Current transparency legislation

S. 49
Public Corruption Prosecution Improvements Act Official Title: A bill to help Federal prosecutors and investigators combat public corruption by strengthening and clarifying the law.

Introduced: January 6, 2009


 * Mar 12, 2009: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
 * Added to calendar on Mar 12, 2009: Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
 * Mar 05, 2009: Committee on the Judiciary. Date of scheduled consideration. SD-226. 10:00 a.m.
 * Jan 06, 2009: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
 * Jan 06, 2009: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Latest Action: Added to calendar on Mar 12, 2009: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 32.

Sponsored by: Sen. Patrick Leahy [D, VT] Cosponsored by: Sen. John Cornyn [R, TX] Sen. Edward Kaufman [D, DE]

3/12/2009--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary)

Public Corruption Prosecution Improvements Act - Amends the federal criminal code to revise and expand prohibitions against bribery, theft of public money, and other public corruption offenses.

(Sec. 2) Establishes a six-year limitation period for the prosecution of public corruption crimes involving bribery, extortion, theft of government property, mail fraud, and racketeering.

(Sec. 3) Expands mail and wire fraud statutes to cover offenses involving any other thing of value (e.g., intangible rights and licenses).

(Sec. 4) Modifies general venue rules for criminal prosecutions to allow prosecutions in any district in which an act in furtherance of an offense is committed.

(Sec. 5) Reduces from $5,000 to $1,000 the threshold amount for theft or bribery involving federally-assisted programs and increases the maximum prison term for such offenses from 10 to 15 years.

(Sec. 6) Increases the maximum term of imprisonment for theft and embezzlement of federal money, property, or records from 10 to 15 years.

(Sec. 7) Increases the maximum term of imprisonment for bribery offenses from 15 to 20 years.

(Sec. 8) Increases to 10 years the maximum term of imprisonment for:


 * 1) solicitation by federal officers and employees of political contributions from other federal officers and employees;
 * 2) promise of employment made possible by an act of Congress for political activity;
 * 3) deprivation of such employment for political activity;
 * 4) intimidation to secure political contributions;
 * 5) solicitation and acceptance of contributions in federal offices; and
 * 6) coercion of political activity by federal employees.

(Sec. 9) Applies the prohibition against embezzlement or theft of federal money or property to government officials and employees of the District of Columbia.

(Sec. 10) Includes embezzlement or theft of government money or property as predicates for racketeering prosecutions and wiretaps.

(Sec. 12) Modifies elements relating to the crime of bribery of public officials and witnesses to:


 * 1) prohibit public officials from accepting anything of value, other than what is permitted by rule or regulation, for or because of the official's or person's official position;
 * 2) expand the definition of "official act" to include any conduct that falls within the range of official duty of a public official; # include a course of conduct involving multiple gifts, offers or promises designed to influence a public official.

(Sec. 15) Expands the types of perjury and obstruction of justice offenses for which venue lies in the district in which the official proceeding was intended to be affected or in which the conduct constituting the alleged offense occurred.

(Sec. 16) Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2013 for additional Department of Justice (DOJ) personnel to investigate and prosecute public corruption offenses.

(Sec. 17) Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend its guidelines and policy statements relating to public corruption offenses to reflect the intent of Congress that penalties for such offenses be increased.

S. 103
A bill to require disclosure and payment of noncommercial air travel in the Senate

Introduced January 6, 2009 Latest Action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Sponsored by: Sen. David Vitter [R, LA]

Amends Rule XXXV (Gifts) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate to:


 * 1) disclose a flight taken in connection with official duties on an aircraft that is not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire (unless it is owned, operated, or leased by a governmental entity);
 * 2) reimburse the aircraft's owner or lessee for the pro rata share of the flight's fair market value; and
 * 3) report to the Secretary of the Senate specified information about the trip, including its purpose and the persons on it (other than the pilot).

Declares that the fair market value of noncommercial air travel is the fair market value of the normal and usual charter fare or rental charge for a comparable plane of appropriate size.

Amends Rule XXXVIII (Prohibition of Unofficial Office Accounts) to prescribe the value for reimbursement purposes of the use of an aircraft that is not licensed by the FAA to operate for compensation or hire.

Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to require a principal campaign committee disclosure report of such a flight by a federal office candidate (other than one for President or Vice President).

