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Progress for the American People
“Let us stand together to move our country forward, seeking
common ground for the common good. We have made history;
now let us make progress for the American people.”
- Speaker Pelosi, January 4, 2007
The 110th Congress is making progress for the American people on the toughest challenges we face—working together to defend our country, restore accountability, grow our economy, strengthen our families, and preserve our planet.
Since January, more than 177 key measures have passed the House, with nearly 70 percent receiving significant bipartisan support. In critical instances, the President and his Republican allies in Congress have stubbornly stood in the way of progress with 11 vetoes and 54 vetoes threatened.The New Direction Congress is working to change course in Iraq. This war, now into its fifth year, has not made America safer, even as our troops have bravely performed their duties. This Congress continues to demand that President Bush and the Administration be held accountable, that the Iraqi government take responsibility for its own country, and that we responsibly bring this war to an end.
The New Direction Congress is protecting America—acting to finally make the work of the independent 9/11 Commission the law of the land. We are rebuilding our military readiness and requiring that we re-engage our diplomatic allies. We are honoring our troops and veterans with pay, services, and care they deserve. We are declaring our energy independence and working to reverse global warming.
The New Direction Congress is providing the keys to the American dream—investing in American ingenuity and innovation. We are working to bring quality health care to every American child, and every child to school ready to learn. We are making America’s rural heartland a key to America’s future economic and energy security. We have changed the way we do business in Washington by restoring fiscal responsibility, government transparency, and the highest ethical standards to Congress.
These are the first of many steps in a New Direction for a stronger and more secure America. Learn more about the legislation of the 110th Congress:
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DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY
Another Historic Increase in Veterans’ Funding - H.R. 6599
The FY 2009 Military Construction-Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations provides another historic increase in veterans’ funding, targeted on ensuring that our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan receive the quality health care they deserve, with an increase of $4.6 billion over FY 2008 and of $2.9 billion over the President’s request.
Passed August 1, 2008
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FY 2009 Intelligence Authorization - H.R. 5959
This legislation authorizes more funding for the base intelligence budget than ever before, makes key investments to strengthen intelligence (including human intelligence collection), and promotes greater accountability and oversight.
Passed July 16, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
FY 2008 Emergency Supplemental - H.R. 2642
This bill provides funds for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through the summer of 2009, but also includes funding for several critical priorities, including the new GI Bill, extended unemployment benefits, $2.65 billion for urgent disaster relief for the Midwest, provisions blocking six damaging Medicaid provisions, funding for Gulf Coast Recovery, and several other priorities.
Signed into law on June 30, 2008
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New GI Bill - Amendment #2 to H.R. 2642
Passed as part of the 2008 Emergency Supplemental, the GI bill fully restores full, four-year college scholarships for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, on par with the educational benefits after World War II, covering up to the cost of the most expensive in-state public school and also provides transferability of unused education benefits to spouses and children.
Signed into law on June 30, 2008
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2009 Defense Authorization - H.R. 5658
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 bill, our troops will get better health care, better pay, and the benefits they have earned.
Passed May 22, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Tax Relief for Military Families and Veterans - H.R. 6081
Passed House amendments to Senate amendemnts to H.R. 3997, the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act (HEART Act), which makes permanent essential tax relief for our military families, including tax relief under the Earned Income Tax Credit, and expands homeownership opportunities for veterans.
Passed May 20, 2008
Signed into law on June 17, 2008
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Responsible Timeline for Redeployment, Requiring Iraqis to Pay Fair Share of Reconstruction, & Other Iraq Policy Restrictions
Passed Amendment #2 to H.R. 2642, FY 2008 Supplemental, which provides for a responsible timeline for redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, to begin within 30 days; requires U.S. reconstruction aid for Iraq to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Iraqi Government; requires Iraqi Government to provide U.S. troops same fuel subsidies it provides Iraqis; bans permanent bases in Iraq; bans torture; requires that troops deployed to Iraq be “fully mission capable”; and requires that troops’ time home between deployments meets Pentagon guidelines.
Passed May 15, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Reform Act - H.R. 5916
This legislation authorizes the President to waive certain provisions in current law to permit U.S. assistance to North Korea in dismantling its nuclear facilities; requires the U.S. government to conduct objective assessments of Israel's military capabilities, while authorizing increased military assistance to Israel.
