Summary:
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, to include Department of State designation of a country or area as a country or area of concern among the criteria for visa waiver program ineligibility based upon an alien's nationality or presence.

Exceptions to program ineligibility shall include include an alien who was present in a prohibited country to perform official duties as an employee of an international organization for a program country.

 Visa waiver program disqualification under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 shall not take effect until 180 days after enactment of such Act for an alien: (1) who, regardless of whether the alien is a national of a program country, is a national of Iraq or Syria, a national of a country designated as supporting terrorism, or a national of any other country or area of concern; or (2) who has been present in such countries or areas on or after March 1, 2011.

The Department of Homeland Security or the State Department may waive such prohibition for a period of up to 90 days if either determines that the waiver is in U.S. national security interests.

bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act amended include department_of_state designation country area country area concern criteria visa waiver program ineligibility based alien nationality presence exceptions program ineligibility shall include include alien present prohibited country perform official duties employee international organization program country visa waiver program disqualification shall effect days enactment act alien regardless alien national program country national iraq syria national country designated supporting terrorism national country area concern present countries areas march department_of_homeland_security state_department waive prohibition period days determines waiver national security interests


Summary:
ICE Agent Support Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to refund out of the Immigration Enforcement Account the amount paid out of any appropriation for expenses incurred by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for:

 identification, investigation, apprehension, detention, and removal of criminal aliens, including providing staffing levels within the Enforcement and Removal Operations division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; maintenance and updating of systems used by the division to identify and track criminal aliens, deportable aliens, inadmissible aliens, and aliens illegally entering the United States; and purchase of firearms, vehicles, and other safety or apprehension equipment for the division. DHS shall establish the percentage of positions within the division that shall be classified as a criminal investigator position.

ice agent bill directs department_of_the_treasury refund paid appropriation expenses incurred department_of_homeland_security dhs identification investigation apprehension detention removal criminal aliens including providing staffing levels division maintenance updating systems division identify track criminal aliens deportable aliens inadmissible aliens aliens illegally entering united_states purchase firearms vehicles safety apprehension equipment division dhs shall establish percentage positions division shall classified criminal investigator position


Summary:
Protection of Children Act of 2016

This bill amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to eliminate the special repatriation requirements for unaccompanied alien children (UAC) who are nationals or residents of a country contiguous to the United States. (Applies the same removal requirements to all UACs who are not victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons and who do not have a fear of returning to their country of nationality or last habitual residence.)

An immigration officer who finds an inadmissible UAC at a land border or port of entry shall return the child to his or her country of nationality or of last habitual residence. (Such authority is now only discretionary.)

The Department of State shall negotiate agreements between the United States and other countries for the repatriation of children. (Under current law the Secretary is required to negotiate agreements between the United States and countries contiguous to the United States for the repatriation of children.)

An unaccompanied child who is not a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons, and does not have a fear of returning to his or her country of nationality or last habitual residence, but who is:

 in removal proceedings shall have a hearing before an immigration judge within 14 days, in federal custody shall be transferred to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) custody within 30 days, and in HHS or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody shall have access to legal counsel at no cost to the government. HHS, before placing a child with an individual, shall provide DHS with the individual's name, Social Security number, date of birth, residence location, and immigration status, if known.

DHS shall investigate the immigration status of the individual with whom the child is placed, and initiate removal proceedings if that individual is unlawfully present in the United States.

 Such requirements shall apply to any unauthorized child apprehended on or after June 15, 2012.

The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended with respect to: (1) special immigrant juvenile status, and (2) jurisdiction of asylum applications.

protection children act bill amends william_wilberforce_trafficking_victims_protection_reauthorization_act eliminate special repatriation requirements unaccompanied alien children uac nationals residents country contiguous united_states applies removal requirements uacs victims severe form trafficking persons fear returning country nationality habitual residence immigration officer finds inadmissible uac land border port entry shall return child country nationality habitual residence authority discretionary department_of_state shall negotiate agreements united_states countries repatriation children current law secretary required negotiate agreements united_states countries contiguous united_states repatriation children unaccompanied child victim severe form trafficking persons fear returning country nationality habitual residence removal proceedings shall hearing immigration judge days federal custody shall transferred department_of_health_and_human_services hhs custody days hhs department_of_homeland_security dhs custody shall access legal counsel cost government hhs placing child individual shall provide dhs individual social_security number date birth residence location immigration status known dhs shall investigate immigration status individual child placed initiate removal proceedings individual unlawfully present united_states requirements shall apply unauthorized child apprehended june immigration nationality act amended respect special immigrant juvenile status jurisdiction asylum applications


Summary:
Religious Persecution Relief Act

This bill declares that Syrian nationals who are religious minorities in their country of origin:

 shall be classified as refugees of special humanitarian concern, shall be eligible for priority two processing under the refugee resettlement priority system, and may apply directly to the U.S. refugee admissions program for admission to the United States. The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to authorize, in addition to the current worldwide refugee resettlement quota, the refugee admission of up to 10,000 religious-minority Syrian nationals for each of FY2016-FY2020.

The Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990 is amended to establish as a protected refugee category persons who:

 are or were nationals and residents of the Syrian Arab Republic; as members of a religious minority in Syria, share common characteristics that identify them as targets of persecution in that state on account of religion, creed, or ethnicity; and have been underrepresented in the U.S. refugee resettlement program during the five-year period ending on September 30, 2015, when compared to their representation in the Syrian population as a whole.

religious persecution relief act bill declares syrian nationals religious minorities country origin shall classified refugees special humanitarian concern shall eligible priority processing refugee resettlement priority system apply directly refugee admissions program admission united_states immigration_and_nationality_act amended authorize addition current worldwide refugee resettlement quota refugee admission religious minority syrian nationals fy2016-fy2020 related programs appropriations act amended establish protected refugee category persons nationals residents members religious minority syria share common characteristics identify targets persecution state account religion creed ethnicity underrepresented refugee resettlement program year period ending september compared representation syrian population


Summary:
Willing Workers and Willing Employers Act of 2016

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish, for 10 years, an H-2C visa nonimmigrant classification for an alien who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services or labor in a registered position for a registered non-agricultural employer.

An alien may not be admitted as an H-2C nonimmigrant if the alien:

 is inadmissible under this Act, fails to pass a criminal or a national security background check, is from a country that has supported acts of international terrorism, or has not received an offer of employment from a registered employer in a registered position. A registered position is a position for which a registered employer has submitted an H-2C hiring attestation to, and that has been approved by, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

An occupation requiring an individual with a bachelor's degree or higher level of education may not be an eligible H-2C occupation.

Employers must: (1) register with DHS, (2) operate in an employment area where the unemployment rate is equal to or less than 4.9%, (3) attest that they have advertised and attempted to recruit qualified U.S. workers, and (4) participate in the E-verify program or an employment verification system patterned upon E-verify. Such employers may: (1) promote an H-2C worker after not less than 12 months on the job, and (2) terminate an H-2C worker at any time for any reason for which it is lawful to terminate U.S. workers.

The maximum number of positions that may be approved for the first fiscal year is 65,000, and the number of positions that may be approved for a subsequent fiscal year may not be less than 45,000 or more than 85,000.

The initial period of authorized presence for an H-2C worker is 36 months, with specified renewal periods.

A percentage of H-2C positions are reserved for small businesses.

The bill prescribes penalties for: (1) H-2C worker violations, revocation of employment status, and removal from the United States; and (2) employer violations, including program ineligibility.

An H-2C worker: (1) may travel outside, and be readmitted to, the United States; (2) may not bring family members into the United States who have not received employment offers from a registered employer; (3) must comply with biometric entry and exit requirements; and (4) may terminate employment at any time and accept employment with another registered employer in any other registered position.

