Summary: Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to require Inspectors General (IGs) for designated federal entities to be appointed without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations.(Sec. 3) Requires the President, the heads of designated federal entities, the Librarian of Congress, the Capitol Police Board, and the Public Printer to communicate to Congress in writing the reasons for removing or transferring an IG no later than 30 days before such removal or transfer.Provides that the IG of the U.S. Capitol Police may be transferred from office only by the unanimous vote of the Capitol Police Board.(Sec. 4) Sets the pay for presidentially appointed IGs at Executive Schedule III plus 3%. Requires IGs of designated federal entities to be classified at a grade, level, or rank designation at or above those of a majority of the senior level executives of their entity. Prohibits the pay of such IG from being less than the average total compensation of the senior level executives of that entity calculated on an annual basis.(Sec. 5) Prohibits IGs from receiving cash awards or bonuses.(Sec. 6) Requires each IG to: (1) obtain legal advice from a counsel either reporting directly to the IG or another IG; and (2) appoint a Counsel to the IG who shall report to the IG or obtain the services of a counsel appointed by and directly reporting to another IG or the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency on a reimbursable basis.(Sec. 7) Establishes within the executive branch the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to: (1) address integrity, economy, and effectiveness issues that transcend individual government agencies; and (2) increase the professionalism and effectiveness of personnel by developing policies, standards, and approaches to aid in the establishment of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce in the IG offices. Requires the Council to: (1) continually identify, review, and discuss areas of weakness and vulnerability in federal programs and operations with respect to fraud, waste, and abuse; (2) develop plans for coordinated, government-wide activities that address these problems and promote economy and efficiency in federal programs and operations; (3) develop policies that will aid in the maintenance of a corps of well-trained and highly skilled IG office personnel; (4) maintain electronic systems for the benefit of all IGs and one or more academies for the professional training of auditors, investigators, inspectors, evaluators, and other personnel; (5) submit individuals' recommendations for any IG appointment to the appropriate authority; and (6) report to Congress.Allows the Council's Executive Chairperson to authorize the use of interagency funding for: (1) government-wide training of IG office employees; and (2) the functions of the Integrity Committee of the Council.Establishes an Integrity Committee for the Council to review and refer for investigation allegations of wrongdoing that are made against IGs and IG office staff members. Sets forth requirements concerning when an IG must refer allegations against its staff to the Committee. Requires investigations to be conducted in accordance with the most current Quality Standards for Investigations issued by the Council or its predecessors. Requires the Committee, in conjunction with the Council Chairperson, to establish additional policies and procedures necessary to ensure fairness and consistency in: (1) determining whether to initiate investigations; (2) conducting investigations; (3) reporting the results of investigations; and (4) providing people who are subjects of investigations with opportunities to respond to Committee reports.Sets forth reporting requirements for the Committee and the Council. Requires the Council to provide detailed information about specific allegations upon request from the chairperson or ranking member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the congressional committees of jurisdiction.Provides that an allegation against the Special Counsel of the Office of Special Counsel or the Deputy Special Counsel may be received, reviewed, and referred for investigation by the Committee to the same extent and in the same manner as an allegation against an IG.Declares that: (1) this Act does not eliminate access to the Merit Systems Protection for review; and (2) Executive Order 12805, dated May 11, 1992, and Executive Order 12993, dated March 21, 1996, have no force or effect. Requires the IG to adopt policies and procedures to implement this Act that include, to the maximum extent practicable, all provisions in such orders.(Sec. 8) Requires: (1) each IG to annually transmit a budget estimate and request to the head of the entity to which he or she reports; (2) such requests to specify the funds requested for operations, training needs, and Council support; (3) the head of each entity to include in a proposed budget to the President amounts for such purposes and its IG's comments on the proposal; and (4) the President to include in each U.S. budget submitted to Congress a statement of each IG's budget estimates, the amounts for such purposes requested by the President, and any comments of an IG who concludes that the budget submitted would substantially inhibit the IG from performing the duties of office.(Sec. 10) Includes designated federal entities within the definition of "authority" for purposes of provisions concerning administrative remedies for false claims and statements.(Sec. 11) Empowers IGs of designated federal entities with the same law enforcement authority provided to other IGs. (Sec. 12) Provides for the application of semiannual reporting requirements concerning the activities of IG offices to inspection and evaluation reports.(Sec. 13) Requires agencies to maintain on their website homepages direct links to the website of their IG office. Requires each IG to: (1) post reports and audits no later than three working days after such reports or audits are made publicly available; and (2) maintain a direct link on the office's website homepage for individuals to report waste, fraud, and abuse. Provides that reporting individuals shall not be required to provide personally identifying information. Prohibits agency IGs from disclosing the identity of any individual making a report without consent unless such a disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation.(Sec. 14) Considers each IG office to be a separate federal agency.Authorizes the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to help provide physical security for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees.(Sec. 15) Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report: (1) to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Government Reform on the adequacy of mechanisms to ensure accountability of IG offices; and (2) to the congressional committees of jurisdiction on the implementation IG pay provisions.

inspector general reform_act sec amends inspector general act require inspectors general igs designated federal entities appointed regard political affiliation solely basis integrity demonstrated ability accounting auditing financial analysis law management analysis public administration requires president heads designated federal entities librarian congress public printer communicate congress writing reasons removing transferring later days removal transfer provides capitol_police transferred office unanimous vote sets pay presidentially appointed igs executive schedule iii plus requires igs designated federal entities classified grade level rank designation majority senior level executives entity prohibits pay average total compensation senior level executives entity calculated annual prohibits igs receiving cash awards requires obtain legal advice counsel reporting directly appoint counsel shall report obtain services counsel appointed directly reporting council_of_the_inspectors_general_on_integrity_and_efficiency reimbursable establishes executive branch council_of_the_inspectors_general_on_integrity_and_efficiency address integrity economy effectiveness issues individual government agencies increase professionalism effectiveness personnel developing policies standards approaches aid establishment trained highly skilled workforce offices requires council continually identify review discuss areas weakness vulnerability federal programs operations respect fraud waste abuse develop plans coordinated government wide activities address problems promote economy efficiency federal programs operations develop policies aid maintenance corps trained highly skilled office personnel maintain electronic systems benefit igs academies professional training auditors investigators inspectors personnel submit individuals recommendations appointment appropriate authority report congress allows council executive chairperson authorize use interagency funding government wide training office employees functions establishes review refer investigation allegations wrongdoing igs office staff members sets forth requirements concerning refer allegations staff committee requires investigations conducted accordance current quality standards investigations issued council requires committee conjunction establish additional policies procedures necessary ensure fairness consistency determining initiate investigations conducting investigations reporting results investigations providing people subjects investigations opportunities respond committee reports sets forth reporting requirements requires council provide detailed information specific allegations request chairperson ranking member senate_committee_on_homeland_security house_committee_on_oversight_and_government_reform congressional committees jurisdiction provides allegation special_counsel office_of_special_counsel deputy special counsel received reviewed referred investigation committee extent manner allegation act eliminate access review executive order dated executive order dated march force effect requires adopt policies procedures implement act include maximum extent practicable provisions requires annually transmit budget estimate request head entity reports requests specify funds requested operations training needs council support head entity include proposed budget president amounts purposes comments proposal president include budget submitted congress statement budget estimates amounts purposes requested president comments concludes budget submitted substantially inhibit performing duties includes designated federal entities definition authority purposes provisions concerning administrative remedies false claims empowers igs designated federal entities law enforcement authority provided igs sec provides application semiannual reporting requirements concerning activities offices inspection evaluation requires agencies maintain website direct links website office requires post reports audits later working days reports audits publicly available maintain direct link office website homepage individuals report waste fraud abuse provides reporting individuals shall required provide personally identifying information prohibits agency igs disclosing identity individual making report consent disclosure unavoidable course considers office separate federal agency authorizes treasury inspector general tax administration help provide physical security internal_revenue_service irs requires government_accountability_office gao report senate_committee_on_homeland_security governmental_affairs adequacy mechanisms ensure accountability offices congressional committees jurisdiction implementation pay provisions