Passed May 15, 2008
Coast Guard Authorization - H.R. 2830
This bill strengthens the Coast Guard’s ability to carry out its homeland security missions, by establishing an Assistant Commandant for Port and Waterways Security, authorizing additional maritime security response teams, and authorizing additional canine detection teams.
Passed April 24, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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FISA Amendments Act - H.R. 3773
The House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 3773 amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence. The revised House legislation to amend FISA grants new authorities for conducting electronic surveillance against foreign targets while preserving the requirement that the government obtain an individualized FISA court order, based on probable cause, when targeting Americans at home or abroad. The House bill also strongly enhances oversight of the Administration’s surveillance activities. Finally, the House bill does not provide retroactive immunity for telecom companies but allows the courts to determine whether lawsuits should proceed.
Status: Passed March 14, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Revised FISA Amendments
Passed House amendments to Senate amendments to H.R. 3773, FISA Amendments, which includes some provisions from the Senate-passed bill but is designed (like the original H.R. 3773) to be a balanced bill that gives the intelligence community the strong tools it needs to track terrorists and prevent another terrorist attack, while protecting the constitutional rights of Americans whose communications may be intercepted in the process.
The President has threatened to veto
FY 2008 Intelligence Authorization Bill - 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.
Passed December 13, 2007
Vetoed by the President on March 8, 2008
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First Version of FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill - 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. Our troops will get better health care, better pay, and the benefits they have earned.
Passed December 12, 2007
Vetoed by the President on December 28, 2007
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Final Version of FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill - H.R. 4986
On January 16th, the House passed H.R. 4986, a slightly revised version of the Defense Authorization bill that the Congress sent to the President’s desk in December and which he vetoed on December 28. This slightly revised version includes a modified version of the provision regarding Americans who sue state sponsors of terrorist acts against them. This revised bill authorizes the President to issue national security waivers of the provision for claims arising out of terrorist acts committed or materially supported by Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Final version passed January 16, 2008
Signed into law on January 28, 2008
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Terrorism Risk Insurance - Senate amendments to H.R. 2761
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) Extension, which extends TRIA, which provides a federal backstop to private terrorism insurance, for 7 years – thereby enhancing U.S. economic stability by enabling the real estate and construction industries to move forward with long-term, large-scale construction projects.
Signed into the law on December 26, 2007
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Largest Increase in Veterans Funding in History - H.R. 2642
The fiscal year 2008 Military Construction - Veterans Affairs Appropriations provides the largest increase in veterans' funding in the 77-year history of the VA, targeted on ensuring that our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan receive the quality health care that they deserve. This legislation was ultimately included in the fiscal year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill.
Signed into law on December 26, 2007
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Veterans' Guaranteed Bonus Act - H.R. 3793
The bill fully addresses the military bonus problems first highlighted by the Dole-Shalala Wounded Warriors Commission -- providing essential financial security to our injured men and women by guaranteeing full payment of bonuses earned and owed to them.
Passed December 18, 2007
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Updating the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act - H.R. 3773
The RESTORE Act of 2007 (Responsible Electronic Surveillance That is Overseen, Reviewed, and Effective) provides the Intelligence Community with effective tools to conduct surveillance of foreign targets outside the United States but restores Constitutional checks and balances that were not contained in President Bush’s bill, the Protect America Act (PAA).
Status: Passed November 15, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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.
Passed November 14, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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FY 2008 Defense Appropriations - H.R. 3222
This legislation includes numerous provisions to strengthen America’s military, including investing in improved military readiness; providing the strained National Guard and Reserve with needed equipment; funding a 3.5% military pay raise, larger than the President’s; upgrading military health care; and providing more support for military families.
Signed into law on November 13, 2007
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act - H.R. 1284
This bill increases the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the dependency and indemnity benefits for families of disabled veterans.
Status: Passed March 21, 2007
Signed into law on November 5, 2007
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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
Signed into law on November 5, 2007
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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.
Passed October 23, 2007
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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.
Passed October 16, 2007
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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.
Passed October 9, 2007
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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.
Passed October 4, 2007
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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.
Passed October 2, 2007
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Planning for Redeployment from Iraq - H.R. 3087
This bill increases the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the dependency and indemnity benefits for families of disabled veterans. This legislation requires the Bush Administration to report to Congress in 60 days - and every 90 days thereafter - on the status of planning for the redeployment of our troops from Iraq.
Status: Passed October 2, 2007
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Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROS) Act - H.R. 3625
This bill makes permanent the Secretary of Education's authority to provide U.S. troops called to active duty with higher education relief, including providing them more leeway on repaying their student loans.
