|
Congress-Summary >> 112th Congress >> Laws Passed by the 112th Congress |
The list below is sequential, by Public Law identification number.
The listing below identifies the Public Law identification number and the House or Senate bill number that produced the law.
A link is provided to the text of both the Public Law and the enrolled bill. Note that it may take some time for the Government Printing Office to release the text of the public law, but the text of the enrolled bill is usually available at the time the bill is signed.
The Description provides the title of the law, as well as other brief supplementary explanation, as necessary.
Additionally, links are provided to the CRS Summary, the CBO estimate, and House or Senate reports on the bill, if available, and to our legislation summary.
- The Congressional Research Service (CRS) produces a concise summary of each bill, which can be reviewed without getting into all the details of the bill text.
- The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) produces estimates, as appropriate, of the impact of a bill on government spending, government revenues, and the US deficit.
- House and Senate reports are produced by the responsible committee and generally include rationale, minority party opinions, and other background information.
- Our legislation summary provides a summary timeline of the passage of the bill through Congress.
| Public Law | Bill | Description | Date Signed |
| 112-1 | H.R. 366 |
To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. (1 page)
CRS summary. Extends through May 31, 2011, the authorization for any program that is currently authorized through January 31, 2011, under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
1/31/2011 |
| 112-2 | S. 188 |
To designate the United States courthouse under construction at 98 West First Street, Yuma, Arizona, as the "John M. Roll United States Courthouse". (1 page)
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
2/17/2011 |
| 112-3 | H.R. 514 |
"FISA Sunsets Extension Act of 2011"
To extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers, and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011. (1 page) CRS summary. Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to extend through May 27, 2011, a provision granting roving electronic surveillance authority. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend until May 27, 2011, a provision revising the definition of an "agent of a foreign power" to include any non-U.S. person who engages in international terrorism or preparatory activities ("lone wolf" provision). Note: Original version passed by House extended provisions until Dec 8, 2011. Senate amendment modified date to May 27, 2011, and House subsequently concurred with change. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
2/25/2011 |
| 112-4 | H.J.Res 44 |
"Further Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011"
Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes. (8 pages) CRS summary. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (CAA of 2011) (P.L. 111-242) to extend through March 18, 2011, specified continuing appropriations for FY2011. (P. L. 111-322 had previously extended continuing appropriations through March 4, 2011.) No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
3/2/2011 |
| 112-5 | H.R. 662 |
"Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011"
To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs. (9 pages) CRS summary. Funding previously authorized by Surface Transportation Extension Act (Public Law 111-147) until March 4, 2011, extended by this law to September 30, 2011. No CBO Estimate. House Report 112-18, Part 1. Legislation summary. |
3/4/2011 |
| 112-6 | H.J.Res 48 |
"Additional Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011"
Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes. (8 pages) CRS summary. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (CAA of 2011) (P.L. 111-242) to extend through April 8, 2011, specified continuing appropriations for FY2011. (Public Law 111-322 had previously extended continuing appropriations through March 4, 2011. Public Law 112-4 extended continuing appropriations through March 18, 2011.) No CBO Estimate Legislation summary. |
3/18/2011 |
| 112-7 | H.R. 1079 |
"Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011"
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes. (3 pages) CRS summary. Extends through May 31, 2011, the existing taxes that are dedicated to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) as well as the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) authority to expend amounts credited to that fund. In addition, the bill would provide nearly $2.5 billion of contract authority (the authority to incur obligations in advance of appropriations, a mandatory form of budget authority) for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) through May 2011—or $3.7 billion on an annualized basis. Previously, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2010, Part IV (Public Law 111-329) extended aviation-related taxes through March 31, 2011, and the FAA’s authority to expend amounts in the AATF through April 1, 2011. That act also provided nearly $1.9 billion of contract authority to AIP through March 31, 2011—or $3.7 billion on an annualized basis. CBO Estimate, dated 3/17/2011. House Report 112-41, Part I. Legislation summary. |
3/31/2011 |
| 112-8 | H.R. 1363 |
"Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011" CRS summary. Extends existing Continuing Appropriations Act (Public Law 111–242) until April 15, 2011. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
4/9/2011 |
| 112-9 | H.R. 4 |
"Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011" To repeal the expansion of information reporting requirements for payments of $600 or more to corporations, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal requirements for the reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of payments of $600 or more to corporations that are not tax-exempt and of gross proceeds paid in consideration for any type of property; (2) repeal requirements for reporting payments made with respect to rental property which is not part of a trade or business; and (3) increase, for taxable years ending after December 31, 2013, the advance applicable dollar amount of the tax credit for health care premium assistance for taxpayers whose household income is less than 400% of the poverty line. CBO Estimate, dated 2/18/2011. House Report 112-15. Legislation summary. |
4/14/2011 |
| 112-10 | H.R. 1473 |
"Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011"
Making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2011 - Appropriates funds for FY2011 to the Department of Defense (DOD). Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2011. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects, or activities which were conducted in FY2010. Provides funding under this division through FY2011. Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act or SOAR Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to nonprofit organizations to carry out a program to provide expanded school choice opportunities to students who are District of Columbia (DC) residents and who come from certain qualifying low-income households. Repeals the DC School Choice Incentive Act of 2003. (See also H.R. 471.) No CBO Estimate. Presidential Signing Statement. President Obama's "signing statement" listing his objections to specific provisions in the bill and announcing his interpretation of specific provisions of the bill. Legislation summary. |
4/15/2011 |
| 112-11 | S. 307 |
To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 217 West King Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia, as the "W. Craig Broadwater Federal Building and United States Courthouse".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
4/25/2011 |
| 112-12 | S.J. Res. 8 |
Providing for the appointment of Stephen M. Case as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
4/25/2011 |
| 112-13 | H.R. 1308 |
To amend the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act to extend the termination date for the Commission, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Amends the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act to extend: (1) the due date of the final report of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission from April 30, 2011, to November 30, 2011; and (2) the final termination date of such Commission from May 30, 2011, to December 31, 2011. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
5/12/2011 |
| 112-14 | S. 990 |
"Small Business Additional Temporary Extension Act of 2011"
To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Extends through June 30, 2011, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is currently authorized through May 31, 2011, under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to reauthorize through May 31, 2012, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as the SBA's commercialization pilot program. Requires all SBIR or STTR funds to be awarded pursuant to competitive and merit-based selection procedures. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
5/26/2011 |
| 112-15 | H.R. 793 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12781 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Inverness, California, as the "Specialist Jake Robert Velloza Post Office".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
5/31/2011 |
| 112-16 | H.R. 1893 |
"Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part II"
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through June 30, 2011, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the nine-month period beginning on October 1, 2010, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]). Allows such funds to be obligated at any time through September 30, 2011, and remain available until expended. Sets forth a formula for calculating AIP funding apportionments. Extends through June 30, 2011, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make new AIP grants. Extends until July 1, 2011: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary to extend through June 30, 2011, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through September 30, 2011. Extends through September 30, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through June 30, 2011: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility projects under the AIP; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through June 30, 2011: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP project costs, and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
5/31/2011 |
| 112-17 | S. 1082 |
"Small Business Additional Temporary Extension Act of 2011"
To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Extends through July 31, 2011, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is currently authorized through May 31, 2011, under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to reauthorize through FY2011 the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as the SBA's commercialization pilot program. Requires all SBIR or STTR funds to be awarded pursuant to competitive and merit-based selection procedures. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
6/1/2011 |
| 112-18 | H.R. 754 |
"Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011"
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security. CBO Estimate, dated 4/1/2011. House Report 112-72. Legislation summary. |
6/8/2011 |
| 112-19 | S.J. Res. 7 |
Providing for the reappointment of Shirley Ann Jackson as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
6/24/2011 |
| 112-20 | S.J. Res. 9 |
Providing for the reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
6/24/2011 |
| 112-21 | H.R. 2279 |
"Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part III"
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through July 22, 2011, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on July 22, 2011, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]). Extends through July 22, 2011, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make new AIP grants. Extends until July 23, 2011: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary to extend through July 22, 2011, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through October 31, 2011. Extends through October 31, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through July 22, 2011: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility AIPs; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through Junly 22, 2011: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP costs, and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
6/29/2011 |
| 112-22 | S. 349 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4865 Tallmadge Road in Rootstown, Ohio, as the "Marine Sgt. Jeremy E. Murray Post Office".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
6/29/2011 |
| 112-23 | S. 655 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 95 Dogwood Street in Cary, Mississippi, as the "Spencer Byrd Powers, Jr. Post Office".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
6/29/2011 |
| 112-24 | S. 1103 |
A bill to extend the term of the incumbent Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
CRS summary. At the request of President Obama, allows a one-time exception to the ten year term limit (Section 1101 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (28 U.S.C. 532)) of the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), allowing the current incumbent (Robert Mueller) to serve a twelve year term. CBO Estimate, dated 6/17/11. CBO estimates that implementing this bill would have no significant cost to the federal government. Senate Report No. 112–23 Legislation summary. |
7/26/2011 |
| 112-25 | S. 365 |
"Budget Control Act of 2011"
An act to provide for budget control. CRS summary. Title I: Ten-Year Discretionary Caps with Sequester: Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to revise sequestration requirements for enforcement of discretionary spending limits (spending caps). Establishes discretionary spending limits for security and nonsecurity categories for FY2012-FY2021. Title II: Vote on the Balanced Budget Amendment: Requires the House and the Senate, after September 30, 2011, and by December 31, 2011, to vote on passage of a joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Title III: Debt Ceiling Disapproval Process: Authorizes the President, by December 31, 2011, to certify to Congress that the public debt is within $100 billion of the $14.294 trillion public debt limit and that further borrowing is required to meet existing commitments. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to borrow an additional $900 billion, subject to the enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval. Increases the public debt limit by $400 billion after such certification. Increases such limit by an additional $500 billion if the time for disapproval has lapsed without enactment by Congress of such a joint resolution. Prescribes similar procedures for the Secretary to borrow an additional $1.2 trillion, or $1.5 trillion if the Archivist of the United States has submitted to the states for their ratification a balanced budget amendment resolution, or if a joint committee bill to achieve an amount greater than $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction is enacted, the amount of such deficit reduction, but not greater than $1.5 trillion, unless such resolution has been submitted to the states for ratification. Increases the public debt limit by such additional amounts if the time for disapproval has lapsed without Congress enacting the joint resolution. Title IV: Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction: Establishes the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, whose goal shall be to reduce the deficit by at least $1.5 trillion or more over FY2012-FY2021. Requires the committee to provide recommendations and legislative language that will significantly improve the short-term and long-term fiscal imbalance of the federal government. Prescribes legislative procedures for consideration in both chambers of the Joint Committee's recommendations. Makes such legislative procedures inapplicable to the Joint Committee's bill if: (1) the Committee fails to vote on the report or proposed legislative language by November 23, 2011; or (2) the bill does not pass both chambers by December 23, 2011. Title V: Pell Grant and Student Loan Program Changes: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase appropriations for federal Pell Grants for FY2012-FY2013. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
8/2/2011 |
| 112-26 | H.R. 1383 |
"Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011"
To temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees for programs of education at non-public institutions of higher learning pursued by individuals enrolled in the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs before the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Makes the amount payable for programs of education at nonpublic institutions of higher education pursued by individuals enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) post-9/11 educational assistance program (post-9/11 program) during the period beginning on August 1, 2011, and ending on July 31, 2014, the greater of $17,500, or the established charges payable under a VA maximum payments table published on October 27, 2010 (thereby preserving for such period the higher payment rates in effect prior to enactment of the Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010). Provides, during the 24-month period beginning on August 1, 2011, a limitation on the maximum monthly stipend payable under the post-9/11 program. CBO Estimate, dated 5/18/11. H.R. 1383 would modify the amount of education benefits payable to certain veterans and qualifying dependents for three years, beginning on August 1, 2011. If enacted, CBO estimates that, on net, the bill would decrease direct spending by $5 million over the 2012-2016 and 2012-2021 periods. House Report 112-81. Legislation summary. |