Excludes from the FECA definition of "contribution" any travel expense for such a flight if within seven days the candidate (or the candidate's authorize committee) pays the owner, lessee, or other individual providing the airplane the pro rata share of the flight's fair market value.

S. 104
[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s104/show A bill to prohibit authorized committees and leadership PACs from employing the spouse or immediate family members of any candidate or Federal office holder connected to the committee. ]

Introduced January 6, 2009 Latest Action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Sponsored by: Sen. David Vitter [R, LA]

Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any authorized committee of a candidate or any other political committee established, maintained, or controlled by a candidate or person who holds a federal office from employing the spouse or any immediate family member of such candidate or federal office holder. Amends the federal criminal code to subject to specified criminal and civil penalties any spouse of a Member of Congress who:


 * 1) was not a registered lobbyist at least one year before the Member's election to Congress; but
 * 2) knowingly lobbies any Member of Congress on behalf of a client for compensation; or
 * 3) is associated with any such lobbying activity by his or her employer.

S. 105
[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s105/show A bill to amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to establish criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully falsifying or failing to file or report certain information required to be reported under that Act. ]

Introduced: January 6, 2009 Latest Action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Sponsored by: Sen. David Vitter [R, LA]

Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to one year for knowingly and willfully falsifying, or failing to file or report, financial information required to be filed or reported under such Act.

S. 133
Troubled Asset Relief Program Transparency Reporting Act

Official title: A bill to prohibit any recipient of emergency Federal economic assistance from using such funds for lobbying expenditures or political contributions, to improve transparency, enhance accountability, encourage responsible corporate governance, and for other purposes.

Introduced: January 6, 2009 Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Sponsored by: Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA] Cosponsored by: Sen. Barbara Boxer [D, CA] Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D, MD] Sen. Russell Feingold [D, WI] Sen. John Kerry [D, MA] Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I, CT] Sen. Patty Murray [D, WA] Sen. Bill Nelson [D, FL] Sen. Bernard Sanders [I, VT] Sen. Olympia Snowe [R, ME] Sen. Arlen Specter [D, PA] Sen. John Thune [R, SD]

Troubled Asset Relief Program Transparency Reporting Act - Prohibits the use by a recipient or its subsidiary of Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 for lobbying expenditures or political contributions.

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, through enhanced internal reporting and oversight requirements, to develop and publish corporate governance principles and ethical guidelines for such recipients, including specified restrictions.

Sets forth recipient reporting and certifying requirements governing such TARP funds.

Requires the Secretary to make such reports and certifications publicly available online and free of charge.

Subjects persons to civil fines for violating such prohibition on the use of TARP funds or failing to file the required report or certification.

Bars recipients from future TARP funds for noncompliance with such guidelines unless the Secretary determines that reasonable steps have been taken to bring their actions into compliance with and to prevent future violations of this Act.

S. 162
Fiscal Discipline, Earmark Reform, and Accountability Act as introduced.

Official title: A bill to provide greater accountability of taxpayers' dollars by curtailing congressional earmarking, and for other purposes. as introduced.

Introduced: January 6, 2009 Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration

Sponsored by Sen. Russell Feingold Cosponsored by; Sen Burr, Richard [NC] - 1/15/2009 Sen Coburn, Tom [OK] - 1/6/2009 Sen Graham, Lindsey [SC] - 1/6/2009 Sen Lieberman, Joseph [CT] - 2/3/2009 Sen McCain, John [AZ] - 1/6/2009 Sen McCaskill, Claire [MO]

Fiscal Discipline, Earmark Reform, and Accountability Act - Amends Rule XVI (Appropriations and Amendments to General Appropriations Bills) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to revise procedures for consideration of points of order on appropriations bills. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate:


 * 1) new or general legislation or any unauthorized appropriation included in an appropriation bill;
 * 2) any amendment to an appropriation bill with the effect of adding an unauthorized appropriation to it; or
 * 3) any unauthorized appropriation included in any amendment between the chambers, or any amendment to such an amendment, in relation to a general appropriation bill. Amends Rule XLIV (Congressionally Directed Spending and Related Items), which makes it out of order to vote on the adoption of a conference report in the Senate unless it is available on a publicly accessible congressional website at least 48 hours before such vote. Specifies that such website availability must be in a searchable format. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require a recipient of federal funds to disclose any registered lobbyist to whom the recipient paid money to lobby on behalf of such funding, including the amount of such funds.

S. 344
Hedge Fund Transparency Act Official Title: A bill to require hedge funds to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and for other purposes.