Summary: Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2007 - Prohibits any person who has a seriously delinquent tax debt from obtaining a federal government contract or grant. Requires federal agency heads to require prospective contractors or grantees to: (1) certify that they do not have such a debt; and (2) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose information describing whether such contractors or grantees have such a debt. Defines "seriously delinquent tax debt" and an outstanding tax debt for which a notice of lien has been filed in public records.

contracting tax accountability act prohibits person seriously delinquent tax debt obtaining federal government contract grant requires federal agency heads require prospective contractors grantees certify debt authorize secretary treasury disclose information describing contractors grantees debt defines seriously delinquent tax debt outstanding tax debt notice lien filed public records


Summary: Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - Revises certain administrative requirements for the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Requires the Comptroller General (not the President, as currently) to appoint the Deputy Comptroller General, who shall serve at the Comptroller General's pleasure. Establishes an Office of the Inspector General in GAO. Requires the Comptroller General's annual report to Congress to assess the overall degree of federal agency cooperation with GAO audits. Requires any executive agency (or component) that prepares an audited financial statement (or related schedule) to reimburse GAO the cost of any GAO audit. Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to revise the coverage of certain GAO officers and employees under its financial disclosure requirements. Increases from 15 to 20 the number of experts and consultants whose services the Comptroller General may procure for renewable three-year terms at rates up to level IV of the Executive Schedule. Makes funds appropriated to GAO for salaries and expenses also available for recruitment-related meals and entertainment. Authorizes GAO to accept any money or property received as a gift, devise, bequest, grant, or otherwise to aid or facilitate its work. Revises the highest basic pay rate for GAO personnel from GS-15 to Executive Level III. Caps the Comptroller General's annuity at level II of the Executive Schedule instead of his or her basic pay rate. Revises requirements for: (1) the pay rates for senior-level positions at GAO; (2) voluntary separation incentive payments; and (3) basic pay for retirement.

government accountability office act revises certain administrative requirements government_accountability_office gao requires comptroller general president currently appoint deputy comptroller general shall serve comptroller general pleasure gao requires comptroller_general annual report congress assess overall degree federal agency cooperation gao audits requires executive agency component prepares audited financial statement related schedule reimburse gao cost gao audit amends ethics_in_government_act revise coverage certain gao officers employees financial disclosure requirements increases number experts consultants services comptroller general procure renewable year terms rates level executive schedule makes funds appropriated gao salaries expenses available recruitment related meals entertainment authorizes gao accept money property received gift devise bequest grant aid facilitate work revises highest basic pay rate gao personnel caps comptroller general annuity level executive schedule instead basic pay rate revises requirements pay rates senior level positions gao voluntary separation incentive payments basic pay retirement


Summary: Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial government strategic and performance plans. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) determine the impact and feasibility of changing the definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on that definition to a two-year fiscal period with a biennial budget process based on such period; and (2) report the findings to the House and Senate Budget Committees.

biennial budgeting congressional budget act require biennial currently annual budget resolutions biennial appropriations acts biennial government strategic performance plans defines budget consecutive fiscal years beginning october odd numbered year requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb determine impact feasibility changing definition fiscal year budget process based definition year fiscal period biennial budget process based period report findings house senate_budget_committees


Summary: Healthy Housing Council Act of 2008 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Healthy Housing. Requires the Council to: (1) review federal programs and services that provide housing, health, energy, or environmental services to families and individuals; (2) monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in existing programs and services administered, funded, or financed by federal, state, and local agencies; (3) recommend ways to reduce duplication among federal programs and services; and (4) ensure collaboration among and within agencies in the provision and availability of such programs and services.

establishes executive branch independent interagency council healthy housing requires council review federal programs services provide housing health energy environmental services families individuals monitor evaluate recommend improvements existing programs services administered funded financed federal state local agencies recommend ways reduce duplication federal programs services ensure collaboration agencies provision availability programs services


Summary: Information Technology Investment Oversight Enhancement and Waste Prevention Act of 2008 - Expands the requirement that each head of an executive agency identify, in strategic information resources management plans, any major information technology acquisition program, or any phase or increment of such program, that has significantly deviated from the cost, performance, or schedule goals established for the program. Defines "significantly deviated" as earned value management variance that is at least 20% from the original baseline established at the commencement of an information technology acquisition program. Requires each Chief Information Officer of a federal agency to: (1) identify its major IT investments that are most critical; and (2) designate those most mission critical IT investment projects as core IT investment projects or core projects after considering specified factors. Defines "IT investment project" as an information technology system or acquisition that: (1) requires special management attention due to its importance to the mission or function of its agency; (2) is for financial management and obligates more than $500 million annually; (3) has significant program or policy implications; (4) has high executive visibility; (5) has high development, operating, or maintenance costs; (6) is funded through other than direct appropriations; or (7) is defined as major by the agency's capital planning and investment control process. Requires the project manager for an IT investment project to submit a report to the Chief Information Officer not later than 14 days after the end of each fiscal quarter (or upon making a determination that a project has significantly or grossly deviated since the issuance of any quarterly report) that includes: (1) a description of the cost, schedule, and performance of such projects; (2) the original and current project cost, schedule, and performance benchmarks; (3) the quarterly and cumulative cost, schedule, and performance variance related to each project; (4) any known, expected or anticipated changes to project schedule milestones or project performance benchmarks; (5) the current cost, schedule, and performance status of all projects previously identified as significantly deviated or grossly deviated (i.e., more than 40% variance from the original baseline); and (6) any corrective actions taken.Requires the Chief Information Officer, upon receiving such a report, to: (1) determine if any project has significantly or grossly deviated and report such determination to the agency head; (2) report any such significant or gross deviations to appropriate congressional committees, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Government Accountability Office (GAO); (3) develop and implement a remedial action plan to address gross deviations; and (4) establish a program to improve the information technology processes overseen by the Chief Information Officer.Requires the Administrator of the Office of Electronic Government and Information and Technology at OMB (the E-Gov Administrator) to establish an IT Strike Force to assist agencies in avoiding significant and gross deviations in the cost, schedule, and performance of IT investment projects and take specified actions to avoid or reduce such deviations.Requires the OMB Director to include in the annual report to Congress on the Benefits of E-Government Initiatives a summary of the composition and activities of the IT Strike Force and its effectiveness.

information technology investment oversight enhancement waste prevention act expands requirement head executive agency identify strategic information resources management plans major information technology acquisition program phase increment program significantly cost performance schedule goals established program defines significantly earned value management variance original baseline established commencement information technology acquisition program requires chief information officer federal agency identify major investments critical designate mission critical investment projects core investment projects core projects considering specified factors defines investment project information technology system acquisition requires special management attention importance mission function agency financial management obligates million annually significant program policy implications high executive visibility high development operating maintenance costs funded direct appropriations defined major agency capital planning investment control process requires project manager investment project submit report chief information officer later days end fiscal quarter making determination project significantly grossly issuance quarterly report includes description cost schedule performance projects original current project cost schedule performance benchmarks quarterly cumulative cost schedule performance variance related project known expected anticipated changes project schedule milestones project performance benchmarks current cost schedule performance status projects previously identified significantly grossly variance original baseline corrective actions taken requires chief information officer receiving report determine project significantly grossly report determination agency head report significant gross deviations appropriate congressional committees director office_of_management_and_budget omb government_accountability_office gao develop implement remedial action plan address gross deviations establish program improve information technology processes overseen chief information officer requires administrator omb administrator establish strike force assist agencies avoiding significant gross deviations cost schedule performance investment projects specified actions avoid reduce deviations requires omb director include annual report congress benefits government initiatives summary composition activities effectiveness