8/3/2011 |
| 112-27 | H.R. 2553 |
"Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part IV"
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through September 16, 2011, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on September 16, 2011, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]). Extends through September 16, 2011, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make new AIP grants. Extends until September 17, 2011: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary to extend through September 16, 2011, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through December 31, 2011. Extends through December 31, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through September 16, 2011: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility AIPs; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through September 16, 2011: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP costs, and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport. Revises essential air service (EAS) program eligibility requirements to limit such service to airports (except those in Alaska) that: (1) are located at least 90 miles from the nearest medium or large hub airport, and (2) had an average subisdy per passenger of less than $1,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to waive such requirements for a particular location if its geographic characteristics result in undue difficulty in accessing the nearest medium or large hub airport. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
8/5/2011 |
| 112-28 | H.R. 2715 |
To provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission with greater authority and discretion in enforcing the consumer product safety laws, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to apply the limit on lead content in children's products only to product's manufactured after the effective date of the limit. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize CPSC to revise third party testing regulations to reduce testing costs consistent with assuring compliance with children's product safety rules. Applies limits on phthalates in children's toys or child care articles to plasticized component parts of such toys or articles. Gives CPSC the authority to: (1) issue subpoenas for the production of physical evidence, and (2) delegate to CPSC's general counsel the authority to issue subpoenas to federal, state, or local government agencies. Requires CPSC to issue a final rule on safety standards pertaining to all-terrain vehicles within one year of enactment of this Act. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
8/12/2011 |
| 112-29 | H.R. 1249 |
"Leahy-Smith America Invents Act"
To amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for patent reform. CRS summary. Amends federal patent law to define the "effective filing date" of a claimed invention as the actual filing date of the patent or the application for patent containing a claim to the invention (thus replacing the current first-to-invent system), except as specified. Establishes a one-year grace period (a prior art exception) for inventors to file an application after certain disclosures of the claimed invention by the inventor or another who obtained the subject matter from the inventor. Revises provisions concerning novelty and nonobvious subject matter. CBO Estimate, dated 5/26/2011. H.R. 1249 would amend the law that governs how the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) awards patents. Among other things, the bill would alter the rule that prioritizes the award of a patent from the “first to invent” to the “first inventor to file.” As a result, PTO would change certain procedures it follows in awarding patents. The bill also would establish new review procedures that would allow individuals to challenge the validity of a patent and would modify PTO’s authority to collect and spend fees. CBO estimates that enacting the bill would reduce net direct spending by $725 million and revenues by $8 million over the 2011-2021 period. Most of the change in direct spending would result from providing PTO with permanent authority to collect and spend certain fees. In total, the changes would decrease budget deficits by $717 million over the 2011-2021 period. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1249 would have a discretionary cost of $446 million over the 2011-2016 period. House Report 112-98, Part I. * US Patent and Trademark Office Summary of the Law's provisions. * US Patent and Trademark Office Website for America Invents Act implementation. Legislation summary. |
9/16/2011 |
| 112-30 | H.R. 2887 |
"Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011"
To provide an extension of surface and air transportation programs, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Includes: * Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II: Continues through March 31, 2012, and authorizes appropriations through that date for, specified federal-aid highway programs under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Includes among extended funds those for: (1) the surface transportation research, development, and deployment program; (2) training and education; (3) the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; (4) university transportation research; and (5) intelligent transportation systems (ITS) research. * Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part V - Extends through January 31, 2012, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Extends through January 31, 2012: (1) the authorization of appropriations for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]), and (2) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make new AIP grants. Extends until February 1, 2012: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary through January 31, 2012, to make agreements to provide small community air service assistance to underserved airports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for FY2011 and for the period from October 1, 2011, through January 31, 2012, for: (1) FAA operations, (2) air navigation facilities and equipment, and (3) civil aviation research, engineering, and development. Authorizes appropriations out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for FY2011 and for the period from October 1, 2011, through January 31, 2012, for the essential air service program. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
9/16/2011 |
| 112-31 | S. 846 |
A bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 80 Lafayette Street in Jefferson City, Missouri, as the Christopher S. Bond United States Courthouse.
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
9/23/2011 |
| 112-32 | H.R. 2005 |
"Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011"
To reauthorize the Combating Autism Act of 2006. CRS summary. Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend and reauthorize through FY 2014: (1) the surveillance and research program for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities; (2) the education, early detection, and intervention program for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities; and (3) the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. CBO Estimate, dated 9/19/11. H.R. 2005 would amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize research, surveillance, and education activities related to autism spectrum disorders (autism) conducted by various agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Those activities are conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the National Institutes for Health (NIH). The bill would authorize appropriations for autism activities at HHS of $231 million in 2012 and $693 million over the 2012-2014 period. CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $75 million in 2012 and $675 million over the 2012-2016 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts. This legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues. Legislation summary. |
9/30/2011 |
| 112-33 | H.R. 2017 |
"Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012"
An Act making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Provides for continuing appropriations to fund the US Government from October 1, 2011, through October 4, 2011. Provides disaster relief funding at a yearly rate of $2.650 Billion ($29 Million for 4 days). Limits commitments to guarantee loans incurred under the General and Special Risk Insurance Funds of the National Housing Act to $80 Million per day. Also approves the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. (see also H.J.Res. 66) No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
9/30/2011 |
| 112-34 | H.R. 2883 |
"Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act"
To amend part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to extend the child and family services program through fiscal year 2016, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends title IV part B (Child and Family Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations for the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program. Revises requirements for child visitations by caseworkers. Extends through FY2016: (1) the Safe and Stable Families Program, and (2) specified reservations of funds for monthly caseworker visits and regional partnership grants. Revises requirements for grants to assist children affected by methamphetamine or other substance abuse to: (1) remove the specification of methamphetamine, and (2) apply the grant program generally to children affected by substance abuse. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to renew a five-year grant for up to an additional two years. Revises requirements for the court improvement program to require grants to the highest state courts to serve the purpose of increasing and improving engagement of the entire family in court processes relating to child welfare, family preservation, family reunification, and adoption. Requires such a court to submit one application, rather than separate applications, for more than one grant. Specifies mandatory allocations of funds for such grants. Directs the Secretary, in order to improve data matching, to designate nonproprietary and interoperable standard data elements for any category of information required to be reported. Requires state case review systems to assure that each child in foster care under state responsibility who has attained age 16 receives gratis: (1) a copy of any consumer report pertaining to the child each year until the child is discharged from care, and (2) assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report. Renews through FY2014 the authority of the Secretary to authorize states to conduct child welfare program demonstration projects likely to promote the objectives of part B or SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Repeals the requirement for state project applications to consider certain types of proposals. Replaces such requirement with specified conditions for state eligibility to conduct a new demonstration project. Authorizes a state to elect to establish a program to: (1) permit part E foster care maintenance payments to a long-term therapeutic family treatment center on behalf of a child residing in the center, or (2) identify and address domestic violence that endangers children and results in the placement of children in foster care. Defines a long-term therapeutic family treatment center as a state-licensed or -certified program that: (1) enables parents and their children to live together in a safe environment for at least six months; and (2) provides substance abuse treatment services, children's early intervention services, family counseling, medical care,and related services. Sets forth child welfare improvement policies. CBO Estimate, dated 9/19/11. H.R. 2883 would make numerous modifications to various federal child welfare programs. The bill would modify two programs (the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program and the Safe and Stable Families program) and reauthorize the programs for five years. The bill also would authorize the appropriation of $345 million a year in mandatory funds from 2012 through 2016 for the Safe and Stable Families program, but that funding is already assumed in CBO’s baseline. Finally, H.R. 2883 would reauthorize the child welfare waivers in section 1130 of the Social Security Act from 2012 through 2014. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2883 would have a discretionary cost of about $2.1 billion over the 2012-2016 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts. CBO estimates the legislation would have an insignificant effect on direct spending. Enacting the bill would not affect revenues. House Report 112–210, Pt. 1. Legislation summary. |
9/30/2011 |
| 112-35 | H.R. 2943 |
"Short-Term TANF Extension Act"
To extend the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families and related programs through December 31, 2011. CRS summary. Continues through December 31, 2011, and make appropriations through the first quarter of FY2012 for, grants to states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa for programs under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF]) of title IV of the Social Security Act. Excludes from this extension: (1) supplemental grants for population increases in certain states, or (2) activities related to the Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs. Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF]) of title IV of the Social Security Act to continue through FY2013 the authority for administrative penalties for a state's failure during the immediately preceding fiscal year to maintain qualified TANF expenditures at the applicable percentage of historic state expenditures (maintenance of effort). No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
9/30/2011 |
| 112-36 | H.R. 2608 |
"Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012"
CRS summary. Provides for continuing appropriations to fund the US Government from October 1, 2011, through November 18, 2011. Provides disaster relief funding at a yearly rate of $2.650 Billion ($356 Million for 49 days). Limits commitments to guarantee loans incurred under the General and Special Risk Insurance Funds of the National Housing Act to $80 Million per day. Also approves the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. (see also H.J.Res. 66) No CBO Estimate. House Report 112–215. Legislation summary. |
10/5/2011 |
| 112-37 | H.R. 2646 |
"Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011"
To authorize certain Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility projects and leases, to extend certain expiring provisions of law, and to modify certain authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Authorizes, within specified amounts, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out certain FY2012 major medical facility: (1) construction projects at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers in Seattle, Washington and West Lost Angeles, California; and (2) leases at various outpatient and community-based outpatient clinics. Modifies authorizations for certain previously authorized construction projects in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Orlando, Florida area, Palo Alto, California, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Louis, Missouri. Directs the Secretary to include in the prospectus required to be submitted to Congress with a request for funding of a major medical facility project or lease: (1) a detailed estimate of the total costs of the medical facility including the number of personnel and itemized costs for construction, activation, special purpose alteration, ancillary services, and equipment; and (2) data concerning demographics, workload, utilization, and operating costs over a 5-, 10-, and 20-year period. Requires further, in the case of a proposed new or replacement facility, a detailed: (1) report of the consideration given to acquiring an existing facility by lease or purchase and to the sharing of health-care resources with the Department of Defense (DOD); and (2) total cost estimate and a cost-benefit comparison for each considered alternative to construction of the facility and an explanation of why the preferred alternative is the most effective means to achieve the stated project goals. Designates the VA telehealth clinic in Craig, Colorado, as the "Major William Edward Adams Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic." Extends to December 31, 2018, specified authority for: (1) treatment, rehabilitation, and additional services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans; (2) housing assistance for homeless veterans; (3) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans; and (4) transfers of real property under the Secretary's jurisdiction or control. Extends to September 30, 2020, the recovery audit program for certain fee basis and other medical services contracts concerning non-VA care and services for veterans and beneficiaries. CBO Estimate, dated 9/15/11. H.R. 2646 would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to build and lease several medical facilities and extend programs for homeless veterans. In total, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $1.2 billion over the 2012-2016 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts. CBO estimates that enacting the bill would have no effect on direct spending or revenues. House Report 112–209 Legislation summary. |
10/5/2011 |
| 112-38 | H.R. 771 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1081 Elbel Road in Schertz, Texas, as the "Schertz Veterans Post Office".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
10/12/2011 |
| 112-39 | H.R. 1632 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5014 Gary Avenue in Lubbock, Texas, as the "Sergeant Chris Davis Post Office".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