Introduced January 29, 2009 Latest Action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Sponsored by: Sen. Charles Grassley [R, IA] Cosponsored by: Sen. Carl Levin [D, MI]

Hedge Fund Transparency Act - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Internal Revenue Code to convert exceptions to the definition of an investment company into exemptions from mandatory registration as one. Exempts an investment company with assets, or assets under management, of at least $50 million from ordinary registration and filing requirements only if that company:


 * 1) registers with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);
 * 2) files with the SEC a specified annual electronic information form, made available to the public, concerning ownership structure, investors, primary accountant and broker, and current assets value;
 * 3) maintains such books and records as the SEC may require; and
 * 4) cooperates with any request for information or examination by the SEC. Requires any investment company meeting such exemption requirements to establish an anti-money laundering program, according to rules prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and report suspicious transactions. Requires such rules to require exempted investment companies to use risk-based due diligence policies, procedures, and controls reasonably designed to ascertain the identity of, and evaluate, any foreign person that supplies funds, or plans to supply funds, to be invested with the investment company's advice or assistance. Requires such rules also to require exempted investment companies to comply with the same requirements as other financial institutions for producing records requested by a federal regulator, particularly within 120 hours of receiving such a request.

S. 431
Economic Recovery Adjustment Act of 2009

Official Title: A bill to establish the Temporary Economic Recovery Adjustment Panel to curb excessive executive compensation at firms receiving emergency economic assistance.

Introduced: February 12, 2009 Latest Action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Sponsored by: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse [D, RI] Cosponsored by: Sen. Richard Durbin [D, IL]

Economic Recovery Adjustment Act of 2009 - Establishes within the Department of Justice the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate to conduct audits and oversight of the compensation of the officers and directors of entities assisted under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Authorizes the Advocate to assist the Secretary of the Treasury in the negotiation of TARP assistance in order to:


 * 1) assure that fair and reasonable executive compensation is paid by entities receiving TARP funds; and
 * 2) defend such agreements in the event of any challenge to the adjustments to compensation obligations.

States that negotiated reductions in compensation under this Act:


 * 1) may include vested deferred compensation; and
 * 2) shall be in an amount that is fair and reasonable in light of the taxpayers' assistance, but not less than the estimated value of the compensation obligations that would face the estate or debtor-in-possession if the TARP funds had not been granted, and the entity had filed for bankruptcy protection.

Requires the Advocate to negotiate a reduction in executive compensation obligations as a prerequisite to TARP assistance if, after an audit, the Advocate finds reason to believe that the assisted entity would have become insolvent if not for the receipt of TARP assistance. Establishes the Temporary Economic Recovery Oversight Panel to:


 * 1) either approve or deny a proposed settlement; or
 * 2) upon petition of the Advocate (or of any individual subject to the Advocate's actions), issue an order establishing an executive compensation program if no settlement is reached.

S. 482
Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act Official Title: A bill to require Senate candidates to file designations, statements, and reports in electronic form.

Introduced: February 25, 2009


 * Feb 25, 2009: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2484-2485)
 * Feb 25, 2009: Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.

Latest Action: Added to calendar on Feb 26, 2009: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 25.

Sponsored by: Sen. Russell Feingold [D, WI] Cosponsored by: Sen. Daniel Akaka [D, HI] Sen. Lamar Alexander [R, TN] Sen. Mark Begich [D, AK] Sen. Robert Bennett [R, UT] Sen. Jeff Bingaman [D, NM] Sen. Barbara Boxer [D, CA] Sen. Sherrod Brown [D, OH] Sen. Robert Byrd [D, WV] Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D, MD] Sen. Saxby Chambliss [R, GA] Sen. Thad Cochran [R, MS] Sen. John Cornyn [R, TX] Sen. Christopher Dodd [D, CT] Sen. Richard Durbin [D, IL] Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA] Sen. Lindsey Graham [R, SC] Sen. Charles Grassley [R, IA] Sen. Kay Hagan [D, NC] Sen. Thomas Harkin [D, IA] Sen. John Isakson [R, GA] Sen. John Kerry [D, MA] Sen. Patrick Leahy [D, VT] Sen. Carl Levin [D, MI] Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I, CT] Sen. Richard Lugar [R, IN] Sen. John McCain [R, AZ]Sen. Ben Nelson [D, NE] Sen. John Reed [D, RI] Sen. Harry Reid [D, NV] Sen. John Rockefeller [D, WV] Sen. Charles Schumer [D, NY] Sen. Jon Tester [D, MT] Sen. Ron Wyden [D, OR]

Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require Senate candidates to file election-related designations, statements, and reports in electronic form.