Summary: Integrity in Offshore Energy Resources Act of 2008 - Prohibits any employee of the Minerals Management Service of the Department of the Interior from: (1) knowingly accepting a gift from an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining or from being employed by such an entity while employed in the Service; and (2) accepting employment from an entity engaged in the business of mineral mining during the one-year period after termination of employment with the Service. Makes violations of such prohibitions a felony. Requires financial disclosure by employees of the Service in positions equivalent to GS-13 or higher. Suspends the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to carry out royalty-in-kind programs (payment of royalties from oil and gas leases in the form of production rather than cash) until the Secretary certifies that a comprehensive review of such programs has been conducted, implements an ethics training program for employees of the Minerals Management Service, and creates an ombudsman position to monitor the progress of the Service in carrying out reforms. Requires the Secretary to perform at least 550 audits in each fiscal year of oil and gas leases for which payment is made under a royalty-in-kind program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the authority of the Secretary to pay salaries and other administrative costs related to a royalty-in kind program from royalty-in-kind sales revenues.

integrity offshore energy resources act prohibits employee knowingly accepting gift entity engaged business mineral mining employed entity employed service accepting employment entity engaged business mineral mining year period termination employment service makes violations prohibitions felony requires financial disclosure employees service positions equivalent higher suspends authority secretary interior carry royalty kind programs payment royalties oil gas leases form production cash secretary certifies comprehensive review programs conducted implements ethics training program employees minerals_management_service creates ombudsman position monitor progress service carrying reforms requires secretary perform audits fiscal year oil gas leases payment royalty kind program amends energy policy act repeal authority secretary pay salaries administrative costs related royalty kind program royalty kind sales revenues


Summary: Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act - Establishes the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission to: (1) plan and carry out activities to honor Ronald Reagan on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth; (2) provide assistance to governmental agencies and civic groups to carry out such activities; and (3) develop other federal activities to honor Ronald Reagan. Prohibits the obligation of federal funds to carry out this Act.

ronald_reagan centennial commission act establishes plan carry activities honor ronald_reagan occasion anniversary birth provide assistance governmental agencies civic groups carry activities develop federal activities honor ronald_reagan prohibits obligation federal funds carry act


Summary: Daniel Webster Congressional Clerkship Act of 2009 - Establishes the Daniel Webster Congressional Clerkship Program for the appointment of individuals who are graduates of accredited law schools to serve as Congressional Clerks in the Senate or House of Representatives. Requires the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the House Committee on House Administration to each select at least six individuals for a one-year term to serve as employees in their respective chambers.Specifies eligibility criteria for a Congressional Clerk, including that the selected candidate be a graduate of such a law school as of the starting date of his or her clerkship.Requires the committees to ensure that Congressional Clerks selected under this Act are apportioned equally between majority and minority party offices. Entitles each clerk selected to the same compensation as, and comparable benefits to, an individual who holds the position of a judicial clerkship for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia within three months of graduating from law school. Authorizes appropriations.

act establishes congressional program appointment individuals graduates accredited law schools serve senate house_of_representatives requires senate_committee_on_rules_and_administration house_committee select individuals year term serve employees respective chambers specifies eligibility criteria including selected candidate graduate law school starting date requires committees ensure selected act apportioned equally majority minority party offices entitles clerk selected compensation comparable benefits individual holds position judicial district_of_columbia months graduating law school authorizes appropriations


Summary: United States Library Trust Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish in the Treasury the United States Library Trust Fund (Fund); and (2) allow taxpayers to designate a portion of any tax overpayment (not less than $1) to the Fund. Authorizes public libraries or public school libraries to receive grants from the Fund.

act amends internal revenue code establish treasury fund allow taxpayers designate portion tax overpayment fund authorizes public libraries public school libraries receive grants fund


Summary: Government Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2009 - Requires the head of each executive agency, except the Department of Defense (DOD), to: (1) establish safeguards and internal controls for purchase cards, convenience checks, and travel cards; and (2) prescribe regulations implementing such safeguards and controls that provide for adverse personnel actions or other punishment against employees for card violations, negligence, misuse, abuse, or fraud. Requires each agency Inspector General to: (1) periodically conduct risk assessments of agency purchase and travel card programs and associated internal controls, analyze weaknesses and the frequency of improper activity, and develop a plan to determine the scope, frequency, and number of periodic audits of cardholders; (2) perform periodic audits of card holders and report results to the agency head; and (3) report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OBM) and the Comptroller General on the implementation of recommendations to address audit findings. Requires DOD regulations that govern the use and control of purchase cards and convenience checks that are issued to DOD personnel to include safeguards and internal controls to ensure that: (1) the Inspector Generals of DOD, the Army, the Navy, and the Airforce periodically conduct risk assessments of the DOD purchase card program and associated internal controls, analyze weaknesses and the frequency of improper activity, and develop a plan to determine the scope, frequency, and number of periodic audits of cardholders; (2) DOD utilizes technologies to prevent or identify fraudulent purchases, including controlling merchant codes and utilizing statistical machine learning and pattern recognition technologies that review the risk of every transaction; and (3) DOD invalidates the purchase card of terminated or transferred employees. Amends the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 to require each agency head to establish safeguards and internal controls over travel charge cards. Requires the Administrator of General Services to prescribe regulations governing the implementation of such safeguards and internal controls. Requires the heads of agencies that have employees who use centrally billed accounts to establish safeguards and internal controls to ensure that agencies: (1) compare items submitted on an employee's travel voucher with items paid using such an account; (2) dispute unauthorized charges and track disputed transactions to ensure appropriate resolution; and (3) submit requests for refunds for fully or partially unused tickets to the holder of the applicable contract for a centrally billed account.

government credit card abuse prevention act requires head executive agency department_of_defense dod establish safeguards internal controls purchase cards convenience checks travel cards prescribe regulations implementing safeguards controls provide adverse personnel actions punishment employees card violations negligence misuse abuse fraud requires agency inspector general periodically conduct risk assessments agency purchase travel card programs associated internal controls analyze weaknesses frequency improper activity develop plan determine scope frequency number periodic audits perform periodic audits card holders report results agency head report director office_of_management_and_budget comptroller_general implementation recommendations address audit findings requires dod regulations govern use control purchase cards convenience checks issued dod personnel include safeguards internal controls ensure dod army navy periodically conduct risk assessments dod purchase card program associated internal controls analyze weaknesses frequency improper activity develop plan determine scope frequency number periodic audits dod utilizes technologies prevent identify fraudulent purchases including controlling merchant codes utilizing statistical machine learning pattern recognition technologies review risk transaction dod invalidates purchase card terminated transferred employees amends travel transportation reform act require agency head establish safeguards internal controls travel charge cards requires administrator general_services prescribe regulations governing implementation safeguards internal controls requires heads agencies employees use centrally billed accounts establish safeguards internal controls ensure agencies compare items submitted employee travel voucher items paid account dispute unauthorized charges track disputed transactions ensure appropriate resolution submit requests refunds fully partially unused tickets holder applicable contract centrally billed account


Summary: Directs the United States Customs and Border Protection to liquidate or reliquidate certain entries of large newspaper printing presses and components thereof.

directs united_states_customs border protection liquidate reliquidate certain entries large newspaper printing components thereof


Summary: OLC Reporting Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to require the Attorney General to report to Congress on any instance in which the Attorney General or any officer of the Department of Justice (DOJ) issues an authoritative legal interpretation of any provision of a federal statute that: (1) concludes that the provision is unconstitutional or would be unconstitutional in a particular application; (2) relies for its conclusion on a determination that any other interpretation would raise constitutional concerns under article II of the Constitution or separation of powers principles; (3) relies for its conclusion on a legal presumption against applying the provision to the executive branch or any member thereof; or (4) concludes the provision has been superseded or deprived of effect by a subsequently enacted statute where there is no express statutory language stating an intent to do so. Provides for the protection of privileged and classified information contained in a report by the Attorney General on the enforcement of laws.