10/12/2011 |
| 112-40 | H.R. 2832 |
To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) through July 31, 2013. Requires the liquidation or reliquidation (refund of duties) on duty-free articles that entered into the United States after December 31, 2010, and before the 15th day after enactment of this Act. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to increase from 0.21% ad valorem to 0.3464% ad valorem, for the period between October 1, 2011, and July 1, 2014, the customs user fee for the processing of merchandise entered or released into the United States. CBO Estimate, dated 10/6/11. H.R. 2832 would temporarily and retroactively extend the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and provisions related to Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). In addition, the act would require states to make certain changes to laws that govern their unemployment programs to improve recovery and prevent overpayments of benefits. H.R. 2832 also would modify provisions that govern Medicare Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) and would change merchandise processing fee rates. Enacting H.R. 2832 would reduce revenues and direct spending by nearly identical amounts over the 2012-2021 period. On balance, CBO estimates that enacting the legislation would reduce deficits over the 2012-2021 period by $6 million. In addition, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2832 would have a discretionary cost of $171 million over the 2012-2021 period, subject to appropriation of the amounts authorized for TAA for Firms and TAA for Farmers. S. 2832 would impose mandates on importers of most goods and on private entities that provide health insurance for separated workers. CBO estimates that the aggregate cost of private-sector mandates would exceed the threshold established in UMRA ($142 million in 2011, adjusted annually for inflation). Legislation summary. |
10/21/2011 |
| 112-41 | H.R. 3080 |
"United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act"
To implement the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement. CRS summary. Approves the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement entered into on June 30, 2007, with the government of Korea. Prescribes implementing actions. Authorizes the President to establish or designate within the Department of Commerce an office responsible for administrative assistance to dispute settlement panels. Authorizes the President to proclaim specified tariff modifications. Prescribes formulae for the regional value-content of certain automotive goods under the Agreement. Authorizes the President to proclaim the addition to the list in Appendix 4-B-1 of the Agreement of fibers, yarns, and fabrics which are not available in commercial quantities in the United States. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to prohibit the charging of customs user fees with respect to originating goods under this Act. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to: (1) penalty-free prompt correction by an importer of an incorrect claim that a good qualifies as an originating good; (2) prohibition of false certifications of origin; and (3) denial of tariff treatment under the Agreement. Authorizes the President to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain appropriate actions while the government of Korea conducts a verification of exporter or producer compliance with customs laws and regulations regarding trade in textiles or apparel goods. Prescribes procedures for: (1) petitions to the U.S. International Trade Commission for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; and (2) the provision of such relief. Prescribes certain safeguards with respect to imported Korean motor vehicles under the Agreement. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to make a product or service of a party to the Agreement eligible for U.S. government procurement. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $500 the penalty on tax return preparers for failure to be diligent in determining eligibility for the earned income tax credit. Requires the heads of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and state prisons to provide detailed information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on certain inmates. Amends COBRA to increase from 0.21% ad valorem to 0.3464% ad valorem, for the period between December 1, 2015, and June 30, 2021, the customs user fee for the processing of merchandise entered or released into the United States. Extends certain customs users fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through August 2, 2021, and other specified customs users fees through December 8, 2020. Increases by 0.25% the required estimated tax payments otherwise due in the third quarter of 2012, and by 2.75% of such payments otherwise due in the third quarter of 2016 from corporations with assets of not less than $1 billion. CBO Estimate, dated 10/5/11. H.R. 3080 would approve the free trade agreement between the government of the United States and the government of the Republic of Korea (Korea) that was signed on June 30, 2007, and modified by a later agreement on December 3, 2010. It would provide for tariff reductions and other changes in law related to implementation of the agreement. The bill would extend user fees collected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that expire under current law and would increase those fees. In addition, it would establish a reporting requirement for federal and state prisons for tax administration purposes and increase the penalties on tax preparers who did not comply with due-diligence requirements for the earned income tax credit. It also would shift some corporate income tax payments between fiscal years. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimate that enacting H.R. 3080 would reduce revenues by $31 million in 2012 and by about $7.0 billion over the 2012-2021 period. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3080 would increase direct spending by $53 million in 2012 but would decrease direct spending by about $7.0 billion over the 2012-2021 period. The net impact of those effects is an estimated reduction in deficits of $16 million over the 2012-2021 period. CBO estimates that implementing the legislation would cost $7 million over the 2012-2016 period. House Document 112–60, Presidential transmittal of legislation and supporting documents to implement the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement. Legislation summary. |
10/21/2011 |
| 112-42 | H.R. 3078 |
"United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act"
To implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. CRS summary. Approves the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (the Agreement) entered into on November 22, 2006, with the government of Colombia, as amended by both governments on June 28, 2007. Prescribes implementing actions. Authorizes the President to establish or designate within the Department of Commerce an office responsible for administrative assistance to dispute settlement panels. Authorizes the President to proclaim specified tariff modifications. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to assess specified additional duties on safeguard agricultural goods. Prescribes formulae for the regional value-content of certain automotive goods under the Agreement. Authorizes the President to proclaim the addition to the list in Annex 3-B of the Agreement of fabrics and yarns which are not available in commercial quantities in the United States. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to prohibit the charging of customs user fees with respect to originating goods under this Act. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to: (1) penalty-free prompt correction by an importer of an incorrect claim that a good qualifies as an originating good, (2) prohibition of false certifications of origin, and (3) denial of tariff treatment under the Agreement. Authorizes the President to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain appropriate actions while the government of Colombia conducts a verification of exporter or producer compliance with customs laws and regulations regarding trade in textiles or apparel goods. Prescribes procedures for: (1) petitions to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement, and (2) the provision of such relief. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to make a product or service of a party to the Agreement eligible for U.S. government procurement. Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) to extend duty-free treatment or other preferential treatment of the products of Colombia and Ecuador through July 31, 2013. Extends through FY2013 preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more beneficiary countries from regional fabrics or regional components, and specified other type apparel (brassieres). Extends the President's authority to take bilateral emergency action to grant duty-free treatment of certain apparel articles imported from an ATPDEA beneficiary country. Requires the liquidation or reliquidation (refund of duties) on such articles that entered into the United States after February 12, 2011, and before the 15th day after enactment of this Act. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to eliminate certain exemptions for Canada and Mexico from the payment of customs user fees for arriving passengers whose journey originated in, or originated in the United States and was limited to, Canada, Mexico, or any adjacent island. (Retains the current customs user fee exemptions for arriving passengers whose journey originated in, or originated in the United States and was limited to, a U.S. territory and possession.) Extends certain customs users fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States from August 3, 2021, through FY2021, and other specified customs users fees from December 9, 2020, through August 31, 2021. Increases by 0.50% the required estimated tax payments otherwise due in the third quarter of 2016 from corporations with assets of not less than $1 billion. CBO Estimate, dated 10/5/11. H.R. 3078 would approve the trade promotion agreement between the government of the United States and the government of Colombia that was signed on November 22, 2006. It would provide for tariff reductions and other changes in law related to implementation of the agreement. It also would retroactively extend the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) from February 12, 2011, through July 31, 2013, while removing Colombia from eligibility for trade preferences under that program. The bill would extend user fees collected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that expire under current law, and remove an exemption from those fees for travelers to the United States from Mexico, Canada, and certain Caribbean countries. It also would shift some corporate income tax payments between fiscal years. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimate that enacting H.R. 3078 would reduce revenues by $139 million in 2012 and by about $1.5 billion over the 2012-2021 period. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3078 would decrease direct spending by $68 million in 2012 and by about $1.5 billion over the 2012-2021 period. The net impact of those effects is an estimated reduction in deficits of $22 million over the 2012-2021 period. CBO estimates that implementing the legislation would result in discretionary costs of $4 million over the 2012-2016 period. House Document 112–58, Presidential transmittal of legislation and supporting documents to implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Legislation summary. |
10/21/2011 |
| 112-43 | H.R. 3079 |
"United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act"
To implement the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. CRS summary. Approves the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (the Agreement) entered into on June 28, 2007, with the government of Panama. Prescribes implementing actions. Authorizes the President to establish or designate within the Department of Commerce an office responsible for administrative assistance to dispute settlement panels. Authorizes the President to proclaim specified tariff modifications. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to assess specified additional duties on safeguard agricultural goods. Prescribes formulae for the regional value-content of certain automotive goods under the Agreement. Authorizes the President to proclaim the addition to the list in Annex 3.25 of the Agreement of fabrics, yarns, and fibers which are not available in commercial quantities in the United States. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to prohibit the charging of customs user fees with respect to originating goods under this Act. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to: (1) penalty-free prompt correction by an importer of an incorrect claim that a good qualifies as an originating good, (2) prohibition of false certifications of origin, and (3) denial of tariff treatment under the Agreement. Authorizes the President to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain appropriate actions while the government of Panama conducts a verification of an enterprise's compliance with customs laws and regulations regarding trade in textiles or apparel goods. Prescribes procedures for: (1) petitions to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; and (2) the provision of such relief. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to make a product or service of a party to the Agreement eligible for U.S. government procurement. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) to remove Panama from the list eligible for designation as a beneficiary country for duty-free treatment under CBERA of eligible Panamanian products imported into the United States. Extends certain customs users fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States from September 1, 2021, through FY2021. Increases by 0.25% the required estimated tax payments which are otherwise due in the third quarter of 2012 and 2016 for corporations with assets of not less than $1 billion. CBO Estimate, dated 10/5/11. H.R. 3079 would approve the trade promotion agreement between the government of the United States and the government of Panama that was signed on June 28, 2007. It would provide for tariff reductions and other changes in law related to implementation of the agreement. In addition, the bill would extend user fees collected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that expire under current law. The bill also would shift some corporate income tax payments between fiscal years. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimate that enacting H.R. 3079 would increase revenues by $118 million in 2012 but would reduce revenues by $6 million over the 2012-2021 period. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3079 would increase direct spending by $1 million in 2012 but would decrease direct spending by $8 million over the 2012-2021 period. Thus, the net impact of those effects is an estimated reduction in deficits of $2 million over the 2012-2021 period. CBO estimates that implementing the legislation would cost $4 million over the 2012-2016 period. House Document 112–59, Presidential transmittal of legislation and supporting documents to implement the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. Legislation summary. |
10/21/2011 |
| 112-44 | H.R. 2944 |
"United States Parole Commission Extension Act of 2011"
To provide for the continued performance of the functions of the United States Parole Commission, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Extends the United States Parole Commission for three years. Directs the Commission to report the following with regard to each type of case over which it has jurisdiction for FY2006-FY2011: (1) the number of offenders; (2) the number of hearings, record reviews, and National Appeals Board considerations conducted by the Commission; (3) the number of hearings conducted by the Commission by type of hearing; (4) the number of record reviews conducted by the Commission by type of consideration; (5) the number of warrants issued and executed compared to the number requested; (6) the number of revocation determinations by the Commission; (7) the distribution of initial offenses; (8) the distribution of subsequent offenses; (9) the percentage of offenders paroled or re-paroled compared with the percentage of offenders continued to expiration of sentence; (10) the percentage of cases in which the primary and secondary examiner disagreed on the appropriate disposition of the case, the release conditions to be imposed, or the reasons for the decision; (11) the percentage of revocation and non-revocation hearings in which the offender is accompanied by a representative; (12) the number of administrative appeals and the action of the National Appeals Board in relation to those appeals; and (13) the Commission's annual expenditures for offenders. Directs the Commission also to report on: (1) the percentage of decisions within, above, or below its decision guidelines for federal initial hearings and federal and D.C. Code revocation hearings; (2) the projected number of federal offenders that will be under its jurisdiction as of October 31, 2014; (3) an estimate of the date on which no federal offenders will remain under its jurisdiction; and (4) its annual expenditures, including travel expenses and the annual salaries of its members and staff for FY2006-FY2011. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
10/21/2011 |
| 112-45 | H.R. 489 |