Status: Passed September 25, 2007
Signed into law on September 30, 2007
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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 version passed July 27, 2007
Signed into law on August 3, 2007
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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.
Passed August 2, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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
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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.
Passed July 11, 2007
Signed into law on July 26, 2007
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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
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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.
Passed July 17, 2007
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Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act - H.R. 2956
This bill requires a responsible redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq beginning within 120 days of enactment and ending by April 1, 2008 and requires the President to publicly justify post-redeployment missions for the U.S. military.
Passed July 12, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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
The final State-Foreign Operations Appropriations provisions were included in the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was signed into law on December 26, 2007.
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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
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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 threatened to veto
The final Homeland Security Appropriations provisions were included in the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was signed into law on December 26, 2007.
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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
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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.
Passed May 10, 2007
Signed into the law on May 25, 2007
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Veterans Bills
These six 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
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Disabled Veterans Memorial - H.R. 995
This legislation extends the charter for the Disabled Veterans Memorial, which expired on October 31, until 2015, allowing the time to raise the private resources and navigate the approval process to bring this memorial to life on the National Mall.
Signed into law on October 25, 2007
Honoring Our Fallen - H.R. 692
The Federal Flag Code Amendment Act provides that all federal buildings in a state have to comply when the governor orders the American flag lowered to half-staff in honor of soldiers killed while serving.
Signed into law on June 29, 2007
Veterans Substance Abuse - H.R. 5554
The Veterans Substance Abuse Treatment Act requires the VA to provide the full continuum of care for substance use disorders at every VA medical center, including providing drug screening, detoxification, relapse prevention and counseling for veterans.
Expanding Housing Assistance for Homeless Veterans - H.R. 3329
The Homes for Heroes Act, which requires HUD to provide at least 20,000 rental vouchers a year for homeless veterans, and creates a new supportive housing program for homeless veterans at HUD.
Passed July 9, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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VA Medical Construction - H.R. 5856
This legislation authorizes $2.1 billion in FY 2009 for several VA medical facility construction projects, as well as for medical facility leases.
Veterans Emergency Care - H.R. 3819
This legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
Veterans’ COLA - H.R. 5826
The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act increases, effective December 1, 2008, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the dependency and indemnity benefits for families of disabled veterans.
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
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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.
Passed March 23, 2007
Vetoed by the President on May 1, 2007
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First Version of the FY 2007 Supplemental Funding Bill - H.R. 1591
Had it not been vetoed by the President, this bill would have fully funded our troops; honored our veterans by providing crucial health care and other services; held the Iraqi government accountable; provided a responsible timeline for the redeployment of U.S. troops; and strengthened our military, including adding $2 billion for a Strategic Reserve Readiness Fund.
Passed March 23, 2007
Vetoed by the President on May 1, 2007
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.
Passed March 28, 2007
Incorporated into the FY 2008 Defense Authorization, which was signed into law on January 28, 2008
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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.
Passed March 27, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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
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GROWING OUR ECONOMY
The National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act - H.R. 3999
The bill contains provisions to improve the safety of the nation’s highway bridges, strengthen bridge inspection requirements and standards, and authorize an additional $1 billion in FY 2009 for reconstruction of structurally deficient bridges on the National Highway System (NHS).
Passed July 24, 2008
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The Highway Trust Fund Restoration Act - H.R. 6532
This critical legislation is needed to address a projected shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund and help achieve the funding levels for highways and public transportation authorized by SAFETEA-LU of 2005.
Passed July 23, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Extended Unemployment Benefits - Amendment #2 to H.R. 2642
Passed as part of the FY 2008 Emergency Supplemental, this bill provides up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in every state to workers exhausting the 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits.
Signed into law on June 30, 2008
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Calling on CFTC to Use Emergency Powers to Curb Excessive Energy Speculation - H.R. 6377
This legislation directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to use its full authority and most potent emergency tools to curtain excessive speculation in the energy market, which is driving up gas prices.
Passed June 26, 2007
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Debt Relief for National Guard and Reservists - H.R. 4044
This legislation makes it easier for members of the National Guard and Reserves called up for active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, who are often required to leave small businesses behind and jobs behind at a moment’s notice, to file for bankruptcy, by exempting them from the means test requirements of the 2005 Bankruptcy Law.
