Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on December 7, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill reauthorizes the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007 (Emmett Till Act) and expands the responsibilities of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to include the investigation and prosecution of criminal civil rights statutes violations that occurred before 1980 and resulted in a death. (Currently, Emmett Till Act investigations are limited to violations that occurred before 1970.)

The bill expresses the sense of Congress that all authorities with jurisdiction should: (1) meet regularly with civil rights organizations, institutions of higher education, and DOJ-designated entities to coordinate information sharing and discuss the status of DOJ's Emmett Till Act work; (2) support the full accounting of all victims whose deaths or disappearances were the result of racially motivated crimes; (3) hold accountable under federal and state law individuals who were perpetrators of, or accomplices in, unsolved civil rights murders and disappearances; (4) keep families regularly informed about the status of the investigations; and (5) expeditiously comply with Freedom of Information Act requests and develop a singular, publicly accessible repository of these disclosed documents.

In investigating a complaint, DOJ may coordinate activities with entities that DOJ determines to be appropriate.

DOJ may reopen and review cases closed without an in-person investigation conducted by DOJ or the FBI.

DOJ must hold meetings with the Civil Rights Division, the FBI, the Community Relations Service, civil rights organizations, institutions of higher education, DOJ-designated entities, and state and local law enforcement to discuss the status of its Emmett Till Act work.

In an annual report to Congress, DOJ must indicate:

 the number of cases referred by a civil rights organization, an institution of higher education, or a state or local law enforcement agency; the number of such cases that resulted in federal charges; the date any such charges were filed; whether DOJ has declined to prosecute or participate in an investigation of a referred case; the outreach, collaboration, and support for investigations and prosecutions of violations of criminal civil rights statutes, including murders and disappearances; and any activity on reopened cases. The Community Relations Service must provide technical assistance by bringing together law enforcement agencies and communities to address tensions raised by civil rights era crimes.

measure amended passed house december summary version repeated emmett till unsolved civil rights crimes reauthorization act sec bill reauthorizes emmett till unsolved civil rights crime act expands responsibilities department_of_justice doj federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi include investigation prosecution criminal civil rights statutes violations occurred resulted death currently investigations limited violations occurred bill expresses sense congress authorities jurisdiction meet regularly civil rights organizations institutions higher education doj designated entities coordinate information sharing discuss status doj work support accounting victims deaths result motivated crimes hold accountable federal state law individuals perpetrators unsolved civil rights murders families regularly informed status investigations expeditiously comply requests develop publicly accessible repository disclosed documents investigating complaint doj coordinate activities entities doj determines appropriate doj reopen review cases closed person investigation conducted doj fbi doj hold meetings fbi civil rights organizations institutions higher education doj designated entities state local law enforcement discuss status emmett till act work annual report congress doj indicate number cases referred civil rights organization institution higher education state local law enforcement agency number cases resulted federal charges date charges filed doj declined prosecute participate investigation referred case outreach collaboration support investigations prosecutions violations criminal civil rights statutes including murders activity reopened cases provide technical assistance bringing law enforcement agencies communities address tensions raised civil rights era crimes


Summary:
Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2016

This bill prohibits sexual orientation or gender identity conversion therapy from being provided in exchange for monetary compensation. It bars advertisements for such therapy that claim to: (1) change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, (2) eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender, or (3) be harmless or without risk.

These prohibitions are inapplicable to practices or treatments that do not seek to change sexual orientation or gender identity if they provide: (1) assistance to an individual undergoing a gender transition; or (2) acceptance, support, and understanding of clients or facilitation of clients' coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, including sexual orientation-neutral interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices.

The Federal Trade Commission and states are provided authority to enforce against violations.

therapeutic fraud prevention act bill prohibits sexual orientation gender identity conversion therapy provided exchange monetary compensation bars advertisements therapy claim change individual sexual orientation gender identity eliminate reduce sexual individuals gender harmless risk prohibitions inapplicable practices treatments seek change sexual orientation gender identity provide assistance individual undergoing gender transition acceptance support understanding clients facilitation clients coping social support identity exploration development including sexual orientation neutral interventions prevent address unlawful conduct unsafe sexual practices federal_trade_commission states provided authority enforce violations


Summary:
Survivors' Access to Supportive Care Act or SASCA

This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants for state surveys concerning health care provider access for sexual assault forensic examination services.

HHS must establish a continuing and clinical education pilot program for medical examiners of survivors of sexual assault.

HHS must establish a SASCA Task Force to: (1) review data concerning those examiners; and (2) assist and standardize state-level efforts in improving medical forensic evidence collection relating to sexual assault.

Each institution of higher education that receives federal funds must publish its plan for ensuring access to sexual assault medical forensic examinations and treatments. Those institutions must also, to the extent practicable, ensure that students have access to such examinations.

The bill amends the Public Health Service Act by requiring HHS to establish: (1) a demonstration grant program for equipping new providers with the clinical training necessary to establish and maintain competency in sexual assault forensic examiner and sexual assault nurse examiner services; and (2) a center that provides technical assistance to states and health care providers for increasing the quality of, and access to, sexual assault examinations.

HHS must convene state and hospital regional learning collectives to assist health care providers and states in sharing best practices, discussing practices, and improving the quality of, and access to, sexual assault examinations.

survivors access supportive care act bill authorizes department_of_health_and_human_services hhs award grants state surveys concerning health care provider access sexual assault forensic examination services hhs establish continuing clinical education pilot program medical examiners survivors sexual assault hhs establish review data concerning examiners assist standardize state level efforts improving medical forensic evidence collection relating sexual assault institution higher education receives federal funds publish plan ensuring access sexual assault medical forensic examinations treatments institutions extent practicable ensure students access examinations bill amends public_health_service_act requiring hhs establish demonstration grant program equipping new providers clinical training necessary establish maintain competency sexual assault forensic examiner sexual assault nurse examiner services center provides technical assistance states health care providers increasing quality access sexual assault examinations hhs convene state hospital regional learning assist health care providers states sharing best practices discussing practices improving quality access sexual assault examinations


Summary:
Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission Act

This bill establishes a Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission to develop and execute programs and activities to commemorate the centennial of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which prohibits the federal government and states from denying U.S. citizens the right to vote on account of sex.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

act bill establishes women centennial commission develop execute programs activities commemorate centennial passage ratification amendment prohibits federal government states denying citizens right vote account sex


Summary:
LGBT Data Inclusion Act

This bill requires federal agencies that collect information through a survey that includes demographic data (where subjects self-report information or a proxy provides information about the subject or responds for all persons in a household) to establish data standards that require:

 a determination of which existing data sets exclude information about sexual orientation and gender identity; an identification, and a use, of appropriate methods to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity in surveys that facilitate categorization and voluntary participation and that preserve privacy and confidentiality; and a routine assessment of needed changes in survey methods related to asking such questions. Agencies that publish reports relying on survey demographic data must include information on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Individuals shall not be: (1) required by this bill to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to an agency; or (2) subjected to fines or penalties for refusing to answer, or providing a false answer to, any survey question regarding gender identity or sexual orientation.

