Helping to Secure our Borders by Tiffany Hsieh, May 22, 2008 (2:28am)
In order to combat the shortage of border security patrol guards along our southern border, this bill sends Civil Air Patrol forces to help. Supporters believe that this addition of forces will help the US Border Patrol prevent the influx of illegal immigrants and drug smuggling.
Extending Tax Breaks by Tiffany Hsieh, May 21, 2008 (11:05pm)
This bill extends tax cuts for both individuals and renewable energy investments until 2009. These tax credits are meant to ease the burden of living costs and unemployment which have increased during the past year. Supporters applaud the bill for facilitating the production of renewable energy. Opponents believe the government should not interfere in the energy market by choosing winners and losers. They also believe that the bill only further complicates an already intricate tax system.
Commending Police Officers by Tiffany Hsieh, May 21, 2008 (9:28pm)
Punishing Grave Robbers by Tiffany Hsieh, May 21, 2008 (9:22pm)
This bill tries to protect all grave sites from desecration. It mandates all states to review their sentencing guidelines to create “appropriately severe” punishments for theft, desecrating or trafficking in a veteran’s grave.
Overturning the EPA ruling by Tiffany Hsieh, May 21, 2008 (4:12pm)
In December 2007, the EPA denied California’s request for a waiver to implement its own greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles. This bill attempts to overturn that ruling so that California as well as other states can choose to impose environmental standards stricter than federal ones. Supporters applaud Congress’s initiative in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Opponents believe that the stricter standards will create a patchwork of state standards that will make it difficult to sell cars in certain states. They also believe that the implementation deadline for 2009 is impractical.
Ending Tobacco Companies' Deceptive Practices by Tiffany Hsieh, May 20, 2008 (10:14pm)
This bill seeks to end tobacco companies’ deceptive practice of labeling some cigarettes as ‘light’ or ‘low tar’ when in fact they do not offer any improvement in health effects. Cigarettes with these labels are equally detrimental to smokers’ health as regular cigarettes. Lautenberg had introduced a similar bill in 2006 which did not pass.
Expanding Programs to Combat Homelessness by Tiffany Hsieh, May 16, 2008 (3:07pm)
Veterans have the highest rate of homelessness in the nation. Almost one in three homeless men is a veteran. This bill attempts to combat this harsh reality by expanding the successful Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program and creating a $200 million assistance program for housing services for low-income veterans. This is a great step toward taking better care of our veterans.
Specific Point Established for Intervention by Tiffany Hsieh, May 16, 2008 (2:53pm)
This bill defines the point at which federal intervention is necessary to combat lead levels in paint as any concentration equal to or greater than 10 ug/dL found in a single test. The bill clearly defines this point so as to prevent any confusion.
Keeping Email Records by Tiffany Hsieh, May 9, 2008 (1:38pm)
After disputes with the Bush administration about following protocol for archiving emails, Democrats introduced HR 5811. This bill requires federal agencies to preserve e-mail and other electronic communications in an electronic format. These email records are important both for historical studies and government accountability and transparency. Opponents are concerned with the high cost of keeping these records while supporters applaud the reform in archival management.
Guaranteeing Raises for Hard Workers by Tiffany Hsieh, May 5, 2008 (2:07am)
In 2005 the Government Accountability Office established a new performance-based pay system. Unfortunately, over 300 analysts received satisfactory performance ratings but did not receive pay raises. This act will guarantee that all employees who perform satisfactorily will receive their pay raises.
Boosting School Performance by Tiffany Hsieh, May 5, 2008 (1:10am)
Studies have shown a positive relationship between classroom quality and student performance. HR 3021 hopes to capitalize on this information by providing grants for the construction, modernization or repair of classroom buildings. Schools with a majority of low-income students get priority for the grants.
Helping Military Families by Tiffany Hsieh, May 4, 2008 (11:37pm)
Switching from Analog to Digital by Tiffany Hsieh, May 4, 2008 (11:06pm)
In 2005, Congress passed a the Deficit Reduction Act, which included a provision to mandate a transition from analog to digital television by February 2009. The bill includes a program to help consumers pay for the equipment to make the transition as seamlessly as possible. S 2607 would amend the Deficit Reduction Act to help low power television stations in rural areas with financing their switch to digital.
Land for the New Mexico Pueblos by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 28, 2008 (1:08am)
Decreasing Mercury Emissions by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 28, 2008 (12:23am)
This bill requires electric utility steam generating units that emit mercury emissions to follow the Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standard, implemented by the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. MACT standards serve to reduce hazardous air pollutants.