Passed June 23, 2008
NASA Authorization - H.R. 6063
This bill authorizes NASA for FY 2009 and makes key investments in innovation, including a 11 increase over the President’s request for scientific research (including climate change research) and a significant increase in aeronautics R&D, such as in the NextGen air traffic control management system, in order to ensure safer and more efficient air travel.
Passed June 18, 2008
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The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act - H.R. 6003
This bill reauthorizes Amtrak through fiscal year 2013. Amtrak’s authorization had expired in 2002; however, the GOP-controlled Congress failed to reauthorize Amtrak over the last five years. This reauthorization of Amtrak is long overdue. The bill also creates a new capital grants program for states to provide new or improved intercity passenger rail.
Passed June 11, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Highway Jobs Bill - H.R. 1195
This bill allows the completion of important highway and transit projects outlined in the 2005 highway bill, thereby helping create and promote 40,000 new, good-paying American jobs in highway-related construction.
Passed April 30, 2008
Signed into law on June 6, 2008
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act - H.R. 5940
This legislation amends the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act to make several changes to the implementation process and priorities of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). It is based in part on recommendations from the formal reviews of NNI by the National Academy of Sciences and the NNI Advisory Panel.
Passed June 5, 2008
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The Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act - H.R. 6074
The bill authorizes the Justice Department to take legal action against OPEC state-controlled entities that participate in conspiracies to limit the supply, or fix the price, of oil. This bill will combat record gas prices, which climbed to $3.79 a gallon.
Passed May 20, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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The Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act - H.R. 6022
The measure suspends the fill of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve through the end of the year, as long as the price of crude oil remains above $75 per barrel.
Passed May 13, 2008
Signed into law on May 19, 2008
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Small Business Innovation Research - H.R. 5819
The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization extends for two years and improves the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs – which are small business R&D programs – including by increasing funding for small research firms by half a billion dollars.
Passed April 23, 2008
Stopping “Fast Track” for Colombia Trade Deal - H.Res. 1092
This resolution suspends “fast track” requirements for considering a bill that would implement a U.S.-Colombia free-trade agreement. Key economic measures to help struggling American families must be enacted before the Colombia Trade Pact can come to the Floor for a vote.
Passed April 10, 2008
No presidential signature required
The Recovery Rebate and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act - H.R. 5140
This bipartisan economic stimulus legislation will help hardworking Americans who are struggling with the high costs of gas, health care and groceries, and to jumpstart our slowing economy and create jobs here at home.
Passed February 7, 2008
Signed into law on February 13, 2008
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Military Reservist and Veterans Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act - H.R. 4253
This bill maximizes the availability and usability of small business programs for veterans, service-disabled veterans, reserve members, and their dependents or Survivors for the next two years. It focuses on increasing opportunities for veteran-owned businesses, and creates a new loan initiative providing veterans with 7(a) small business loans at 50 percent of the fees of other small businesses.
Status: Passed January 16, 2008
Signed into law on February 14, 2008
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Bill Providing Tax Relief for Middle-Class Families in 2007 - H.R. 4351
The AMT Relief Act of 2007 protects 19 million middle-class families from the Alternative Minimum Tax in 2007 without increasing the national debt. The bill was paid for by closing a loophole to prevent hedge fund managers and others from using offshore tax haven corporations to defer taxes on compensation.
The President threatened to veto
Final Bill Providing Tax Relief for Middle-Class Families in 2007 - Senate amendments to H.R. 3996
The AMT Relief Act of 2007 protects 19 million middle-class families from the Alternative Minimum Tax in 2007. The original version of H.R. 3996 passed by the House had paid for the tax relief by closing certain tax loopholes for the privileged few, such as investment fund managers.
(The House also passed H.R. 4351; see above). However, due to Republican opposition to ensuring the AMT bill did not increase the deficit, this final version of the bill was not paid for.
Signed into law on December 26, 2007
Providing Tax Relief for Middle-Class Families in 2008 - H.R. 6275
not The AMT Relief Act of 2008 protects 25 million middle-class families from the Alternative Minimum Tax in 2008, without increasing the national debt. The bill was paid for by closing certain tax loopholes for the privileged few, such as investment fund managers.
The President threatened to veto
U.S.-Peru Trade Agreement - H.R. 3688
This bill implements the U.S.-Peru Trade Agreement that would reduce most tariffs and duties affecting trade between the two countries and that includes labor and environmental standards within the agreement.