Nothing in this bill shall be construed to permit the use of such collected information in a manner that would adversely affect an individual.

inclusion act bill requires federal agencies collect information survey includes demographic data subjects self report information proxy provides information subject responds persons household establish data standards require determination existing data sets exclude information sexual orientation gender identity identification use appropriate methods include questions sexual orientation gender identity surveys facilitate categorization voluntary participation preserve privacy confidentiality routine assessment needed changes survey methods related asking questions agencies publish reports relying survey demographic data include information sexual orientation gender identity individuals shall required bill disclose sexual orientation gender identity agency subjected fines penalties refusing answer providing false answer survey question gender identity sexual orientation bill shall construed permit use collected information manner adversely affect individual


Summary:
Patsy T. Mink Gender Equity in Education Act of 2016

This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish an Office for Gender Equity to support state and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and elementary and secondary schools in fully implementing title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities. The office may provide grants and perform activities to reduce or prevent discrimination, bias, harassment, or violence based on actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions or stereotypes in all areas of education.

The office must: (1) provide technical assistance and annual training to title IX coordinators, and (2) develop a handbook for conducting self-evaluations of title IX compliance. The training must address "compound discrimination" (defined as discrimination based on sex and other characteristics, including race, ethnicity, national origin, disability status, religion, or age).

The office may award grants to educational entities and partnerships to:

 train students, teachers, faculty, and personnel; increase campus resources, facilities, and course offerings; support title IX coordinators in performing outreach, advocacy, and education; identify patterns or systemic problems in title IX compliance; strengthen prevention education and awareness programs; conduct campus climate and victimization surveys; identify gender inequities; and improve data collection and reporting of gender equity indicators from academic assessments, civil rights data, campus data, employment data, attendance and absenteeism data, or title IX coordinator-to-student ratios. ED must coordinate with the Institute of Education Sciences and other federal offices and entities to investigate, identify, and disseminate best practices to: (1) reduce and prevent sex stereotyping, bias, and discrimination in curricula and educational materials; (2) address sex-based harassment and violence on campuses; (3) develop counseling and career guidance training; (4) mitigate implicit bias in teaching and discipline; and (5) address the needs of students who face compound discrimination.

gender equity education act bill requires establish support state local educational agencies institutions higher education elementary secondary schools fully implementing title education_amendments prohibits discrimination basis sex federally funded education programs activities office provide grants perform activities reduce prevent discrimination bias harassment violence based actual perceived sex sexual orientation gender gender identity pregnancy childbirth related medical conditions stereotypes areas education office provide technical assistance annual training title coordinators develop handbook conducting self evaluations title compliance training address compound discrimination defined discrimination based sex characteristics including race ethnicity national origin disability status religion age office award grants educational entities partnerships train students teachers faculty personnel increase campus resources facilities course offerings support title coordinators performing outreach advocacy education identify patterns systemic problems title compliance strengthen prevention education awareness programs conduct campus climate victimization surveys identify gender inequities improve data collection reporting gender equity indicators academic assessments civil rights data campus data employment data attendance data title coordinator student ratios coordinate institute_of_education_sciences federal offices entities investigate identify disseminate best practices reduce prevent sex bias discrimination curricula educational materials address sex based harassment violence campuses develop counseling career guidance training mitigate implicit bias teaching discipline address needs students face compound discrimination


Summary:
Combating Sexual Harassment in Housing Act

This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to identify certain unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in or around a dwelling that is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to constitute a discriminatory housing practice based on hostile environment sexual harassment. Such conduct consists of: (1) an unwelcome sexual advance, including groping or touching; (2) an unwelcome request for sexual favors; or (3) any other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is intended to be coercive, threatening, or intimidating.

combating sexual harassment housing act bill amends fair housing act identify certain conduct sexual nature dwelling sufficiently severe pervasive constitute discriminatory housing practice based hostile environment sexual harassment conduct consists sexual advance including request sexual favors verbal physical conduct sexual nature intended coercive threatening intimidating


Summary:
Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing Act

This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to identify certain unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in or around a dwelling that is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to constitute a discriminatory housing practice based on hostile environment sexual harassment. Such conduct consists of: (1) an unwelcome touching of a sexual nature or groping; or (2) any other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is intended to be coercive, threatening, or intimidating.

housing act bill amends fair housing act identify certain conduct sexual nature dwelling sufficiently severe pervasive constitute discriminatory housing practice based hostile environment sexual harassment conduct consists sexual nature conduct sexual nature intended coercive threatening intimidating


Summary:
Enhancing Military and Police Operations through Women's Engagement and Recruitment Act of 2016

This bill requires the Department of State, in coordination with the Department of Defense (DOD), to seek to increase the participation of women receiving training under the International Military Education and Training program at U.S. military schools and training institutions, with the goal of doubling female participation globally by September 30, 2019.

The State Department shall seek to increase the participation of women receiving training under its Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) programs, with the goal of doubling the total women receiving such training by September 30, 2019, and make explicit in its mandate for ATA programs its priority to increase women's participation.

State shall work with partner countries receiving peacekeeping training assistance to: (1) prioritize the integration, training, and deployment of qualified female peacekeepers in peace operations; (2) prioritize the employment, development, and integration of female peacekeeping trainers; and (3) double the number of qualified women deployed to peace operations within five years.