Helping the Growing Number of Unemployed by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 27, 2008 (11:27pm)
Amidst 3 consecutive months of growing unemployment rates across the nation, this bill helps Americans looking for new jobs by extending unemployment benefits for 13 weeks. It is hoped that this bi-partisan effort will help jump-start the sluggish economy. Opponents believe that the Act is unfunded and argue that the bill does not include a work attachment requirement for the extension.
Resource for Scholarships by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 25, 2008 (5:23am)
This act creates a database of public and private scholarships available in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) which provides a resources for students to help pay for rising higher education costs. It also encourages studies in the key STEM subject areas in which American students lag behind their international counterparts.
Closing a Loophole by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 25, 2008 (3:51am)
In November, the Federal Acquisition Regulation forced contractors to self-report fraud and abuses of contracting rules and comply with business code of ethics. If the federal government was notified of a failure to comply with the law, their contracts could be revoked. Unfortunately, a loophole in the law exempted overseas contractors from having to comply with the regulation. This bill seeks to remove the loophole to hold overseas contractors to the same standards as domestic ones. Business interests who oppose the bill believe that it is impractical to bind companies overseas to US regulations and that it will overburden the federal acquisition corps with more work. They advocate for a voluntary disclosure program.
Fixing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 24, 2008 (7:35am)
This bill serves to outline a plan to responsibly implement the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which would require all citizens returning from Canada to carry either a passport or another yet-to-be-determined travel document. Supporters of this act, also called the PACT act, believe that the WHTI only places an undue burden on travelers and does nothing for border security. This bill attempts to achieve this security without harming commerce or tourism.
Citizenship for 9/11 victims' family members by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 24, 2008 (7:21am)
This bill makes an exception to immigration law for families of undocumented workers who were killed in the September 11 World Trade Center attacks. All victims’ families were given relief after the attacks and this bill simply lets the undocumented people benefit as well.
Helping Foster Children by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 23, 2008 (6:30am)
The Safe Babies Act of 2007 creates community Court Teams and partners child development specialists with court judges to work together for the welfare of young maltreated children in foster care. This act has been introduced several other times in previous Congresses with no results.
Protecting Women's Health Offices by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 23, 2008 (4:31am)
There are offices for women’s health in the Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. This bill authorizes these offices so that their funding cannot be cut off or reduced.
Fighting Gang Violence by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 23, 2008 (4:12am)
This bill is named after a young girl from San Bernadino, CA who was killed by gang violence. It creates a Federal Gang Task Force to fight gangs on all levels – from early education programs about gang violence to community policing. Opponents argue that the bill broadens the definitions of gang members and crimes and will only cause the police to target innocent non-gang members. They also believe that the bill may illegally and unconstitutionally impose federal definitions of crimes on states.
Tax Credits for Educational Donations by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 23, 2008 (3:41am)
This bill gives a $5000 tax credit for donations to any school to be used for scholarships or academic or extracurricular programs. Introduced by Ron Paul, the bill supports his belief that education should be in the hands of students’ parents instead of the state.
Amending the Small Business Act by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 23, 2008 (3:20am)
Introduced by Richard Baker, this bill responds to the large number of struggling small businesses in the area hit by Hurricane Katrina. It amends the Small Business Act of 1953 to redefine ‘disaster area’ and ‘small business concern’ and to alter the process by which loans can be guaranteed to small businesses in these disaster areas.
Helping Combat Water Shortages by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 17, 2008 (7:30am)
The Republican River Basin serves areas in Kansas and Nebraska. These states have experienced many droughts and water shortages through the years and more research is needed to make the Basin more efficient to better serve the areas along the Republican River. This bill authorizes this research to be done collectively by Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. Opponents are afraid that there are not enough funds for the bill to be successful, but the states have already appropriated some funds for this purpose.
Helping Combat Diabetes by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 17, 2008 (6:49am)
Diabetes disproportionally affects minorities. Congresswoman Maxine Waters introduced HR 1031 to give grants to organizations who give diabetes treatment, prevention and care programs to the disadvantaged. The bill is actually based on another bill introduced by Waters that was targeted towards AIDs.
Combatting Health Disparities for Minorities by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 17, 2008 (6:05am)
Studies have shown that health disparities are directly related to poverty level and minority status. This bill targets this disparity and offers grants for cancer prevention, cancer screenings, patient counseling services and cancer treatment for minorities and the underprivileged.