DHS shall implement an electronic monitoring system to monitor the presence and employment of H-2C workers.

willing employers act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act establish years h-2c visa nonimmigrant classification alien coming temporarily united_states perform services labor registered position registered non agricultural employer alien admitted h-2c nonimmigrant alien inadmissible act fails pass criminal national security background check country supported acts international terrorism received offer employment registered employer registered position registered position position registered employer submitted h-2c hiring attestation approved department_of_homeland_security dhs occupation requiring individual bachelor degree higher level education eligible h-2c occupation employers register dhs operate employment area unemployment rate equal attest advertised attempted recruit qualified workers participate verify program employment verification system patterned verify employers promote h-2c worker months job terminate h-2c worker time reason lawful terminate workers maximum number positions approved fiscal year number positions approved subsequent fiscal year initial period authorized presence h-2c worker months specified renewal periods percentage h-2c positions reserved small businesses bill prescribes penalties h-2c worker violations revocation employment status removal united_states employer violations including program ineligibility h-2c worker travel outside united_states bring family members united_states received employment offers registered employer comply biometric entry exit requirements terminate employment time accept employment registered employer registered position dhs shall implement electronic monitoring system monitor presence employment h-2c workers


Summary:
Visa Transparency Anti-Trafficking Act of 2016

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand nonimmigrant employer annual data reporting requirements to include all nonimmigrant worker categories and compensated cultural exchange, training, and business classifications.

Expanded reporting requirements include information regarding: (1) the age and gender of admitted nonimmigrants, (2) categories and numbers of visas issued, (3) numbers of persons admitted under each visa classification and subclassification, (4) blanket petitions, (5) the occupation and country of origin of beneficiaries, (6) nonimmigrant worker employers, (7) compensation, and (8) citizens of nations with Compacts of Free Association with the United States who are authorized to reside permanently in the United States as nonimmigrants and their ports of U.S. entry.

The Department of Labor shall: (1) submit such report and post the information along with the corresponding raw data and a searchable database to a public website, and (2) ensure that such posted information does not include information that would identify a specific person with reasonable certainty.

Any government official who uses such information shall take steps to: (1) protect individual identities, and (2) prevent the information from being disaggregated into its component parts.

 The Department of State or the Department of Homeland Security, if requested by Labor, shall share information necessary for Labor to file its annual report regarding employer petitions for H-, P-, O-, and Q-visa nonimmigrant aliens.

"Employment" means employment in the United States and includes cultural exchanges, training, or business activities for which the nonimmigrant receives any form of compensation.

bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act expand nonimmigrant employer annual data reporting requirements include nonimmigrant worker categories compensated cultural exchange training business classifications expanded reporting requirements include information age gender admitted nonimmigrants categories numbers visas issued numbers persons admitted visa classification blanket petitions occupation country origin beneficiaries nonimmigrant worker employers compensation citizens nations compacts_of_free_association united_states authorized reside permanently united_states nonimmigrants ports entry department_of_labor shall submit report post information corresponding raw data searchable database public website ensure posted information include information identify specific person reasonable certainty government official uses information shall steps protect individual identities prevent information disaggregated component parts department_of_state department_of_homeland_security requested labor shall share information necessary labor file annual report employer petitions visa nonimmigrant aliens employment means employment united_states includes cultural exchanges training business activities nonimmigrant receives form compensation


Summary:
Sarah's Law

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the detention of an alien: (1) who was not inspected and admitted into the United States, who held a revoked nonimmigrant visa (or other nonimmigrant admission document), or who is deportable for failing to maintain nonimmigrant status; and (2) who has been charged in the United States with a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.

 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall make reasonable efforts to:

 obtain information about the identity of any victims of the crimes for which such alien was charged or convicted; and provide the victim, or a parent, guardian, spouse, or closest living relative of a deceased victim, with information about such alien, including name, date of birth, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, and a description of any related removal efforts.

law bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act require detention alien inspected admitted united_states held revoked nonimmigrant visa nonimmigrant admission document deportable failing maintain nonimmigrant status charged united_states crime resulted death bodily injury person customs enforcement shall reasonable efforts obtain information identity victims crimes alien charged convicted provide victim parent guardian spouse closest living relative deceased victim information alien including date birth nationality immigration status criminal history description related removal efforts


Summary:
Refugee Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the Immigration and Naturalization Act to eliminate the one-year time limit for filing an asylum claim.

The bill revises: (1) the definition of "refugee," and (2) the criteria for granting asylum.

The bill makes certain currently required detention provisions regarding arriving aliens who request asylum discretionary.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall: (1) establish a secure alternatives to detention program, and (2) establish specified conditions of detention.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom may conduct a study to determine whether certain immigration officers are properly handling asylum and removal/detention authority.

The bill: (1) authorizes waiver of the continuous one-year presence requirement for permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying refugee/asylee who worked for the U.S. government overseas; (2) exempts aliens under the age of 18 from certain restrictions on applying for asylum; and (3) sets forth protections for minors, refugees, aliens interdicted at sea, and stateless persons.

The President is authorized to designate refugee groups.

The bill authorizes refugee applicants to simultaneously pursue other forms of admission.

The spouse or child of a refugee or asylee may bring his or her accompanying or following child into the United States as a refugee or asylee.

If the President does not issue a refugee allocation determination before the beginning of a fiscal year, the number of refugees that may be admitted in each quarter shall be 25% of the number of refugees admissible during the previous fiscal year.

The bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, with respect to naturalization of an Afghan or Iraqi translator who is a lawful permanent resident, to count a period of absence from the United States working as a translator for the United States or a U.S. contractor in Afghanistan or Iraq towards the accumulation of the required physical presence in the United States.

The bill revises: (1) the definition of "terrorist activity" for purposes of alien inadmissibility, including for aliens who were under 18 years of age when they committed certain actions under duress; and (2) the refugee grant and contract assistance allocation formula.

The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study of the Office of Refugee Resettlement's domestic refugee resettlement programs.

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 is amended to extend the eligibility for supplemental security income (SSI) assistance to certain aliens (including asylees and refugees) and trafficking victims.

 DHS shall grant employment authorization to qualifying T visa aliens (victims of trafficking in persons) and U visa aliens (children who have been granted special immigrant status as a victim of criminal activity).

The number of U visas is increased.

refugee protection act bill amends eliminate year time limit filing asylum claim bill revises definition refugee criteria granting asylum bill makes certain currently required detention provisions arriving aliens request asylum discretionary department_of_homeland_security dhs shall establish secure alternatives detention program establish specified conditions detention united_states_commission international religious freedom conduct study determine certain immigration officers properly handling asylum removal detention authority bill authorizes waiver continuous year presence requirement permanent resident status adjustment qualifying refugee asylee worked government overseas exempts aliens age certain restrictions applying asylum sets forth protections minors refugees aliens interdicted sea stateless persons president authorized designate refugee groups bill authorizes refugee applicants simultaneously pursue forms admission spouse child refugee asylee bring accompanying following child united_states refugee asylee president issue refugee allocation determination beginning fiscal year number refugees admitted quarter shall number refugees admissible previous fiscal year bill amends national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year respect naturalization afghan iraqi translator lawful permanent resident count period absence united_states working translator united_states contractor afghanistan iraq accumulation required physical presence united_states bill revises definition terrorist activity purposes alien inadmissibility including aliens years age committed certain actions duress refugee grant contract assistance allocation formula government_accountability_office shall conduct study office_of_refugee_resettlement domestic refugee resettlement programs amended extend eligibility supplemental security income ssi assistance certain aliens including asylees refugees trafficking victims dhs shall grant employment authorization qualifying visa aliens victims trafficking persons visa aliens children granted special immigrant status victim criminal activity number visas increased


Summary:
Taking Action Against Drunk Drivers Act

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the mandatory detention of an alien who: (1) was not lawfully admitted into the United States, held a revoked nonimmigrant visa, or violated his or her nonimmigrant status; and (2) has a pending federal or state charge of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, regardless of whether the offense is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor.

An alien convicted of three or more federal or state offenses for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, regardless of whether the offenses are classified as felonies or misdemeanors, is: (1) inadmissible, or (2) deportable if at least one of such offenses occurred after the enactment of this bill.

The definition of "aggravated felony" is expanded for purposes of such Act to include a third conviction under federal or state law for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, regardless of whether the offense is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor, for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year.

An alien who was convicted two or more times before the enactment of this bill for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not be removed for the commission of an aggravated felony based upon such convictions until conviction of another such offense after the enactment of this bill.

taking action drunk drivers act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act require mandatory detention alien lawfully admitted united_states held revoked nonimmigrant visa violated nonimmigrant status pending federal state charge driving influence driving intoxicated regardless offense classified felony misdemeanor alien convicted federal state offenses driving influence driving intoxicated regardless offenses classified felonies misdemeanors inadmissible deportable offenses occurred enactment bill definition aggravated felony expanded purposes act include conviction federal state law driving influence driving intoxicated regardless offense classified felony misdemeanor term imprisonment year alien convicted times enactment bill driving influence alcohol drugs removed commission aggravated felony based convictions conviction offense enactment bill


Summary:
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit a consular officer from issuing a nonimmigrant R-visa (for a religious worker and accompanying or joining spouse or child), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from granting such status, to an alien until DHS has approved a petition filed on the alien's behalf.