State also shall:

 promote an increase in the recruitment, retention, and leadership roles of female personnel assigned to United Nations peacekeeping missions; establish female participation requirements for its police training programs and work with partner countries to ensure that women account for at least 10% of nominees for U.S.-funded police training programs; make explicit its priority to increase women's participation in the design and implementation of all police training programs; develop a plan for the monitoring and independent evaluation of programs, projects, and activities carried out under this bill; and designate officials to brief Congress regarding actions taken under this Act.

recruitment act bill requires department_of_state coordination department_of_defense dod seek increase participation women receiving training international_military_education training program military schools training institutions goal doubling female participation globally september state_department shall seek increase participation women receiving training anti terrorism assistance programs goal doubling total women receiving training september explicit mandate programs priority increase women participation state shall work partner countries receiving peacekeeping training assistance prioritize integration training deployment qualified female peace operations prioritize employment development integration female peacekeeping trainers double number qualified women deployed peace operations years state shall promote increase recruitment retention leadership roles female personnel assigned united_nations peacekeeping missions establish female participation requirements police training programs work partner countries ensure women account nominees police training programs explicit priority increase women participation design implementation police training programs develop plan monitoring independent evaluation programs projects activities carried bill designate officials brief congress actions taken act


Summary:
This bill amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to establish a procedure to prohibit pro se criminal defendants (defendants representing themselves without a lawyer) accused of sexual assault of a minor under age 18 from cross-examining the minor.

Upon application by the prosecutor, the minor, or the minor's representative, the defendant is prohibited from conducting such a cross-examination unless the court finds that it is necessitated by exceptional circumstances to protect the defendant's constitutional rights. The cross-examination of the minor shall instead be conducted by an attorney for the defendant under the court's supervision.

bill amends federal_rules_of_evidence establish procedure prohibit pro criminal defendants defendants representing lawyer accused sexual assault minor age cross examining minor application prosecutor minor minor representative defendant prohibited conducting cross examination court finds necessitated exceptional circumstances protect defendant constitutional rights cross examination minor shall instead conducted attorney defendant court supervision


Summary: Intercountry Adoption Reform Act of 2007 or the ICARE Act - Establishes an Office of Intercountry Adoptions within the Department of State to be headed by the Ambassador at Large for Intercountry Adoptions. Transfers to the Office all functions with respect to intercountry adoptions currently performed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise: (1) conditions for automatic citizenship for children born outside the United States, including for adopted children; and (2) requirements concerning the history of parents' physical presence in the United States or its possessions. Defines the term "full and final adoption." Prescribes procedural requirements for the adoption of foreign-born children by U.S. citizens.Establishes a nonimmigrant W-visa for an adoptable child coming into the United States for adoption by a U.S. citizen and spouse or by an unmarried U.S. Citizen at least 25 years of age who has been approved by the Office of International Adoption of the Department of State. Sets forth the period of authorized admission for such a nonimmigrant.Exempts adopted children of 18 years of age or younger (currently, 10 years of age or younger) from immunization requirements.Redefines the term "adoptable child."Requires U.S. Citizen adoptive parents to obtain approval of an adoption petition prior to issuance of a visa or a full and final adoption decree. Subjects such petitions to the terms applicable to orphan petitions. Directs the Secretary of State to issue regulations: (1) establishing an expedited reapproval process for families whose prior approvals to adopt have expired; and (2) governing the appeal of petition denials.Prescribes procedural requirements for the issuance of a visa and a full and final adoption decree for foreign-born children, including requirements for the Ambassador to: (1) determine whether a child is an adoptable child; and (2) work with the competent authorities of the child's country of residence to establish a process for the exchange and approval of a certification that the child sought to be adopted meets the definition of an adoptable child.Requires the Secretary to issue a final decision regarding the child's eligibility as an adoptable child within 30 days. Allows an appeal.Provides for civil penalties and enforcement.

intercountry adoption reform act act establishes department_of_state headed ambassador transfers office functions respect intercountry adoptions currently performed department_of_homeland_security dhs amends immigration nationality act revise conditions automatic citizenship children born outside united_states including adopted children requirements concerning history parents physical presence united_states possessions defines term final adoption prescribes procedural requirements adoption foreign born children citizens establishes nonimmigrant visa child coming united_states adoption citizen spouse unmarried citizen years age approved sets forth period authorized admission nonimmigrant exempts adopted children years age younger currently years age younger immunization requirements redefines term child citizen adoptive parents obtain approval adoption petition prior issuance visa final adoption decree subjects petitions terms applicable orphan petitions directs secretary state issue regulations establishing expedited process families prior approvals adopt expired governing appeal petition denials prescribes procedural requirements issuance visa final adoption decree foreign born children including requirements ambassador determine child child work competent authorities child country residence establish process exchange approval certification child sought adopted meets definition child requires secretary issue final decision child eligibility child days allows appeal provides civil penalties enforcement


Summary: Federal Customer Service Enhancement Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to prescribe guidance that establishes best practices to: (1) ensure that federal agencies are providing high quality customer service; and (2) monitor customer service quality at federal agencies. Requires customer service standards to take into account: (1) existing agency standards; (2) information collected from agency customers; and (3) approaches for government-wide citizen contact actions described in the Citizens Service Levels Interagency Committee Report by the General Services Administration (GSA) or any subsequent report. Requires the Director to: (1) prescribe guidance governing the implementation or updating of customer service standards and performance measures of agencies using such best practices and any specific customer service related principles applicable to individual agencies; and (2) issue an annual report on the success of agencies in meeting the standards for each of the five years after the date of enactment. Requires each agency to: (1) implement standards and performance measures required by this Act; (2) submit information OMB may require on its customer service in relation to such standards and measures; and (3) ensure that standards are continuously improved and that appropriate contact information regarding customer service inquiries is available. Requires the standards to be publicly available on the website of each agency. Directs the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) whether agencies are implementing the customer service standards; (2) whether there is an increase in overall quality in customer service; and (3) recommendations 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 a program to pay cash awards to employees for demonstrated excellence in customer service.