Building Fences by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 17, 2008 (4:31am)
Named after 13-year-old Ari Kraft, who snuck through fencing around train tracks and was subsequently struck and killed, this bill allocates $20 million for cities to build more fences to ensure safety around the tracks. Some opponents ridicule the law for trying to use money to fix the railroads instead of trying to teach railroad safety to prevent accidents such as Ari’s in the future.
Extending the President's Trad Promotion Authority by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 16, 2008 (9:17pm)
Every two years, Congress must re-authorize the President’s ability to make Free Trade Agreements (FTA). The President negotiates FTAs with other countries to promote free trade and Congress then votes whether to approve the agreement. This bill extends the length of the FTA authorization to five years.
Helping Rural Police Forces Receive Training by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 16, 2008 (8:56pm)
This bill creates a Rural Policing Institute that specializes in rural law enforcement issues. Rural law enforcement agencies often have smaller staffs and budgets. This bill helps the police officers receive training in such issues as drug trafficking. This provision was added as an amendment to S 4, which implemented some of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations.
Funding Firefighters by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 16, 2008 (8:34am)
This bill grants $70 million to the United States Fire Administration (USFA) for firefighter training and technology upgrades to help firefighters better serve their cities. The USFA provides support for fire prevention related activities, including emergency medical response and fire education. Supporters applaud the bill for providing the necessary funds to firefighters to perform their duties.
Combatting Credit Card Fraud of Government Employees by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 16, 2008 (8:21am)
A study by the Government Accountability Act (GAO) found that almost 41% of the $17.7 billion charged to federal ‘purchase cards’ were improper charges. This is an unacceptable use of taxpayer dollars and S 789 attempts to ameliorate the situation by imposing harsher penalties for improper purchases and implementing policies that will provide more accountability for purchases. For example, federal agencies are able to offset employee salaries when improper purchases are made. This is an encouraging step towards better fiscal responsibility.
Providing the Option for Absentee for All by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 16, 2008 (8:03am)
HR 281 would require that all states allow voters to vote absentee by mail in federal elections without having to provide an excuse. Supporters applaud the bill for helping to give all Americans an equal opportunity to vote in federal elections. They believe that the availability of the option for absentee voting can increase voter turnout. Opponents argue that the bill will result in an unfunded mandate and put an undue burden on the states to overhaul their election system.
Extending the Religious Worker Visa Act by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 16, 2008 (7:46am)
The original Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 imposed restrictions on the numbers of immigrants from certain countries and was especially discriminatory towards Asians and Africans. The new act implemented in 1965 sought to correct this discrimination and put a preference towards skilled workers. This bill extends a clause in the act which allows immigrant visas for individuals to perform religious service for seven more years.
Recycling Leftovers by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 14, 2008 (7:24am)
This bill would require all government food contracts over $25,000 to include a clause that would stipulate that all edible leftover food be donated to nonprofits that fight hunger. This would eliminate wasting the 100-300 meals usually left over after large government catered functions and help the needy receive sustenance.
Delaying HOPE by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 11, 2008 (9:06am)
The Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity though Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act of 1006 (HR 6142)establishes trade preferences for Haiti. HR 1001 delays the implementation of this bill most likely because of concerns of Asian garments competing with US textile interests.
Easing the process of gaining access to technology by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 11, 2008 (9:02am)
This bill adds onto President Clinton’s Executive Order 12999, which lets federal agencies direct their extra electronic equipment to schools, towns, libraries and non-profit organizations. It is designed to ameliorate the fact that the process of getting the equipment has become mired in red tape. The bill also gives preference to poorer communities and allows the General Services Administration to handle the distribution of surplus technological equipment. It is a great means to help those in need gain access to technological advances while helping to recycle the Federal government’s computers, 500,000 of which are replaced every year.
Increasing Transparency by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 11, 2008 (5:52am)
The original Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 intended to ensure easy public access to advice given by any advisory committee to the President. The Act oversaw the operation and termination of these committees as well. This act continues the tradition of transparency and helps increase the accountability of Federal advisory committees.
Reducing Troop Levels in Iraq by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 8, 2008 (3:58am)
Interesting provisions include $121.6 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, $6.7 billion for restoring the Gulf Coast areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina and $1.767 billion for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The also does not put restrictions on funding for the troops in Iraq or Afghanistan, but does call for a phased reduction of troops to occur 120 days after the bill is enacted.