reporting act amends federal judicial code require attorney general report congress instance attorney general officer department_of_justice doj issues authoritative legal interpretation provision federal statute concludes provision unconstitutional unconstitutional particular application relies conclusion determination interpretation raise constitutional concerns article constitution separation powers principles relies conclusion legal presumption applying provision executive branch member thereof concludes provision superseded effect subsequently enacted statute express statutory language stating intent provides protection privileged classified information contained report attorney general enforcement laws


Summary: 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.

spending reform act amends congressional budget act require concurrent budget resolution include discretionary spending limit successive fiscal years sets forth points order consideration legislation congress currently senate exceed fiscal year discretionary spending limit established recent concurrent budget resolution fiscal year currently balanced_budget deficit control act gramm rudman hollings act makes point order inapplicable declaration war congress effect sets forth points orders consideration certain concurrent budget resolutions establishes discretionary spending limit fy2010 number set forth fy2010 budget resolution permits waivers suspension requirements successful appeals rulings chair affirmative vote fifths senate establishes review report congress efficiency public need federal agency recommending abolishment reorganization provides relocation federal employees agency abolished requires comptroller general director congressional_budget_office cbo cooperation director congressional_research_service crs inventory federal programs advise assist congress commission carrying requirements establishes joint_select_committee earmark reform sets forth point order consideration legislation containing congressional earmark limited tax tariff benefit establishes securing_america examine long term fiscal challenges facing united_states develop legislation designed address specified issues authorizes president house senate_budget_committees propose alternative legislation requires long term cbo cost estimate proposals published congressional_record


Summary: Federal Customer Service Enhancement Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop: (1) performance measures to determine whether federal agencies are providing high quality customer service; and (2) standards to be met by federal agencies to provide high quality customer service.Requires the head of each agency to: (1) collect information from its customers regarding the quality of its of customer services; and (2) include this information in its performance report to the President and Congress. Requires the Director to report annually on the success of federal agencies in meeting the customer service performance measures and standards.Requires the head of each agency to designate an employee as its customer relations representative to be responsible for implementing customer service standards.Directs the Comptroller General to submit to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs a report analyzing the information reported by agencies on the quality of customer service. Requires such report to include: (1) whether agencies are implementing the customer service standards; (2) whether there is an increase in overall quality in customer service; and (3) any recommendations the Comptroller General may have to improve performance measures and standards for customer service. Authorizes the report to be used by Congress and the Director to update performance measures for customer service.Authorizes the head of a federal agency to establish an awards program to pay a cash award to employees for demonstrated excellence in customer service.

enhancement act requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb develop performance measures determine federal agencies providing high quality customer service standards met federal agencies provide high quality customer service requires head agency collect information customers quality customer services include information performance report president congress requires director report annually success federal agencies meeting customer service performance measures standards requires head agency designate employee customer relations representative responsible implementing customer service standards directs comptroller general submit house_committee_on_oversight_and_government_reform senate_committee_on_homeland_security governmental_affairs report analyzing information reported agencies quality customer service requires report include agencies implementing customer service standards increase overall quality customer service recommendations comptroller general improve performance measures standards customer service authorizes report congress director update performance measures customer service authorizes head federal agency establish awards program pay cash award employees demonstrated excellence customer service


Summary: Pursuit of International Education (PIE) Act of 2009 - Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Department of the Treasury to implement, administer, or enforce regulations to require specific licenses for travel-related transactions directly related to educational activities in Cuba.

act prohibits use funds available department_of_the_treasury implement administer enforce regulations require specific licenses travel related transactions directly related educational activities cuba


Summary: Federal Sunset Act of 2009 - Establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to: (1) submit to Congress a schedule for review by the Commission, at least once every 12 years, of the abolishment or reorganization of each agency; (2) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency using specified criteria; (3) recommend whether each agency should be abolished or reorganized; and (4) report to Congress on all legislation introduced that would establish a new agency or a new program to be carried out by an existing agency. Requires the abolishment of any agency within one year of the Commission's review, unless the agency is reauthorized by Congress. Authorizes the deadline for abolishing an agency to be extended for an additional two years by legislation enacted by a super majority of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 2033. Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS), to prepare an inventory of federal programs within each agency for the purpose of advising and assisting Congress and the Commission in carrying out the requirements of this Act.

federal sunset act establishes submit congress schedule review commission years abolishment reorganization agency review evaluate efficiency public need agency specified criteria recommend agency abolished reorganized report congress legislation introduced establish new agency new program carried existing agency requires abolishment agency year commission review agency reauthorized congress authorizes deadline abolishing agency extended additional years legislation enacted super majority house_of_representatives senate terminates commission december directs comptroller_general director congressional_budget_office cooperation director congressional_research_service crs prepare inventory federal programs agency purpose advising assisting congress commission carrying requirements act


Summary: Government Reform Act of 2009- Establishes a Government Reform Commission to: (1) examine the current configuration of executive agencies and investigate their duties and responsibilities; (2) review agency operational jurisdictions to determine whether areas of overlap exist and whether the mission of any agency has become obsolete; (3) review and report to the President and Congress on existing Government Accountability Office (GAO), Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and Inspector General reports, together with any other existing governmental and nongovernmental recommendations, including those offered by the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control, for reducing waste in executive agencies; (4) submit to the President and Congress a proposed reorganization plan which shall provide for the realignment or closure of executive agencies to reduce duplication of services and increase productivity; and (5) transmit a copy of the plan to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), who shall issue a public report detailing the predicted savings in federal expenditures that would result from implementing such plan. Sets forth separate provisions for presidential and congressional consideration of and actions on the proposed reorganization plan.

government reform act establishes government reform commission examine current configuration executive agencies investigate duties responsibilities review agency operational jurisdictions determine areas overlap exist mission agency obsolete review report president congress existing government_accountability_office gao congressional_budget_office cbo inspector_general reports existing governmental nongovernmental recommendations including offered president private sector survey cost control reducing waste executive agencies submit president congress proposed reorganization plan shall provide realignment closure executive agencies reduce duplication services increase productivity transmit copy plan director office_of_management_and_budget omb shall issue public report detailing predicted savings federal expenditures result implementing plan sets forth separate provisions presidential congressional consideration actions proposed reorganization plan


Summary: Federal Efficiency and Performance Act of 2009 - Requires the President to recommend to Congress, with proposed legislation, which existing federal programs and agencies should be modernized, consolidated, reprioritized, and where necessary, terminated in order to: (1) reduce federal expenditures; (2) increase efficiency and effectiveness of government operations; (3) eliminate overlap and duplication in federal programs and offices; (4) terminate agencies, programs, and activities that no longer serve an important governmental purpose; and (5) identify reductions in amounts of discretionary budget authority or direct spending that can be dedicated to federal deficit reduction.

requires president recommend congress proposed legislation existing federal programs agencies modernized consolidated necessary terminated order reduce federal expenditures increase efficiency effectiveness government operations eliminate overlap duplication federal programs offices terminate agencies programs activities longer serve important governmental purpose identify reductions amounts discretionary budget authority direct spending dedicated federal deficit reduction


Summary: Federal Agency Performance Review and Efficiency Act - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to make it the principal duty and responsibility of each Inspector General to review, annually, the operations, efficiency, and effectiveness of federal programs within his or her entity and submit annually to Congress and the President recommendations, accompanied by proposed legislation, on whether an abolishment, reorganization, consolidation, or transfer of existing federal programs and agencies is necessary to: (1) reduce federal expenditures; (2) increase efficiency of government operations; (3) eliminate overlap and duplication in federal programs and offices; (4) abolish agencies or programs that no longer serve an important governmental purpose; and (5) identify reductions in amounts of discretionary budget authority or direct spending that can be dedicated to federal deficit reduction.

