New bill would assist veterans with brain injury treatment by Angela Xu, Aug 13, 2008 (6:15pm)
Traumatic brain injury is the signature wound of current overseas conflicts, so it is important for the government to provide greater treatment coverage. This bill would recommend new policies for the care and rehabilitation of veterans and will also create programs to educate and train VA doctors and nurses in TBI treatment.
Protecting volunteer pilots by Angela Xu, Aug 13, 2008 (1:56am)
Horseracing bill to provide coverage for horse racing jockeys by Angela Xu, Aug 13, 2008 (12:47am)
This bill would amend the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1973 by requiring horsemen’s groups to help fund health and injury insurance for their workers. It would also prohibit anyone from entering a horse that had taken anabolic steroids into a race that was being wagered on.
Kinship Caregiver Support Act to help family caregivers by Angela Xu, Aug 12, 2008 (8:01pm)
This bill would have three major effects: 1) it allows states to use federal funds to support family caregivers raising relatives in the foster care system; 2) it provides funding to establish kinship navigator programs; and 3) it requires notification of relatives when a child enters the foster care system. The bill is applauded by supporters especially for the positive impact it would have on the lives of many minority (African-American and Native American) children.
Civil rights restoration bill to eliminate use of racial preferences in college admissions by Angela Xu, Aug 9, 2008 (11:50pm)
This bill would ban the use of affirmative action by U.S. colleges that receive federal funds. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Tancredo (R-CO) said, “It makes no sense to try and remedy the ills of discrimination with yet more discrimination.” However, it is doubtful that the bill will pass in the Democrat-controlled Congress.
Helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life by Angela Xu, Aug 8, 2008 (6:41pm)
The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Act is based off a successful program started in Minnesota that was designed to help National Guard members reintegrate into civilian life. The program would provide National Guard members and their families with information, services, referral, and outreach opportunities throughout the entire deployment cycle.
Expanding Medicaid coverage by Angela Xu, Aug 8, 2008 (4:54am)
Physician assistants (PAs) are not currently covered by Medicaid, but this bill would change that. Though all states cover PAs to some extent, lack of federal standardization has led to reduced health care services for many. One advantage of this bill that supporters are citing is that consistent, high quality preventative care forestalls the occurrence of emergency hospital visits later on, saving health care costs.
Gun control law may violate due process by Angela Xu, Aug 7, 2008 (8:50pm)
This bill would give the Attorney General (AG) the power prevent the sale of firearms to anyone suspected of being a terrorist. Critics of the bill say that denying a person access to guns without a conviction, indictment, or even any charges is akin to stripping him of his constitutional rights. Adding to their sense of injustice is that the AG is not an elected official. Though gun violence is a major problem, especially if one believes there is a serious terrorist threat, this bill really does threaten civil liberties and empower the AG excessively.
HR 1981 addresses concerns about foreign repair statiosn for aircraft by Angela Xu, Aug 7, 2008 (8:01pm)
Outsourcing of aircraft maintenance has become increasingly common despite the complaints from unions and the fears of those who say entrusting foreigners with our aircraft after 9/11 is no longer safe. This legislation is aimed at appeasing both crowds, by prohibiting the use of foreign repair stations by US air carriers unless they meet new standards to be dictated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The new standards would have to include maintenance audits as well as background checks of repair station employees. Critics of this bill, such as the aviation industry, oppose it because they would lose money by being forced to use more expensive, domestic stations. Additionally, they claim that the bill might limit the ability of US airlines to operate overseas.
Amendment to Small Business Act addresses procurement contracts by Angela Xu, Aug 5, 2008 (5:57pm)
This bill would increase the goal of 23 percent to 25 percent for procurement contracts awarded in a fiscal year to women, service-disabled veterans, qualified HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone), and small businesses.
HR 6475 would open government opportunities to law students by Angela Xu, Aug 5, 2008 (5:31pm)
This bill would create a program to give qualified law school graduates clerkship positions in House and Senate offices, under the management of the Committee on House Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. The program is similar to existing ones in the Executive and Judicial branches.
Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act would clean up & preserve Great Lakes by Angela Xu, Aug 4, 2008 (3:35am)
The original Great Lakes Legacy Act, which passed in 2002, authorized funding to clean up contaminated sediments in the Great Lakes. This reauthorization bill would extend the original act for five more years, as well as increase funding from $54 million to $150 million per year.
HR 1257 provides check on executive salaries by Angela Xu, Jul 31, 2008 (8:43pm)
This bill would require a shareholder vote to determine executive compensation, greater concentration of company shares in fewer institutions, and a more active leadership role on the compensation issue by pension groups. The concerns spurring the passage of this bill stem from the excessively high salaries of American corporate executives (sometimes even in the face of poor performance), especially in comparison with their British counterparts. Opponents of the bill counter by saying that salaries determined by shareholders (rather than the board) will not be the most effective incentives for executives to perform at their highest levels. Given the ever-increasing economic disparities in this country, and the truly astronomical sums that some executives are making, this bill seems like a reasonable measure that should have been adopted earlier.
Employee Free Choice Act may actually undermine employees' free choice by Angela Xu, Jul 31, 2008 (8:20pm)
This bill would eliminate the secret ballot practice used to determine whether to organize a union, and replace that with a public card signing. Opponents argue that this would leave workers open to coercion from their union colleagues, and that the card signing is undemocratic. Small businesses also say that this measure would cut them out of the wage bargaining process, weakening them tremendously. Unions like the bill because it provides an easy way for them to bolster membership at a time when their numbers are declining. President Bush has threatened to veto this bill if it passes Congress.
Re: Employee Free Choice Act may actually undermine employees free choice by Alec, Oct 16, 2008 (5:51pm)
You are correct that the bill would eliminate the right of an employer to DEMAND an NLRB election (which generally takes many months). If workers want a secret ballot election they will not be prohibited by the bill. What exactly is undemocratic about a majority of workers signing a petition or cards demanding recognition for their union from their employer? Also, the bill does not suddenly make it legal for union supporters to illegally coerce their coworkers. However, it does provide for increased expedited penalties for employers who violate workers rights. Currently, the law provides a mere wrist slap (which can take months and months to effect) for companies who threaten or fire employees for unionizing. By the time violations come before the board the unions have typically already been crushed by companies terrorizing their workers. Surveys show that most U.S. workers want union representation. The current laws and NLRB are set up to allow companies to crush worker’s efforts to unionize.
Free-trade agreement with Oman to promote economic growth and liberalization by Angela Xu, Jul 31, 2008 (8:04pm)
Under the terms of this bill, all bilateral trade in consumer and industrial products between Oman and the US would become duty-free. Supporters say that free trade with Oman would increase economic opportunities for the US, as well as help pave the way for economic liberalization in Oman. Above all, it would supposedly strengthen relations with a strategic country in the Middle East. In a signing statement, President Bush stated that the free-trade agreement (FTA) with Oman was one more step in a plan to create a Middle East Free Trade Area, following FTAs with Bahrain and Morocco. However, opponents argue that forcing American workers to compete with Omani workers who toil under slave labor conditions is unfair.
HR 503 would protect horses at the expense of production agriculture by Angela Xu, Jul 31, 2008 (7:22pm)
This bill would make it illegal for horses to be slaughtered for food. Although horse consumption is illegal in America, many companies export the horse meat to Europe and Asia, where they become delicacies for gourmet diners. Supporters say that the US horse slaughter industry is driven not by actual market demand, but by animal cruelty. According to them, the horses are transported and slaughtered under abusive and appalling conditions. Many of their arguments also appeal to strong emotional attachments that Americans feel towards horses. On the other hand, the bill’s opponents argue that horse processing should remain a viable option for management of surpluses of unwanted and abandoned horses. They also say that giving emotional considerations too much weight would result in unjust regulations on production agriculture, economically disadvantaging the entire industry.