An eligible petitioner may file a blanket petition, in lieu of individual petitions, on behalf of aliens meeting specified requirements for blanket petition inclusion.

DHS may only include in approval of a blanket petition missionary service locations for which DHS has previously conducted a site inspection in connection with an individual petition for a religious worker.

A petitioner may file a petition at any time to amend the list of previously authorized missionary service locations.

bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act prohibit consular officer issuing nonimmigrant visa religious worker accompanying joining spouse child department_of_homeland_security dhs granting status alien dhs approved petition filed alien behalf eligible petitioner file blanket petition lieu individual petitions behalf aliens meeting specified requirements blanket petition inclusion dhs include approval blanket petition missionary service locations dhs previously conducted site inspection connection individual petition religious worker petitioner file petition time amend list previously authorized missionary service locations


Summary:
Secure Citizenship Act of 2016

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require an alien to list on his or her naturalization application such person's current legal name and date of birth and all other names used since birth.

The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security, by May 31, 2017, to: (1) complete the digitization of fingerprints of aliens who were fugitives, convicted criminals, or subject to deportation orders or who had other derogatory information dating back to 1990 under the Historical Fingerprint Enrollment program; and (2) store such digitized fingerprints along with related biographical data in its Automated Biometric Identification system.

secure citizenship act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act require alien list naturalization application person current legal date birth names birth bill requires department_of_homeland_security complete fingerprints aliens fugitives convicted criminals subject deportation orders information dating program store fingerprints related biographical data system


Summary:
Attracting and Retaining Entrepreneurs Act

This bill: (1) amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a three-year nonimmigrant entrepreneur W-visa for an alien meeting specified investment, or job creation and revenue, requirements; and (2) establishes a $1,000 visa fee.

Additional three-year periods of admission are allowed if the individual meets specified job creation and revenue or investment requirements. An individual who has not met such admission renewal requirements may be granted up to two one-year renewals if: (1) he or she has made substantial progress in meeting such criteria, and (2) such renewal is economically beneficial to the United States.

The bill establishes an employment-based entrepreneur immigrant visa for an individual who: (1) has a significant ownership interest in a U.S. business entity, (2) is employed in a senior executive position at such entity, (3) submits a business plan to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and (4) had a substantial role in the founding or early-stage growth and development of such entity.

The bill sets forth visa criteria, which shall include qualifying: (1) nonimmigrant U.S. residency, (2) job creation, (3) investment and revenue amounts, (4) education levels, and (5) ownership in a U.S. entity.

Up to 10,000 entrepreneur immigrant visas shall be made available each fiscal year.

attracting retaining entrepreneurs act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act establish year nonimmigrant entrepreneur visa alien meeting specified investment job creation revenue requirements establishes visa fee additional year periods admission allowed individual meets specified job creation revenue investment requirements individual met admission renewal requirements granted year renewals substantial progress meeting criteria renewal economically beneficial united_states bill establishes employment based entrepreneur immigrant visa individual significant ownership interest business entity employed senior executive position entity submits business plan substantial role founding early stage growth development entity bill sets forth visa criteria shall include qualifying nonimmigrant residency job creation investment revenue amounts education levels ownership entity entrepreneur immigrant visas shall available fiscal year


Summary:
Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy Act or the BRIDGE Act

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): (1) shall grant a three-year provisional protected presence to a qualifying alien, (2) may not remove the alien from the United States unless such protected presence is rescinded, and (3) shall provide such alien with employment authorization.

An alien is eligible for such protected presence and employment authorization if the alien: (1) was born after June 15, 1981; (2) entered the United States before attaining 16 years of age; (3)    continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007; (4) was physically but unlawfully present in the United States on June 15; (5) on the date the alien files an application the alien is present in the United States, is enrolled in school or in an education program assisting students in obtaining a high school diploma, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school or a general educational development certificate, or is an honorably discharged U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces veteran; (6) has not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors not occurring on the same date and not arising out of the same act; and (7) does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or a threat to public safety.

The bill: (1) provides for confidentiality of application information, with certain national security and law enforcement exceptions; and (2) sets forth the criteria under which DHS may rescind such protected presence.

An alien granted protected presence is not considered to be unlawfully present in the United States during such period.

An alien must be at least 15 years old, unless in removal proceedings, to apply for protected presence.

DHS may provide for an application fee and for fee exemptions.

DHS may not: (1) remove an alien who appears prima facie eligible for protected presence while the alien's application is pending, or (2) refer individuals whose cases have been deferred pursuant to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) or who have been granted protected presence to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

 A DACA alien is deemed to have protected presence through the expiration date of his or her deferred action status.

dream grow economy act bridge act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act provide department_of_homeland_security dhs shall grant year provisional protected presence qualifying alien remove alien united_states protected presence rescinded shall provide alien employment authorization alien eligible protected presence employment authorization alien born june entered united_states attaining years age continuously resided united_states june physically unlawfully present united_states june date alien files application alien present united_states enrolled school education program assisting students obtaining high school diploma graduated obtained certificate completion high school general educational development certificate honorably discharged armed_forces veteran convicted felony significant misdemeanor misdemeanors occurring date arising act pose threat national security threat public safety bill provides confidentiality application information certain national security law enforcement exceptions sets forth criteria dhs rescind protected presence alien granted protected presence considered unlawfully present united_states period alien years old removal proceedings apply protected presence dhs provide application fee fee exemptions dhs remove alien appears prima facie eligible protected presence alien application pending refer individuals cases deferred pursuant granted protected presence alien deemed protected presence expiration date deferred action status


Summary:
Securing Active and Fair Enforcement Act or the SAFE Act

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): (1) shall grant a three-year provisional protected presence to a qualifying alien, (2) may not remove the alien from the United States unless such protected presence is rescinded, and (3) shall provide such alien with employment authorization.

An alien is eligible for such protected presence and employment authorization if the alien: (1) was born after June 15, 1981; (2) entered the United States before attaining 16 years of age; (3)    continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007; (4) was physically but unlawfully present in the United States on June 15; (5) on the date the alien files an application the alien is present in the United States, is enrolled in school or in an education program assisting students in obtaining a high school diploma, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school or a general educational development certificate, or is an honorably discharged U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces veteran; (6) has not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors not occurring on the same date and not arising out of the same act; and (7) does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or a threat to public safety.

The bill: (1) provides for confidentiality of application information, with certain national security and law enforcement exceptions; and (2) sets forth the criteria under which DHS may rescind protected presence.

An alien granted protected presence is not considered to be unlawfully present in the United States during such period.

An alien must be at least 15 years old, unless in removal proceedings, to apply for protected presence.

DHS may provide for an application fee and for fee exemptions.

DHS may not: (1) remove an alien who appears prima facie eligible for protected presence while the alien's application is pending, or (2) refer individuals whose cases have been deferred pursuant to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) or who have been granted protected presence to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

 A DACA alien is deemed to have protected presence through the expiration date of his or her deferred action status.

 The bill requires the detention of any alien who is: (1) unlawfully present in the United States; and (2) arrested for specified offenses, conviction of any of which would render the alien inadmissible or deportable.

 It shall be the goal of the Department of Justice (DOJ), DHS, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review to use funds authorized under this bill to resolve promptly cases pertaining to aliens inadmissible on specified criminal grounds.