Signed into law on December 14, 2007
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 Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act - H.R. 2262
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.
Passed November 1, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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.
Passed October 16, 2007
Signed into law on October 31, 2007
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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.
Passed October 31, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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.
Passed October 30, 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
Passed September 27, 2007
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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.
Passed September 7, 2007
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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 version passed August 2, 2007
Signed into law on August 9, 2007
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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
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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.
Passed January 10, 2007
The President signed into law on May 25 as part of the revised 2007 supplemental funding bill, H.R. 2206
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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.
Passed May 23, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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.
Passed May 22, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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.
Passed May 10, 2007
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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
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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
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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.
Passed April 25, 2007
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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
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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
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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.
Passed March 1, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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Regional Economic Development Act - H.R. 3246
This bill establishes five regional economic development commissions that would provide grants for infrastructure development, job training assistance, tourism development, and related programs.
The President has threatened to veto
CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act - H.R. 4040
In the wake of recent revelations about the safety of toys, food and drugs, the New Direction Congress is responding by providing greater protections for America’s families and children. This legislation creates the toughest lead standard in the world for children's products, requires mandatory safety standards, requires tracking labels to aid recalls, and prohibits the sale and export of recalled products.
Final version passed July 30, 2008
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Learn more about Congress' work ensuring product safety for America's families and children>>
FDA Regulation of Tobacco Products - H.R. 1108
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act grants the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the advertising, marketing, and manufacturing of tobacco products and includes several provisions to reduce underage smoking, including banning all outdoor tobacco advertising within 1,000 feet of schools and restricting vending machines to adult-only facilities.
Passed July 30, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Childhood Cancer - H.R. 1553
The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act is designed to advance medical research and treatments into pediatric cancers, ensure patients and families have access to the current treatments and information regarding pediatric cancers, and establish a national childhood cancer database. Signed into law on July 29, 2008
Suspending Medicare “Trigger" - H.Res. 1368
This suspends for the remainder of the 110th Congress a Medicare “trigger” created by Republicans in 2003, which is not a meaningful measure of Medicare’s fiscal health, is designed to advance the GOP agenda to dismantle Medicare, and would have required consideration of a bill this year cutting Medicare benefits.
Passed July 24, 2008
No presidential signature required
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Child Safety/Missing and Exploited Children - H.R. 2517
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Reauthorization reauthorizes the Center for five years, doubling funding to $40 million per year, and boosts the Center’s coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement, including the creation of an emergency child locator center.
Signed into law on June 3, 2008
Community Health Centers - H.R. 1343
The Health Centers Renewal Act authorizes $14.1 billion for FYs 2008-2012 for the country’s 6,300 community health centers, which serve 17 million uninsured and underinsured people each year.
Emergency Medical Services for Children - H.R. 2464
This legislation reauthorizes through FY 2011 and strengthens this critical program, which is designed to improve emergency services for children needing trauma or critical care.
Cervical Cancer Screening - H.R. 1237
The Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act improves the analysis of tests for cervical cancer by ensuring that health care professionals who read tests for cervical cancer are skilled in today’s medical technology.
ALS Registry - H.R. 2295
This legislation provides for the creation of a single nationwide ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) patient registry, which will help collect needed data for ALS research and disease management – enhancing efforts to find a treatment and cure for ALS.
Stroke Treatment and Prevention - H.R. 477
The STOP Stroke Act is a comprehensive bill to fight stroke, including authorizing funds for a national public information campaign to educate the public about stroke prevention and creating a grant program to help states ensure that stroke patients have access to quality care.
Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act - H.R. 1727
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act authorizes funds to improve paralysis research and paralysis rehabilitation and care, with the aim of improving the quality of life for victims of paralysis.
Early Hearing Detection - H.R. 1198
The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), Act reauthorizes through FY 2013 and improves the critical EHDI program, designed to identify and help infants with hearing loss.
Vision Care for Kids - H.R. 507
This legislation creates a grant program to provide comprehensive eye exams for uninsured children with vision disorders, as well as vision correction services.
Blocking Damaging Medicaid Regulations - Amendment #2 to H.R. 2642
Passed provisions blocking damaging Medicaid regulations, as part of FY 2008 Emergency Supplemental. These provisions place a moratorium until April 2009 on six damaging Medicaid regulations which, if implemented, would slash Medicaid funding by billions and put in jeopardy needed services and protections for millions of vulnerable beneficiaries.