To clarify the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Withdraws approximately 512 acres of covered land in Arizona (consisting of approximately 300 feet of the crest of the Craigin Dam and associated spillway, the reservoir pool of that Dam, and a specified corridor of land) from all forms of: (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. Grants the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, exclusive jurisdiction to manage the Craigin Project in accordance with the Arizona Water Settlements Act. Defines the "Craigin Project" to include the Craigin Dam, its reservoir pool, and Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District or Bureau of Reclamation structures and facilities used for the Project. Requires that Secretary and the District to ensure the compliance of each activity carried out at the Project with applicable federal environmental law. Grants the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, administrative jurisdiction over land management activities on the covered land and other appropriate management activities that do not conflict with, or adversely affect, the operation, maintenance, or replacement (including repair) of the Project. CBO Estimate, dated 6/24/2011. H.R. 489 would clarify that the Secretary of the Interior has exclusive jurisdiction to manage the C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir, an area consisting of approximately 512 acres of land within the Coconino and Tonto National Forests in northern Arizona. Based on information from the Bureau of Reclamation and the Forest Service, CBO estimates that the legislation would have no significant impact on the federal budget. The Arizona Water Settlements Act of 2004 transferred administrative authority for the C.C. Cragin Dam, Reservoir, and 10 miles of existing pipeline to the Bureau of Reclamation. The legislation did not explicitly divest the Forest Service from managing the underlying National Forest lands, resulting in uncertainty over which agency has the authority to approve management activities for the Cragin Project. The Cragin Project involves operating and maintaining 10 miles of pipeline and constructing 14.5 miles of additional pipeline to deliver water to Northern Gila County. Currently, the project is subject to the approval requirements of both agencies. The legislation would clarify the authority of the Bureau of Reclamation to be the sole manager of the project. Legislation summary. |
11/7/2011 |
| 112-46 | H.R. 765 |
"Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011"
To amend the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to clarify the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture regarding additional recreational uses of National Forest System land that is subject to ski area permits, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to require the term and acreage of permits for the operation of ski areas and associated facilities (under current law, for the operation of nordic and alpine ski areas and facilities) on National Forest System lands to be governed by provisions under the Act relating to such permits and other applicable law. Provides for the issuance of permits for the use and occupancy of suitable lands within the National Forest System for skiing and other snow-sports and recreational uses authorized pursuant to this Act. CBO Estimate, dated 6/27/2011. H.R. 765 would expand the authority of the Forest Service to allow ski concessioners to offer additional recreational services on public lands. Based on information provided by the agency, CBO estimates that enacting the legislation would have no significant impact on the federal budget. The Forest Service already has authority to allow its concessioners to provide certain off-season and other recreational services at ski resorts. Expanding that authority could increase the agency’s collection of fees from ski concessioners (currently yielding offsetting receipts to the Treasury of about $30 million a year) but CBO estimates that any increase would total less than $500,000 a year. Legislation summary. |
11/7/2011 |
| 112-47 | H.R. 1843 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 489 Army Drive in Barrigada, Guam, as the "John Pangelinan Gerber Post Office Building".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
11/7/2011 |
| 112-48 | H.R. 1975 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 281 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, as the "First Lieutenant Oliver Goodall Post Office Building".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
11/7/2011 |
| 112-49 | H.R. 2062 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Meetinghouse Lane in Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts, as the "Matthew A. Pucino Post Office".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
11/7/2011 |
| 112-50 | H.R. 2149 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4354 Pahoa Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, as the "Cecil L. Heftel Post Office Building".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
11/7/2011 |
| 112-51 | H.R. 368 |
"Removal Clarification Act of 2011"
To amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts, and for other purposes. CRS summary. CBO Estimate, dated 2/3/2011. House Report 112-17, Part 1. Legislation summary. |
11/9/2011 |
| 112-52 | H.R. 818 |
To direct the Secretary of the Interior to allow for prepayment of repayment contracts between the United States and the Uintah Water Conservancy District.
CRS summary. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to allow for prepayment of a specified contract between the United States and the Uintah Water Conservancy District in Utah providing for repayment of municipal and industrial water delivery facilities under terms and conditions similar to those used in implementing provisions of the Central Utah Project Completion Act. CBO Estimate, dated 8/1/2011. H.R. 818 would allow the Uintah Water Conservancy District in Utah to prepay the present value of certain amounts the district owes to the U.S. Treasury for its share of the cost to build the Jensen Unit of the Central Utah Project. Based on information from the Bureau of Reclamation and the Uintah Water Conservancy District, CBO estimates that enacting the legislation would have no impact on the federal budget. The Uintah Water Conservancy District is currently paying the federal government about $227,000 a year on a balance of $3.9 billion in project construction costs that have been allocated to the district for repayment. However, if the district chose to prepay its debt to the government under the bill, it also would have to pay for additional construction costs—totaling $7.4 million—that have not yet been assigned to the district for repayment. Information from the district indicates that it would be unable to prepay that additional amount. Therefore, if the bill were enacted, CBO expects that the district would continue to make the annual payments it does under current law and the legislation would have no impact on the federal budget. Legislation summary. |
11/9/2011 |
| 112-53 | S. 894 |
"Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011"
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase, effective December 1, 2011, in the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2011, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date. CBO Estimate, dated 7/5/11. S. 894 would increase the amounts paid to veterans for disability compensation and to their survivors for dependency and indemnity compensation by the same cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) payable to Social Security recipients. The increase would take effect on December 1, 2011, and the resulting adjustment would be rounded to the next lower dollar. The COLA that would be authorized by this bill is assumed in CBO’s baseline, consistent with section 257 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, and savings from rounding it down were achieved by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33) as extended by the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-183). Because the COLA is assumed in CBO’s baseline, the COLA provision would have no budgetary effect relative to the baseline. Relative to current law, CBO estimates that enacting this bill would increase spending for those programs by $475 million in fiscal year 2012. (The annualized cost would be about $630 million in subsequent years.) This estimate assumes that the COLA effective on December 1, 2011, would be 1.1 percent. Senate Report No. 112–44 Legislation summary. |
11/9/2011 |
| 112-54 | S. 1487 |
"Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011"
A bill to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the Secretary of State, during the seven-year period ending on September 30, 2018, to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards to eligible persons, including business leaders and U.S. government officials actively engaged in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business, who are in good standing in an international trusted traveler program of DHS. Authorizes the DHS Secretary to collect a fee for the issuance of such cards that is sufficient to offset the costs associated with carrying out this Act. Establishes in the Treasury an APEC Business Travel Card Account into which such fees shall be deposited. CBO Estimate, dated 11/3/11. CBO estimates that implementing S. 1487 would cost about $2 million in fiscal year 2012. Enacting the bill also would affect direct spending. However, CBO estimates that any such effects would be insignificant for each year. S. 1487 would not affect revenues. S. 1487 would authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the end of fiscal year 2018, to issue a special business card to certain persons who are employed in international commerce involving the United States and countries in Asia. The card would allow those persons to expedite their travel to several countries. The bill would permit DHS to charge a fee to cover the costs of carrying out this program. Based on information from DHS, CBO estimates that, assuming the availability of appropriated funds, the agency would spend about $2 million in 2012 to establish the new program, including costs to develop and test software, and test computer systems. In 2012 and subsequent years, the department expects to collect a fee of about $100 from a few thousand participants per year. Thus, we estimate that DHS would collect and spend less than $500,000 annually in most years to operate the program, so there would be no significant net effect on direct spending in any year. Senate Report No. 112-92 Legislation summary. |
11/9/2011 |
| 112-55 | H.R. 2112 |
"Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012"
"Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012", including appropriations totalling $254 Billion as identified below, per the Conference Report 112-284:
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. House Report 112-101. Senate Report No. 112–73. Conference Report 112-284. Legislation summary. |
11/18/2011 |
| 112-56 | H.R. 674 |
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities, to modify the calculation of modified adjusted gross income for purposes of determining eligibility for certain healthcare-related programs, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the 3% withholding requirement on payments due to vendors providing services to federal, state, and local governmental entities. CBO Estimate, dated 10/17/2011. H.R. 674 would repeal a requirement scheduled to take effect under current law that government entities withhold and deposit with the Internal Revenue Service 3 percent of certain payments made to vendors, as a credit against the vendor’s income tax. The staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates that enacting the legislation would reduce revenues and thus increase federal deficits by $11.2 billion over the 2012-2021 period. Under current law, federal, state, and local government entities will be required to withhold 3 percent of payments to vendors made in exchange for properties or services, beginning on January 1, 2013. The requirement will apply only if a government entity spends $100 million or more on all such payments to vendors annually. Payments made on contracts in effect on December 31, 2012, will not immediately be subject to the requirements. Repealing this requirement would reduce revenues by an estimated $11.2 billion over the 2012-2021 period. Legislation summary. |
11/21/2011 |
| 112-57 | S. 1280 |
"Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011"
A bill to amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, and the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the Peace Corps Act to require the Director of the Peace Corps: (1) as part of the training provided to all volunteers, to develop and implement comprehensive sexual assault risk-reduction and response training that conforms to best practices in the sexual assault field; and (2) once a trainee has arrived in such trainee's country of service, to provide that individual with training tailored to such country, including cultural training relating to gender relations, risk-reduction strategies, a safety plan in the event of an assault, treatment available in such country, MedEvac procedures, and information regarding the legal process for pressing charges against an attacker. Requires the Director to provide each: (1) applicant for enrollment with a historical analysis of crimes against, and risks to, volunteers in the country in which the applicant has been invited to serve; and (2) trainee, before enrolling as a volunteer, with contact information of the Peace Corps' Inspector General for purposes of reporting violations of the sexual assault protocol or any other criminal or administrative wrongdoing by individuals who do business with the Peace Corps, and with clear, written guidelines regarding whom to contact and what steps to take in the event of a sexual assault. Requires the Director to: (1) develop, implement, and distribute comprehensive sexual assault protocol guidelines that conform to best practices in the sexual assault field that are applicable to all posts at which volunteers serve, and train all in-country staff regarding the protocol and guidelines; (2) expeditiously remove a volunteer who feels at risk of imminent bodily harm and requests removal from the site in which such volunteer is serving, and assess and evaluate the safety of the site; (3) establish sexual assault response teams; (4) conduct case reviews of a statistically significant number of cases on a quarterly basis; (5) establish a global tracking and recording system to track and record incidents of assault against volunteers; (6) establish an alternative reporting system and hotline access system through which volunteers who are assault victims can report and receive support anonymously; and (7) assign a certified victims advocate in Peace Corps headquarters who shall report directly to the Director. Establishes in the Peace Corps a Sexual Assault Advisory Council. Requires the Director to: (1) establish goals, metrics, and monitoring and evaluation plans for all Peace Corps programs and Country Directors; (2) annually conduct a confidential survey of volunteers regarding the effectiveness of Peace Corps programs and staff and the safety of volunteers; (3) establish and maintain a process to protect confidentiality and safety of volunteers reporting incidents and the information reported and to ensure that such information is acted on appropriately; and (4) determine the level of access to communication, including cellular and Internet access, of each volunteer. Prohibits the Director from: (1) disclosing personally identifying information or personal information of a volunteer who is a victim of assault collected in connection with services requested, utilized, or denied through Peace Corps programs; or (2) revealing such information without the informed, purpose-limited, and reasonably time-limited consent of such volunteer about whom such information is sought. CBO Estimate, dated 8/2/11. S. 1280 would impose several new requirements on the Peace Corps, including: - Training volunteers on how to reduce the risk of sexual assault and what they should do in the event of an assault, - Developing and implementing a comprehensive sexual assault policy, - Establishing an Office of Victims Advocacy, - Designating sexual assault liaisons for each country and training them to respond appropriately to reports of sexual assault, and - Establishing a Sexual Assault Advisory Council. The Peace Corps has indicated that it already complies or is in the process of complying with most of the requirements under the bill. Based on information from the agency, CBO estimates that implementing the remaining requirements would cost $1 million a year and total $5 million over the 2012-2016 period. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues. The Peace Corps already has a Victims Advocate, but establishing an office staffed to provide timely and comprehensive services to volunteers would require additional staff. Based on information from the Peace Corp, CBO estimates that the agency would hire two additional people at an annual cost of less than $500,000. To comply with the requirement for trained sexual assault liaisons at each of the agency’s 76 posts, the Peace Corps plans to designate existing staff as liaisons. Based on information from the agency, CBO estimates that initial and refresher training for those liaisons would cost less than $500,000 each year. Finally, the bill would require the Peace Corps, the Peace Corps Inspector General, and the Government Accountability Office to provide several reports to the Congress. CBO estimates that the cost of implementing those requirements would be less than $500,000 each year over the 2012-2016 period. Senate Report No. 112–82 Legislation summary. |
11/21/2011 |
| 112-58 | H.R. 398 |
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to toll, during active-duty service abroad in the Armed Forces, the periods of time to file a petition and appear for an interview to remove the conditional basis for permanent resident status, and for other purposes.