In order to help achieve this goal DOJ shall designate up to 100 temporary immigration judges and DHS shall hire 150 new immigration litigation attorneys.

securing active fair enforcement act safe act bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act provide department_of_homeland_security dhs shall grant year provisional protected presence qualifying alien remove alien united_states protected presence rescinded shall provide alien employment authorization alien eligible protected presence employment authorization alien born june entered united_states attaining years age continuously resided united_states june physically unlawfully present united_states june date alien files application alien present united_states enrolled school education program assisting students obtaining high school diploma graduated obtained certificate completion high school general educational development certificate honorably discharged armed_forces veteran convicted felony significant misdemeanor misdemeanors occurring date arising act pose threat national security threat public safety bill provides confidentiality application information certain national security law enforcement exceptions sets forth criteria dhs rescind protected presence alien granted protected presence considered unlawfully present united_states period alien years old removal proceedings apply protected presence dhs provide application fee fee exemptions dhs remove alien appears prima facie eligible protected presence alien application pending refer individuals cases deferred pursuant granted protected presence alien deemed protected presence expiration date deferred action status bill requires detention alien unlawfully present united_states arrested specified offenses conviction render alien inadmissible deportable shall goal department_of_justice doj dhs executive_office_for_immigration_review use funds authorized bill resolve promptly cases pertaining aliens inadmissible specified criminal grounds order help achieve goal doj shall designate temporary immigration judges dhs shall hire new immigration litigation attorneys


Summary: Designates the U.S. exclusive economic zone (as established by Presidential Proclamation Numbered 5030, dated March 10, 1983) as the "Ronald Wilson Reagan Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States".

designates exclusive economic zone established dated march reagan exclusive economic zone united_states


Summary: Great Lakes Short Sea Shipping Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance tax commercial cargo (other than bulk cargo) loaded or unloaded at U.S. ports in the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System. Defines the "Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System" as the waterway between Duluth, Minnesota and Sept. Iles, Quebec, Canada, encompassing the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the Saint Lawrence River.

great_lakes short sea shipping enhancement act amends internal revenue code exempt harbor maintenance tax commercial cargo bulk cargo loaded unloaded ports great lakes saint lawrence seaway system defines great lakes saint lawrence seaway system waterway duluth minnesota quebec canada encompassing great lakes connecting channels saint lawrence river


Summary: Short Sea Shipping Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance tax cargo contained in intermodal cargo containers and loaded by crane on a vessel, or cargo loaded on a vessel by means of wheeled technology, that is: (1) loaded at a U.S. port and unloaded at another U.S. port or a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System; or (2) loaded at a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System and unloaded at a U.S. port. Defines the "Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System" as the waterway between Duluth, Minnesota and Sept. Iles, Quebec, Canada, encompassing the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the Saint Lawrence River.

amends internal revenue code exempt harbor maintenance tax cargo contained intermodal cargo containers loaded crane vessel cargo loaded vessel means wheeled technology loaded port unloaded port port canada located great lakes saint lawrence seaway system loaded port canada located great lakes saint lawrence seaway system unloaded port defines great lakes saint lawrence seaway system waterway duluth minnesota quebec canada encompassing great lakes connecting channels saint lawrence river


Summary: Merchant Mariner Credentials Improvement Act of 2007 - Revises requirements with respect to merchant mariner's documents, licenses, and certificates of registry to authorize the advanced renewal of such items which shall not be valid until the date that the originally issued items expire. Prohibits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating from charging a fee for the application, processing, or issuance of a merchant mariner's document if, within 30 days of the date the individual submits a complete application for the document, the Secretary has not: (1) issued the document to the individual; or (2) notified the individual that the document will not be issued because the individual does not meet certain qualifications. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring an individual to be fingerprinted for the issuance or renewal of a merchant mariner's document, license, or certificate of registry if the individual was previously fingerprinted upon applying for a transportation security card. Extends an expiring merchant mariner's document, license, or certificate of registry for one year (currently, such items are issued for a five-year period with renewals for additional five-year periods) to help eliminate a backlog in processing such items. Requires the Secretary to develop an interim clearance process for issuance of merchant mariner's documents to help newly hired seamen who do not pose a safety and security risk to begin working on an offshore supply vessel or towing vessel. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) a plan to ensure that the application process for a merchant mariner document can be completed entirely by mail; and (2) the feasibility of the redesign of such document to comply with certain standards.

merchant mariner credentials improvement act revises requirements respect merchant mariner documents licenses certificates registry authorize advanced renewal items shall valid date originally issued items expire prohibits secretary department coast_guard operating charging fee application processing issuance merchant mariner document days date individual submits complete application document secretary issued document individual notified individual document issued individual meet certain qualifications prohibits secretary requiring individual fingerprinted issuance renewal merchant mariner document license certificate registry individual previously fingerprinted applying transportation security card extends expiring merchant mariner document license certificate registry year currently items issued year period renewals additional year periods help eliminate backlog processing items requires secretary develop interim clearance process issuance merchant mariner documents help newly hired seamen pose safety security risk begin working offshore supply vessel towing vessel requires secretary report congress plan ensure application process merchant mariner document completed entirely mail feasibility redesign document comply certain standards


Summary: Blue Water Highway Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance tax certain cargo shipped between U.S. mainland ports.

amends internal revenue code exempt harbor maintenance tax certain cargo shipped mainland ports


Summary: Maritime Law Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007 - Makes it unlawful for a person to transport, harbor, or conceal an alien on board a vessel if such person knows or has reason to believe that such alien is attempting to unlawfully enter the United States on the vessel. Sets forth both criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act, including the seizure and forfeiture of the vessel.

maritime law enforcement improvement act makes unlawful person transport harbor conceal alien board vessel person knows reason believe alien attempting unlawfully enter united_states vessel sets forth criminal civil penalties violations act including seizure forfeiture vessel


Summary: Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating from using a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator for future Integrated Deepwater Systems Program (Program) procurements. Allows completion of existing delivery and task orders. Allows the Secretary to obtain assistance from federal agencies and, by grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, from private sector entities. Directs the Secretary, subject to exception, to use full and open competition for certain Deepwater Program acquisitions. Imposes other Program requirements, including certain required contract terms, development of a life cycle cost estimate, and assignment of a separate contract officers. (Sec. 3) Requires the Coast Guard commandant to appoint or designate a career reserved employee as Chief Acquisition Officer for the Coast Guard to monitor Coast Guard acquisition activities, increase the use of full and open competition, and ensure the use of detailed performance specifications when performance-based contracting is used. Requires the commandant, subject to appropriations, to establish special rate supplements that provide higher pay levels for employees necessary to carry out the amendment made by this paragraph. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to cause each cutter, other than a National Security Cutter, acquired after enactment of this Act to be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping. Requires certain other testing and certification to be done by independent third parties. Requires the Secretary to cause the first in class of a major asset acquisition of a cutter or an aircraft to be subjected to an assessment of operational capability conducted by the Secretary of the Navy. (Sec. 5) Requires specified reports, including concerning : (1) National Security Cutters; (2) the Program, (3) change orders; (4) technology risks and maturity; (5) cost overruns, (6) a plan for management of acquisitions programs, financial management, engineering and logistics management, and contract management; and (7) any Coast Guard mission performance gap due to the removal of Program assets from service. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of understanding or a memorandum of agreement with the Secretary of the Navy to provide for the use of the Navy Systems Commands to assist the Coast Guard with the oversight of Coast Guard major acquisition programs.

secretary department coast_guard operating private sector entity lead systems integrator future integrated deepwater systems program program procurements allows completion existing delivery task orders allows secretary obtain assistance federal agencies grant contract cooperative agreement private sector entities directs secretary subject exception use open competition certain acquisitions imposes program requirements including certain required contract terms development life cycle cost estimate assignment separate contract officers sec requires coast_guard commandant appoint designate career reserved employee chief acquisition officer coast_guard monitor coast_guard acquisition activities increase use open competition ensure use detailed performance specifications performance based contracting requires commandant subject appropriations establish special rate supplements provide higher pay levels employees necessary carry amendment paragraph sec directs secretary cause cutter national_security_cutter acquired enactment act classed american_bureau_of_shipping requires certain testing certification independent parties requires secretary cause class major asset acquisition cutter aircraft subjected assessment operational capability conducted secretary navy sec requires specified reports including concerning program change orders technology risks maturity cost overruns plan management acquisitions programs financial management engineering logistics management contract management coast_guard mission performance gap removal program assets service sec authorizes secretary enter memorandum understanding memorandum agreement secretary navy provide use navy systems commands assist coast_guard oversight coast_guard major acquisition programs


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the alternative tax on qualifying shipping activities to treat a corporation electing such tax as continuing to use a qualifying vessel in the U.S. foreign trade during any period of use in the U.S. domestic trade, thus eliminating the 30 day limitation on operating in U.S. domestic trade under current law.

amends internal revenue code modify alternative tax qualifying shipping activities treat corporation electing tax continuing use qualifying vessel foreign trade period use domestic trade eliminating day limitation operating domestic trade current law