Passed June 19, 2008
Signed into law on June 30, 2008
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The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act - H.R. 6331
This legislation prevents the pending 10 percent payment reduction for physicians in Medicare, enhances Medicare preventive and mental health benefits, improves and extends programs for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, and extends expiring provisions for rural and other providers.
Passed June 24, 2008
This bill became law after the House and Senate successfully overrode the President's veto
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The Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act - H.R. 5781
The bill provides four weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees for the birth or adoption of a child. In addition to the four weeks, employees will also be allowed to use any accrued annual or sick leave for parental leave, up to eight weeks.
Passed June 19, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Fiscal Year 2009 Budget - S. Con. Res. 70
This budget makes another down payment to fulfill commitments we have made to the American people, while restoring fiscal responsibility by putting us on the path to budget surpluses starting in 2012. The budget funds proven investments that boost economic growth, create jobs, make America safer, promote fiscally responsible tax relief to millions of households, and help families struggling to make ends meet in an economic downturn.
Passed June 5, 2008
No presidential signature required
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21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act - H.R. 3021
This critical bill provides a five-year authorization for a green school construction program, authorizing $6.4 billion for school construction projects in fiscal year 2009, and ensuring that school districts will quickly receive funds for school modernization, renovation and repairs that improve the teaching and learning climate, health and safety, and energy efficiency. The bill requires that the majority of funds (90 percent by fiscal year 2013) be used for projects that meet green building standards.
Passed June 4, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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The Farm Bill - H.R. 6124
This bill takes a first step on reforms to farm payments, including beginning to place restrictions on farm subsidies for those who do not need them; increases funding for food stamps and other nutrition programs by $10.4 billion over 5 years; increases funding for conservation programs by $7.9 billion; and promotes homegrown renewable energy.
Passed May 22, 2008
Vetoed by the President
The Farm Bill became law after the House and Senate passed the bill over the President's veto
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Genetic Nondiscrimination Act – H.R. 493
The legislation will prohibit health insurance companies and employers from discriminating against people on the basis of genetic test results. By prohibiting the improper use of genetic information, this bill encourages Americans to undergo testing necessary for early treatment and prevention of genetic-based diseases.
Passed May 1, 2008
Signed into law on May 21, 2008
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Comprehensive Housing Package/Responding to Subprime Mortgage Crisis - H.R. 3221
This comprehensive package provides mortgage refinancing assistance so that families in danger of losing their homes can refinance into lower-cost government-insured mortgages they can afford to repay, and would help at least 400,000 families avoid foreclosure. The package also creates a federal backstop for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are crucial to the mortgage market. This comprehensive package also contains tax provisions to expand refinancing opportunities and spur home buying; and the provisions of the Neighborhood Stabilization Act, FHA Modernization Act, and GSE Reform Act (see below).
Passed July 23, 2008
The President reversed his veto threat, and the bill was signed into law on July 30, 2008
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Neighborhood Stabilization Act/Responding to Subprime Mortgage Crisis
Incorporated the Neighborhood Stabilization Act into H.R. 3221, Comprehensive Housing Package; the Act provides $3.9 billion in grants to state and local governments for purchasing and rehabilitating foreclosed homes, in order to help stabilize communities hurt by rising foreclosure rates.
Passed July 23, 2008
The President reversed his veto threat, and the bill was signed into law on July 30, 2008
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FHA Modernization Act/Responding to Subprime Mortgage Crisis
Incorporated the FHA Modernization Act into H.R. 3221, Comprehensive Housing Package; the Act expands access to affordable mortgages, and to “reverse mortgages” for seniors who need equity from their homes; and raises FHA loan limits to create affordable mortgage loans for moderately priced homes.
Passed July 23, 2008
The President reversed his veto threat, and the bill was signed into law on July 30, 2008
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GSE Reform Act/Responding to Subprime Mortgage Crisis
Incorporated the GSE Reform Act into H.R. 3221, Comprehensive Housing Package; the Act creates a tough, independent new regulator in charge of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, in order to ensure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac safely and soundly work to provide our nation’s families with affordable housing; and creates a new permanent Affordable Housing Trust Fund, financed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and not by the taxpayers.
Passed July 23, 2008
The President reversed his veto threat, and the bill was signed into law on July 30, 2008
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The Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Act - H.R. 5522
This bill would require the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue rules regulating combustible industrial dusts, like sugar dust, that can build up to hazardous levels and explode. In early February the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, Georgia, exploded, killing 13 workers and severely injuring many more. OSHA and the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, which have launched a major investigation into the Imperial Sugar explosion, have concluded that the explosion was caused by combustible sugar dust.