enhancement act requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb prescribe guidance establishes best practices ensure federal agencies providing high quality customer service monitor customer service quality federal agencies requires customer service standards account existing agency standards information collected agency customers approaches government wide citizen contact actions described general_services_administration gsa subsequent report requires director prescribe guidance governing implementation updating customer service standards performance measures agencies best practices specific customer service related principles applicable individual agencies issue annual report success agencies meeting standards years date enactment requires agency implement standards performance measures required act submit information omb require customer service relation standards measures ensure standards continuously improved appropriate contact information customer service inquiries available requires standards publicly available website agency directs comptroller general report specified congressional committees agencies implementing customer service standards increase overall quality customer service recommendations improve performance measures standards customer service authorizes report congress director update performance measures customer service authorizes head federal agency establish program pay cash awards employees demonstrated excellence customer service


Summary: Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending Act, or CORE Spending Act - Establishes the Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending to examine the long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and develop legislation designed to address them. Authorizes the President and the House or Senate Budget Committee to submit alternatives to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare a long-term cost estimate of legislation proposed under this Act or a related amendment, and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible.

commission reforming entitlement spending act core spending act establishes commission reforming entitlement spending examine long term fiscal challenges facing united_states develop legislation designed address authorizes president house submit alternatives legislative proposal submitted commission requires director congressional_budget_office cbo prepare long term cost estimate legislation proposed act related amendment published congressional_record expeditiously possible


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to provide for a person appointed as U.S. attorney to serve until the earlier of: (1) the qualification of a U.S. attorney for such district appointed by the President (as under current law); or (2) the expiration of 120 days after appointment by the Attorney General. Authorizes the U.S. district court for the particular district, if such a 120-day temporary appointment expires, to appoint a U.S. attorney to serve until the vacancy is filled. States that this Act is the exclusive means for appointing a person to perform temporarily the functions of a U.S. attorney for a district in which the office of a U.S. attorney is vacant.

amends federal judicial code provide person appointed attorney serve earlier qualification attorney district appointed president current law expiration days appointment attorney general authorizes district court particular district day temporary appointment expires appoint attorney serve vacancy filled states act exclusive means appointing person perform temporarily functions attorney district office attorney vacant


Summary: Earmark Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 - Prohibits a federal agency from obligating funds made available in an appropriation Act or other Act to implement an earmark that is included in a congressional report accompanying such legislation, unless the earmark is also included in the Act.

accountability act prohibits federal agency obligating funds available appropriation act act implement earmark included congressional report accompanying legislation earmark included act


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 and the heads of designated federal entities to communicate to Congress in writing the reasons for removing or transferring an IG no later than 30 days before such removal or transfer.(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. Limits the total increase in pay to such IGs for any pay adjustments made before FY2013. Prohibits: (1) the pay of such an IG from being less than the average total compensation of the senior level executives of that entity calculated on an annual basis; or (2) the pay of specified career federal employees, not including any bonus or performance award, from being reduced as a result of being appointed to the position of Inspector General.(Sec. 5) Prohibits IGs from receiving cash awards or bonuses.(Sec. 6) Requires each IG to: (1) appoint a Counsel to the IG; (2) obtain the services of a counsel appointed by and directly reporting to another IG on a reimbursable basis; or (3) obtain the services of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency's staff 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.Authorizes the Council to: (1) establish in the Treasury a revolving fund to be called the Inspectors General Council Fund; or (2) enter into an arrangement with a department or agency to use an existing revolving fund. Authorizes such Fund to be used to implement the Council's functions and duties and to maintain training academies.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 Board for review; and (2) Executive Order 12805, dated May 11, 1992, and Executive Order 12993, dated March 21, 1996, shall have no force or effect beginning on the earlier of the date on which the Council becomes operational or 180 days after this Act's enactment. Requires the Council to be operational no later than 180 days after this Act's enactment. 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. Makes conforming changes to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2008 and repeals provisions that require each Office of Inspector General to provide a website service to allow an individual to request automatic receipt of related information and receive its electronic transmittal or notice of its availability without further request.(Sec. 14) Considers each IG office to be a separate federal agency.Provides that the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration may provide physical security for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees but shall not be responsible for protecting the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

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 communicate congress writing reasons removing transferring later days removal sets pay presidentially appointed igs executive schedule iii plus requires igs designated federal entities classified grade level rank designation majority senior level executives entity limits total increase pay igs pay adjustments fy2013 prohibits pay average total compensation senior level executives entity calculated annual basis pay specified career federal employees including bonus performance award reduced result appointed position prohibits igs receiving cash awards requires appoint counsel obtain services counsel appointed directly reporting reimbursable basis obtain services council_of_the_inspectors_general_on_integrity_and_efficiency staff 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 authorizes council establish treasury revolving fund called enter arrangement department agency use existing revolving fund authorizes fund implement council functions duties maintain training academies 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 merit_systems_protection_board review executive order dated executive order dated march shall force effect beginning earlier date council operational days act enactment requires council operational later days act enactment 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 investigation makes conforming changes financial_services general government appropriations act repeals provisions require office_of_inspector_general provide website service allow individual request automatic receipt related information receive electronic transmittal notice availability considers office separate federal agency provides treasury inspector general provide physical security internal_revenue_service irs employees shall responsible protecting commissioner internal_revenue


Summary: Executive Branch Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require recording and filing by each executive branch official with the Office of Government Ethics on any significant contact made between that official and any private party relating to an official government action. Outlines the authorities and responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Government Ethics with regard to such reports. Provides for penalties and fines. Sets prohibitions on covered executive branch officials who are entering or leaving government service. Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to: (1) prohibit a former federal agency contracting official from accepting compensation from a contractor as a lawyer or lobbyist of the contractor within a specified time frame; (2) prohibit former federal officials from accepting compensation from contractors if it is either a reward or if the acceptance of the compensation is inappropriate and affects the integrity of the procurement process; (3) require federal procurement officers to disclose job offers made on behalf of relatives; and (4) prohibit a federal employee who is a former employee of a contractor with the government from being personally and substantially involved with the award or administration of a contract to the employee's former employer for a specified period. Sets a prohibition on unauthorized expenditure of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes. Requires an advertisement or other communication paid for by an executive agency to disclose that such advertisement or communication is paid for by that agency. Directs each federal agency to submit to the Archivist of the United States and specified congressional committees a report describing the use of "pseudo" classification designations. Requires the Archivist to report on the use of such designations and promulgate regulations banning them. Defines "'pseudo' classification designations" as information control designations that are not defined by federal statute or Executive order relating to the classification of national security information but that are used to manage, direct, or route government information, or control its accessibility, regardless of its form or format.