Requires the Secretary of the Senate to forward a copy of any electronically filed designation, statement, or report to the Federal Election Commission within one working day (instead of the current two working days) after receiving it.

H.R. 35
Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2009 Official Title: To amend chapter 22 of title 44, United States Code, popularly known as the Presidential Records Act, to establish procedures for the consideration of claims of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure of Presidential records.

Introduced: January 6, 2009


 * May 19, 2009: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 111-21.
 * Added to calendar on Apr 01, 2009: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably..
 * Jan 08, 2009: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
 * Passed roll in the House on Jan 07, 2009. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 359 - 58 (Roll no. 5).
 * Jan 07, 2009: Considered as unfinished business.
 * Jan 07, 2009: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
 * Jan 07, 2009: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 35.
 * Jan 07, 2009: Considered under suspension of the rules.
 * Jan 07, 2009: Mr. Towns moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
 * Jan 06, 2009: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Latest Action: Added to calendar on May 19, 2009: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64..

Sponsored by: Rep. Edolphus Towns [D, NY-10] Cosponsored by: Rep. Dan Burton [R, IN-5] Rep. William Clay [D, MO-1] Rep. Darrell Issa [R, CA-49] Rep. Brad Sherman [D, CA-27] Rep. Henry Waxman [D, CA-30]

Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Presidential Records Act to require the Archivist of the United States, when making available any presidential record not previously made available publicly, to:


 * 1) promptly provide written notice of such determination to the former President during whose term of office the record was created and the incumbent President; and
 * 2) make the notice available to the public. Requires such a record to be made available upon the expiration of the 20-day period (excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) beginning on the date the Archivist provides notice, except any record with respect to which the Archivist receives notification of a claim of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure from a former or incumbent President. Authorizes a former or an incumbent President to extend the period for not more than 20 additional days by filing with the Archivist a statement that such an extension is necessary to allow an adequate review of the record. Provides that if the period, or any extension of that period, would otherwise expire after January 19 and before July 20 of the year in which the incumbent President first takes office, then such period or extension shall expire on July 20 of that year.

Requires:


 * 1) any claim of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure to be asserted personally by a former or incumbent President; and
 * 2) a former or incumbent President to notify the Archivist and specified congressional committees of a privilege claim on the same day that the claim is asserted. Prohibits the Archivist from making publicly available a presidential record that is subject to a privilege claim asserted by a former President until the expiration of the 20-day period beginning on the date the Archivist is notified of the claim. Requires the Archivist, upon the expiration of such period, to make the record publicly available unless otherwise directed by a court order in an action initiated by the former President.

Prohibits the Archivist from making publicly available a presidential record that is subject to a privilege claim asserted by the incumbent President unless:


 * 1) the incumbent President withdraws the privilege claim; or
 * 2) the Archivist is otherwise directed by a final court order that is not subject to appeal.

Makes this provision inapplicable with respect to any presidential record required to be made available:


 * 1) pursuant to a subpoena or other judicial process issued by a court for purposes of a civil or criminal investigation; or
 * 2) to either House of Congress because such records contain information needed for the conduct of business that is otherwise not available. Directs the Archivist to adjust any otherwise applicable time period as necessary to comply with the return date of any congressional subpoena, judicial subpoena, or judicial process.

Prohibits the Archivist from making available any original presidential records to anyone claiming access to them as a designated representative of a President or former President if that individual has been convicted of a crime relating to the review, removal, or destruction of the Archives' records.

(Sec. 3) Provides that Executive Order number 13233, dated November 1, 2001 (establishing a process for review of presidential records and assertion of privilege claims) shall have no force or effect.

H.R. 36
Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2009 Official Title: To amend title 44, United States Code, to require information on contributors to Presidential library fundraising organizations.