Passed April 30, 2008
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The President has threatened to veto
Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization - S. 793
This legislation reauthorizes the critical Traumatic Brain Injury Act, which gives HHS grants to states to provide treatment and rehabilitation for TBI patients.
Signed into law on April 28, 2007
Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act - S. 1858
This legislation awards grants to states to expand screenings of newborn babies for congenital, genetic and metabolic disorders.
Signed into law on April 28, 2007
Safety of Seniors - S. 845
The Safety of Seniors Act launches a comprehensive preventative program, through HHS, to reduce the number and severity of falls by the elderly.
Signed into law on April 28, 2007
Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act - H.R. 5613
This bill places a moratorium until March 2009 on seven damaging Administration-imposed Medicaid regulations which, if implemented, would reverse longstanding Medicaid policies and eliminate federal payments for a variety of critical Medicaid functions.
Passed April 27, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection - H.R. 1132
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization reauthorizes for five years a program that provides free and low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to low-income, minority, or uninsured women.
Signed into law on April 20, 2007
U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization - H.R. 4847
The U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization, H.R. 4847, reauthorizes appropriations for the U.S. Fire Administration through 2012.
Status: Passed April 3, 2008
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The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act - H.R. 1424
This bill will end discrimination against patients seeking treatment for mental illnesses, prohibiting insurers and group health plans from imposing treatment or financial limitations when they offer mental health benefits that are more restrictive from those applied to medical and surgical services.
Passed March 5, 2008
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Higher Education Opportunity Act - H.R. 4137
The Higher Education Opportunity Act will continue this Congress’ effort to make college more affordable and accessible. This bill would reform our higher education system so that it operates in the best interests of students and families, while boosting our competitiveness and strengthening our future.
Final version passed July 31, 2008
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Hope VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act - H.R. 3524
The bill reauthorizes the highly successful HOPE VI program for eight years, authorizing $800 million a year, and includes numerous improvements to the program.
Passed January 17, 2008
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S-MINER (Supplemental Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response) Act - H.R. 2768
This bill builds on the MINER Act of 2006 – providing critical mine safety reforms that were unaddressed in the 2006 legislation.
Passed January 16, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP Extension - S. 2499
This legislation extends CHIP through March 31, 2009 and provides additional funding to ensure that no children currently enrolled will be dropped from their coverage; blocks the scheduled 10.1% cut in Medicare physician payment for six months; and imposes a six-month moratorium on certain of the Bush Administration’s Medicaid regulations.
Signed into law on December 29, 2007
Housing Tax Relief - H.R. 3648
This bipartisan bill stops the tax on phantom income when a lender forgives some part of a families’ mortgage in foreclosure for three years. It is wrong that homeowners can find themselves facing a large tax bill at the same time that they are losing their homes. This occurs because current law taxes homeowners on mortgage debt that is forgiven by banks. 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.
Passed December 18, 2007
Signed into law on December 20, 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.
Passed November 14, 2007
Signed into law on December 12, 2007
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Broadband Census - H.R. 3919
The Broadband Census of America Act mandates a nationwide inventory of broadband capabilities around the country, with the goal of understanding which communities in the United States are lagging in access to the Internet, and authorizes $275 million over three years for grants to local planning entities to increase broadband availability and use.
Passed November 13, 2007
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 SCHIP, and reaching millions more low-income, uninsured American children in the next five years.
Passed September 25, 2007
Vetoed by the President on October 3, 2007
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Revised Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization - H.R. 3963
This legislation also provides health care coverage to 10 million children - while being revised to meet certain concerns that have been raised. It includes changes to: better ensure low-income children are enrolled first; better ensure illegal immigrants are excluded; speed up the phasing-out of adults; and minimize children leaving private insurance for the program.
Passed October 25, 2007
Vetoed by the President on December 12, 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.
Passed November 6, 2007
Vetoed by the President on November 13, 2007
The final Labor-HHS-Education provisions were included in the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill.
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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.
Passed November 15, 2007
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Transportation-HUD Appropriations - H.R. 3074
The Transportation and Housing legislation 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.
Passed November 14, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
The final Transportation-HUD Appropriations provisions were included in the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was signed into law on December 26, 2007.