Favoring Fish Over Marine Mammals by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 8, 2008 (2:50am)
The original Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 was passed to prevent marine animals such as whales, dolphins, sea otters, etc., from being harmed or harassed. However, the National Marine Fisheries Service governs the protection of these marine animals as well as the maintenance of healthy fish stock levels. Because the mammals are usually injured from fishing practices, the NMFS is in internal conflict. Unfortunately, this act favors fishing practices instead of the quality of life for marine mammals.
Honoring Edward William Brooke III by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 6, 2008 (5:55am)
Edward William Brooke III was the first African American elected to the Senate by popular vote and the first African American elected after Reconstruction. Among his many achievements, Brooke contributed to the 1968 Civil Rights Act. He is deserving of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service to the United States.
Improving the 911 Response System by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 6, 2008 (4:51am)
This bill upgrades all 911 emergency response systems to include the ability to locate wireless 911 calls, as well as other updates. The funds for this upgrade will be expedited as well to ensure that emergency response can be up do date as soon as possible. This will help 911 operators perform their duties much better in a world where most Americans have wireless cell phones.
Funding National Heritage Areas by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 6, 2008 (4:03am)
National Heritage Areas commemorate, conserve, and pormote areas that include important resources. They are locally run (as opposed to being a part of the National Park service) and receive federal funding. S 817 increased the funding for a few NHAs. Opponents say that funding for National Heritage areas are a drain on the treasury. They argue that the areas are not supposed to receive indefinite funding but no NHA has had funding terminated yet.
Marking the end of the War of 1812 by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 6, 2008 (3:31am)
The Star Spangled Banner Trail, which runs though Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, marks the route of the British invasion of Washington DC and American defense of Baltimore during the battle which ended the War of 1812. This bill seeks to designate this trail as National Historic Trail. To be such a trail, it must be nationally significant, have a documented route and provide recreational opportunities.
Bill to Double Funding for Alzheimer's Research by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 4, 2008 (3:42am)
Alzheimer’s has become the most common form of dementia, affecting almost 5 million Americans. Unfortunately, an effective treatment has not yet been found. This bill doubles funding for Alzheimer’s research, convenes a national summit for all researchers to share information and gives support to families who are usually the primary caregivers. This is an important step towards finding a cure for this debilitating disease.
Making the Do Not Call Registry Permanent by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 3, 2008 (6:36am)
The Do Not Call Registry Implementation Act (HR 395) of 1993 allowed Americans to avoid calls from pesky telemarketers. This Act, S 781, will make the registry permanent by removing the provision that would require citizens to renew their registration on the “Do Not Call” list. It also makes permanent the Federal Trade Commission’s ability to collect fees from telemarketing companies. It does compromise with those companies by maintaining a maximum on the fees the FTC charges.
Protecting Daily Commuters by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 3, 2008 (5:43am)
In the wake of the subway bombings in London and Madrid, the federal government is taking steps toward protecting transit riders on their daily commutes. S 763 allocates funds to be used to help prevent terrorist attacks by conducting annual assessments and creating security plans. It also requires all public transportation agencies considered to be in danger of terrorist attacks to participate in the Information Sharing and Analysis Center for Public Transportation (ISAC) to help coordinate intelligence on terrorist plots.
Renewing the Appalachian Regional Commission by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 1, 2008 (4:25am)
The original Appalachian Regional Development Act was enacted in 1965 to help the economically depressed regions in the Appalachian states (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) become economically competitive and combat their social problems. S 496 reauthorizes the commission for another five years to stimulate employment and build more infrastructure.
Designating New Historical Trails by Tiffany Hsieh, Apr 1, 2008 (3:22am)
The National Trails Systems Act of 1968 was intended to designate certain trails as “National Scenic and Historic Trails” and protect those from harm and maintain their aesthetic value. These Trails were categorized into one of four categories: National Scenic, National Historic, National Recreation, or “Side and Connecting” Trails. S 580 authorizes the National Park Service to examine routes and cutoffs to the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express National Trails to consider them for inclusion into the National Trails System.
Increasing the Number of Judgeships by Tiffany Hsieh, Mar 30, 2008 (10:33pm)
This bill would increase the number of judgeships on the District of Columbia Superior Court from 58 to 61.
Defense Funding by Tiffany Hsieh, May 23, 2008 (1:58pm)
This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Defense in 2009. The most notable provisions include a 3.9% military pay raise, funding for a missile defense system in Europe, and $1.5 billion for nuclear non-proliferation.