efficiency act amends inspector general act principal duty responsibility inspector general review annually operations efficiency effectiveness federal programs entity submit annually congress president recommendations accompanied proposed legislation abolishment reorganization consolidation transfer existing federal programs agencies necessary reduce federal expenditures increase efficiency government operations eliminate overlap duplication federal programs offices abolish agencies programs longer serve important governmental purpose identify reductions amounts discretionary budget authority direct spending dedicated federal deficit reduction


Summary: Strategic Communication Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of State to solicit from tax-exempt national security and foreign policy research organizations offers to establish a Center for Strategic Communication, and select one organization to establish such Center. Includes among Center duties: (1) provision of information and analysis to the Department of State, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Director of National Intelligence on U.S. security and foreign policy issues; (2) development of U.S. communications strategies and monitoring techniques; (3) support of government-wide strategic communication through services provided on a cost-recovery basis; (4) contracting with private sector and academic entities; and (5) mobilization of nongovernment initiatives.

strategic communication act directs secretary state solicit tax exempt national security foreign policy research organizations offers establish select organization establish center includes center duties provision information analysis department_of_state department_of_defense dod department_of_justice department_of_homeland_security dhs director national_intelligence security foreign policy issues development communications strategies monitoring techniques support government wide strategic communication services provided cost recovery basis contracting private sector academic entities mobilization nongovernment initiatives


Summary: Public Retiree's Investment Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee eligible investments, or reguarantee a guarantee of eligible investments, by any public pension bank capital infusion fund mutually owned by state and local pension plans for the sole purpose of investing in preferred stocks of U.S. banking institutions. Requires each public pension plan with a mutual ownership interest in a capital infusion fund to be authorized by state law to establish, or participate in the formation of, a wholly owned mutual fund or a limited liability corporation, in the case of joint ownership with other public pension plans. Caps the maximum amount of investments by such such a capital infusion fund at $50 billion. Restricts eligible investments to those in the preferred stock of a qualifying financial institution under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) Capital Purchase Program established under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA).

public retiree investment act authorizes secretary treasury guarantee eligible investments guarantee eligible investments public pension bank capital infusion fund mutually owned state local pension plans sole purpose investing preferred stocks banking institutions requires public pension plan mutual ownership interest capital infusion fund authorized state law establish participate formation wholly owned mutual fund limited liability corporation case joint ownership public pension plans caps maximum investments capital infusion fund billion restricts eligible investments preferred stock qualifying financial institution troubled_asset_relief_program tarp capital purchase program established emergency_economic_stabilization_act eesa


Summary: Plain Writing Act of 2010 - Requires the head of each executive agency to: (1) designate one or more senior officials within the agency to oversee the agency's implementation of this Act; (2) communicate this Act's requirements to the agency's employees; (3) train agency employees in "plain writing" (defined as writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience); (4) establish a process for overseeing the agency's ongoing compliance with this Act's requirements; (5) create and maintain a plain writing section of the agency's website that shall inform the public of agency compliance with the requirements of this Act, provide a mechanism for the agency to receive and respond to public input on agency implementation and agency reports required under this Act, and be accessible from its homepage; and (6) designate one or more agency points-of-contact to receive and respond to public input on the implementation of this Act. Requires each agency, by one year after enactment, to use plain writing in every covered document of the agency that the agency issues or substantially revises. Defines "covered document" to: (1) mean any document that is necessary for obtaining any federal benefit or service or filing taxes, that provides information about any federal benefit or service, or that explains to the public how to comply with a requirement the federal government administers or enforces; (2) include (whether in paper or electronic form) a letter, publication, form, notice, or instruction; and (3) exclude a regulation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), by six months after enactment, to develop and issue guidance on implementing the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Director to designate a lead agency and to use interagency working groups to assist in developing and issuing the guidance. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) an interim guidance; (2) initial and annual compliance reports; and (3) judicial review and enforceability. Requires the budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, to be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

plain writing act requires head executive agency designate senior officials agency oversee agency implementation act communicate act requirements agency employees train agency employees plain writing defined writing clear concise organized follows best practices appropriate subject field intended audience establish process overseeing agency ongoing compliance act requirements create maintain plain writing section agency website shall inform public agency compliance requirements act provide mechanism agency receive respond public input agency implementation agency reports required act accessible homepage designate agency points contact receive respond public input implementation act requires agency year enactment use plain writing covered document agency agency issues substantially revises defines covered document mean document necessary obtaining federal benefit service filing taxes provides information federal benefit service explains public comply requirement federal government administers enforces include paper electronic form letter publication form notice instruction exclude regulation requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb months enactment develop issue guidance implementing requirements act authorizes director designate lead agency use interagency working groups assist developing issuing guidance sets forth provisions interim guidance initial annual compliance reports judicial review enforceability requires budgetary effects act purpose complying statutory pay act determined reference latest statement titled budgetary effects paygo legislation act submitted printing congressional_record chairman house_budget_committee provided statement submitted prior vote passage


Summary: Federal Agency Program Realignment and Closure Act - Establishes the Federal Agency Program Realignment and Closure Commission to: (1) evaluate each executive agency and its programs; and (2) submit to the President and Congress a list of the agencies and programs it recommends eliminating or realigning. Requires the Commission to recommend that an agency or program be: (1) realigned where a function performed by two or more agencies or programs can be consolidated; (2) eliminated if it performs a function that is also provided by a state or that would be more efficient if performed at the state level; or (3) eliminated if it performs a function that can be more efficiently performed by a private entity.

closure act establishes evaluate executive agency programs submit president congress list agencies programs recommends eliminating requires commission recommend agency program realigned function performed agencies programs consolidated eliminated performs function provided state efficient performed state level eliminated performs function efficiently performed private entity