CRS summary, as passed by the House. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to toll, during active-duty service abroad in the Armed Forces, the periods of time for an alien spouse or petitioning spouse to file a petition and appear for an interview to remove the conditional basis for permanent resident status. CBO Estimate, dated 2/2/2011. CBO estimates that H.R. 398 would have no significant effect on the federal budget. House Report 112–141, Pt. 1. Legislation summary. |
11/23/2011 |
| 112-59 | H.R. 2447 |
To grant the congressional gold medal to the Montford Point Marines.
CRS summary. Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the Montford Point Marines, U.S. Marine Corps, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. (Camp Montford Point, North Carolina, was the site for the training of the first African-American Marines.) Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
11/23/2011 |
| 112-60 | S. 1412 |
A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 462 Washington Street, Woburn, Massachusetts, as the "Officer John Maguire Post Office".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
11/23/2011 |
| 112-61 | H.R. 3321 |
"America's Cup Act of 2011"
To facilitate the hosting in the United States of the 34th America's Cup by authorizing certain eligible vessels to participate in activities related to the competition, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Authorizes eligible competing or supporting vessels operating only in preparation for, or in connection with, the 34th America's Cup commencing in 2011 in the United States to position competing vessels and transport individuals, equipment, and supplies for such competition in and around U.S. ports. Prohibits vessels from operating unless issued an Eligibility Certification from the Administrator of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Subjects noncompliant vessels to certain penalties. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessels: (1) M/V GEYSIR, (2) MACY-RENEE, (3) OCEAN VERITAS, (4) LUNA, and (5) IL MORO DI VENEZIA. Authorizes issuance of a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for liquefying natural gas (LNG) tanker vessels: (1) LNG GEMINI, (2) LNG LEO, and (3) LNG VIRGO. Limits authorized coastwise trade for each vessel to the carriage of natural gas, as defined in the Deepwater Port Act of 1974. Prohibits a vessel transported in Dry Dock #2 (state of Alaska registration AIDEA FDD-2), if, during such transportation, such dock remains connected by a utility or other connecting line to pierside moorage, from being considered merchandise for purposes of certain coastwise trade requirements a vessel must otherwise meet before engaging in merchandise transportation. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
11/29/2011 |
| 112-62 | S. 1637 |
"Appeal Time Clarification Act of 2011"
A bill to clarify appeal time limits in civil actions to which United States officers or employees are parties. CRS summary. CBO Estimate, dated 10/31/11. S. 1637 would codify a recent amendment to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Current law allows 60 days to file a notice of appeal for civil cases if the United States or a federal officer is a party; however, it is unclear whether this time period applies if current or former federal employees are sued in an individual capacity in connection to their federal employment. This legislation would clarify that it does. Based on information from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, CBO estimates that S. 1637 would have no significant impact on the federal budget. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues. Legislation summary. |
11/29/2011 |
| 112-63 | H.R. 394 |
"Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act of 2011"
To amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal courts, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Title I: Jurisdictional Improvements - Amends the federal judicial code to declare that, with respect to diversity of citizenship, the U.S. district courts shall not have original jurisdiction of any civil action between citizens of a state and citizens or subjects of a foreign state who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States and are domiciled in the same state. Modifies the citizenship rules to treat corporations as citizens of any foreign state: (1) by which it has been incorporated, and (2) where it has its principal place of business. Treats insurers as citizens of any foreign state: (1) of which the insured is a citizen, (2) by which the insurer has been incorporated, and (3) where the insurer has its principal place of business. Separates the removal requirements governing civil cases and those governing criminal cases into two separate categories. Declares that, upon removal of any civil action with both removable and nonremovable claims, the district court shall sever from the action all nonremovable claims and remand them to the state court from which the action was removed. Requires only defendants against whom a removable claim has been asserted to join in or consent to removal of the action. Prescribes requirements for filing notices of removal, including assertion in the notice of the amount in controversy, when it exceeds the necessary amount, if the initial pleading seeks: (1) nonmonetary relief; or (2) a money judgment, but the state practice either does not permit demand for a specific sum or permits recovery of damages in excess of the amount demanded. Allows removal of a case based on diversity of citizenship more than one year after commencement of the action if the district court finds that the plaintiff has acted in bad faith in order to prevent a defendant from removing the action. Title II: Venue and Transfer Improvements - Revises general requirements for the scope of venue of civil actions. Requires the proper venue of any civil action brought in a U.S. district court to be determined without regard to whether the action is local or transitory in nature. Repeals the "local action" rule that any civil action, of a local nature, involving property located in different districts in the same state, may be brought in any of such districts. Allows a district court to transfer a civil action to any district or division to which all parties have consented. Prohibits transfers from a U.S. district court to the District Court of Guam, the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District Court of the Virgin Islands. CBO Estimate, dated 2/3/2011. H.R. 394 would make several changes to judicial procedures, including the determination of original jurisdiction and court venue for certain types of cases. H.R. 394 would specify the court of original jurisdiction for certain cases involving resident aliens and corporations. In addition, H.R. 394 would change how the venues for federal court cases are determined, particularly when the cases involve multiple districts. Based on information from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 394 would have no significant budgetary impact. Enacting H.R. 394 would not affect direct spending or revenues. House Report 112-10 Legislation summary. |
12/7/2011 |
| 112-64 | H.R. 2192 |
"National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act of 2011"
To exempt for an additional 4-year period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days. CRS summary. Amends the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008 to exempt for an additional four-year period qualifying Armed Forces reserve component and National Guard members (who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for at least 90 days, and remain eligible for an exemption during the 540-day period following such active duty or homeland defense activity service) from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7 (Liquidation) of the Bankruptcy Code, as amended by the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. CBO Estimate, dated 10/5/11. Under current law, National Guard members and active reservists are exempt from meeting certain income requirements to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. That exemption expires after the beginning of fiscal year 2012. H.R. 2192 would extend that exemption through 2016. CBO estimates that implementing this bill would have no significant impact on the federal budget. Enacting H.R. 2192 would affect direct spending and revenues. However, CBO estimates that any net effects would be insignificant for each year. CBO expects that enacting this legislation would lead some individuals to file for bankruptcy who would not do so under current law. Bankruptcy filing fees collected from those individuals would increase both federal revenues and offsetting receipts, because portions of such fees are classified in the budget as revenues and offsetting receipts. CBO also expects that, by extending the exemption, some reservists who would apply for Chapter 13 bankruptcy under current law would instead apply under Chapter 7. (Under current law, a debtor’s income, less certain expenses, must fall below a certain threshold relative to the outstanding debt to qualify for protection under Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code. Those who do not qualify can file under Chapter 13.) Based on information from the Government Accountability Office and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, CBO estimates that National Guard members and active reservists make up about one-tenth of one percent of all bankruptcy filers, and that fewer than 500 people a year who would otherwise file for Chapter 13 protection would file for Chapter 7 under this bill. Because filing fees for Chapter 7 are lower than those for Chapter 13, shifting cases from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 would slightly reduce net federal revenues and offsetting receipts. CBO estimates that those reductions would roughly offset the increase in revenues and offsetting receipts that would result from new filers under the bill — resulting in no significant net effect on the federal budget. House Report 112–256 Legislation summary. |
12/13/2011 |
| 112-65 | S. 1541 |
A bill to revise the Federal charter for the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. to reflect a change in eligibility requirements for membership.
CRS summary. Revises the membership eligibility requirements of the federal charter for the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. Redefines "mother" to mean a woman who filled the role of birth mother. Adds, in addition to adoptive mother and stepmother (as in the current charter), foster-mother, grandmother, or legal guardian of a person who is serving in the Armed Forces or has served in, or has been honorably discharged from it (as in the current charter). Repeals the limitation to service in World War II or the Korean hostilities of the Armed Forces service of the eligible mother's son or daughter. Allows the eligible mother to be a U.S. citizen living outside the United States. (Currently the charter limits membership to eligible mothers living in the United States.) No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
12/13/2011 |
| 112-66 | S. 1639 |
A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to authorize the American Legion under its Federal charter to provide guidance and leadership to the individual departments and posts of the American Legion, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Authorizes the American Legion under its federal charter to provide guidance and leadership to its state and territorial organizations and local chapters. Prohibits it from controlling or otherwise influencing their specific activities and conduct. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
12/13/2011 |
| 112-67 | H.J.Res. 94 |
Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. 112-36) to extend through December 17, 2011, specified continuing appropriations for FY2012. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
12/16/2011 |
| 112-68 | H.J.Res. 95 |
Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. 112-36) to extend through December 23, 2011, specified continuing appropriations for FY2012. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
12/17/2011 |
| 112-69 | S. 535 |
"Fort Pulaski National Monument Lease Authorization Act"
A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands within Fort Pulaski National Monument, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to lease to the Savannah Bar Pilots Association or a successor organization up to 30,000 square feet of land and improvements in Fort Pulaski National Monument in Georgia at the location on Cockspur Island that has been used continuously by the Association since 1940. CBO Estimate, dated 7/28/11. S. 535 would authorize the National Park Service (NPS) to lease to the Savannah Bar Pilots Association a small site at the Fort Pulaski National Monument in Georgia. Under the bill, the NPS would charge the association a rental fee based on the market value of the land and use the proceeds, without further appropriation, for site maintenance and other expenses. Based on information provided by the NPS, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would have no significant net effect on the federal budget. The nonprofit association already operates a 30,000-square-foot site, including a dock and associated facilities, under a special-use permit. Fees collected under the permit are used, without appropriation, for purposes similar to those authorized by the bill. CBO estimates that rental proceeds under the bill would be less than $25,000 a year, slightly more than the NPS currently collects in permit fees. Enacting S. 535 would affect direct spending (through the collection and spending of additional fees). CBO estimates, however, that the net effect of any annual changes on the federal budget would be insignificant. Legislation summary. |
12/19/2011 |
| 112-70 | S. 683 |
"Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act"
A bill to provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of land to the town of Mantua, Utah. CRS summary. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the town of Mantua, Utah, without consideration, all interest of the United States in and to parcels of National Forest System land in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Box Elder County, Utah, that are labeled as parcels A, B, and C on the map entitled "Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act" and dated July 14, 2008. Requires the town to use the land conveyed under this Act for public purposes. CBO Estimate, dated 7/27/11. S. 683 would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey, without consideration, certain lands in Utah to the town of Mantua. Based on information from the Forest Service, CBO estimates that implementing the legislation would have no significant impact on the federal budget. Enacting S. 683 would not affect direct spending or revenues. Under the bill, the Secretary would be required to convey about 32 acres of land within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest to Mantua, Utah. The conveyed land could be used by the town for public purposes only and would revert to the federal government if used for other purposes. The affected lands do not currently generate offsetting receipts for the federal government and are not expected to generate such receipts over the next 10 years. Any costs associated with carrying out the conveyance would be paid by the town. Senate Report 112-60. Legislation summary. |
12/19/2011 |
| 112-71 | S.J. Res. 22 |
A joint resolution to grant the consent of Congress to an amendment to the compact between the States of Missouri and Illinois providing that bonds issued by the Bi-State Development Agency may mature in not to exceed 40 years.