Summary: Amends the Death on the High Seas Act to make provisions concerning commercial aviation accidents also applicable to maritime accidents.

amends death high seas act provisions concerning commercial aviation accidents applicable maritime accidents


Summary: Requires federal agencies to install at least one renewable fuel pump at each federal fleet fueling center in the United States by January 1, 2010. Requires the President to report to Congress annually on agency compliance.

requires federal agencies install renewable fuel pump federal fleet fueling center united_states january requires president report congress annually agency compliance


Summary: Makes certain updates and improvements to reflect amendments made to newly codified title 46 ("Shipping") of the United States Code.

makes certain updates improvements reflect amendments newly codified title shipping united_states code


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit automatic expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for: (1) annual shoreline erosion control projects, including breakwater construction and sand replenishment; and (2) an environmental mitigation or remediation component, granting priority to projects containing a critical habitat as defined by the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

amends internal revenue code permit automatic expenditures harbor_maintenance_trust_fund annual shoreline erosion control projects including breakwater construction sand replenishment environmental mitigation remediation component granting priority projects containing critical habitat defined


Summary: Extends, through November 1, 2018, the exemption from the requirement that certain vessels operating within the Boundary Line be constructed of fire-retardant materials.

extends november exemption requirement certain vessels operating boundary_line constructed fire retardant materials


Summary: Amends federal shipping law to repeal a provision requiring both a vessel and its master to have a license to engage in the business of salvaging on the coast of Florida.

amends federal shipping law repeal provision requiring vessel master license engage business coast florida


Summary: Vessel Navigation and Safety Improvement Act - Directs the Coast Guard's Commandant to issue regulations requiring: (1) that any pilot serving on a self-propelled, commercial vessel of at least 300 gross tons carry and use a portable electronic device equipped for navigational purposes and capable of being connected to an Automatic Identification System; and (2) related pilot training. Allows the Commandant to exempt a pilot by certifying that such a device is not necessary where the pilot operates.

safety improvement act directs issue regulations requiring pilot serving self propelled commercial vessel gross tons carry use portable electronic device equipped navigational purposes capable connected automatic identification system related pilot training allows commandant exempt pilot certifying device necessary pilot operates


Summary: Putting Our Resources Towards Security (PORTS) Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, between fiscal years 2009 and 2013, to increase the number of full-time Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, agriculture specialists, and border security support personnel for U.S. ports of entry by not fewer than 5,000, 1,200, and 350, respectively, above the number of such personnel for which funds were made available during FY2008.Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) for each of FY2009-FY2013 to make improvements to existing U.S. ports of entry to improve border security and for other purposes. Directs the Administrator to give priority to ports determined to be in most need of repair in accordance with required infrastructure assessment studies.

putting resources security ports act_-_directs secretary homeland_security fiscal years increase number time customs border protection cbp officers agriculture specialists border security support personnel ports entry fewer respectively number personnel funds available appropriations administrator general_services_administration gsa fy2009 fy2013 improvements existing ports entry improve border security purposes directs administrator priority ports determined need repair accordance required infrastructure assessment studies


Summary: Trust in Reliable Understanding of Consumer Costs Act, or the TRUCC Act - Amends federal transportation law to require certain fuel costs disclosures and fuel costs reimbursements by a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder providing or arranging transportation or service using motor vehicles it does not own and using fuel for which it does not bear the cost. Requires such a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to: (1) reimburse persons (truckers) that do bear fuel costs for any such costs they have paid; and (2) give such persons a written list that identifies any freight charge, brokerage fee or commission, fuel surcharge or adjustment, and any other charges. Prohibits any person from causing a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to present false or misleading information on a document or in an oral representation about the actual rate, charge, or allowance to any party to the transaction or transportation.

trust reliable understanding consumer costs act act amends federal transportation law require certain fuel costs disclosures fuel costs reimbursements motor carrier broker freight providing arranging transportation service motor vehicles fuel bear cost requires motor carrier broker freight reimburse persons truckers bear fuel costs costs paid persons written list identifies freight charge brokerage fee commission fuel surcharge adjustment charges prohibits person causing motor carrier broker freight present false misleading information document oral representation actual rate charge allowance party transaction transportation


Summary: Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2008 - Sets forth cruise vessel security and safety requirements concerning: (1) vessel design and construction; (2) crew access to passenger staterooms; (3) log book entry and reporting of deaths, missing individuals, and alleged crimes; (4) database of crewmembers terminated due to commission of a crime; (5) maintenance of rape kits on board; (6) crime scene investigation training and certification for vessel crewmembers; (7) video surveillance to monitor crime; and (8) posting of certain safety information. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to revise the authority of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to dispatch Coast Guard personnel on vessels to deter or respond to terrorism or transportation security incidents. Authorizes use of such personnel to act as: (1) environmental observers to monitor compliance with federal laws regarding the discharge of waste into U.S. waters; and (2) public safety officers to assist vessel passengers and crew with reporting and investigation of crimes, securing of suspects, and collection of crime evidence. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the security needs of a passenger vessel depending on the number of passengers on the vessel, with recommendations for security improvements. Amends the Death on the High Seas Act to extend from three to 12 miles from the U.S. shore the high seas jurisdiction wherein a death by a wrongful act, neglect, or default of a person or vessel will allow the personal representative of the decedent to bring a civil action in admiralty.

cruise vessel security safety act sets forth cruise vessel security safety requirements concerning vessel design construction crew access passenger log book entry reporting deaths missing individuals alleged crimes database crewmembers terminated commission crime maintenance rape kits board crime scene investigation training certification vessel crewmembers video surveillance monitor crime posting certain safety information sets forth penalties violations act amends ports waterways safety act revise authority secretary department coast_guard operating secretary dispatch coast_guard personnel vessels deter respond terrorism transportation security incidents authorizes use personnel act environmental observers monitor compliance federal laws discharge waste waters public safety officers assist vessel passengers crew reporting investigation crimes securing suspects collection crime evidence directs secretary study report congress security needs passenger vessel depending number passengers vessel recommendations security improvements amends death high seas act extend miles shore high seas jurisdiction death wrongful act neglect default person vessel allow personal representative decedent bring civil action admiralty


Summary: Vessel Hull Design Protection Amendments of 2008 - Amends federal copyright law to specify that the design of a vessel's hull, deck, or combination of a hull and deck, including a plug or mold are protected (currently, only the design of the vessel hull is protected, including a plug or mold). Requires that Department of Defense (DOD) rights in a registered design, including the right to build to such a design, be determined solely by provisions of federal Armed Forces law relating to rights in technical data or by the instrument under which the design was developed for the U.S. government. Redefines "useful article" and "hull." Defines "deck" as the horizontal surface of the vessel that covers the hull, including exterior cabin and cockpit surfaces, and exclusive of masts, sails, yards, rigging, hardware, fixtures, and other attachments.

federal copyright law specify design vessel hull deck combination hull deck including plug mold protected currently design vessel hull protected including plug mold requires department_of_defense dod rights registered design including right build design determined solely provisions federal armed_forces law relating rights technical data instrument design developed government redefines useful article hull defines deck horizontal surface vessel covers hull including exterior cabin cockpit surfaces exclusive yards rigging hardware fixtures attachments