Summary: FEMA Independence Act of 2009 - Title I: Establishment of Federal Emergency Management Agency - (Sec. 101) Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires FEMA to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall report directly to the President. Provides for a Deputy Administrator and Assistant Administrators. Directs that there be 10 Regional Offices within FEMA, each headed by a Regional Administrator. Requires each Regional Administrator to establish a Regional Advisory Council. Provides for the establishment of Area Offices for the Pacific, the Caribbean, and Alaska. (Sec. 103) Directs the Administrator to provide the federal leadership necessary to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate hazards and to assist the President in carrying out functions under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act). Tasks the Administrator with carrying out FEMA's mission by leading and supporting the nation in a comprehensive emergency management system of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Requires the Administrator to: (1) prepare and implement federal plans and programs for continuity of operations, continuity of government, and continuity of plans; and (2) coordinate the implementation of an all-hazards strategy. (Sec. 104) Requires FEMA to have an Office of Inspector General. (Sec. 105) Transfers to the Administrator: (1) all functions of FEMA as constituted on January 1, 2009; (2) functions relating to the Stafford Act and other laws; and (3) any function to be transferred to FEMA under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. Sets forth other provisions regarding transfer of authorities and a transition period. Directs the Administrator to establish a liaison office within FEMA to ensure adequate coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (Sec. 106) Sets forth provisions regarding personnel compensation, and experts and consultants, delegation of functions, reorganization, and transfers and allocation of appropriations and personnel. (Sec. 108) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to maintain the existing Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Cybersecurity and Communications in DHS. Removes emergency management functions from the National Operations Center in DHS. Specifies that the DHS operations center shall not be provided any authority that overlaps with FEMA, except to the extent necessary to coordinate activities or information with FEMA. Specifies the homeland security role of the Chief Medical Officer of DHS. Repeals HSA provisions relating to FEMA. (Sec. 109) Makes changes to the Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program by removing the preparedness and response elements transferred into FEMA. (Sec. 110) Amends HSA to: (1) provide that the role of the DHS Secretary may not be construed to interfere with the role of the Administrator of FEMA; (2) replace references to the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response with references to the Administrator of FEMA ; (3) repeal provisions regarding the Office of Domestic Preparedness; (4) require the DHS Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate with the FEMA Administrator on matters related to public health emergencies; and (5) add the FEMA Administrator to the membership of the National Homeland Security Advisory Council. (Sec. 111) Amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to remove references to DHS and replace references to the DHS Secretary with references to the FEMA Administrator. (Sec. 112) Amends the Chief Financial Officers Act to reflect the addition of a Chief Financial Officer at FEMA. (Sec. 113) Directs the President to amend Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8, and any other similar administrative document to reflect the changes made by this Act. (Sec. 114) Directs the Administrator to: (1) prepare recommended legislation containing additional technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made by this title; and (2) submit to Congress a report containing the recommended legislation. Title II: Related Matters - (Sec. 201) Directs the FEMA Administrator to maintain a National Advisory Council to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for hazards and to advise the Administrator on all aspects of emergency management. (Sec. 202) Establishes within FEMA a National Integration Center, through which the Administrator shall ensure ongoing management and maintenance of the National Incident Management System and the National Response Plan. Directs the Administrator to ensure that the National Response Plan provides for a clear chain of command to lead and coordinate the federal response to any hazard. Abolishes the position of Principal Federal Official. (Sec. 203) Directs the Administrator to continue to implement a memorandum of understanding with the administrators of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, state, local, and tribal governments, and organizations that represent emergency response providers to collaborate on developing standards for deployment capabilities, including for credentialing and typing of incident management personnel, emergency response providers, and other personnel and resources likely needed to respond to a hazard. Directors the Administrator to provide the standards developed, including detailed written guidance, to: (1) each federal agency that has responsibilities under the National Response Plan to aid such agencies with credentialing and typing incident management personnel, emergency response providers, and other personnel and resources likely needed to respond to a hazard; and (2) state, local, and tribal governments to aid such governments with credentialing and typing of state, local, and tribal incident management personnel, emergency response providers and other personnel and resources likely needed to respond to a hazard. Directs the Administrator to provide expertise and technical assistance. Requires each federal agency with responsibilities under the National Response Plan to ensure that incident management personnel, emergency response providers, and other personnel and resources likely needed to respond to a hazard are credentialed or typed in accordance with this section. (Sec. 204) Directs the Administrator to appoint in FEMA a Disability Coordinator to ensure that the needs of individuals with disabilities are being properly addressed in emergency preparedness and disaster relief. (Sec. 205) Requires the Nuclear Incident Response Team, at the Administrator's discretion and in connection with an actual or threatened terrorist attack, major disaster, or other emergency in the United States, to operate as an organizational unit of FEMA. (Sec. 206) Amends the Stafford Act to direct the Administrator to establish an urban area all hazards preparedness grant program. Makes the 100 most populous metropolitan statistical areas eligible to receive a grant. Allows the Administrator to consider additional urban areas for grants. Sets forth notification, information, and application requirements. Directs the Administrator to allocate funds to each state in which an urban area selected to receive a grant award is located based on the population of, and the relative risk of any hazard faced by, each eligible urban area. Authorizes the Administrator to provide each area with a minimum allocation. Requires the state, within 45 days of a state receiving a grant, to provide each urban area awarded a grant not less than 80% of the award amount for such area. Requires any funds retained by a state to be expended on items, services, or activities related to emergency preparedness that benefit such urban area for activities deemed to enhance the preparedness of an urban area for a hazard, including: (1) planning; (2) purchase and maintenance of equipment; (3) training; (4) exercises; and (5) management and administration. Requires the Administrator to issue regulations to implement the urban area all hazards preparedness grant program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2012.

fema independence act title establishment federal emergency management agency sec reestablishes federal_emergency_management_agency fema cabinet level independent establishment executive branch requires fema headed administrator appointed president advice consent senate shall report directly president provides deputy administrator assistant administrators directs regional offices fema headed regional administrator requires regional administrator establish provides establishment caribbean alaska sec directs administrator provide federal leadership necessary prepare respond recover mitigate hazards assist president carrying functions robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance act tasks administrator carrying fema mission leading supporting nation comprehensive emergency management system mitigation preparedness response recovery requires administrator prepare implement federal plans programs continuity operations continuity government continuity plans coordinate implementation hazards strategy sec requires fema office_of_inspector_general sec transfers administrator functions fema constituted january functions relating stafford act laws function transferred fema reform act sets forth provisions transfer authorities transition period directs administrator establish liaison office fema ensure adequate coordination department_of_homeland_security dhs sec sets forth provisions personnel compensation experts consultants delegation functions reorganization transfers allocation appropriations personnel sec amends homeland security act hsa maintain existing assistant secretary homeland_security dhs removes emergency management functions dhs specifies dhs operations center shall provided authority fema extent necessary coordinate activities information fema specifies homeland security role chief medical officer dhs repeals hsa provisions relating fema sec makes changes urban_area_security_initiative state homeland security grant program removing preparedness response elements transferred fema sec amends hsa provide role dhs secretary construed interfere role administrator fema replace references secretary emergency preparedness response references administrator fema repeal provisions require dhs secretary secretary health_and_human_services hhs coordinate fema administrator matters related public health emergencies add fema administrator membership sec amends post-katrina_emergency_management_reform_act remove references dhs replace references dhs secretary references fema administrator sec amends chief financial officers act reflect addition chief financial officer fema sec directs president amend homeland_security presidential homeland_security presidential similar administrative document reflect changes act sec directs administrator prepare recommended legislation containing additional technical conforming amendments reflect changes title submit congress report containing recommended legislation title related matters sec directs fema administrator maintain national_advisory_council ensure effective ongoing coordination federal preparedness response recovery mitigation hazards advise administrator aspects emergency management sec establishes fema administrator shall ensure ongoing management maintenance national response plan directs administrator ensure national response plan provides clear chain command lead coordinate federal response hazard abolishes position sec directs administrator continue implement memorandum understanding administrators state local tribal governments organizations represent emergency response providers collaborate developing standards deployment capabilities including credentialing incident management personnel emergency response providers personnel resources likely needed respond hazard directors administrator provide standards developed including detailed written guidance federal agency responsibilities national response plan aid agencies credentialing incident management personnel emergency response providers personnel resources likely needed respond hazard state local tribal governments aid governments credentialing state local tribal incident management personnel emergency response providers personnel resources likely needed respond hazard directs administrator provide expertise technical assistance requires federal agency responsibilities national response plan ensure incident management personnel emergency response providers personnel resources likely needed respond hazard credentialed accordance section sec directs administrator appoint fema disability coordinator ensure needs individuals disabilities properly addressed emergency preparedness disaster relief sec requires nuclear incident response team administrator discretion connection actual threatened terrorist attack major disaster emergency united_states operate organizational unit fema sec amends stafford act direct administrator establish urban area hazards preparedness grant program makes metropolitan statistical areas eligible receive grant allows administrator consider additional urban areas grants sets forth notification information application requirements directs administrator allocate funds state urban area selected receive grant award located based population relative risk hazard faced eligible urban area authorizes administrator provide area minimum allocation requires state days state receiving grant provide urban area awarded grant award area requires funds retained state expended items services activities related emergency preparedness benefit urban area activities deemed enhance preparedness urban area hazard including planning purchase maintenance equipment training exercises management administration requires administrator issue regulations implement urban area hazards preparedness grant program authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2012


Summary: Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to extend the regulatory jurisdiction of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to audit reports prepared by a domestic registered or foreign public accounting firm regarding issuers, brokers and dealers, and any companies subject to securities laws (currently only issuers and public companies). Directs the Board to: (1) establish standards for independence to be used by a registered public accounting firm; and (2) conduct annual inspections to assess compliance of each registered public accounting firm that regularly provides audit reports for more than 100 brokers and dealers. Declares it shall be unlawful for any person that is suspended or barred from being associated with a registered public accounting firm to willfully become, or remain associated with any broker or dealer (as well as, under current law, any issuer) in an accountancy or financial management capacity. Prescribes a formula for mandatory allocation among non-issuer brokers and dealers of accounting support fees due from them to fund the budget of the Board. Authorizes the Board to: (1) refer an investigation to a self-regulatory organization if the investigation concerns an audit report for a broker or dealer subject to the organization's jurisdiction; and (2) make available to the organization documents or information related to such an investigation or an inspection.