CRS summary. Grants the consent of Congress to the amendment of the powers conferred on the Bi-State Development Agency by legislation enacted by the states of Missouri and Illinois requiring bonds issued by such Agency to mature not more than 40 years (currently, 30 years) from date of issuance. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
12/19/2011 |
| 112-72 | H.R. 470 |
"Hoover Power Allocation Act of 2011"
To further allocate and expand the availability of hydroelectric power generated at Hoover Dam, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the Hoover Power Plant Act of 1984 (HPPA) to modify, commencing October 1, 2017, certain statutory schedules governing contracts for delivery to specified localities in Arizona, California, and Nevada of hydroelectric power generated at Hoover Dam. CBO Estimate, dated 6/20/2011. H.R. 470 would update the statutory allocation of electric power generated at the Hoover Dam among various users. The current allocation expires at the end of fiscal year 2017. The legislation would increase the amount of electricity to be marketed by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and would allocate much of the dam’s currently unallocated electricity to Native American tribes and other entities. The revised allocations would remain in effect from 2017 through 2067. Based on information from WAPA, CBO estimates that implementing this bill would have a negligible effect on net direct spending and spending subject to appropriation. Enacting this bill would not affect revenues. House Report 112–159, Pt. 1. Legislation summary. |
12/20/2011 |
| 112-73 | H.R. 2061 |
"Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011"
To authorize the presentation of a United States flag at the funeral of Federal civilian employees who are killed while performing official duties or because of their status as a Federal employee. CRS summary. Requires the head of an executive agency to furnish a U.S. flag to drape the casket of an employee who was killed while performing official duties or because of his or her status as a federal employee. Provides that such flag shall be furnished at the request of the next of kin or a close friend or associate of the employee and presented in the same manner as a flag for a deceased member of the Armed Services who dies while on active duty. CBO Estimate, dated 7/6/11. Based on the current cost to the government of obtaining and presenting flags, and the small number of likely recipients in any given year, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2061 would have no significant impact on the federal budget. House Report 112-149. Legislation summary. |
12/20/2011 |
| 112-74 | H.R. 2055 |
"Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012" CRS summary. (Note: As of 12/29/11, CRS Summary was of previous version of bill.) "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012" Includes: - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2012 - Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - Disaster Assistance Recoupment Fairness Act of 2011 - District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2012 - Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - Executive Office of the President Appropriations Act, 2012 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 - Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2012 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2012 - Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 No CBO Estimate. Conference report: House Report 112-331 Presidential Signing Statement. President Obama's "signing statement" listing his objections to specific provisions in the bill and announcing his interpretation of specific provisions of the bill. Legislation summary. |
12/23/2011 |
| 112-75 | H.R. 2867 |
"United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2011"
To reauthorize the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to prohibit: (1) an individual from serving more than two consecutive terms as a member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, (2) each member serving on the date of enactment of this Act from being reappointed to more than one additional consecutive term, (3) a member attending less than 75% of the meetings during one of such member's terms from being eligible for reappointment, and (4) a member from being eligible to be elected as Chair of the Commission for a second, consecutive term. Establishes an Executive Committee of the Commission. Requires, for purposes of providing remedies and procedures to address alleged violations of rights and protections that pertain to various specified antidiscrimination laws, that all employees of the Commission be treated as employees whose pay is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate or the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives and that the Commission be treated as an employing office of the Senate or House. Increases to $250,000 the maximum amount the Commission may expend in any fiscal year to procure temporary or intermittent services contracts for the conduct of certain activities necessary to Commission functions. Extends the Commission's termination date to September 30, 2013. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
12/23/2011 |
| 112-76 | H.R. 3421 |
"Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act"
To award Congressional Gold Medals in honor of the men and women who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. CRS summary. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of congressional gold medals in honor of the men and women who perished as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York, and the Pentagon Memorial at the Pentagon. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medals, with amounts received from the sale to be deposited in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
12/23/2011 |
| 112-77 | H.R. 3672 |
"Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2012"
Making appropriations for disaster relief requirements for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes. CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
12/23/2011 |
| 112-78 | H.R. 3765 |
"Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011"
To extend the payroll tax holiday, unemployment compensation, Medicare physician payment, provide for the consideration of the Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes. CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
12/23/2011 |
| 112-79 | S. 278 |
"Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District Land Exchange Act of 2011"
A bill to provide for the exchange of certain land located in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), if the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District of Boulder, Colorado, offers to convey specified non-federal land in unincorporated Boulder County and the offer is acceptable to the Secretary, to accept the offer and to convey federal land in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado. CBO Estimate, dated 7/21/11. S. 278 would authorize the exchange of approximately 5 acres of federal land for a similar amount of acreage owned by the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District of Boulder, Colorado. Based on information provided by the Forest Service, which administers the federal land to be conveyed, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would have no impact on discretionary spending. Any administrative costs related to the exchange would be paid by the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District. Because the nonfederal lands have a lower value than the Forest Service lands that would be conveyed, CBO expects that the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District would provide a cash payment to the agency equal to the difference in values between the two parcels of land. Based on information from the Forest Service, CBO estimates that such a payment would be less than $50,000. Proceeds from the payment would be retained and spent by the Forest Service without further appropriation. The land conveyance authorized in the bill would benefit the fire protection district. Any costs to the district would be incurred voluntarily. On June 27, 2011, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R. 643, the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District Land Exchange Act, as ordered reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on June 15, 2011. Under H.R. 643, proceeds received by the Forest Service as part of the land exchange would be deposited in the Treasury. Under S. 278, the agency would retain those proceeds and spend them without further appropriation. Neither piece of legislation would have a significant impact on the federal budget. Senate Report 112-51. Legislation summary. |
12/23/2011 |
| 112-80 | S. 384 |
A bill to amend title 39, United States Code, to extend the authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a semipostal to raise funds for breast cancer research.
CRS summary. Extends, for four years, the authority of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue a semipostal to contribute to funding for breast cancer research. CBO Estimate, dated 11/1/11. The Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act (Public Law 105-41) authorized a special postage stamp for first-class mail. The price of this stamp is 55 cents, 11 cents above the regular rate of 44 cents. The authority to issue the stamp expires on December 31, 2011. After accounting for the Postal Service’s administrative costs, amounts above the regular postal rate collected from sales of the special stamp are transferred to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to spend on breast cancer research. S. 384 would extend this program until December 31, 2015. CBO estimates that enacting S. 384 would increase or decrease direct spending in most of the years 2012 through 2018 but would have no net effect on direct spending over the period as a whole. On balance, we estimate that enacting the bill would result in a net reduction in direct spending of $2 million over the 2012-2016 period, but that savings would be offset by increased direct spending in 2017 and 2018, leading to no net impact over the 2012-2021 period. The legislation would not affect revenues. Senate Report 112-97. Legislation summary. |
12/23/2011 |
| 112-81 | H.R. 1540 |
"National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012"
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2012 for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; (4) operation and maintenance; (5) military personnel; (6) Working Capital Funds; (7) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (8) the Joint Urgent Operational Needs Fund; (9) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Defense Inspector General; (12) the Defense Health Program; (13) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (14) overseas contingency operations; (15) chemical demilitarization; (16) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (17) National Guard and reserve forces facilities; and (18) military base closure and realignment activities. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2012 for military construction, military family housing, and energy conservation projects. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy; (2) education and training; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) acquisition policy and management; (5) DOD organization and management; (6) civilian personnel; and (7) matters relating to foreign nations. CBO Estimate, dated 5/20/11. H.R. 1540 would authorize appropriations totaling $690 billion for fiscal year 2012 for the military functions of the Department of Defense (DoD), for certain activities of the Department of Energy (DOE), and for other purposes. That total includes $119 billion for the cost of overseas contingency operations, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, H.R. 1540 would prescribe personnel strengths for each active-duty and selected-reserve component of the U.S. armed forces. CBO estimates that appropriation of the authorized amounts would result in outlays of $679 billion over the 2012-2016 period. Conference report H. Rept. 112-329 Presidential Signing Statement. President Obama's "signing statement" listing his objections to specific provisions in the bill and announcing his interpretation of specific provisions of the bill. Legislation summary. |
12/31/2011 |
| 112-82 | H.R. 515 |
"Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2011"
To reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004. CRS summary. Amends the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 to express the sense of Congress that the President should continue to support radio, television, and Internet broadcasting to the people of Belarus in languages spoken in Belarus by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Voice of America, European Radio for Belarus, and Belsat. Includes among the criteria that the government of Belarus must meet in order to end U.S. sanctions: (1) release of individuals who were jailed based on political beliefs or expression in connection with the repression that attended the December 2010 presidential election; (2) prosecution of senior leadership of the government of Belarus responsible for violations of human rights violations, including human rights violations in connection with the presidential election; (3) withdrawal of politically motivated legal charges against opposition activists and independent journalists in connection with the presidential election; and (4) holding free and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections consistent with Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) standards and under OSCE supervision. Authorizes the denial of U.S. entry to members of the security or law enforcement services who have participated in the crackdown on opposition leaders, journalists, and peaceful protesters or in the persecution of religious groups or human rights defenders. Requires that the President's annual Belarus report to Congress include information about government of Belarus cooperation with any foreign government or organization related to Internet censorship or surveillance or the purchase or receipt of any technology or training for such purposes. CBO Estimate, dated 5/2/2011. CBO estimates that enacting the bill would increase direct spending and decrease revenues, but those effects would not be significant. In addition, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2012-2016 period. Legislation summary. |
1/3/2012 |
| 112-83 | H.R. 789 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20 Main Street in Little Ferry, New Jersey, as the "Sergeant Matthew J. Fenton Post Office".
CRS summary. Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20 Main Street in Little Ferry, New Jersey, as the "Sergeant Matthew J. Fenton Post Office." No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
1/3/2012 |
| 112-84 | H.R. 1059 |
To protect the safety of judges by extending the authority of the Judicial Conference to redact sensitive information contained in their financial disclosure reports, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Revises the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to make permanent the Judicial Conference's authority to redact financial disclosure reports filed by a judicial officer or employee if it finds that revealing personal and sensitive information could endanger that individual or a family member of that individual. CBO Estimate, dated 7/27/2011. H.R. 1059 would repeal the sunset provision of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 involving the financial disclosure requirements for judges. The bill would prevent public disclosure of certain information if it is determined that such disclosure could endanger the individual. Under current law, those provisions expire at the end of calendar year 2011. Based on information from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, CBO estimates that implementing those provisions would have no significant immpact on the federal budget. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues. House Report 112-189. Legislation summary. |
1/3/2012 |
| 112-85 | H.R. 1264 |
To designate the property between the United States Federal Courthouse and the Ed Jones Building located at 109 South Highland Avenue in Jackson, Tennessee, as the "M.D. Anderson Plaza" and to authorize the placement of a historical/identification marker on the grounds recognizing the achievements and philanthropy of M.D. Anderson.