Introduced: January 6, 2009


 * Passed roll in the House on Jan 07, 2009. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 - 31 (Roll no. 6).
 * Jan 07, 2009: Considered as unfinished business.
 * Jan 07, 2009: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
 * Jan 07, 2009: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 36.
 * Jan 07, 2009: Considered under suspension of the rules. Jan 07, 2009: Mr. Towns moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. *Jan 06, 2009: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Latest Action: Jan 08, 2009: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Sponsored By: Rep. Edolphus Towns [D, NY-10] Cosponsored by: Rep. William Clay [D, MO-1] Rep. John Duncan [R, TN-2] Rep. Darrell Issa [R, CA-49] Rep. Brad Sherman [D, CA-27] Rep. Henry Waxman [D, CA-30]

Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2009 - Amends federal law regarding presidential archival depositories to require any presidential library fundraising organization to submit quarterly reports to the National Archives and Records Administration and specified congressional committees on every contributor who gave the organization a contribution or contributions (whether monetary or in-kind) totaling $200 or more for the quarterly period. Requires the Archivist of the United States to make such information available to the public through the Internet as soon as is practicable after each quarterly filing. Makes it unlawful for contributors or fundraising organizations to knowingly and willfully submit false information or omit material information. Prescribes criminal penalties for violation of such prohibitions.

H.R. 311
Spending Reform Act of 2009

Official Title: To cap discretionary spending, eliminate wasteful and duplicative agencies, reform entitlement programs, and reform the congressional earmark process.

Introduced: January 8, 2009 Latest Action:


 * Jan 08, 2009: Referred to House Oversight and Government Reform
 * Jan 08, 2009: Referred to House Rules
 * Jan 08, 2009: Referred to House Budget
 * Jan 08, 2009: Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsored By: Rep. Kevin Brady [R, TX-8] Cosponsored By: Rep. W. Akin [R, MO-2] Rep. James Barrett [R, SC-3] Rep. Roscoe Bartlett [R, MD-6] Rep. Marsha Blackburn [R, TN-7] Rep. Paul Broun [R, GA-10] Rep. K. Conaway [R, TX-11] Rep. Trent Franks [R, AZ-2] Rep. Scott Garrett [R, NJ-5] Rep. John Gingrey [R, GA-11] Rep. Jeb Hensarling [R, TX-5] Rep. Jim Jordan [R, OH-4] Rep. Jack Kingston [R, GA-1] Rep. John Kline [R, MN-2] Rep. Doug Lamborn [R, CO-5] Rep. Tom McClintock [R, CA-4] Rep. Joseph Pitts [R, PA-16] Rep. Bill Posey [R, FL-15]

Spending Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the concurrent budget resolution to include discretionary spending limit for five successive fiscal years. Sets forth points of order against consideration of legislation in Congress (currently, only the Senate) that would exceed for any fiscal year discretionary spending limit established in the most recent concurrent budget resolution for that fiscal year (currently, the Balanced Budget and Deficit Control Act of 1985 [Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act]). Makes such point of order inapplicable if a declaration of war by Congress is in effect. Sets forth points of orders for consideration of certain concurrent budget resolutions. Establishes discretionary spending limit for FY2010 as the number set forth in the FY2010 budget resolution. Permits waivers or suspension of such requirements, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths (60) of the Senate. Establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to review and report to Congress on the efficiency and public need for each federal agency, recommending abolishment or reorganization. Provides for relocation of federal employees if their agency is abolished. Requires the Comptroller General and the Director of Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS), to inventory federal programs to advise and assist Congress and the Commission in carrying out such requirements. Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform. Sets forth a point of order against consideration of legislation containing a congressional earmark or limited tax or tariff benefit. Establishes the Securing America's Future Economy Commission to examine the long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and develop legislation designed to address specified issues. Authorizes the President and the House and Senate Budget Committees to propose alternative legislation. Requires the long-term CBO cost estimate of such proposals to be published in the Congressional Record.

H.R. 420
[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h420/show To prohibit the use of Federal funds for a project or program named for an individual then serving as a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Senator of the United States Congress. ]

Introduced: January 9, 2009 Latest Action: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Sponsored By: Rep. Michael McCaul [R, TX-10] Cosponsored By: Rep. Rodney Alexander [R, LA-5]


 * Rep. Michele Bachmann [R, MN-6]
 * Rep. Marsha Blackburn [R, TN-7]
 * Rep. John Boozman [R, AR-3]
 * Rep. Dan Burton [R, IN-5]
 * Rep. John Culberson [R, TX-7]
 * Rep. Charles Dent [R, PA-15]
 * Rep. Jeff Flake [R, AZ-6]
 * Rep. Virginia Foxx [R, NC-5]
 * Rep. Jeb Hensarling [R, TX-5]
 * Rep. Darrell Issa [R, CA-49]
 * Rep. Mark Kirk [R, IL-10]
 * Rep. Connie Mack [R, FL-14]
 * Rep. Jim Matheson [D, UT-2]
 * Rep. Thaddeus McCotter [R, MI-11]
 * Rep. Patrick Mchenry [R, NC-10]
 * Rep. Randy Neugebauer [R, TX-19]
 * Rep. Joseph Pitts [R, PA-16]
 * Rep. Peter Sessions [R, TX-32]
 * Rep. John Sullivan [R, OK-1]
 * Rep. Frederick Upton [R, MI-6]

Prohibits the use of federal funds for a project or program named for an individual currently serving as a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Senator of the U.S. Congress.