Summary: Title I: Integrated Deepwater Program - Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act of 2008 - (Sec. 102) Prohibits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating from using a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator (LSI) for Integrated Deepwater Program (IDP) acquisitions, subject to stated exceptions. Requires the Secretary and the IDP LSI, subject to exception, to use full and open competition for any IDP acquisition for which an outside contractor is used. Prohibits an LSI and any tier 1 subcontractor from having a financial interest in a subcontractor below the tier 1, subject to exception. (Sec. 103) Requires any IDP contract, delivery order, or task order to require, among other things, that: (1) IDP procurement certifications be conducted by the Secretary or an independent third party; (2) the Coast Guard Commandant conduct technical reviews of proposed designs, design changes, and engineering changes; (3) any measurement of contractor and subcontractor performance include the extent to which the work met cost, schedule, and mission performance requirements; (4) TEMPEST certification depend on the standard then used by the Department of the Navy for that type of asset; and (5) any contract for acquisition of an Offshore Patrol Cutter include specified provisions. Prohibits any IDP contract, delivery order, or task order provision that either commits the Secretary without the Secretary's express written approval or allows equitable adjustment that differs from the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Restricts any contract, contract modification, or award term extending the existing IDP contract term, as signed in May 2006 and modified in June 2007. (Sec. 104) Requires and regulates an early operational assessment for any major asset type acquired for the Coast Guard other than the National Security Cutter and the Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Requires independent third party testing or certification regarding: (1) the assessment of operational capability of the first in class of a major cutter or aircraft acquisition; (2) all electronics on aircraft, surface, and shore assets that require TEMPEST certification and communication security (COMSEC) standards; (3) the design and construction of each National Security Cutter, other than National Security Cutter 1 and 2; and (4) the airworthiness of all aircraft and aircraft engines. Requires that each cutter acquired by the Coast Guard, other than a National Security Cutter, be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping before delivery acceptance. Requires, for an IDP contract, delivery order, or task order exceeding $10 million, the Secretary to certify that: (1) appropriate market research has been conducted before technology development; (2) the technology has been demonstrated and demonstrates a high likelihood of success; (3) funding is available; and (4) the technology complies with all policies, regulations, and directives. (Sec. 105) Requires a report to specified congressional committees regarding an assessment conducted by the Coast Guard of the proposed hull strengthening design of either of National Security Cutter 1 or 2. (Sec. 106) Requires specified changes in Coast Guard management, including: (1) that integrated product teams be chaired by Coast Guard officers, members, or employees; (2) that the Commandant maintain or designate the authority to establish, approve, and maintain IDP technical requirements; (3) issuance of guidance for major systems acquisition programs to address the qualifications, resources, responsibilities, tenure, and accountability of program managers; and (4) a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the role of Coast Guard program managers. Requires a report by the Comptroller General to specified congressional committees on implementation of these requirements. (Sec. 107) Establishes the position of Coast Guard Chief Acquisitions Officer. Includes in the officer's functions monitoring the performance of programs, increasing the use of full and open competition, and developing and maintaining a Coast Guard acquisition career management program. Directs the Secretary, subject to appropriations, to establish special rate supplements that provide higher pay levels for employees necessary to carry out this section. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to revise and update the IDP's project management plan and issue new or updated acquisition plans and acquisition program baselines for each IDP asset class, basing the revisions and plans on a specified IDP alternatives analysis by an independent consulting organization. Prohibits the IDP acquisition of an experimental, technically immature, or first-in-class major asset unless an alternatives analysis was conducted by an independent third party during the concept and technology development phase. (Sec. 109) Requires a report to specified congressional committees: (1) annually on IDP progress; and (2) if there is breach of an IDP acquisition program baseline involving a likely cost overrun greater than a specified amount, a likely delay over a specified length, or an anticipated failure for any individual asset or class of assets to satisfy any key performance threshold or parameter. Directs the Secretary to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a study to assess the IDP C4ISR systems and acquisition plans. Requires a report to specified congressional committees on how the Coast Guard plans to manage the annual readiness gap of lost time for 110-foot patrol boats from FY2009-FY2015. Requires a report on the development of the staffing structure for the Coast Guard's acquisitions office. Requires a report to specified congressional committees within 30 days after the elevation to the Chief Acquisition Officer of any IDP design or other dispute regarding the IDP contract (or an item to be acquired under that contract). Requires that the report include a detailed description of the issue and the rationale underlying the Chief Acquisition Officer's decision resolving the matter. (Sec. 110) Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with the Secretary of Defense for support in IDP contracting and management of acquisitions and to seek opportunities to leverage off of contracts of appropriate agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement to obtain the assistance of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition with the oversight of Coast Guard major acquisition programs. Requires the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) an assessment of current Coast Guard acquisition and management capabilities to manage acquisitions under or in support of the IDP; (2) how the Coast Guard can improve its acquisition management; and (3) whether the Coast Guard can better leverage contracts of the Department of Defense (DOD) or other agencies in order to obtain the best price. (Sec. 112) Amends the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to revise the definition of "employee." Excludes from such definition: (1) individuals employed to build any recreational vessel under 65 feet in length (under current law, individuals employed to build, repair, or dismantle any recreational vessel under 65 feet in length); or (2) individuals employed to repair any recreational vessel or to dismantle any part of a recreational vessel in connection with the repair of such vessel. Title II: Submersible Vessels and Semi-Submersible Vessels - Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008 - Subtitle A: Criminal Prohibition - (Sec. 212) Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for knowingly operating, attempting or conspiring to operate, or embarking in any submersible or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality in, through, or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, with the intent to avoid detection. Grants extraterritorial federal jurisdiction over an offense under this title. Specifies that a claim of nationality or registry under this section includes only: (1) possession on board the vessel and production of documents evidencing the vessel's nationality as provided in the 1958 Convention on the High Seas; (2) flying its nation's ensign or flag; or (3) a verbal claim of nationality or registry by the person in charge of the vessel. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this title that a vessel operated at the time of a violation was: (1) a vessel of the Untied States or lawfully registered in a foreign nation; (2) classed by and designated in accordance with the rules of a classification society; (3) lawfully operated in a government regulated or licensed activity; or (4) equipped with and using an operable automatic identification system, vessel monitoring system, or a long range identification and tracking system. Specifies the documents required to conclusively prove an affirmative defense. (Sec. 213) Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend sentencing guidelines to provide adequate penalties for violating the criminal prohibition imposed by section 212. Subtitle B: Civil Prohibition - (Sec. 222) Amends federal shipping law to impose a civil penalty of up to $1 million for operating by any means or embarking in any submersible vessel or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality and that is navigating or has navigated into, through, or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, with the intent to avoid detection. Allows the same defenses to a civil enforcement proceeding as allowed for a criminal prosecution under section 212. (Sec. 223) Defines a "semi-submersible vessel" as any manned or unmanned watercraft constructed or adapted to operate with most of its hull and bulk under the surface of the water. Defines a "submersible vessel" as a manned or unmanned vessel capable of operating completely below the surface of the water.

title integrated deepwater program integrated deepwater program reform act sec prohibits secretary department coast_guard operating private sector entity lead systems integrator acquisitions subject stated exceptions requires secretary subject exception use open competition acquisition outside contractor prohibits tier subcontractor having financial interest subcontractor tier subject exception sec requires contract delivery order task order require things procurement certifications conducted secretary independent party coast_guard_commandant conduct technical reviews proposed designs design changes engineering changes measurement contractor subcontractor performance include extent work met cost schedule mission performance requirements certification depend standard department_of_the_navy type asset contract acquisition include specified provisions prohibits contract delivery order task order provision commits secretary secretary express written approval allows equitable adjustment differs federal_acquisition_regulation restricts contract contract modification award term extending existing contract term signed modified june sec requires regulates early operational assessment major asset type acquired coast_guard national_security_cutter requires independent party testing certification assessment operational capability class major cutter aircraft acquisition electronics aircraft surface shore assets require certification communication security standards design construction national_security_cutter national_security_cutter airworthiness aircraft aircraft engines requires cutter acquired coast_guard national_security_cutter classed american_bureau_of_shipping delivery acceptance requires contract delivery order task order exceeding million secretary certify appropriate market research conducted technology development technology demonstrated demonstrates high likelihood success funding available technology complies policies regulations directives sec requires report specified congressional committees assessment conducted coast_guard proposed hull strengthening design national_security_cutter sec requires specified changes coast_guard management including integrated product teams chaired coast_guard officers members employees commandant maintain designate authority establish approve maintain technical requirements issuance guidance major systems acquisition programs address qualifications resources responsibilities tenure accountability program managers comprehensive strategy enhancing role coast_guard program managers requires report comptroller_general specified congressional committees implementation requirements sec establishes position coast_guard chief acquisitions officer includes officer functions monitoring performance programs increasing use open competition developing maintaining coast_guard acquisition career management program directs secretary subject appropriations establish special rate supplements provide higher pay levels employees necessary carry section sec directs secretary revise update project management plan issue new updated acquisition plans acquisition program baselines asset class basing revisions plans specified alternatives analysis independent consulting organization prohibits acquisition experimental technically class major asset alternatives analysis conducted independent party concept technology development phase sec requires report specified congressional committees annually progress breach acquisition program baseline involving likely cost greater specified likely delay specified length anticipated failure individual asset class assets satisfy key performance threshold directs secretary enter arrangement national_research_council national_academy_of_sciences nas conduct study assess systems acquisition plans requires report specified congressional committees coast_guard plans manage annual readiness gap lost time foot patrol boats requires report development staffing structure coast_guard acquisitions office requires report specified congressional committees days elevation chief acquisition officer design dispute contract item acquired contract requires report include detailed description issue rationale underlying chief acquisition officer decision resolving matter sec directs secretary arrangements secretary defense support contracting management acquisitions seek opportunities leverage contracts appropriate agencies authorizes secretary enter agreement obtain assistance office assistant secretary acquisition oversight coast_guard major acquisition programs requires comptroller general report specified congressional committees assessment current coast_guard acquisition management capabilities manage acquisitions support coast_guard improve acquisition management coast_guard better leverage contracts department_of_defense dod agencies order obtain best price sec amends revise definition employee excludes definition individuals employed build recreational vessel feet length current law individuals employed build repair dismantle recreational vessel feet length individuals employed repair recreational vessel dismantle recreational vessel connection repair vessel title submersible vessels subtitle criminal prohibition sec amends federal criminal code impose fine prison term years knowingly operating attempting conspiring operate embarking submersible semi submersible vessel nationality waters outer limit territorial sea single country lateral limit country territorial sea adjacent country intent avoid detection grants extraterritorial federal jurisdiction offense title specifies claim nationality registry section includes possession board vessel production documents evidencing vessel nationality provided convention high seas flying nation ensign flag verbal claim nationality registry person charge vessel makes affirmative defense prosecution title vessel operated time violation vessel untied_states lawfully registered foreign nation classed designated accordance rules classification society lawfully operated government regulated licensed activity equipped operable automatic identification system vessel monitoring system long range identification tracking system specifies documents required conclusively prove affirmative defense sec directs promulgate amend sentencing guidelines provide adequate penalties violating criminal prohibition imposed section subtitle civil prohibition sec amends federal shipping law impose civil penalty million operating means embarking submersible vessel semi submersible vessel nationality navigating waters outer limit territorial sea single country lateral limit country territorial sea adjacent country intent avoid detection allows defenses civil enforcement proceeding allowed criminal prosecution section sec defines semi submersible vessel manned unmanned watercraft constructed adapted operate hull bulk surface water defines submersible vessel manned unmanned vessel capable operating completely surface water