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Online Child Protection
During the week of November 12, 2007, the House passed a number of 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
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.
Passed November 8, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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Employment Non-Discrimination Act - H.R. 3685
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) makes it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or otherwise discriminate against employees simply based on their sexual orientation.
Passed November 7, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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.
Passed October 17, 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.
Passed October 10, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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.
The Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act, H.R. 814, protects children from death or serious injury from burn hazards, by requiring the same child-resistant caps for all gasoline containers, whether sold with or without gasoline.
The Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act, H.R. 1699, protects children from unsafe cribs, high chairs and other durable infant and toddler products by requiring direct consumer notification of recalls of these products.
The Product Safety Civil Penalties Improvement Act, H.R. 2474, provides a better incentive for companies to report safety problems with their products by increasing the maximum civil penalty for violations of the Consumer Product Safety Act from $1.82 million to $10 million over two years.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, H.R. 1721, protects children from drowning by requiring the use of proper anti-entrapment drain covers in pools and spas and by creating a swimming pool safety grant program to encourage states to adopt comprehensive safety laws.
Passed October 9, 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.
Final version passed September 7, 2007
Signed into law on September 27, 2007
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Improving Drug Safety - H.R. 3580
The FDA Reauthorization/Improving Drug Safety bill contains the most sweeping drug safety provisions in years, including creating a new FDA program to monitor the safety of drugs after they are on the market, increasing the penalties for drug companies that violate safety standards, and imposing stricter conflict-of-interest provisions.
Passed September 19, 2007
Signed into law on September 27, 2007
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.
Passed September 27, 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 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.
Passed September 20, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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.
Passed September 18, 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 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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Section 8 Voucher Reform Act - H.R. 1851
The legislationwill 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 andensures the program works effectively for the nation’s low income working families with children, elderly and disabled.
Passed July 12, 2007
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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.
Passed June 7, 2007
Vetoed by the President on June 20, 2007
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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.
Passed June 13, 2007
Signed into law on January 8, 2008
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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
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Katrina Housing Tax Relief Act - H.R. 1562
This bill expands access to low-income financing for homeowners and strengthens tax incentives for building affordable rental housing in the areas of the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
Signed into law as part of H.R. 2206, the FY 2007 Supplemental, on May 25, 2007
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.
Passed May 15, 2007
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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.
Passed May 3, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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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.
Passed March 21, 2007
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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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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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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.
Passed January 12, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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PROTECTING OUR PLANET
Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act - H.R. 6052
The bill gives grants to mass transit authorities to reduce public transit fares giving consumers a cost-effective alternative to $4 per gallon gasoline. The bill’s $1.7 billion in mass transit grants for the next two years could also be used to expand transit services and for the escalating operating costs of public transportation and would be available to both rural and urban areas.
Passed June 26, 2008
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The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act - H.R. 6049
This legislation will extend and expand tax incentives for renewable energy, retain and create hundreds of thousands of green jobs, spur American innovation and business investment, cut taxes for millions of Americans, and close loopholes allowing U.S. corporations and executives to avoid U.S. taxes by shipping jobs and investment overseas.
Passed May 21, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 - H.R. 5351
This bill will end unnecessary subsidies to Big Oil companies and invest in clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency. It will extend and expand tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy and fuel, as well as for plug-in hybrid cars, and energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances. These provisions are critical to creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. And the preservation of existing jobs relies on them too: a recent study showed that allowing the renewable energy incentives to expire would lead to about 116,000 jobs being lost in the wind and solar industries through the end of 2009.
Status: Passed February 27, 2008
The President has threatened to veto
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Energy-Water Appropriations - H.R. 2641
This legislation invests $3 billion, $1 billion more than the President's request, to research global warming and take steps to reduce it, and includes a 50 percent increase over the President's request for energy efficiency and renewable energy, including solar, wind and biofuels.
Passed June 17, 2007
The President threatened to veto
The final Energy-Water Appropriations provisions were included in the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was signed into law on December 26, 2007.
Energy Independence and Security Act - HR. 6
This bill reduces our dependence on foreign oil, reduces global warming, and lowers energy costs for consumers by such steps as raising the CAFÉ standards for the first time in 32 years (to 35 miles per gallon by 2020), providing new energy efficiency standards, making an historic commitment to American-grown biofuels, requiring 15% of our electricity to come from renewable sources, and repealing billions in tax breaks for big oil companies.
Passed August 4, 2007