to work with other countries to reach agreements between labor exporters and labor importers so that vulnerable workers have more, rather than less protection.
Status: Passed December 4, 2007
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Genocide Accountability Act of 2007 - S.888
This bill would close a legal loophole that prevents the United States Department of Justice from prosecuting people in our country who have committed genocide abroad. Under current law, the United States cannot prosecute foreign nationals suspected of genocide that are living in our country. The Justice Department has identified individuals who had an active role in the Rwandan and Bosnian genocides living in the United States under false pretenses. They are unable to interview or charge any of these individuals because they lack jurisdictional rights.
Status: Passed December 5, 2007
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Reply
BlackbirdHighway 7:02PM (12/23/2007)
Wow, Susan, your fingers must be in good shape!
Tim, that was my point exactly. Except for Ron Paul, today's Republicans have very little to do with what the party traditionally
stood for.
Now if you vote Republican because you believe in states rights, it's a bit like buying a Sara Lee cake because you like homemade goods. That may be what you were trying to get, but that ain't at all what you're actually getting.
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Mack 4:23AM (12/24/2007)
Really, how much do new cars with extreme fuel mileage really help the overall picture in the US?
Is the population decreasing? Isn't traffic just a pain just about everywhere? It's like does anyone actually work? Not when they are stuck in traffic.
Who is it that funds the fight to combat rail?
Why would they should be the bigger question?
The best thing to do is live close to work.
And vote for more rail.
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Nacon 7:09AM (12/24/2007)
I think 35mpg need to need set for 2009... not 2020. That's too long to wait. We need a big change now anyway.
Afterall... GM and Ford are already hurting in market production sales because they aren't "bright" nor "green".
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Tim 9:16AM (12/24/2007)
Wow, Susan.
Most of these acts are FORBIDDEN by the 10th amendment so they instead use Santa's "commerce clause" to do all those things they swore NOT to do when they took the oath to uphold the Constitution. They did not however do the ONE thing they swore to do... defend our boarders by stopping the invasion of illegal trespassers who are stealing our tax money.
Their oath:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter so help me God."
The Commerce Clause: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3: “The Congress shall have power . . . To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commerce_Clause
Liberals and Neocons say the EVERYTHING is commerce so they can ignore ANY limitations placed on them by this oath and have thus become Domestic Enemies of the Constitution and We the People of the united States of America!
Those who are ignorant or so arrogant as to ignore history are DOOMED to repeat it. As Rome fell, so falls the USA. We fail not for war, but by bankruptcy.
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Steve 10:33AM (12/24/2007)
America is the land of tradeoffs. Want a powerful central government that actually can get things done (even if it sometimes doesn't for political reasons)? You need a powerful federal government like we have today.
Want the power of the government to be limited, so that the people have more control? Fine, but you won't ever get anything done.
Freedom vs action, that's the tradeoff right there. Because no matter what you do, someone won't like it. The idea that states' rights will make everything all better is ridiculous, but the argument that a strong federal government is the perfect system is also moronic. Face it: life sucks and then you die.
As for the issue actually at hand, I support Pelosi on this one: why is the EPA trying to give up regulatory authority? Why is it fighting its own mission? That's completely unacceptable, and clearly a result of Bush political appointments.
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Tim 11:03AM (12/24/2007)
America’s bankruptcy is the fault of the privately owned Federal Reserve Bank who controls the US monetary policy to create wealth for themselves out of thin air and the Liberals and Neocons who allow the Federal Reserve to bankrupt our country because it allows them to buy power with other people's debt. They, along with their supporters, family and friends are all traitors and should be treated as such. All in good time…
People & Power - Death of the dollar 2 - 19 Dec 07 - Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54MUm2P1jOU
People & Power - Death of the dollar 2 - 19 Dec 07 - Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdrNbhdl7uU
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susan.kraemer 12:15PM (12/24/2007)
"Really, how much do new cars with extreme fuel mileage really help the overall picture in the US?
"
I checked this out. Back after the original CAFE mileage standards were raised as a result of the oil embargo in the 70's, in the 80's we cut our oil use by 18%.
http://www.safehaven.com/article-9068.htm
"It would appear than the reduction in oil use by consumers back in the late 1970's was caused by the nonavailability of fuel inefficient new cars caused by CAFE standards. Consumers cannot buy gas hogs if none are for sale."
Remember an AVERAGE of 35 mpg = for every 15mpg fumefarter for the testosterone-challenged theres gotta be a 55 mpg Volt for you and me.
Reply
FrankBank 12:37PM (12/24/2007)
All is a tempest in a teapot. It almost doesn't matter at all if you look at the difference between CAFE and CA inspred CO2 laws when it comes to actual fuel consumed.
All regulators Pelosi, Scwhartznegger, whoever, lack the real courage to raise gasoline taxes. They are probably just pissed that their lawmaking is entirely reducndant to another group of law makers.
The price of fuel affects the amount used way more than any CAFE law or CAFE Law in drag - the C02 proposed laws like the beloved CA AB1493. The price of gas is the actual reason why consumption went downin the late 70's and early 80s. Raise gas taxes and the consumption of fuel is curtailed for all vehicles, not just the 7% or so of all that are on the road that are new cars, subject to CAFE law.
Cheap gas will mean more driving, even if the cars get better mileage. Consumption will be up if fuel prices stay low.
Reply
Tim 1:59PM (12/24/2007)
If you love Freedom, then you MUST watch this!!!
America Freedom to Fascism (Full Video): http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=America+Freedom+to+Fascism+%28Full+Video%29
We are becoming enslaved by “good” intentions.
Reply
Larry Fafarman 5:31AM (12/28/2007)
The California waiver provision should be abolished. It has long outlived its usefulness. States that have adopted and intend to adopt the California standards together have over half of the US population, so we might just as well have just a single set of national emissions standards.
Reply