Summary: Making Opportunities Via Efficient and More Effective National Transportation Act of 2008 or the MOVEMENT Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a national container fee to be collected on each cargo container imported into, or exported from, a covered U.S. seaport. Establishes the National Goods Movement Improvement Account in which such fees shall be deposited. Directs the Secretary to carry out a National Goods Movement Improvement Grant Program to provide grant funding for eligible projects, including goods movement improvement, homeland security, and environmental projects located at or near a covered U.S. seaport.

making opportunities efficient effective national transportation act movement act directs secretary transportation establish national container fee collected cargo container imported exported covered seaport establishes fees shall deposited directs secretary carry provide grant funding eligible projects including goods movement improvement homeland security environmental projects located near covered seaport


Summary: Defense Acquisition Reform Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Secretary of the military department concerned from reprogramming or otherwise providing additional funds for a major defense acquisition program (MDAP) that experiences a specified percentage in program acquisition unit costs until the Joint Requirements Oversight Council submits an assessment of the performance requirements for the item to be procured. Adds to the membership of the Council. Requires the Council to approve the initial operational test and evaluation of a MDAP in an environment not specified in its test and evaluation master plan. Requires the Secretary of Defense to prescribe mechanisms that provide cost control measures in contracts for the acquisition of property for the Department of Defense (DOD) that may be authorized or approved by the program manager. Designates military department deputies for acquisition matters. Directs the Secretary to establish a committee on strategic investment in MDAPs. Requires a report from the: (1) Comptroller General on potential modifications of DOD organization and structure for the acquisition of MDAPs; and (2) Secretary on the implementation of recommendations concerning total ownership costs and readiness rates for major weapon systems. Prohibits the milestone decision authority for a MDAP from granting Milestone B approval until such authority obtains a program business case analysis from a federally funded research and development center. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide guidance on the use of award fees in contracts under DOD acquisition programs; (2) define "substantial savings" for purposes of DOD multiyear contracts; (3) submit an investment strategy for the allocation of funds among MDAPs; and (4) prescribe ethics compliance requirements for DOD contractors.

defense acquisition reform act prohibits secretary military department concerned reprogramming providing additional funds major defense acquisition program mdap experiences specified percentage program acquisition unit costs submits assessment performance requirements item procured adds membership council requires council approve initial operational test evaluation mdap environment specified test evaluation master plan requires secretary defense prescribe mechanisms provide cost control measures contracts acquisition property department_of_defense dod authorized approved program manager designates military department deputies acquisition matters directs secretary establish committee strategic investment mdaps requires report comptroller general potential modifications dod organization structure acquisition mdaps secretary implementation recommendations concerning total ownership costs readiness rates major weapon systems prohibits milestone decision authority mdap granting milestone approval authority obtains program business case analysis federally funded research development center requires secretary provide guidance use award fees contracts dod acquisition programs define substantial savings purposes dod multiyear contracts submit investment strategy allocation funds mdaps prescribe ethics compliance requirements dod contractors


Summary: Social Security Totalization Agreement Reform Act of 2007 or STAR Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide that any agreement to establish a totalization arrangement which is entered into with another country shall enter into force with respect to the United States if (and only if): (1) the President, at least 90 calendar days before the date on which he enters into the agreement, notifies each House of Congress of his intention to enter into it, and promply thereafter publishes notice of such intention in the Federal Register; (2) he transmits the text of such agreement to each House of the Congress; and (3) a joint resolution regarding such agreement has passed both Houses of Congress and been enacted into federal law.Sets forth procedures for the consideration of such a joint resolution.

agreement reform act star act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act provide agreement establish totalization arrangement entered country shall enter force respect united_states president calendar days date enters agreement notifies house congress intention enter publishes notice intention federal_register transmits text agreement house congress joint resolution agreement passed enacted federal law sets forth procedures consideration joint resolution


Summary: Michelle's Law - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit a group health plan or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan from terminating the coverage of a dependent child due to a medically necessary leave of absence from a postsecondary educational institution that causes the child to lose full-time status before the date that is the earlier of: (1) one year after the first day of the leave of absence; or (2) the date on which such coverage would otherwise terminate under the terms of the plan. Requires documentation and a certification by a physician.

law amends employee retirement income security act erisa internal_revenue_code prohibit group health plan health insurance coverage offered connection plan terminating coverage dependent child medically necessary leave absence postsecondary educational institution causes child lose time status date earlier year day leave absence date coverage terminate terms plan requires documentation certification physician


Summary: 21st Century Housing Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1948 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in carrying out any program through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to: (1) appoint and fix the compensation of Administration personnel; and (2) use premium-generated income for information technology upgrades. Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) extend the maturity term for insured mortgages; (2) revise mortgage insurance eligibility criteria and requirements for premium charges; (3) authorize waiver of certain requirements for new product initiatives; (4) increase the maximum mortgage amount limit for multifamily housing in high-cost areas; (5) increase the FHA single family housing maximum mortgage limit; and (6) increase the capital ratio for the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. Increases prerequisites for insured mortgages covering condominiums to require that the condomium project have a HUD-insured blanket morgage.