executive amends ethics government act require recording filing executive branch official office_of_government_ethics significant contact official private party relating official government action outlines authorities responsibilities director office_of_government_ethics regard reports provides penalties fines sets prohibitions covered executive branch officials entering leaving government service amends office_of_federal_procurement_policy_act prohibit federal agency contracting official accepting compensation contractor lawyer lobbyist contractor specified time frame prohibit federal officials accepting compensation contractors reward acceptance compensation inappropriate affects integrity procurement process require federal procurement officers disclose job offers behalf relatives prohibit federal employee employee contractor government personally substantially involved award administration contract employee employer specified period sets prohibition unauthorized expenditure funds publicity propaganda purposes requires advertisement communication paid executive agency disclose advertisement communication paid agency directs federal agency submit archivist united_states specified congressional committees report describing use classification designations requires archivist report use designations promulgate regulations banning defines classification designations information control designations defined federal statute executive order relating classification national security information manage direct route government information control accessibility regardless form format


Summary: Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Presidential Records Act to require the Archivist of the United States, when making available any presidential record not previously made available publicly, to: (1) promptly provide written notice of such determination to the former President during whose term of office the record was created and the incumbent President; and (2) make the notice available to the public. Requires such a record to be made available upon the expiration of the 20-day period (excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) beginning on the date the Archivist provides notice, except any record with respect to which the Archivist receives notification of a claim of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure from a former or incumbent President. Authorizes a former or an incumbent President to extend the period for not more than 20 additional days by filing with the Archivist a statement that such an extension is necessary to allow an adequate review of the record. Provides that if the period, or any extension of that period, would otherwise expire after January 19 and before July 20 of the year in which the incumbent President first takes office, then such period or extension shall expire on July 20 of that year. Requires: (1) any claim of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure to be asserted personally by a former or incumbent President; and (2) a former or incumbent President to notify the Archivist and specified Congressional committees of a privilege claim on the same day that the claim is asserted. Prohibits the Archivist from making publicly available a presidential record that is subject to a privilege claim asserted by a former President until the expiration of the 20-day period beginning on the date the Archivist is notified of the claim. Requires the Archivist, upon the expiration of such period, to make the record publicly available unless otherwise directed by a court order in an action initiated by the former President. Prohibits the Archivist from making publicly available a presidential record that is subject to a privilege claim asserted by the incumbent President unless: (1) the incumbent President withdraws the privilege claim; or (2) the Archivist is otherwise directed by a final court order that is not subject to appeal. Makes this provision inapplicable with respect to any presidential record required to be made available: (1) pursuant to a subpoena or other judicial process issued by a court for purposes of a civil or criminal investigation; or (2) to either House of Congress because such records contain information needed for the conduct of business that is otherwise not available. Directs the Archivist to adjust any otherwise applicable time period as necessary to comply with the return date of any congressional subpoena, judicial subpoena, or judicial process. Prohibits the Archivist from making available any original presidential records to anyone claiming access to them as a designated representative of a President or former President if that individual has been convicted of a crime relating to the review, removal, or destruction of the Archives' records. (Sec. 3) Provides that Executive Order number 13233, dated November 1, 2001 (establishing a process for review of presidential records and assertion of privilege claims) shall have no force or effect.

presidential records act amendments sec amends presidential records act require archivist united_states making available presidential record previously available publicly promptly provide written notice determination president term office record created incumbent president notice available public requires record available expiration day period excepting legal public holidays beginning date archivist provides notice record respect archivist receives notification claim constitutionally based privilege disclosure incumbent president authorizes incumbent president extend period additional days filing archivist statement extension necessary allow adequate review record provides period extension period expire january july year incumbent president takes office period extension shall expire july year requires claim constitutionally based privilege disclosure asserted personally incumbent president incumbent president notify archivist specified congressional committees privilege claim day claim asserted prohibits archivist making publicly available presidential record subject privilege claim asserted president expiration day period beginning date archivist notified claim requires archivist expiration period record publicly available directed court order action initiated president prohibits archivist making publicly available presidential record subject privilege claim asserted incumbent president incumbent president withdraws privilege claim archivist directed final court order subject appeal makes provision inapplicable respect presidential record required available pursuant subpoena judicial process issued court purposes civil criminal investigation house congress records contain information needed conduct business available directs archivist adjust applicable time period necessary comply return date congressional subpoena judicial subpoena judicial process prohibits archivist making available original presidential records claiming access designated representative president president individual convicted crime relating review removal destruction archives records sec provides executive order number dated november establishing process review presidential records assertion privilege claims shall force effect


Summary: Photo Identification Security Act - Restricts the forms of individual identification that may be accepted by the federal government or by financial institutions to the following: (1) a Social Security card accompanied by a photo identification card issued by the federal or a state government; (2) a driver's license or identification card issued by a state that is in compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005; (3) a passport issued by the United States or a foreign government; and (4) a photo identification card issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security (acting through the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

forms individual identification accepted federal government financial institutions following social_security card accompanied photo identification card issued federal state government driver license identification card issued state compliance real act passport issued united_states foreign government photo identification card issued secretary homeland_security acting director united_states citizenship_and_immigration_services


Summary: Government Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2007 - 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: Congressional Commission on Civic Service Act - Establishes the Congressional Commission on Civic Service to make recommendations to Congress for: (1) improving the ability of individuals to serve others; (2) training leaders in public service organizations to better utilize individuals committed to national service and volunteerism as they manage human and fiscal resources; (3) identifying solutions to the barriers that make it difficult for some individuals to volunteer or perform national service; and (4) building on the foundation of current service and volunteer opportunities. Specifies topics to be addressed by the Commission, including deterrents to service, a mandatory service requirement, and the need for a public service academy.

congressional_commission civic service act establishes congressional_commission recommendations congress improving ability individuals serve training leaders public service organizations better utilize individuals committed national service volunteerism manage human fiscal resources identifying solutions barriers difficult individuals volunteer perform national service building foundation current service volunteer opportunities specifies topics addressed commission including service mandatory service requirement need public service academy