Extending tax credits to more caregivers by Angela Xu, Jul 31, 2008 (5:58pm)
This bill would expand the dependent care tax credit (DCTC) to allow more families to receive tax relief for child and elder care expenses. First, it raises the amount of expenses that DCTC can cover; second, it allows families to claim DCTC on care expenses for aging parents who do not live with them.
Giving federal employees the option of electronic pay stubs by Angela Xu, Jul 31, 2008 (5:22pm)
Ready, Willing, and Able Act aims to improve disaster preparedness by Angela Xu, Jul 30, 2008 (5:57pm)
Under the provisions of this bill, the Secretaries of Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services would jointly form a group to help develop disaster plans, help state and local officials promote community involvement in the formation of such plans, and develop standards to measure a community’s progress. In order to accomplish these goals, this bill amends the Public Health Service Act by requiring state applications for federal grants to include an assurance that the state will comply with the federal group’s recommendations.
Advocating air conservation through tax breaks by Angela Xu, Jul 29, 2008 (8:29pm)
This bill promotes the growth of green buildings by providing tax incentives to those who replace inefficient cooling systems with modern equipment. Studies show that replacing inefficient cooling systems will save 137 trillion BTUs (British Thermal Units) a year by 2015.
Promoting education by offering teachers better incentives and compensation by Angela Xu, Jul 23, 2008 (10:53pm)
This bill, part of the No Child Left Behind reauthorization, would combine federal scholarships with preparation programs for new teachers. The bill is modeled off the successful North Carolina Teaching Fellows program. Incoming teachers would have to teach in public schools for the duration of their scholarship plus one year. Although this bill addresses the problem of recruitment, bill sponsor Rep. Price (D-NC) acknowledges that retention poses its own separate and pressing problem.
Brothers in Congress fight over Colorado water bill by Angela Xu, Jul 23, 2008 (10:29pm)
The Salazar brothers from Colorado, John and Ken (a representative and a senator, respectively) had conflicting views on a bill which would authorize the Department of the Interior to study the expansion of Pueblo Reservoir, but contains many provisions which would delay this expansion. The bill was crafted by John, in opposition to Ken, who wants efficient expansion of the reservoir. Locals accuse John of pandering to “water warriors” who fear that their region’s water would be seized by outsiders; the whole region faces acute water problems.
HR 1807 assists Alzheimer's caregivers by Angela Xu, Jul 23, 2008 (5:38pm)
The bill would do three things for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients: allow a gradually increasing tax credit with a cap of $3000, allow a tax deduction for long-term insurance premiums, and apply consumer protection standards to long-term insurance contracts.
Twin bills to reform use of economic modeling by Angela Xu, Jul 21, 2008 (7:18pm)
S 3268 seeks to curb oil speculation by Angela Xu, Jul 18, 2008 (4:17am)
Speculative trading of oil futures (a certain type of investment option) may be one of the factors which drove up oil prices. This bill would prevent it from happening again by introducing a number of regulatory elements. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission would limit the number of futures any speculator may own at a given time, and require reports on such trading from dealers, commodity traders, and foreign exchanges. Also, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would investigate the role of speculators in the natural gas markets.
Congress constructs rescue package for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac by Angela Xu, Jul 17, 2008 (5:40pm)
This bill would save the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from collapsing. The two GSEs provide the most financing for home loans in the US, so their bankruptcies would cause the economy to stumble again. This bill would allow the Treasury to bolster Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and give them higher limits on the amounts they’re allowed to purchase in mortgages.
Contentious amendment regarding "terror lexicon" by Angela Xu, Jul 15, 2008 (8:19pm)
Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-MI) offered a controversial amendment to HR 5959 that was rejected on May 8,2008 which would “prohibit the intelligence community from adopting speech codes that encumber accurately
describing the radical jihadist terrorists that attacked America and continue to threaten the homeland.” Many people have signed an online petition (http://www.petitiononline.com/usajihad/petition.html) expressing their dissatisfaction with the amendment’s rejection, saying that it is important to “define the jihadist enemy.”