CRS summary. Designates the property between the U.S. federal courthouse and the Ed Jones Building located at 109 South Highland Avenue in Jackson, Tennessee, as the "M.D. Anderson Plaza." Permits the West Tennessee Health Care Foundation to install a historical marker and statue in the Plaza recognizing M.D. Anderson. Prohibits the expenditure of any federal funds in connection with such marker and statue. CBO Estimate, dated 6/28/2011. CBO estimates that enacting this legislation would have no significant impact on the federal budget and would not affect direct spending or revenues. House Report 112–325 Legislation summary. |
1/3/2012 |
| 112-86 | H.R. 1801 |
"Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act"
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security screenings for members of the Armed Forces. CRS summary. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to develop and implement a plan for expedited security screening services for uniformed Armed Forces members, and their families, traveling on official orders while in uniform through an airport. CBO Estimate, dated 9/29/11. H.R. 1801 would require the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to implement expedited screening processes at certain airports for uniformed members of the armed forces and accompanying family members. The bill would specify factors for the Assistant Secretary to consider in designing such processes and would require TSA to report to the Congress on their implementation. According to TSA, the agency already intends to implement risk-based screening procedures for specific populations of air travellers, including uniformed members of the armed forces. Based on information from the agency about the status of those activities and the relatively small number of individuals that would qualify for expedited screening under H.R. 1801, CBO estimates that fully funding H.R. 1801 would cost less than $500,000 annually. Enacting H.R. 1801 would not affect direct spending or revenues. H. Rept. 112-271. Legislation summary. |
1/3/2012 |
| 112-87 | H.R. 1892 |
"Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012"
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2012, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the congressional appropriations committees and the President. Allows the Director of National Intelligence, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2012 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2012, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for federal employees to be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations by this Act from being deemed to constitute authority to conduct any intelligence activity not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. CBO Estimate, dated 6/22/11. H.R. 1892 would authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for intelligence activities of the U.S. government, for the Intelligence Community Management Account (ICMA), and for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System (CIARDS). Since CBO does not provide estimates for classified programs, this estimate addresses only the unclassified portions of the bill. In addition, CBO cannot provide estimates for certain provisions in the unclassified portion of the bill because they concern classified intelligence programs. On that limited basis, and assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1892 would cost $585 million over the 2012-2016 period. House Report 112-197. Legislation summary. |
1/3/2012 |
| 112-88 | H.R. 2056 |
To instruct the Inspector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to study the impact of insured depository institution failures, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Instructs the Inspector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to study the impact of the failure of insured depository institutions. Requires the study to detail: (1) the impact of loss-sharing agreements (LSAs) on the insured depository institutions that survive and the borrowers of insured depository institutions that fail; (2) the effect of FDIC policies and procedures regarding maturing LSAs; (3) the methods of ensuring the orderly end of expiring LSAs to prevent any adverse impact on borrowing, the real estate industry, and the Depositors Insurance Fund; (4) the significance of certain paper losses; (5) the success of FDIC field examiners in implementing specified FDIC guidelines regarding workouts of commercial real estate loans; (6) the application and impact of consent orders and cease and desist orders; (7) the application and impact of FDIC policies; and (8) the FDIC's handling of potential investment from private equity companies in insured depository institutions. CBO Estimate, dated 7/26/11. H.R. 2056 would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Inspector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to study and report to the Congress on several matters relating to bank failures. Expenses of the FDIC are classified as direct spending. However, CBO estimates that any costs incurred by the Inspector General would be offset by premiums collected from insured depository institutions, resulting in no net effect on direct spending over the next five years. Enacting this legislation would not affect revenues. CBO estimates that any additional cost to GAO would also be insignificant. House Report 112-182. Legislation summary. |
1/3/2012 |
| 112-89 | H.R. 2422 |
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Bay Street, Suite 2, in Staten Island, New York, as the "Sergeant Angel Mendez Post Office".
CRS summary. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
1/3/2012 |
| 112-90 | H.R. 2845 |
"Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011"
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for enhanced safety and environmental protection in pipeline transportation, to provide for enhanced reliability in the transportation of the Nation's energy products by pipeline, and for other purposes. CRS summary. CBO Estimate, dated 9/27/11. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) oversees the safety of pipelines that transport gas or hazardous liquids and provides grants to states for programs to ensure pipeline safety. For those activities, H.R. 2845 would authorize gross appropriations of $505 million over the 2012-2016 period. CBO expects, however, that about $434 million of those appropriations would be offset by fees paid by pipeline operators over the four-year period. In addition, subject to provisions in appropriation acts, CBO estimates that the bill would authorize PHMSA to collect and spend about $10 million over the 2012-2016 period to recover its costs of conducting safety reviews at a pipeline project in the state of Alaska. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2845 would have a net cost of $45 million over the 2012-2016 period, assuming appropriation of the specified and estimated amounts. H.R. 2845 would increase certain civil penalties for violating pipeline safety regulations. Civil penalties are recorded in the budget as revenues and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury. However, CBO estimates that any increase in civil penalties would be small and would have no significant effect on the federal budget over the next 10 years. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending. H.R. 2845 contains intergovernmental and private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) because it would impose new requirements on both public and private operators of natural gas pipelines. The bill would impose additional private-sector mandates on operators of hazardous liquid pipelines. Legislation summary. |
1/3/2012 |
| 112-91 | H.R. 3800 |
"Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2012"
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through February 17, 2012, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Extends through February 17, 2012: (1) the authorization of appropriations for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]), and (2) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make new AIP grants. Extends through February 17, 2012: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary through February 17, 2012, to make agreements to provide small community air service assistance to underserved airports. Directs the Secretary to extend through February 17, 2012, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through May 17, 2012. Extends through May 17, 2012, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through February 17, 2012: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility AIPs; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through February 17, 2012: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP costs, (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport, and (3) the effective period of final orders of the Secretary regarding the eligibility of small communities for essential air service subsidies. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the period from October 1, 2011, through February 17, 2012, for: (1) FAA operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) civil aviation research, engineering, and development. Authorizes appropriations out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for the period from October 1, 2011, through February 17, 2012, for the essential air service (EAS) program. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
1/31/2012 |
| 112-92 | H.R. 3237 |
"SOAR Technical Corrections Act"
To amend the SOAR Act by clarifying the scope of coverage of the Act. CRS summary. Amends the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act to make technical corrections to the opportunity scholarship program that provides private school choice opportunities to disadvantaged students in the District of Columbia. Limits the requirement that core subject teachers at participating schools have a baccalaureate or equivalent degree to those core subject teachers teaching participating students. Directs the Institute of Education Sciences to administer nationally norm-referenced standardized tests to students participating in that evaluation, except where the school the student attends administers the same test. Requires participating schools that administer the test to provide the Secretary of Education with the test results for participating students. CBO Estimate, dated 11/8/11. H.R. 3237 would amend the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, which provides funding to cover the costs of tuition, fees, and transportation for District of Columbia residents attending private elementary and secondary schools. The bill would amend the requirements for teachers and for testing of students at schools with scholarship recipients. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 3237 would have no effect on discretionary spending. In addition, enacting the bill would have no impact on direct spending or revenues. Legislation summary. |
2/1/2012 |
| 112-93 | H.R. 3801 |
"Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act of 2012"
To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to clarify the definition of aircraft and the offenses penalized under the aviation smuggling provisions under that Act, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to aviation smuggling to extend its coverage of aircraft to: (1) any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate, or fly in, the air; and (2) ultralight vehicles. Subjects attempts or conspiracies to commit aviation smuggling to specified criminal penalties. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense (DOD) should continue the broad program of cooperation with the Secretary of Homeland Security to identify DOD equipment, technology, and expertise that could be leveraged by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fulfill its missions. Urges DOD especially to ensure that DHS can identify DOD equipment and technology that could also be used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to combat illicit trafficking across the international borders between the United States and Mexico and the United States and Canada, including any that could be used to detect and track the illicit use of ultralight aircraft. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
2/10/2012 |
| 112-94 | H.R. 588 |
To redesignate the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.
CRS summary. Redesignates the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. CBO Estimate, dated 10/25/2011. CBO estimates that enacting this legislation would have no significant impact on the federal budget and would not affect direct spending or revenues. Legislation summary. |
2/14/2012 |
| 112-95 | H.R. 658 |
"FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011"
To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2011 through 2014, to streamline programs, create efficiencies, reduce waste, and improve aviation safety and capacity, to provide stable funding for the national aviation system, and for other purposes. CRS summary. CBO Estimate, dated 3/10/2011. Legislation summary. |
2/14/2012 |
| 112-96 | H.R. 3630 |
"Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011"
To provide incentives for the creation of jobs, and for other purposes. CRS summary. CBO Estimate, dated 12/9/11, of bill as introduced in the House of Representatives on 12/9/11. Prepared for House Committee on Ways and Means. According to CBO’s and JCT’s estimates, enacting H.R. 3630 would change revenues and direct spending to produce increases in the deficit of $166.8 billion in fiscal year 2012 and $25.3 billion over the 2012-2021 period. Relative to discretionary spending projected under current law and assuming compliance with the current-law caps on discretionary appropriations for the next 10 years, CBO estimates that the proposed changes in discretionary funding caps under H.R. 3630 would lead to a reduction in projected discretionary spending of $26.2 billion over the 2012-2021 period. Legislation summary. |
2/22/2012 |
| 112-97 | H.R. 1162 |
To provide the Quileute Indian Tribe Tsunami and Flood Protection, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Removes certain federal land within Olympic National Park, Washington, that is designated as part of the Olympic Wilderness from inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Takes specified federal land within the Park into trust for the Quileute Indian Tribe. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to take specified nonfederal land owned by the Tribe into trust for the Tribe, upon completion and acceptance of an environmental hazard assessment. Includes those lands taken into trust for the Tribe in the Quileute Indian Reservation. Subjects portions of the federal land conveyed to the Tribe to easements and conditions that preserve the natural condition of the land and provide the public with recreational access to the land and Park. Exempts land conveyed to the Tribe along the southern boundary of the Reservation from any easements or conditions. Allows that land to be altered to allow for the relocation of Tribe members and structures outside the tsunami and Quillayute River flood zones. Extinguishes the Tribe's claims against the United States relating to the Park's past or present ownership, entry, use, surveys, or other activities upon the taking of the lands into trust for the Tribe and a formal Tribal Council resolution. Prohibits gaming on lands taken into trust for the Tribe pursuant to this Act. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
2/27/2012 |
| 112-98 | H.R. 347 |
"Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011"
To correct and simplify the drafting of section 1752 (relating to restricted buildings or grounds) of title 18, United States Code. CRS summary. Amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibition against entering restricted federal buildings or grounds to impose criminal penalties on anyone who knowingly enters any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority. Defines "restricted buildings or grounds" as a posted, cordoned off, or otherwise restricted area of: (1) the White House or its grounds or the Vice President's official residence or its grounds, (2) a building or grounds where the President or other person protected by the Secret Service is or will be temporarily visiting, or (3) a building or grounds so restricted due to a special event of national significance. CBO Estimate, dated 2/2/2011. Legislation summary. |
3/8/2012 |
| 112-99 | H.R. 4105 |
To apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries, and for other purposes.