21st century housing act amends housing act authorize secretary housing_and_urban_development hud carrying program federal_housing_administration fha appoint fix compensation administration personnel use premium generated income information technology upgrades amends national housing act extend maturity term insured mortgages revise mortgage insurance eligibility criteria requirements premium charges authorize waiver certain requirements new product initiatives increase maximum mortgage limit multifamily housing high cost areas increase fha single family housing maximum mortgage limit increase capital ratio mutual_mortgage_insurance_fund increases prerequisites insured mortgages covering require project hud insured blanket


Summary: Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to provide that when the 20 year period during which vessels operating exclusively in specified foreign trade and for which a construction-differential subsidy was received for restricting voyages exclusively to such trade ends, the requirements and restrictions for receipt of such subsidy, including making payments for violating the restriction on engaging in domestic trade also ends. (Currently, termination of such period does not affect the requirement to make such payments.)

amends merchant marine act provide year period vessels operating exclusively specified foreign trade construction differential subsidy received restricting voyages exclusively trade ends requirements restrictions receipt subsidy including making payments violating restriction engaging domestic trade ends currently termination period affect requirement payments


Summary: Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act - Amends port security provisions to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to: (1) establish an international committee for the safe and secure handling and transportation of especially hazardous cargo to the United States; (2) develop and implement a voluntary program under which foreign ports and facilities can certify their compliance with International Ship and Port Facility Code (ISPFC) standards (including a program under which independent, third-party entities are certified to validate such ports' and facilities' compliance with such standards); and (3) establish a strategic plan (under current law, program) to utilize assistance programs to assist foreign ports and facilities that lack effective antiterrorism measures in implementing port security antiterrorism measures. Authorizes the Coast Guard (CG) to lend, lease, or otherwise provide equipment and technical training and support to foreign ports and facilities to assist them in complying, and validating such compliance, with ISPFC standards. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a security cost-share plan to assist the CG in providing security for the transportation of especially hazardous cargo to facilities located on or adjacent to U.S. navigable waters. Includes the establishing of regional response and recovery protocols to prepare for, respond to, mitigate against, and recover from a transportation security incident in area maritime transportation security plans. Directs the CG Commandant to develop a CG national resource allocation plan to meet safety and security requirements associated with the handling of especially hazardous cargo at U.S. ports and facilities. Directs the Secretary to ensure that federal, state, and local personnel responsible for the safety and security of vessels in port carrying especially hazardous cargo complete CG incident command system training. Authorizes the Secretary to convey (with or without compensation) national defense reserve fleet vessels to owners or operators of U.S. or foreign ports for use in port safety or security operations. Directs the Secretary to ensure that interoperable communications technology is deployed at all interagency operational centers for port security located at high-priority ports.

maritime hazardous cargo security act amends port security provisions direct secretary department coast_guard operating establish international committee safe secure handling transportation especially hazardous cargo united_states develop implement voluntary program foreign ports facilities certify compliance standards including program independent party entities certified validate ports facilities compliance standards establish strategic plan current law program utilize assistance programs assist foreign ports facilities lack effective antiterrorism measures implementing port security antiterrorism measures authorizes coast_guard lend lease provide equipment technical training support foreign ports facilities assist complying validating compliance standards authorizes secretary establish security cost share plan assist providing security transportation especially hazardous cargo facilities located adjacent navigable waters includes establishing regional response recovery protocols prepare respond mitigate recover transportation security incident area maritime transportation security plans directs commandant develop national resource allocation plan meet safety security requirements associated handling especially hazardous cargo ports facilities directs secretary ensure federal state local personnel responsible safety security vessels port carrying especially hazardous cargo complete incident command system training authorizes secretary convey compensation national defense reserve fleet vessels owners operators foreign ports use port safety security operations directs secretary ensure interoperable communications technology deployed interagency operational centers port security located high priority ports


Summary: Vessel Hull Design Protection Amendments of 2007 - Amends federal copyright law to specify that the design of a vessel's hull, deck, or combination of a hull and deck, including a plug or mold are protected (currently, only the design of the vessel hull is protected, including a plug or mold and the definition of hull includes the deck). Redefines "useful article" and "hull." Defines "deck" as the horizontal surface of the vessel that covers the hull, including exterior cabin and cockpit surfaces, and exclusive of masts, sails, yards, rigging, hardware, fixtures, and other attachments.

amends federal copyright law specify design vessel hull deck combination hull deck including plug mold protected currently design vessel hull protected including plug mold definition hull includes deck redefines useful article hull defines deck horizontal surface vessel covers hull including exterior cabin cockpit surfaces exclusive yards rigging hardware fixtures attachments


Summary: Great Lakes Short Sea Shipping Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance tax commercial cargo (other than bulk cargo) loaded or unloaded at U.S. ports in the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System. Defines the "Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System" as the waterway between Duluth, Minnesota and Sept. Iles, Quebec, Canada, encompassing the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the Saint Lawrence River.

great_lakes short sea shipping enhancement act amends internal revenue code exempt harbor maintenance tax commercial cargo bulk cargo loaded unloaded ports great lakes saint lawrence seaway system defines great lakes saint lawrence seaway system waterway duluth minnesota quebec canada encompassing great lakes connecting channels saint lawrence river


Summary: Maritime Administration Authorities Act of 2007 - Title I: Maritime Administration - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration, including for operations and training, assistance to small shipyards and maritime communities, disposal of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, and loans under provisions relating to financing for the construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of a vessel or fishery facility. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into agreements to purchase, charter, operate, or otherwise acquire the use of any documented vessels and any other related real or personal property. (Sec. 103) Subjects the following to the prior consent of the Secretary of Defense regarding vessels in the Ready Reserve Force or the National Defense Reserve Fleet: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to operate or lease vessels under the Secretary's control; (2) the charter of vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet (including Ready Reserve Force vessels) by any state, locality, or territory of the United States; and (3) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to charter or otherwise make available a vessel under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to any other department. (Sec. 105) Amends the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994 to modify requirements regarding disposal of certain National Defense Reserve Fleet vessels that are not in the Ready Reserve Fleet. (Sec. 107) Requires the Secretary of Transportation, in order to ensure Ready Reserve Fleet vessel readiness, to activate and conduct sea trials on each vessel at least once every 30 (under current law, 24) months. (Sec. 108) Requires the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to develop a comprehensive plan for the review of traditional applications (defined as being of a type that has been approved multiple times without default or unreasonable risk to the United States) and nontraditional applications for a loan, guarantee, or a commitment to guarantee submitted under provisions relating to financing for the construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of a vessel or fishery facility. Requires the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees regarding the plan. Title II: Technical Corrections - (Sec. 201) Sets forth a variety of provisions. Declares that such provisions make no substantive change in existing law and prohibits construing them as making a substantive change.

maritime administration authorities act title maritime administration sec authorizes appropriations maritime_administration including operations training assistance small shipyards maritime communities disposal obsolete vessels national_defense_reserve_fleet loans provisions relating financing construction reconstruction vessel fishery facility sec authorizes secretary transportation enter agreements purchase charter operate acquire use documented vessels related real personal property sec subjects following prior consent secretary defense vessels national_defense_reserve_fleet authority secretary transportation operate lease vessels secretary control charter vessels national_defense_reserve_fleet including vessels state locality territory united_states authority secretary transportation charter available vessel jurisdiction secretary department sec amends national maritime heritage act modify requirements disposal certain national_defense_reserve_fleet vessels sec requires secretary transportation order ensure vessel readiness activate conduct sea trials vessel current law months sec requires administrator maritime_administration develop comprehensive plan review traditional applications defined type approved multiple times default unreasonable risk united_states nontraditional applications loan guarantee commitment guarantee submitted provisions relating financing construction reconstruction vessel fishery facility requires administrator report specified congressional committees plan title technical corrections sec sets forth variety provisions declares provisions substantive change existing law prohibits construing making substantive change


Summary: TSA Acquisition Reform Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions exempting the Transportation Security Administration from specified federal procurement requirements.

tsa acquisition reform act repeals provisions exempting transportation_security_administration specified federal procurement requirements


Summary: Maritime Emergency Prevention Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to command, using the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), the pilot of a vessel to modify the speed or direction of a vessel in an emergency or hazardous conditions as determined by the local Coast Guard (CG) VTS director. Prohibits the filing of a civil action for damages against the Secretary or any officer in the exercise of their authority under this Act in any federal or state court. Requires a federally licensed pilot of a vessel to carry and use a laptop computer equipped with a navigation system in cases where state or local pilotage authorities determine that the use of such computer is practical and necessary.

maritime emergency prevention act authorizes secretary department coast_guard operating command pilot vessel modify speed direction vessel emergency hazardous conditions determined local coast_guard director prohibits filing civil action damages secretary officer exercise authority act federal state court requires federally licensed pilot vessel carry use computer equipped navigation system cases state local authorities determine use computer practical necessary


Summary: Charter and Recreational Fishing Collective Marketing Act of 2008 - Authorizes persons engaged in the fishery industry as charter boat or recreational fishermen catching aquatic products to act together in associations in collectively catching, producing, and marketing such aquatic products, including implementing a vessel capacity reduction program, improving the operational and economic efficiency of a fishery, undertaking research, and improving the conservation and management of a fishery resource.

charter recreational fishing collective marketing act authorizes persons engaged fishery industry charter boat recreational fishermen catching aquatic products act associations collectively catching producing marketing aquatic products including implementing vessel capacity reduction program improving operational economic efficiency fishery undertaking research improving conservation management fishery resource