Energy interests and environmentalists clash over Taunton River by Angela Xu, Jul 15, 2008 (7:02pm)
This bill would designate the Taunton River in Massachusetts as “wild and scenic,” making it off limits to businesses who wanted to develop regions of the river. Specifically, Weaver’s Cove Energy had planned a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal by one area of the river. Supporters of LNG argue that it is safe, clean, and cheap. They also claim that many parts of the river are already developed and can no longer be called “wild” or “scenic.” Environmentalists counter that the river is home to a diverse selection of birds, fish, plants, etc.
DHS SAFE Procurement Act protects American citizens and economy by Angela Xu, Jul 14, 2008 (7:35am)
This bill would require that protective gear, uniforms, badges, etc. of personnel be manufactured in the US. Such a measure would not only ensure domestic safety by exposing less information about American security to foreign observers, but it would also give a boost to the US economy by giving manufacturers more business.
Communities Building Access Act expands local healthcare coverage by Angela Xu, Jul 13, 2008 (3:23am)
This bill would provide $45 million in federal grants to fund local solutions to the problem of uninsured Americans. To be eligible for the money, local communities must develop a plan based off one of two models: the Access Health program in Michigan, and the CareNet program in Ohio. Both of those programs were created by Catholic health services organizations, and those Catholic organizations remain strong supporters of HR 1683.
HR 6306 to provide funding for poor countries by Angela Xu, Jul 9, 2008 (5:30pm)
HR 6306 would provide for America’s continued participation in the International Development Association (IDA) and the African Development Fund (ADF). Both of these organizations assist developing countries by offering interest free loans, and the IDA is actually part of the World Bank.
Renaming Texas canal generates controversy by Angela Xu, Jul 7, 2008 (10:41pm)
The bill would name a Texas canal after a prominent lawyer who settled many US-Mexico water disputes. Initially, many congressmen co-sponsored it because they deemed Johnson worthy of the recognition, but when it was discovered that he had contributed large sums to Reyes’ campaigns, some congressmen withdrew their support.
HR 1559 gives armed forces income tax reprieve by Angela Xu, Jul 7, 2008 (8:14pm)
This bill would exempt the income of active members of the US Army from taxation. Supporters point out that the sacrifices made by these men and women deserve to be recognized in this fashion. If this bill passes, the military would have a higher success rate with recruitment and retention.
HR 1457 to help women who have undergone abortions by Angela Xu, Jul 4, 2008 (4:55am)
This bill would allocate federal funds for post-abortion depression research and treatment. Post-abortion depression is paralleled by postpartum depression, which occurs after giving birth. In the case of post-abortion depression, however, women are usually depressed because of feelings of guilt, and not because of the hormonal changes that triggers postpartum depression. Doctors have testified that women suffering post-abortion depression commit suicide more frequently than women who carry pregnancies to full term.
HR 3815 eases access to unclassified information by Angela Xu, Jun 30, 2008 (4:00am)
This bill was one of four that a House Homeland Security panel passed on June 11, and it was also one of two bills aimed at increasing access to unclassified documents. The bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to analyze national infrastructure for vulnerability to terrorists, and then to share the results with relevant government and private-sector parties.
Stop arming Iran by banning the sale of fighter jet parts by Angela Xu, Jun 29, 2008 (2:18am)
Concerned that Iran might gain access to surplus F-14 fighter jet parts, Congress is in the midst of passing this bill to ban the Pentagon from selling those leftover parts. Iran is the only country trying to fly F-14s right now, because the US has retired its fleet. Only organizations such as museums would be allowed to buy the fighter parts, because such purchases would be made in the interest of historical preservation.
HR 1428 reduces minimum retirement age for National Guard by Angela Xu, Jun 27, 2008 (5:18am)
Supporters of this bill applaud its recognition of the sacrifices and dedication of those who serve in the National Guard. They say that such men and women forego opportunities for advancement in a civilian career, and as such, the bill’s reduction of the minimum retirement age (by three months for each month served) provides essential incentives and compensation for a career in the National Guard.
