Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.)

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2015

This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through FY2019.

(Sec. 2) It expresses the sense of Congress that USCIRF: (1) was created to independently assess and accurately describe threats to religious freedom around the world; and (2) should ensure that U.S. efforts to advance religious freedom abroad are timely, appropriate to the circumstances, prudent, and effective.

(Sec. 3) The termination date of USCIRF is extended to September 30, 2019.

(Sec. 4) The Chair and Vice Chair of USCIRF must at least biennially carry out a strategic policy and organizational review and submit a strategic plan to Congress concerning: (1) prioritized actions for USCIRF, (2) any changes it considers necessary with regard to the scope, content, and timing of USCIRF's annual report; (3) any changes USCIRF considers necessary with regard to personnel matters; and (4) USCIRF's funding requirements.

If unanimous agreement is not possible, items for inclusion in the strategic plan may, at the joint discretion of the Chair and Vice Chair, be approved by: (1) a majority of Commissioners appointed by an elected official from the political party of the President, and (2) a majority of Commissioners appointed by an elected official from the political party that is not the party of the President.

The Vice Chair for such purposes must be appointed by an elected official from the political party that is different from the political party of the elected official who appointed the Chair.

USCIRF is authorized to implement provisions related to personnel and the annual report that are included in the strategic plan, notwithstanding USCIRF's annual recommendations on U.S. policy options and a current requirement that a decision to employ or terminate an Executive Director be made by an affirmative vote of at least six of USCIRF's nine members.

USCIRF, upon request, must provide testimony and make information available to Congress.

(Sec. 5) USCIRF is authorized to expend appropriated amounts only if it complies with this Act and submits its annual financial report identifying expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate reported version repeated united_states_commission international religious freedom reauthorization act bill reauthorizes commission international religious freedom fy2019 sec expresses sense congress created independently assess accurately describe threats religious freedom world ensure efforts advance religious freedom abroad timely appropriate circumstances prudent effective sec termination date extended september sec chair vice chair biennially carry strategic policy organizational review submit strategic plan congress concerning prioritized actions changes considers necessary regard scope content timing annual report changes considers necessary regard personnel matters funding requirements unanimous agreement possible items inclusion strategic plan joint discretion chair vice chair approved majority commissioners appointed elected official political party president majority commissioners appointed elected official political party party president vice chair purposes appointed elected official political party different political party elected official appointed chair authorized implement provisions related personnel annual report included strategic plan notwithstanding annual recommendations policy options current requirement decision employ terminate executive director affirmative vote members request provide testimony information available congress sec authorized expend appropriated amounts complies act submits annual financial report identifying expenditures preceding fiscal year


Summary:
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2015

This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through FY2019.

The Chair and Vice Chair of USCIRF must at least biennially carry out a strategic policy and organizational review and submit a strategic plan to Congress concerning: (1) prioritized actions for USCIRF, (2) any changes it considers necessary with regard to the scope, content, and timing of USCIRF's annual report; (3) any changes USCIRF considers necessary with regard to personnel matters; and (4) USCIRF's funding requirements.

If unanimous agreement is not possible, items for inclusion in the strategic plan may, at the joint discretion of the Chair and Vice Chair, be approved by: (1) a majority of Commissioners appointed by an elected official from the political party of the President, and (2) a majority of Commissioners appointed by an elected official from the political party that is not the party of the President.

The Vice Chair for such purposes must be appointed by an elected official from the political party that is different from the political party of the elected official who appointed the Chair.