amends sarbanes oxley act extend regulatory jurisdiction public_company_accounting_oversight_board audit reports prepared domestic registered foreign public accounting firm issuers brokers dealers companies subject securities laws currently issuers public companies directs board establish standards independence registered public accounting firm conduct annual inspections assess compliance registered public accounting firm regularly provides audit reports brokers dealers declares shall unlawful person suspended barred associated registered public accounting firm willfully remain associated broker dealer current law issuer financial management capacity prescribes formula mandatory allocation non issuer brokers dealers accounting support fees fund budget board authorizes board refer investigation self regulatory organization investigation concerns audit report broker dealer subject organization jurisdiction available organization documents information related investigation inspection


Summary: Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2010 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) to require appointments to advisory committees to be made without regard to political affiliation or activity, unless otherwise required by federal statute. Directs the head of an agency, prior to appointing members to an advisory committee, to give interested persons an opportunity to suggest potential committee members. Directs the agency to: (1) include a request for comments in the required notice regarding establishment of the advisory committee; (2) provide a mechanism for interested persons to comment through the agency's official website; and (3) consider any comments submitted in selecting members. Requires an individual appointed to an advisory committee who is not a full-time or permanent part-time officer or employee of the federal government to be designated as: (1) a special government employee if the individual is providing advice based on the individual's expertise or experience; or (2) a representative if the individual is representing the views of an entity or entities outside of the federal government. Prohibits an agency from designating committee members as representatives to avoid subjecting them to federal ethics rules and requirements. Requires the designated ethics official for each agency to: (1) determine whether each agency advisory committee member's designation is appropriate and to redesignate members if necessary; and (2) certify to the agency head that such determination has been made following the initial appointment of members and at the time a committee's charter is renewed (or, in the case of a committee with an indefinite charter, every two years). Directs the agency head to: (1) inform each individual appointed to an agency advisory committee about whether the individual is appointed as a special government employee or as a representative, the differences between the two, and applicable ethics requirements; and (2) obtain a signed confirmation that each member received such information. Requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to provide guidance to agencies on such ethics requirements. Directs the agency head to develop and implement strategies to minimize the need for written determinations regarding whether an employee's financial interest is likely to affect the integrity of the services which the government may expect from such employee. Requires the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations to implement FACA. (Sec. 3) Deems: (1) an individual who is not a full-time or permanent part-time officer or employee of the federal government to be a member of an advisory committee if the individual regularly attends and participates in committee meetings, even if the individual does not have the right to vote; and (2) an advisory committee to be established by an agency or the President if it is formed, created, or organized under contract, other transactional authority, cooperative agreement, grant, or otherwise at the request or direction of an agency or the President. (Sec. 4) Requires the head of an agency to which an advisory committee reports to make available on the agency's official public Internet site: (1) the committee's charter; (2) the process used to establish and appoint committee members; (3) specified information about current members, including special government employees for whom conflict of interest certifications were made; (4) information about any recusals from any meeting or other work of the committee; (5) a summary each committee's decision-making process; (6) transcripts or recordings of committee meetings; (7) determinations to close meetings; and (8) notices of future meetings. Requires the Administrator to provide electronic access to such information on the General Services Administration's (GSA's) Internet site. Expands the information required to be disclosed about advisory committee charters. (Sec. 5) Requires the Comptroller General to review and report on agency compliance with FACA. (Sec. 6) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to specify the applicability of FACA provisions to trade advisory committees.

federal advisory committee act amendments sec amends federal_advisory_committee act faca require appointments advisory committees regard political affiliation activity required federal statute directs head agency prior appointing members advisory committee interested persons opportunity suggest potential committee members directs agency include request comments required notice establishment advisory committee provide mechanism interested persons comment agency official website consider comments submitted selecting members requires individual appointed advisory committee time permanent time officer employee federal government designated special government employee individual providing advice based individual expertise experience representative individual representing views entity entities outside federal government prohibits agency designating committee members representatives avoid subjecting federal ethics rules requirements requires designated ethics official agency determine agency advisory committee member designation appropriate redesignate members necessary certify agency head determination following initial appointment members time committee charter renewed case committee indefinite charter years directs agency head inform individual appointed agency advisory committee individual appointed special government employee representative differences applicable ethics requirements obtain signed confirmation member received information requires director office_of_government_ethics provide guidance agencies ethics requirements directs agency head develop implement strategies minimize need written determinations employee financial interest likely affect integrity services government expect employee requires administrator general_services promulgate regulations implement faca sec deems individual time permanent time officer employee federal government member advisory committee individual regularly attends participates committee meetings individual right vote advisory committee established agency president formed created organized contract transactional authority cooperative agreement grant request direction agency president sec requires head agency advisory committee reports available agency official public internet site committee charter process establish appoint committee members specified information current members including special government employees conflict interest certifications information meeting work committee summary committee decision making process transcripts recordings committee meetings determinations close meetings notices future meetings requires administrator provide electronic access information general_services_administration gsa internet site expands information required disclosed advisory committee charters sec requires comptroller general review report agency compliance faca sec amends trade act specify applicability faca provisions trade advisory committees


Summary: Reducing Information Control Designations Act - Requires each federal agency to reduce and minimize its use of information control designations on information that is not classified. Defines such designations to mean information dissemination controls that are not defined by federal statute or executive order relating to the classification of national security information and that are used to manage, direct, or route information or to control the accessibility of information, regardless of its form or format. Requires the Archivist of the United States to promulgate regulations to address: (1) standards for the use of such designations to maximize public access to information; (2) the process for removing such designations; (3) procedures for identifying and tracking designated information; (4) provisions to minimize the use of such designations, to prevent misuse, and prevent use to improperly interfere with competition in the private sector; and (5) a requirement for agencies to establish a process for individuals and the public to challenge the use of such designations and penalties for repeated failures to comply with designation policies. Requires the head of each federal agency to: (1) implement the regulations promulgated by the Archivist to encourage information sharing; and (2) ensure that such designations do not determine public disclosure requirements under the Freedom of Information Act.Requires the Inspector General of each federal agency to randomly audit and report to Congress on unclassified information with such designations to determine compliance. Directs the Archivist to: (1) require personal identifiers and agency affiliations of individuals applying such designations: (2) require training of such individuals; and (3) implement a program to detail federal employees to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to train such employees. Terminates such detail program on December 31, 2012.Requires promulgation of final regulations and implementation of this Act's requirements within 24 months.

federal agency reduce minimize use information control designations information classified defines designations mean information dissemination controls defined federal statute executive order relating classification national security information manage direct route information control accessibility information regardless form format requires archivist united_states promulgate regulations address standards use designations maximize public access information process removing designations procedures identifying tracking designated information provisions minimize use designations prevent misuse prevent use improperly interfere competition private sector requirement agencies establish process individuals public challenge use designations penalties repeated failures comply designation policies requires head federal agency implement regulations promulgated archivist encourage information sharing ensure designations determine public disclosure requirements freedom information act requires inspector general federal agency randomly audit report congress unclassified information designations determine compliance directs archivist require personal identifiers agency affiliations individuals applying designations require training individuals implement program detail federal employees national_archives_and_records_administration nara train employees terminates detail program december promulgation final regulations implementation act requirements months


Summary: Federal Accounting Oversight Board Act of 2009 - Establishes the Federal Accounting Oversight Board (FAOB) to approve and oversee accounting principles and standards for purposes of the federal financial regulatory agencies and the reporting requirements they require. Directs the FAOB to report annually to Congress, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and the International Accounting Standards Board on the principles and standards it has reviewed and approved Amends the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to transfer standard body oversight authority from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the FAOB.