Summary: Contractor Accountability Act - Requires the head of each federal agency to annually report to Congress on each covered contract or order awarded or issued by the agency during the year. Requires the report to contain: (1) a certification that the agency has exercised oversight over each contract or order sufficient to ensure that each contractor is fulfilling the obligations specified; and (2) a list of the names of each contractor found to not be fulfilling its obligations.Requires each report to be publicly available on the agency's website. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on agency compliance.

contractor accountability act requires head federal agency annually report congress covered contract order awarded issued agency year requires report contain certification agency exercised oversight contract order sufficient ensure contractor fulfilling obligations specified list names contractor found fulfilling obligations requires report publicly available agency website requires comptroller general report congress agency compliance


Summary: Government Reform Act of 2007 - 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: Government Contact Act - Requires each executive agency to include: (1) its address and phone number on any agency stationery; and (2) the address and phone number of the regional or local office on the stationery in the case of correspondence originating from such office. Provides for exceptions where compliance would not be in national security interests.

government contact act requires executive agency include address phone number agency address phone number regional local office case correspondence originating office provides exceptions compliance national security interests


Summary: Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies Act - Establishes the Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies to: (1) evaluate executive agencies and their programs; and (2) submit to Congress a plan recommending agencies and programs that should be realigned or eliminated and proposing implementing legislation. Requires the Commission to recommend: (1) realignment where a function performed by two or more agencies or programs can be consolidated; (2) realignment or elimination of any agency or program that has wasted federal funds; and (3) elimination of any agency or program that has completed its purpose, become irrelevant, or failed to meet objectives.

commission evaluate executive agencies programs submit congress plan recommending agencies programs realigned eliminated proposing implementing legislation requires commission recommend realignment function performed agencies programs consolidated realignment elimination agency program wasted federal funds elimination agency program completed purpose irrelevant failed meet objectives


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to contract with an independent reviewing authority to review the efficiency and effectiveness of operations at all headquarters offices of the Department of Agriculture's Rural Development office and its Natural Resources Conservation Service, including: (1) the headquarters offices in Washington, DC; and (2) all state offices. Prohibits the Secretary from merging any county Rural Development office with a county office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any county office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service with a county Rural Development office before the later of: (1) the date on which the Secretary determines that each headquarters office has implemented the recommendations contained in the report required under this Act; or (2) October 1, 2008.

directs secretary agriculture contract independent reviewing authority review efficiency effectiveness operations headquarters offices department_of_agriculture rural_development office natural_resources_conservation_service including headquarters offices washington state offices prohibits secretary merging county rural_development office county office natural_resources_conservation_service county office natural_resources_conservation_service county rural_development office later date secretary determines headquarters office implemented recommendations contained report required act october


Summary: Prohibits the designation of any agency, bureau, or other entity of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a separate agency or bureau for purposes of post employment restrictions on communications with DHS personnel.

prohibits designation agency bureau entity department_of_homeland_security dhs separate agency bureau purposes post employment restrictions communications dhs personnel


Summary: Congressional Commission on the Abolition of Modern-Day Slavery Act - Defines "modern-day slavery." Establishes a congressional Commission on the Abolition of Modern-day Slavery which shall: (1) study matters relating to modern-day slavery; (2) review programs of relevant governmental agencies; (3) examine efforts by foreign countries and multilateral organizations to combat modern-day slavery; and (4) convene additional experts from nongovernmental organizations as part of the Commission's review. States that the Commission shall: (1) advise Congress on how the United States could support efforts to eradicate modern-day slavery; (2) evaluate comparative strategies to prevent modern-day slavery, rescue and rehabilitate its victims, and prosecute traffickers and increase accountability within countries; (3) examine the economic impact on communities and countries that demonstrate measured success in fighting modern-day slavery; (4) evaluate the effectiveness of U.S. laws prohibiting the importation of goods produced through forced labor or child labor; (5) evaluate U.S. trade policy's effect on modern slavery, including a list of the 10 countries with the highest number of slaves within their borders; and (6) evaluate U.S. government procurement policies regarding slave-made goods or services. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of a report required under this Act.

congressional_commission slavery act defines modern day slavery establishes congressional commission abolition modern day slavery shall study matters relating modern day slavery review programs relevant governmental agencies examine efforts foreign countries multilateral organizations combat modern day slavery convene additional experts nongovernmental organizations commission review states commission shall advise congress united_states support efforts eradicate modern day slavery evaluate comparative strategies prevent modern day slavery rescue rehabilitate victims prosecute traffickers increase accountability countries examine economic impact communities countries demonstrate measured success fighting modern day slavery evaluate effectiveness laws prohibiting importation goods produced forced labor child labor evaluate trade policy effect modern slavery including list countries highest number borders evaluate government procurement policies goods services terminates commission days submission report required act


Summary: Government Accountability Office Act of 2007 - 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: Community Broadband Act of 2007 - Prohibits any state or local government statute, regulation, or other legal requirement from having the effect of prohibiting any public provider from providing advanced communications capability to any person or any public or private entity. Defines "public provider" as a state or a political subdivision or instrumentality thereof or any entity owned, controlled, or otherwise affiliated with a state, subdivision, or instrumentality. Prohibits a public provider from granting any regulatory preference to itself or to any provider it owns or is affiliated with. Requires, subject to exception, a public provider, before it provides advanced communications capability or services, to publish notice and provide local citizens and private-sector entities with an opportunity to be heard.

community broadband act prohibits state local government statute regulation legal requirement having effect prohibiting public provider providing advanced communications capability person public private entity defines public provider state political subdivision instrumentality thereof entity owned controlled affiliated state subdivision instrumentality prohibits public provider granting regulatory preference provider owns affiliated requires subject exception public provider provides advanced communications capability services publish notice provide local citizens private sector entities opportunity heard