ADARA expands the scope of Americans with Disabilities Act by Angela Xu, Jun 24, 2008 (7:12pm)
The ADA Restoration Act (ADARA) is a follow-up to the original Americans with Disabilities Act, which prevented discrimination against people with disabilities in the areas of employment, public services, etc. ADARA would clarify the definition of “disabled” and generally widen the scope of the first act. Critics argue that the act would allow too many people to qualify as “disabled” and draw undeserved benefits, while proponents claim that ADARA is a long-awaited reform that will change many people’s lives for the better.
FISA Amendments protect Americans by endangering civil liberties by Angela Xu, Jun 23, 2008 (6:02pm)
This bill drew controversy when it passed with bipartisan support in the House because it would allow warrantless wiretapping and open the doors for mass surveillance of all private communications to foreign countries. This bill also grants retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies which have engaged in warrantless wiretapping under presidential decree. Supporters argue that it would increase national security, but detractors say that it is a poor compromise between security and civil liberties.
Direct support professionals to receive federal funding by Angela Xu, Jun 21, 2008 (4:44am)
People with disabilities rely on direct support professionals to help manage their daily lives. However,the number of people who choose to enter the profession have been decreasing due to low wages and the demanding nature of such jobs—the turnover rate can be as high as 86%. This bill would allow states to secure federal funding for the direct support workforce.
Public transit receives funding boost by Angela Xu, Jun 20, 2008 (12:21am)
This bill would increase incentives to take public transportation, a measure designed with rising gas prices in mind. Over $1.7 billion will be directed towards public transportation over the next two years in an effort to reduce fares and expand services. In addition, federal employees will obtain transit pass benefits.
Creating opportunities for small business by Angela Xu, Jun 17, 2008 (5:48am)
In Rep. Fortenberry’s words, this legislation would “create a loan program permitting individuals to use money in an independent retirement account as capital to start a small business without tax penalty.” Thus, it is designed to promote entrepreneurship and economic activity.
New bill to address public health problem posed by arthritis by Angela Xu, Jun 16, 2008 (7:36pm)
This bill calls for increased research funding to find methods of prevention and a cure for arthritis, which negatively impacts the economy by rendering millions of Americans unfit for work. Also, arthritis costs about $81 billion annually in direct medical costs.
Transfer of land ownership by Angela Xu, Jun 15, 2008 (11:13pm)
Bill ensures fair treatment of taxpayers by Angela Xu, Jun 15, 2008 (11:00pm)
Under current law, whenever a capital asset like a stock is sold, the seller pays a tax on the profit. However, this tax is not adjusted for inflationary gain, so that taxpayers are paying more than they would if prices were adjusted to real values. Conservatives and tax groups strongly support this legislation.
Federal aid helps Gulf Coast residents get back in business by Angela Xu, Jun 14, 2008 (2:38am)
To honor Gen. Thompson by Angela Xu, Jun 12, 2008 (8:36pm)
The U.S. Army Quartermaster Center and School’s Logistics Automation Training Facility is the primary training facility for Quartermaster Officer Basic and Warrant Officer Advanced Courses. Gen. Thompson achieved prestige as the first quartermaster to reach four-star status.
REACH amendments to increase lupus funding by Angela Xu, Jun 12, 2008 (7:10pm)
Psoriasis research would receive boost in funding by Angela Xu, Jun 12, 2008 (6:05pm)
HR 1188 is a bill that would expand funding for psoriasis research and convene a federal summit on psoriasis, among other measures. Supporters applaud the bill because psoriasis research has been underfunded for more than a decade, but they also raise concerns that the bill doesn’t stipulate an exact amount of funding.
Making transportation greener by Angela Xu, Aug 14, 2008 (6:37am)
This bill would amend the Clean Air Act by directing the Administrator of the Environmental Protection agency to promulgate low carbon fuel performance standards for fuels and other sources of energy. The low carbon fuel performance standards will also include lifecycle GHG emission calculations.