act establishes approve oversee accounting principles standards purposes federal financial regulatory agencies reporting requirements require directs report annually congress principles standards reviewed approved amends securities act securities_exchange_act transfer standard body oversight authority securities_and_exchange_commission sec


Summary: Electronic Message Preservation Act - (Sec. 2) Requires the Archivist of the United States to promulgate regulations governing federal agency preservation of electronic messages that are federal records and to periodically review and amend, as necessary, such regulations. Requires such regulations to: (1) require the electronic capture, management, and preservation of such electronic records in accordance with the Federal Records Act; (2) require such records to be retrievable through electronic searches; (3) establish mandatory minimum functional requirements for electronic records management systems and a process to certify federal agency compliance with such requirements; (4) include timelines for federal agency compliance; and (5) include requirements for the capture, management, and preservation of other electronic records. Requires agency and Archivist reports on agency compliance with such regulations. (Sec. 3) Requires the Archivist to: (1) establish standards for the management of electronic presidential records during a President's term of office, including records management controls necessary for the capture, management, and preservation of electronic messages and for ensuring that electronic messages are readily accessible for retrieval through electronic searches; (2) certify annually whether electronic records management controls established by a President meet the requirements of the Presidential Records Act; and (3) report annually to specified congressional committees on the status of such certification. Requires the Archivist to report to Congress on: (1) the volume and format of electronic presidential records deposited into the archival depository; and (2) whether the electronic records management controls of a President meet the requirements of this Act and the Presidential Records Act. (Sec. 4) Directs the Archivist to prescribe internal procedures to prevent the unauthorized removal of classified records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) or the destruction or damage of such records, including when such records are accessed electronically. Requires such procedures to: (1) apply to all NARA facilities authorized to store classified records; (2) prohibit any person, other than covered personnel, from viewing classified records in any room that is not secure, except in the presence of NARA personnel or under video surveillance, from being left alone with classified records unless under video surveillance, or from conducting any review of classified records while in the possession of any personal communication device; (3) require all persons seeking access to classified records to consent to a search of their belongings upon conclusion of their records review; and (4) require all writings prepared by persons, other than covered personnel, during the course of a review of classified records to be retained by NARA in a secure facility until such writings are determined to be unclassified, are declassified, or are securely transferred to another secure facility. Defines "covered personnel" to mean any individual who: (1) has an appropriate and necessary reason for accessing classified records, as determined by the Archivist; and (2) is either an officer or employee of the federal government with appropriate security clearances or a person with appropriate security clearances of a federal contractor authorized in writing to act for purposes of this section by a federal officer or employee. (Sec. 5) Prohibits the Archivist from making available any original presidential records to anyone claiming access to any such record as a designated representative of a former President if that individual has been convicted of a crime relating to the review, retention, removal, or destruction of records of the Archives. (Sec. 6) Requires the budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, to be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" submitted for this Act.

electronic message preservation act sec requires archivist united_states promulgate regulations governing federal agency preservation electronic messages federal records periodically review amend necessary regulations requires regulations require electronic capture management preservation electronic records accordance require records retrievable electronic searches establish mandatory minimum functional requirements electronic records management systems process certify federal agency compliance requirements include timelines federal agency compliance include requirements capture management preservation electronic records requires agency archivist reports agency compliance regulations sec requires archivist establish standards management electronic presidential records president term office including records management controls necessary capture management preservation electronic messages ensuring electronic messages readily accessible retrieval electronic searches certify annually electronic records management controls established president meet requirements presidential_records_act report annually specified congressional committees status certification requires archivist report congress volume format electronic presidential records deposited archival depository electronic records management controls president meet requirements act presidential_records_act sec directs archivist prescribe internal procedures prevent unauthorized removal classified records national_archives_and_records_administration nara destruction damage records including records accessed electronically requires procedures apply nara facilities authorized store classified records prohibit person covered personnel viewing classified records room secure presence nara personnel video surveillance left classified records video surveillance conducting review classified records possession personal communication device require persons seeking access classified records consent search conclusion records review require prepared persons covered personnel course review classified records retained nara secure facility determined unclassified declassified securely transferred secure facility defines covered personnel mean individual appropriate necessary reason accessing classified records determined archivist officer employee federal government appropriate security clearances person appropriate security clearances federal contractor authorized writing act purposes section federal officer employee sec prohibits archivist making available original presidential records claiming access record designated representative president individual convicted crime relating review retention removal destruction records archives sec requires budgetary effects act purpose complying statutory pay act determined reference latest statement titled budgetary effects paygo legislation submitted act


Summary: Multilingual Services Accounting Act - Requires federal agency Chief Financial Officers to include multilingual services accounting information in their mandatory annual reports to the agency head and to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Defines multilingual services to include: (1) services provided by interpreters hired by an agency; (2) services resulting in additional expenses which an agency provides to assist its employees or contractors to learn a non-English language; (3) agency preparation, translation, printing, or recordation of materials in a language other than English; and (4) services provided or performed for the federal government by agency employees or contractors that require speaking a non-English language that result in wage differentials or benefits provided by the agency. Requires the OMB Director's annual financial management status report to certain congressional committees to contain a Multilingual Services Expenses Report that includes: (1) a summary and analysis of the multilingual services accounting information prepared by each agency Chief Financial Officer; and (2) a description of any changes to the existing financial management structure of the federal government needed to establish an integrated individual agency accounting of all multilingual services conducted by each agency. Requires the OMB Director to issue guidance that an agency Chief Financial Officer must follow in compiling multilingual services accounting information.

federal agency chief financial officers include multilingual services accounting information mandatory annual reports agency head director office_of_management_and_budget omb defines multilingual services include services provided interpreters hired agency services resulting additional expenses agency provides assist employees contractors learn non-english language agency preparation translation printing recordation materials language english services provided performed federal government agency employees contractors require speaking non-english language result wage differentials benefits provided agency requires omb director annual financial management status report certain congressional committees contain includes summary analysis multilingual services accounting information prepared agency chief financial officer description changes existing financial management structure federal government needed establish integrated individual agency accounting multilingual services conducted agency requires omb director issue guidance agency chief financial officer follow compiling multilingual services accounting information


Summary: Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Accountability Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should establish government-wide strategic and performance plans; and (2) each federal agency head should consult with the congressional committees with jurisdiction over the agency at the beginning of each Congress regarding the agency's performance plan. Requires each agency head to: (1) conduct an assessment of each agency program at least once every five fiscal years; (2) determine how assessment information can help save taxpayers money; (3) develop a plan for merging programs with duplicative missions; (3) identify program best practices for allocating resources; and (4) determine program performance levels and ways to improve low performance. Requires assessment results and resulting agency actions to be submitted in a report to Congress at the same time the President submits the annual federal budget. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) develop a government-wide system to cross reference programs within each agency to make programs more effective and efficient; (2) provide notice of, and an opportunity for public comment on, each program to be assessed; and (3) develop a process for controlling the quality of program assessment data and certify the quality of such data. Changes: (1) the date by which the heads of each federal agency are required to submit strategic plans for program activities to September 30 of each year following a presidential election; and (2) the period of coverage for strategic plans from five to four years.

government efficiency effectiveness accountability act expresses sense congress president establish government wide strategic performance plans federal agency head consult congressional committees jurisdiction agency beginning congress agency performance plan requires agency head conduct assessment agency program fiscal years determine assessment information help save taxpayers money develop plan merging programs duplicative missions identify program best practices allocating resources determine program performance levels ways improve low performance requires assessment results resulting agency actions submitted report congress time president submits annual federal budget requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb develop government wide system cross reference programs agency programs effective efficient provide notice opportunity public comment program assessed develop process controlling quality program assessment data certify quality data changes date heads federal agency required submit strategic plans program activities september year following presidential election period coverage strategic plans years