Summary: Surgeon General Independence Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add as requirements for appointment as Surgeon General that an individual be: (1) a licensed physician; and (2) nominated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Regular Corps to submit to the Secretary and the President a list of six qualified nominees to fill any vacancy in the Surgeon General position. Prohibits an individual from serving more than three full terms as Surgeon General.Allows the President to remove a Surgeon General during a term only for cause. Requires the Secretary to provide a written explanation of such a removal to the relevant congressional committees. Directs the Surgeon General, under the supervision and direction of the Secretary, to administer the Office of the Surgeon General, the Regular Corps, and the Reserve Corps. Requires the Surgeon General to submit to the President an annual budget estimate for the Office of the Surgeon General, after reasonable opportunity for comment (but without change) by the Secretary.Gives the Surgeon General authority to hire and terminate employees of and consultants to the Office of the Surgeon General without obtaining approval or clearance. Directs the Surgeon General to: (1) issue reports, calls to action, and other communications on matters of importance to the health of the American people; and (2) submit to Congress and make publicly available an annual report on the state of the nation's health. Gives the Secretary the exclusive authority to disapprove the issuance of a report, call to action, or other communication proposed by the Surgeon General.

surgeon general public_health_service_act add requirements appointment surgeon general individual licensed physician nominated secretary health_and_human_services requires regular_corps submit secretary president list qualified nominees fill vacancy surgeon general position prohibits individual serving terms surgeon general allows president remove surgeon general term cause requires secretary provide written explanation removal relevant congressional committees directs supervision direction secretary administer office_of_the_surgeon_general regular_corps requires surgeon general submit president annual budget estimate office_of_the_surgeon_general reasonable opportunity comment change secretary gives surgeon general authority hire terminate employees consultants office_of_the_surgeon_general obtaining approval clearance directs surgeon general issue reports calls action communications matters importance health american people submit congress publicly available annual report state nation health gives secretary exclusive authority disapprove issuance report action communication proposed


Summary: Wounded Warriors Commission Implementation Act of 2007 - Outlines Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) roles with respect to the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members). Eliminates the 30% required disability rating before a member may be retired for disability. Qualifies each member retired for a disability to a lifetime payment based on the member's rank and years of military service. Authorizes transition payments to members retired due to combat-related injuries. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay annual bonuses to veterans enrolled in approved rehabilitation programs. Directs the Secretary to pay to members retired due to combat-related injuries: (1) quality-of-life payments to members not receiving transition payments; and (2) earnings-loss payments to members who received, but are no longer qualified for, transition payments. Presumes post-traumatic stress disorder to be service-connected, and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation provisions. Provides extended benefits under TRICARE (a DOD managed care program) for the primary caregivers of members who incur a serious injury or illness while on active duty. Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle to 26 workweeks of leave per year an employee who is the primary caregiver of a member who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is in medical hold or holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list for a serious injury or illness.

implementation act dod department_of_veterans_affairs roles respect retirement disability members armed_forces members eliminates required disability rating member retired disability qualifies member retired disability lifetime payment based member rank years military service authorizes transition payments members retired combat related injuries directs secretary veterans_affairs pay annual bonuses veterans enrolled approved rehabilitation programs directs secretary pay members retired combat related injuries quality life payments members receiving transition payments earnings loss payments members received longer qualified transition payments presumes post traumatic stress disorder service connected compensable veterans disability compensation provisions provides extended benefits tricare dod managed care program primary caregivers members incur injury illness active duty amends family medical leave act entitle workweeks leave year employee primary caregiver member undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy medical hold holdover status temporary disability retired list injury illness


Summary: United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act - Establishes the United States Commission on an Open Society with Security to study how the government may provide for both security in, and public access to, federal buildings and other federal property and sites.

united_states_commission open society security act establishes united_states_commission open society security study government provide security public access federal buildings federal property sites


Summary: Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Requires each executive agency, within one year, to: (1) use plain language in any covered document issued or substantially revised after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) use the English language in covered documents when appropriate. Authorizes agencies to: (1) use plain language in any revision of a covered document issued on or before such date; and (2) follow the guidance of the Plain English Handbook published by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Plain Language Guidelines, or their own plain language guidance as long as it is consistent with such Handbook, Guidelines, and the Comptroller General's recommendations. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) prohibit the use of a language other than English; (2) limit the preservation or use of Native Alaskan or Native American languages; (3) disparage any language or discourage any person from learning or using a language; (4) affect protections regarding language access; or (5) be inconsistent with the Constitution.Defines "covered document" to include: (1) any document relevant to obtaining a benefit or service or filing taxes; and (2) a letter, publication, form, notice, or instruction, in paper or electronic form, but not a regulation.Requires agencies to use plain language in any collection of information.Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), acting through the Plain Language Action and Information Network, and the SEC to report to specified congressional committees on whether the Comptroller General's recommendations about plain language guidelines and best practices have been incorporated into the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and the Plain English Handbook and, if not, why.(Sec. 5) Requires each agency head to report to specified congressional committees on how it intends to: (1) communicate the requirements of this Act to employees; (2) train employees to write in plain language; (3) meet the one year deadline; (4) ensure ongoing compliance with this Act; (5) designate a senior official to be responsible for implementing this Act; and (6) use plain language in promulgated regulations. Requires agency heads to report on efforts to meet such objectives and on compliance with this Act.Requires the Comptroller General to evaluate existing guidance for agencies on writing in plain language and report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and specified congressional committees on plain language guidelines and best practices.

plain language government communications act sec requires executive agency year use plain language covered document issued substantially revised date enactment act use english language covered documents appropriate authorizes agencies use plain language revision covered document issued date follow guidance published securities_and_exchange_commission sec plain language guidance long consistent handbook guidelines comptroller_general recommendations declares act shall construed prohibit use language english limit preservation use native alaskan native american languages language discourage person learning language affect protections language access inconsistent constitution defines covered document include document relevant obtaining benefit service filing taxes letter publication form notice instruction paper electronic form regulation requires agencies use plain language collection information requires administrator federal_aviation_administration faa acting sec report specified congressional committees comptroller_general recommendations plain language guidelines best practices incorporated requires agency head report specified congressional committees intends communicate requirements act employees train employees write plain language meet year deadline ensure ongoing compliance act designate senior official responsible implementing act use plain language promulgated regulations requires agency heads report efforts meet objectives compliance act requires comptroller general evaluate existing guidance agencies writing plain language report office_of_management_and_budget omb specified congressional committees plain language guidelines best practices