H.R. 682
Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act Official Title: To prohibit securities and commodities trading based on nonpublic information relating to Congress, and to require additional reporting by Members and employees of Congress of securities transaction, and for other purposes.

Introduced: January 26, 2009 Latest Action: Jan 26, 2009: Referred to House House Administration


 * Jan 26, 2009: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on House Administration, the Judiciary, Agriculture, and Standards of Official Conduct, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
 * Jan 26, 2009: Referred to House Financial Services
 * Jan 26, 2009: Referred to House Standards of Official Conduct
 * Jan 26, 2009: Referred to House Agriculture
 * Jan 26, 2009: Referred to House Judiciary

Sponsored By: Rep. Brian Baird [D, WA-3] Cosponsored By:


 * Rep. Raul Grijalva [D, AZ-7]
 * Rep. Louise Slaughter [D, NY-28]
 * Rep. Timothy Walz [D, MN-1]

Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Commodities Exchange Act to direct both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to prohibit purchase or sale of either securities or commodities for future delivery by a person in possession of material nonpublic information regarding pending or prospective legislative action if the information was obtained: (1) knowingly from a Member or employee of Congress; (2) by reason of being a Member or employee of Congress; and (3) other federal employees. Amends the Code of Official Conduct of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit designated House personnel from disclosing material nonpublic information relating to any pending or prospective legislative action relating to either securities of a publicly-traded company or a commodity if such personnel has reason to believe that the information will be used to buy or sell the securities or commodity based on such information. Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require formal disclosure of certain securities and commodities futures transactions to either the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to subject to its registration, reporting, and disclosure requirements, as well as requirements for identification of clients and covered legislative and executive officials, all political intelligence activities, contacts, firms, and consultants. Requires the Comptroller General to include political intelligence activities, contacts, firms, and consultants in its annual compliance audits and reports.

H.R. 807
To amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to require a public database of the executive compensation of the institutions receiving assistance under the Troubled Assets Relief Program

Introduced: February 3, 2009 Latest Action: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sponsored By: Rep. Gus Bilirakis [R, FL-9]

Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an Internet website containing a searchable database of the executive compensation of the institutions receiving assistance under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). Requires any institution receiving any TARP assistance to disclose annually to the Secretary the total compensation of:


 * 1) each of its 100 most highly paid executives, officers, or employees; or
 * 2) for an institution with fewer than 1,000 employees, each of the top 5% of its most highly paid executives, officers, or employees.

H.R. 854
Over-Classification Reduction Act

Official Title: To require the Archivist of the United States to promulgate regulations to prevent the over-classification of information, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 4, 2009


 * Feb 04, 2009: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Latest Action: Added to calendar on Feb 11, 2009: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote..


 * Feb 11, 2009: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Sponsored By: Rep. William Clay [D, MO-1] Cosponsored By: Rep. Edolphus Towns [D, NY-10]

Over-Classification Reduction Act - Requires the Archivist of the United States to promulgate regulations to prevent the over-classification of information.

Requires the Inspector General of each federal agency that employs an individual with original or derivative classification authority to randomly audit classified information from each agency component with employees that have classification authority. Directs the Archivist:


 * 1) to require, at the time of classification of information, personal identifiers or unique agency identifiers of the individual applying classification markings, including the individual's agency, office, and position, to appear on the information;
 * 2) when implementing the security education and training program pursuant to specified executive orders, to integrate training about the prevention of over-classification of information, the proper use of classification markings, the consequences of over-classification, and the lessons learned from implementation of the regulations; and
 * 3) to implement a detailee program to detail federal agency personnel, on a nonreimbursable basis, to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for training.