CRS summary. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 regarding the imposition of countervailing duties on imports into the United States from a country subsidizing, directly or indirectly, the manufacture, production, or export of merchandise which materially injures a U.S. industry or threatens to. Declares that merchandise on which countervailing duties must be imposed includes merchandise from a nonmarket country, unless the administering authority cannot identify and measure subsidies provided by the government of the nonmarket economy country (or a public entity within its territory) because the economy of that country is essentially composed of a single entity. Requires the administering authority to reduce the antidumping duty on a class or kind of merchandise from a nonmarket economy country in cases where: (1) such country (or a public entity within its territory) has provided the merchandise with a countervailable subsidy (other than an export subsidy); (2) the subsidy has reduced the average price of imports of that class or kind of merchandise during the relevant period; and (3) the extent to which the subsidy, in combination with the use of normal value, has increased the weighted average dumping margin for such merchandise can be reasonably estimated. Requires the administering authority, in such cases, to reduce the antidumping duty by the amount of the increase in the weighted average dumping margin estimated (but not by more than the portion of the countervailing duty rate attributable to the countervailable subsidy). No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
3/13/2012 |
| 112-100 | S. 1134 |
"St. Croix River Crossing Project Authorization Act"
A bill to authorize the St. Croix River Crossing Project with appropriate mitigation measures to promote river values. CRS summary. Permits the head of any federal agency to authorize and assist in the construction of a new bridge crossing the St. Croix River approximately six miles north of the I-94 crossing if specified mitigation items described in the 2006 St. Croix River Crossing Project Memorandum of Understanding for Implementation of Riverway Mitigation Items are included as enforceable conditions. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
3/14/2012 |
| 112-101 | S. 1710 |
A bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 222 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska, as the James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse.
CRS summary. Designates the U.S. courthouse located at 222 West 7th Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska, as the "James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse." No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
3/14/2012 |
| 112-102 | H.R. 4281 |
"Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012"
To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs. CRS summary. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to reduce the amount apportioned for a surface transportation program, project, or activity for FY2012 by amounts apportioned or allocated under the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II for the period from October 1, 2011, through March 31, 2012. Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II to continue through June 30, 2012, and authorizes appropriations through that date for, specified federal-aid highway programs under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Includes among extended funds those for: (1) the surface transportation research, development, and deployment program; (2) training and education; (3) the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; (4) university transportation research; and (5) intelligent transportation systems (ITS) research. Subjects funding for such programs generally to the same manner of distribution, administration, limitation, and availability for obligation, however, at three-quarters of the total amount, as funds authorized to be appropriated for such programs and activities out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for FY2011. Subjects contract authority, however, between October 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012, for such programs to a specified pro rata limitation on obligations included in any Act making appropriations for FY2012 or a portion of that fiscal year. Waives this obligation limitation, though, for emergency relief and for the equity bonus program. Extends the allocation of certain transportation program funds to: (1) states for specific programs, including the Interstate and National Highway System program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program, the highway safety improvement program, the Surface Transportation program, and the Highway Bridge program; and (2) the territories and Puerto Rico. Prohibits use of program funds for a high-speed MAGLEV system between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Anaheim, California. Authorizes appropriations from the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for administrative expenses of the federal-aid highway program for the period from October 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012. Amends SAFETEA-LU to extend for the same period the authorization of appropriations for specified National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety programs (including NHTSA administrative expenses) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) programs. Extends, from October 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, the funding for hazardous materials (hazmat) research projects. Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to continue for the same period of time the authorized distribution of funds under such Act for coastal wetlands, recreational boating safety, projects under the Clean Vessel Act of 19921, boating infrastructure projects, and the National Outreach and Communications Program. Extends, from October 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, the allocation of capital investment grant funds for federal transit programs, including the metropolitan planning program and the state planning and research program. Extends the special rule authority of the Secretary to award urbanized area formula grants to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000. Allocates, from October 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, certain amounts for formula and bus grants and capital investment grants for: (1) certain new fixed guideway capital projects; (2) new fixed guideway ferry systems and extension projects in Alaska and Hawaii; (3) payments to the Denali Commission for docks, waterfront development projects, and related transportation infrastructure; (4) ferry boats or ferry terminal facilities; (5) a set-aside for the national fuel cell bus technology development program; (6) projects in nonurbanized areas; (7) intermodal terminal projects; and (8) bus testing. Extends the apportionment of nonurbanized area formula grants for public transportation on Indian reservations. Extends, from October 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, the apportionment of capital investment grant funds for certain fixed guideway modernization projects. Extends for that same period the authorization appropriations from the HTF Mass Transit Account for: (1) formula and bus grant projects, (2) capital investment grants, (3) transit research, and (4) administration expenses. Extends, from October 1, 2011, through June 30,2012, certain SAFETEA-LU programs, including: (1) the contracted paratransit pilot program, (2) the public-private partnership pilot program, (3) project authorizations for final design and construction and preliminary engineering of specified fixed guideway projects, and (4) the elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities pilot program. Extends certain allocations for national research and technology programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through June 30, 2012, authority for expenditures from the: (1) HTF Highway and Mass Transit accounts, (2) Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and (3) Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. Extends through June 30, 2012, excise taxes on: (1) fuel used by certain buses, (2) certain alcohol fuels, (3) gasoline (other than aviation gasoline) and diesel fuel or kerosene, (4) certain heavy trucks and trailers, and (5) tires. Extends the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund tax. Extends through FY2013 the excise tax on certain heavy vehicles. Extends through June 30, 2012, the exemptions from excise taxes on: (1) certain sales, and (2) motor vehicles used by a state and local government. Extends the transfer of: (1) certain highway excise taxes to the HTF, and (2) motorboat fuel taxes from the HTF into the land and water conservation fund. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
3/30/2012 |
| 112-103 | H.R. 473 |
"Help to Access Land for the Education of Scouts (HALE Scouts) Act"
To provide for the conveyance of approximately 140 acres of land in the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma to the Indian Nations Council, Inc., of the Boy Scouts of America, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Requires the conveyance of specified National Forest System land in the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma to the Indian Nations Council, Inc., of the Boy Scouts of America. Excludes from such conveyance any land within the Indian Nations National Scenic and Wildlife Area designated under the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation and Wilderness Area Act. Requires the Council to pay to the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) the fair market value of the land, as determined by an appraisal approved by the Secretary and done to conform with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and the provisions relating to exchanges of public lands and interests within the National Forest System under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. States that access to the conveyed land shall be from the adjacent land of the Council or its successor. Bars the Secretary from being required to provide additional access to such land. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such terms and conditions on the conveyance as the Secretary considers in the public interest, including the reservation of access rights to the conveyed land for administrative purposes. No CBO Estimate. House Report 112-218. Legislation summary. |
4/2/2012 |
| 112-104 | H.R. 886 |
"United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act"
To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the Nation's first Federal law enforcement agency, the United States Marshals Service. CRS summary. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Marshals Service, to mint and issue $5 gold and $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the 225 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of the U.S. Marshals Service. Permits: (1) only one facility of the United States Mint to be used to strike any particular combination of denomination and quality of the coins minted under this Act, and (2) the Secretary to issue coins to the public minted under this Act beginning on or after January 1, 2015. Prohibits such coins from being minted after December 31, 2015. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of: (1) $35 per $5 coin, (2) $10 per $1 coin, and (3) $3 for the half-dollar coin. Requires distribution of the first $5 million to the U.S. Marshals Service National Museum for the preservation, maintenance, and display of artifacts and documents of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires distribution of one-third of the remainder each to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to be used for finding missing children and combating child sexual exploitation, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation (FLEOAF). Limits the use of such funds by FLEOAF to financial assistance for: (1) surviving family members of federal law enforcement members killed in the line of duty; (2) disabled federal law enforcement members; (3) federal law enforcement employees and their families in select instances, such as severe trauma or financial loss, where no other source of assistance is available; (4) scholarships to students pursuing a career in the law enforcement field; and (5) selective grants to charitable organizations. Requires distribution of one-third of the remainder to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to support construction of of the National Law Enforcement Museum. Directs the Secretary to take actions to ensure that: (1) minting and issuing such coins will not result in any net cost to the U.S. government, and (2) no funds will be disbursed to the recipients designated in this Act until the total cost of designing and issuing such coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping) is recovered by the Treasury. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
4/2/2012 |
| 112-105 | S. 2038 |
"Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act of 2012"
An original bill to prohibit Members of Congress and employees of Congress from using nonpublic information derived from their official positions for personal benefit, and for other purposes. CRS summary. Requires the congressional ethics committees to issue interpretive guidance of the rules of each chamber, including rules on conflicts of interest and gifts, with respect to the prohibition against the use by Members of Congress and congressional employees (including legislative branch officers and employees), as a means for making a private profit, of any nonpublic information derived from their positions as Members or congressional employees, or gained from performance of the individual's official responsibilities. Declares that such Members and employees are not exempt from the insider trading prohibitions arising under the securities laws, including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to declare that such Members and employees owe a duty arising from a relationship of trust and confidence to Congress, the U.S. government, and U.S. citizens with respect to material, nonpublic information derived from their positions as Members or congressional employees or gained from performance of the individual's official responsibilities. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to apply to Members and congressional employees, or to judicial officers or employees its prohibitions against certain transactions, involving the purchase or sale of any commodity in interstate commerce, or for future delivery, or any swap. Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (EGA) to require specified individuals to file reports within 30 to 45 days after receiving notice of a purchase, sale, or exchange which exceeds $1,000 in stocks, bonds, commodities futures, and other forms of securities and subject to any waivers and exclusions. Lists such individuals as: (1) the President; (2) the Vice President; (3) executive officers or employees, including certain special government employees and members of a uniformed service; (4) appointed administrative law judges; (5) executive branch employees in positions excepted from the competitive service because of their confidential or policymaking character (except those excluded from such exception by the Director of the Office of Government Ethics [OGE]); (6) the Postmaster General, the Deputy Postmaster General, each Governor of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service, and certain U.S. Postal Service officers or employees; (7) the OGE Director and each designated agency ethics official; (8) civilian employees of the Executive Office of the President (other than a special government employee) appointed by the President; (9) Members of Congress; and (10) congressional officers and employees. Additional summary at CRS summary link above. No CBO Estimate. Legislation summary. |
4/4/2012 |
| 112-106 | H.R. 3606 |
"Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act"
To increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies. CRS summary. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 (SA) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (SEA) to define "emerging growth company" as an issuer that had total annual gross revenues of less than $1 billion during its most recently completed fiscal year. Amends SEA and the Investor Protection and Securities Reform Act of 2010 (title IX of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act) to exempt emerging growth companies from the requirement for separate shareholder approval of executive compensation, including golden parachute compensation. Amends SA to state that an emerging growth company need not present more than two years of audited financial statements in order for its registration statement, with respect to an initial public offering of its common equity securities, to be effective. Amends both SA and SEA to state that, in any other registration statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), an emerging growth company need not present certain selected financial data for any period before the earliest audited period presented in connection with its initial public offering. Declares that an emerging growth company may not be required to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standard until a company that is not an issuer is required to comply with it, if the standard applies to companies that are not issuers. Modifies the application to emerging growth companies of any auditing or other professional standards the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board may establish that were proposed by one or more professional groups of accountants. Exempts an emerging growth company from any such rules requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor's report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the issuer's financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis). Applies this exemption also with respect to any additional rules adopted by the Board after enactment of this Act, unless the SEC decides otherwise and determines that their application to emerging growth companies is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, after considering the protection of investors and whether the action will promote efficiency, competition, and capital formation. Additional summary at CRS summary link above. No CBO Estimate. House Report 112-406, Part 1. House Report 112-406, Part 2. Legislation summary. |
4/5/2012 |
| Public Law | Bill | Description/Status | Date Vetoed |
| - | - | - | - |