Summary: Amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 with respect to the prohibition against any member of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance (OC) having held a position as a Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives or the Senate, or of certain other legislative branch instrumentalities or entities, within four years of the date of appointment to the OC Board. (The Act also applies such disqualifications to the OC positions of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and General Counsel.) Exempts OC officers or employees from such prohibition (thus allowing a current or former OC officer or employee to be appointed to serve as a Board member, Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or General Counsel of the Office). Permits an individual appointed, after the enactment of this Act, as Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or General Counsel of the Office to serve two terms.

amends congressional_accountability_act respect prohibition member board_of_directors office_of_compliance having held position member officer employee house_of_representatives senate certain legislative branch instrumentalities entities years date appointment act applies disqualifications positions executive director deputy executive director general counsel exempts officers employees prohibition allowing current officer employee appointed serve board member executive director deputy executive director general counsel office permits individual appointed enactment act executive director deputy executive director general counsel office serve terms


Summary: Government Funding Transparency Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure that the federal awards website includes for each federal award of assistance or expenditures of $25,000 or more the names and total compensation of the five most highly compensated officers of the receiving entity if: (1) the entity in the preceding fiscal year received 80% or more of its annual gross revenues and $25 million or more in annual gross revenues from federal awards; and (2) the public does not have access to information about the compensation of the entity's senior executives through reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Internal Revenue Code.Requires the Director of OMB to promulgate regulations to carry out this Act that include a definition of "total compensation" that is consistent with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) concerning executive compensation.

government funding transparency act amends federal funding accountability transparency_act require office_of_management_and_budget omb ensure federal awards website includes federal award assistance expenditures names total compensation highly compensated officers receiving entity entity preceding fiscal year received annual gross revenues million annual gross revenues federal awards public access information compensation entity senior executives reports filed securities exchange act internal revenue code requires director omb promulgate regulations carry act include definition total compensation consistent regulations securities_and_exchange_commission sec concerning executive compensation


Summary: Truth in Accounting Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to include in the audited financial statement of executive branch accounts of the previous year a calculation of the net present value of the overall fiscal exposures of the U.S. government. Requires such financial statement to include a program-by-program calculation of: (1) the generational imbalance; (2) the fiscal imbalance; and (3) the total amount of the fiscal imbalance plus the public debt. Instructs the President, in preparing the federal budget, to take this financial statement into consideration, including the effect of the overall budget upon: (1) the generational imbalance calculation and the fiscal imbalance calculation; and (2) the net present value of the overall fiscal exposures of the federal government. Directs the Secretary to testify each year before Congress on the financial statement for the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) assess the financial condition of the U.S. government in an annual report to Congress; and (2) testify before Congress on that condition, upon request.

truth accounting act requires secretary treasury include audited financial statement executive branch accounts previous year calculation net present value overall fiscal exposures government requires financial statement include program program calculation imbalance fiscal imbalance total fiscal imbalance plus public debt instructs president preparing federal budget financial statement consideration including effect overall budget imbalance calculation fiscal imbalance calculation net present value overall fiscal exposures federal government directs secretary testify year congress financial statement preceding fiscal year directs comptroller_general assess financial condition government annual report congress testify congress condition request


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require the Commissioner of Social Security to submit the annual budget of the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly to Congress and the President; (2) specify the general contents of the budget, including the amount of funds required to combat fraud committed by applicants and beneficiaries, the number of pending cases and the average processing time, as well as employment statistics for each hearing and field office; (3) prohibit the Commissioner from closing or otherwise limiting public access to an SSA field office until 180 days after submitting to specified congressional committees a detailed report outlining and justifying the process for selecting field offices to be closed or otherwise have limited access; and (4) require the Commissioner to submit to the same committees, 90 days before revising the comprehensive work force plan which must accompany any appropriations request for SSA staffing and personnel, a document setting forth the revision.

amends title xviii administration social security act require commissioner social_security submit annual budget social_security_administration ssa directly congress president specify general contents budget including funds required combat fraud committed applicants beneficiaries number pending cases average processing time employment statistics hearing field office prohibit commissioner closing limiting public access ssa field office days submitting specified congressional committees detailed report outlining justifying process selecting field offices closed limited access require commissioner submit committees days revising comprehensive work force plan accompany appropriations request ssa staffing personnel document setting forth revision


Summary: Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2008 - Amends the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 to require the head of each federal agency to: (1) annually review all agency programs and identify those programs and activities that may be susceptible to significant improper payments; and (2) report on agency actions to reduce and recover improper payments. Defines "improper payment" as any payment that should not have been made, that was made in an incorrect or duplicate amount, or that was made to an ineligible recipient. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) provide guidance to agencies for reducing improper payments, addressing risks, and establishing appropriate prepayment and postpayment internal controls; and (2) prepare an annual report with an identification of the compliance status of each agency in identifying improper payments and the delinquent programs responsible for the agency's status.Requires federal agencies with outlays of $1 million or more to conduct a recovery audit of all programs and activities to assist in recouping improper payments.Requires: (1) each agency's Inspector General to report each fiscal year on agency compliance with the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 and this Act; (2) the head of an agency determined not to be in compliance for two consecutive fiscal years to reprogram available funds to achieve compliance; and (3) an agency determined not to be in compliance for three consecutive fiscal years, with a delinquent program reported for two of those years consecutively, to transfer 5% of the appropriations for each of delinquent program to the Treasury.Suspends appropriations to agencies that have a program that reports an improper payment rate greater than 15% for three consecutive fiscal years until the agency's Inspector General certifies that sufficient changes have been implemented to warrant resumed authorization of appropriations.

improper_payments_elimination recovery_act amends improper_payments_information_act require head federal agency annually review agency programs identify programs activities susceptible significant improper payments report agency actions reduce recover improper payments defines improper payment payment incorrect duplicate ineligible recipient requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb provide guidance agencies reducing improper payments addressing risks establishing appropriate prepayment internal controls prepare annual report identification compliance status agency identifying improper payments delinquent programs responsible agency status requires federal agencies outlays million conduct recovery audit programs activities assist improper payments requires agency inspector general report fiscal year agency compliance improper_payments_information_act act head agency determined compliance consecutive fiscal years reprogram available funds achieve compliance agency determined compliance consecutive fiscal years delinquent program reported years transfer appropriations delinquent program treasury suspends appropriations agencies program reports improper payment rate greater consecutive fiscal years agency inspector general certifies sufficient changes implemented warrant resumed authorization appropriations