H.R. 963
Transparency and Accountability in Intelligence Contracting Act of 2009

Official Title: To enhance transparency and accountability within the intelligence community for activities performed under Federal contracts, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 10, 2009 Latest Action: Feb 10, 2009: Referred to House Judiciary


 * Feb 10, 2009: Referred to House Armed Services
 * Feb 10, 2009: Referred to House Intelligence (Permanent Select)
 * Feb 10, 2009: Referred to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsored By: Rep. David Price [D, NC-4] Cosponsored By:


 * Rep. Steve Cohen [D, TN-9]
 * Rep. Raul Grijalva [D, AZ-7]
 * Rep. Maurice Hinchey [D, NY-22]
 * Rep. Barbara Lee [D, CA-9]
 * Rep. Nita Lowey [D, NY-18]
 * Rep. James McDermott [D, WA-7]
 * Rep. James McGovern [D, MA-3]
 * Rep. Brad Miller [D, NC-13]
 * Rep. Janice Schakowsky [D, IL-9]
 * Rep. Fortney Stark [D, CA-13]

Transparency and Accountability in Intelligence Contracting Act of 2009 - Prohibits the use of private contractors for the arrest, interrogation, detention, or transportation or transfer of persons under government custody or control. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to prepare an annual assessment for such element of the intelligence community (IC) that assesses such element's use of private contractors and private contractor personnel. Requires each assessment to be submitted to the congressional intelligence committees. Directs that each contract, subcontract, or task or delivery order entered into with an IC element shall require the contractor to provide to the IC element contracting officer certain information on the personnel performing contracting activities, including their training, the process used to hire the individuals, and the number of foreign nationals employed. Requires a report from the DNI to Congress describing the personal services activities performed by contractors across the IC, the impact of such contractors on the IC workforce, plans for conversion of contractor employment into government employment, and accountability mechanisms governing the performance of such contractors.

H.R. 1095
Troubled Asset Relief Program Transparency Reporting Act

Official Title: To prohibit any recipient of emergency Federal economic assistance from using such funds for lobbying expenditures or political contributions, to improve transparency, enhance accountability, encourage responsible corporate governance, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 13, 2009 Latest Action: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sponsored By: Rep. Carolyn Maloney [D, NY-14] Cosponsored By:


 * Rep. Phil Hare [D, IL-17]
 * Rep. Dennis Kucinich [D, OH-10]

Troubled Asset Relief Program Transparency Reporting Act - Prohibits the use by a recipient or its subsidiary of Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 for lobbying expenditures or political contributions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, through enhanced internal reporting and oversight requirements, to develop and publish corporate governance principles and ethical guidelines for such recipients, including specified restrictions. Sets forth recipient reporting and certifying requirements governing such TARP funds. Requires the Secretary to make such reports and certifications publicly available online and free of charge. Subjects persons to civil fines for violating such prohibition on the use of TARP funds or failing to file the required report or certification. Bars recipients from future TARP funds for noncompliance with such guidelines unless the Secretary determines that reasonable steps have been taken to bring their actions into compliance with and to prevent future violations of this Act.

H.R. 1107
To enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, "Public Contracts"

Introduced: February 23, 2009


 * Passed by voice vote in the House on May 06, 2009. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
 * May 06, 2009: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1107.
 * May 06, 2009: Considered under suspension of the rules.
 * May 06, 2009: Mr. Cohen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
 * Added to calendar on Mar 23, 2009: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 29..
 * Mar 23, 2009: Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 111-42.
 * Added to calendar on Mar 18, 2009: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote..
 * Mar 18, 2009: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
 * Feb 23, 2009: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Latest Action: May 07, 2009: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsored By: Rep. John Conyers [D, MI-14] Cosponsored By: Rep. Lamar Smith [R, TX-21]

Enacts title 41 of the United States Code into positive law to be entitled "Public Contracts." Makes technical and conforming amendments.

H.R. 2182
Enhanced Oversight of State and Local Economic Recovery Act Official Title: To amend the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to provide for enhanced State and local oversight of activities conducted pursuant to such Act, and for other purposes.

Introduced: April 29, 2009


 * Passed by voice vote in the House on May 19, 2009. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
 * May 19, 2009: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2182.
 * May 19, 2009: Considered under suspension of the rules.
 * May 19, 2009: Mr. Towns moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
 * Added to calendar on May 18, 2009: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 58..
 * May 18, 2009: Reported by the Committee on Oversight and Government. H. Rept. 111-115.
 * Added to calendar on May 06, 2009: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote..
 * May 06, 2009: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
 * Apr 29, 2009: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Latest Action: May 20, 2009: Received in the Senate.

Sponsored By: Rep. Edolphus Towns [D, NY-10] Cosponsored By:


 * Rep. Gerald Connolly [D, VA-11]
 * Rep. Darrell Issa [R, CA-49]
 * Rep. Dennis Kucinich [D, OH-10]
 * Rep. Stephen Lynch [D, MA-9]
 * Rep. Todd Platts [R, PA-19]
 * Rep. Peter Welch [D, VT-0]

Enhanced Oversight of State and Local Economic Recovery Act - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to require federal agencies receiving funds under such Act, subject to guidance from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to reasonably adjust applicable limits on administrative expenditures for federal awards to help award recipients defray costs of data collection, auditing, contract and grant planning and management, and investigations of waste, fraud, and abuse required under such Act. Authorizes state and local governments receiving funds to set aside up to .5% of such funds, in addition to any funds already allocated to administrative expenditures, to conduct planning and oversight to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse. Authorizes the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide for the use by state and local governments of GSA federal supply schedules for goods or services that are funded by such Act. Makes participation by a firm that sells to a state or local government through such schedule voluntary. Requires the OMB Director to issue guidance to ensure accurate and consistent reporting of "jobs created" and "jobs retained" as those terms are used in such Act.

H.R. 2392
Government Information Transparency Act Official Title: To improve the effectiveness of the Government's collection, analysis, and dissemination of business information by using modern interactive data technologies.

Introduced: May 13, 2009 Latest Action: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Sponsored By: Rep. Darrell Issa [R, CA-49]

H. Res. 85
[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-hr85/show Amending the Code of Official Conduct in the Rules of the House of Representatives to strengthen the reporting requirements for Members who request earmarks. ]

Introduced: January 26, 2009 Latest Action: Referred to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.

Sponsored by: Rep. Jeff Flake [R, AZ-6]

Cosponsored by: Rep. Virginia Foxx [R, NC-5] Rep. Mark Kirk [R, IL-10]

Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives with respect to whether a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissiorer (Member) has a financial interest in any requested congressional earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit in any bill or joint resolution (or accompanying report), or in any related conference report (or accompanying joint statement of managers). Treats as such a financial interest any campaign contribution to such individual in excess of a de minimis amount made by or on behalf of:


 * 1) any political, for profit, or nonprofit entity;
 * 2) any employee or person affiliated with any such entity; or
 * 3) any political action committee (PAC) established by, administered by, or affiliated with any such entity, by or on behalf of its registered lobbyist, or by or on behalf of such PAC during the current or previous session of Congress.

H. Res. 100
[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-hr100/show Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide for earmark reform. ]

Introduced January 28, 2009 Latest Action: Jan 28, 2009: Referred to House Standards of Official Conduct


 * Jan 28, 2009: Referred to House Rules
 * Jan 28, 2009: Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsored by: Rep. Adam Putnam [R, FL-12]

Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order in the House to consider any bill or joint resolution (or accompanying report), amendment, or conference report that contains a congressional earmark for a nonpublic entity (other than an institution of higher education). Makes it out of order to consider legislation that contains a congressional earmark for any entity named after an incumbent Member of Congress. Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) to require any Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner requesting a congressional earmark in any legislation (or accompanying report) to:


 * 1) submit certain information to the Clerk of the House for posting within 24 hours on the Clerk's website, including the amount requested, the project name, and a project description of the subject of the earmark;
 * 2) include, in the case of an earmark for a non-federal entity, an accompanying letter of support from that entity certifying that it will provide matching funds equal to at least 10% of the earmark; and
 * 3) provide a written statement to the chairman and ranking minority member of the committee of jurisdiction certifying that no family member of the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner has any financial interest in the earmark. Amends Rule II (Other Officers and Officials) to require the Clerk to post on the Clerk's website, under the heading "Member Spending Requests," an up-to-date list of all such information.

H. Res. 440
[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-hr440/show Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to strengthen the public disclosure of all earmark requests. ]

Introduced: May 14, 2009 Latest Action: May 14, 2009: Referred to House Standards of Official Conduct


 * May 14, 2009: Referred to House Rules
 * May 14, 2009: Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsored by: Rep. Bill Cassidy [R, LA-6]

Cosponsored by: Rep. Mike Quigley [D, IL-5] Rep. Jackie Speier [D, CA-12]