USCIRF is authorized to implement provisions related to personnel and the annual report that are included in the strategic plan.

united_states_commission international religious freedom reauthorization act bill reauthorizes commission international religious freedom fy2019 chair vice chair biennially carry strategic policy organizational review submit strategic plan congress concerning prioritized actions changes considers necessary regard scope content timing annual report changes considers necessary regard personnel matters funding requirements unanimous agreement possible items inclusion strategic plan joint discretion chair vice chair approved majority commissioners appointed elected official political party president majority commissioners appointed elected official political party party president vice chair purposes appointed elected official political party different political party elected official appointed chair authorized implement provisions related personnel annual report included strategic plan


Summary: This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the government of the Maldives should release former President Nasheed from prison and release all political prisoners in the country, as well as guarantee due process for and respect the human rights of all of the people of the Maldives.

bill expresses sense congress government release president prison release political prisoners country guarantee process respect human rights people


Summary:
Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act

This bill requires the President to: (1) impose financial and immigration/entry sanctions on listed nationals of Vietnam who are complicit in human rights abuses committed against nationals of Vietnam or their family members, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Vietnam; and (2) submit to Congress a publicly available list of individuals determined to be complicit in such human rights abuses.

The President may waive sanctions to comply with international agreements or if in the U.S. national interest.

Sanctions shall be terminated if the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam has: (1) released all political prisoners; (2) ceased its practices of violence, detention, and abuse of citizens of Vietnam engaging in peaceful political activity; and (3) conducted a transparent investigation into the killings, arrest, and abuse of such political activists and prosecuted those responsible.

It is the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S.-Vietnam relationship cannot progress while the government of Vietnam's human rights record continues to deteriorate, and (2) the Secretary of State should designate Vietnam as a country of particular concern with respect to religious freedom.

vietnam human rights sanctions act bill requires president impose financial immigration entry sanctions listed nationals vietnam complicit human rights abuses committed nationals vietnam family members regardless abuses occurred vietnam submit congress publicly available list individuals determined complicit human rights abuses president waive sanctions comply international agreements national interest sanctions shall terminated president certifies congress government vietnam released political prisoners ceased practices violence detention abuse citizens vietnam engaging peaceful political activity conducted transparent investigation killings arrest abuse political activists prosecuted responsible sense congress relationship progress government vietnam human rights record continues secretary state designate vietnam country particular concern respect religious freedom


Summary:
Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2016

This bill states that it is U.S. policy to regard the prevention of mass atrocities and genocide as a core national security interest and a core moral responsibility.

The President may establish an interagency Atrocities Prevention Board, which shall: (1) ensure that atrocities and the risk of atrocities throughout the world are adequately considered and addressed, and (2) oversee the development and execution of policies and tools to enhance the capacity of the United States to prevent and respond to atrocities.

The Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended to provide for the training of Foreign Service Officers in conflict and atrocity prevention.

The bill establishes in the Treasury the Complex Crises Fund to enable the U.S. Agency for International Development to support programs and activities to prevent or respond to emerging or unforeseen foreign challenges and complex crisis overseas, including potential mass atrocities.

genocide atrocities prevention act bill states policy regard prevention mass atrocities genocide core national security interest core moral responsibility president establish interagency atrocities prevention board shall ensure atrocities risk atrocities world adequately considered addressed oversee development execution policies tools enhance capacity united_states prevent respond atrocities foreign_service act amended provide training foreign_service officers conflict prevention bill establishes treasury complex crises fund enable agency international_development support programs activities prevent respond emerging unforeseen foreign challenges complex crisis overseas including potential mass atrocities


Summary:
Global Respect Act

The President shall submit to Congress a list of each foreign person that the President determines is responsible, or acted as an agent, for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights committed against an individual in a foreign country based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

A listed foreign person shall be ineligible to enter or be admitted to the United States. Any visa issued for such person is revoked.

The Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security shall waive this prohibition if in U.S. national security interests or if necessary for compliance with the Agreement between the United Nations (U.N.) and the United States regarding the U.N. Headquarters. Congressional notification before any such waiver is required.

The Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor shall designate a senior officer or officers to track violence, criminalization, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in foreign countries based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to include information on sexual orientation or gender identity violence or restrictions in the annual country reports on human rights practices.

global respect act president shall submit congress list foreign person president determines responsible acted agent extrajudicial killings torture gross violations internationally recognized human rights committed individual foreign country based actual perceived sexual orientation gender identity listed foreign person shall ineligible enter admitted united_states visa issued person revoked department_of_state department_of_homeland_security shall waive prohibition national security interests necessary compliance agreement united_nations united_states headquarters congressional notification waiver required assistant secretary democracy human rights labor shall designate senior officer officers track violence restrictions fundamental freedoms foreign countries based actual perceived sexual orientation gender identity foreign assistance_act amended include information sexual orientation gender identity violence restrictions annual country reports human rights practices


Summary:
Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016

(Sec. 5) This bill allows civil claims or causes of action for the recovery of artwork or certain other property lost between January 1, 1933, and December 31, 1945, because of Nazi persecution to be commenced within six years after the claimant's actual discovery of: (1) the identity and location of the artwork or other property, and (2) a possessory interest in the artwork or property.

Such statutory limitation period of six years after actual discovery preempts any other statutes of limitation or defenses relating to the passage of time.

Preexisting claims known by a claimant before enactment of this bill shall be considered discovered on the date of this bill's enactment if they were barred before, or not barred on, the date of enactment.

This bill applies to claims or actions that are: (1) pending on the date of this bill's enactment, including an action for which the time to file an appeal has not expired; or (2) filed after enactment but before 2027. But the bill does not apply to claims barred on the day before enactment of this bill if: (1) the claimant had knowledge on or after January 1, 1999, and (2) six years have passed from the date such claimant acquired such knowledge and during which time the claim was not barred by a statute of limitations.

holocaust art recovery_act sec bill allows civil claims causes action recovery certain property lost january december nazi persecution commenced years claimant actual discovery identity location property interest property statutory limitation period years actual discovery preempts statutes limitation defenses relating passage time preexisting claims known claimant enactment bill shall considered discovered date bill enactment barred barred date enactment bill applies claims actions pending date bill enactment including action time file appeal expired filed enactment bill apply claims barred day enactment bill claimant knowledge january years passed date claimant acquired knowledge time claim barred statute limitations


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on April 28, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Extension Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 to extend through December 31, 2019, provisions requiring the President to impose sanctions against individuals in Venezuela who are responsible for human rights violations.

measure amended passed senate april summary version repeated venezuela defense human rights civil society extension act sec bill amends venezuela defense human rights civil society act extend december provisions requiring president impose sanctions individuals venezuela responsible human rights violations


Summary:
Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act

 This bill amends the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) to include among the responsibilities of the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom the integration of international religious freedom policies and strategies into U.S. foreign policy.

 The bill states that the Department of State should consider elevating the Office of International Religious Freedom and the position of the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom to the Office of the Secretary of State.

The executive summary to the annual religious freedom report shall include a special watch list of countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but do not meet the criteria for designation as country of particular concern for religious freedom.

 The bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) there should be within the National Security Council's staff a Special Adviser to the President on International Religious Freedom, (2) the State Department should work with Congress to address severe violations of religious freedom by non-state actors, (3) ongoing and persistent waivers of specified presidential actions against countries of particular concern for religious freedom do not fulfill the IRFA's purpose, (4) the State Department should make specified assistance available to promote international religious freedom, (5) U.S. institutions of higher education operating campuses outside the United States or establishing educational entities with foreign governments should seek to uphold the right of freedom of religion, and (6) the President's annual national security strategy should promote international religious freedom.

The Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended to direct the State Department to develop a curriculum for, and the Director of the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center to begin, mandatory training on religious freedom for all Foreign Service officers.

The IRFA is amended to require the Commission on International Religious Freedom to compile and make publicly available updated lists of persons it determines are imprisoned, disappeared, placed under house arrest, tortured, or subject to forced renunciations of faith for their religious activity or religious freedom advocacy by a foreign government or a non-state actor that the commission recommends for designation as a country or entity of particular concern for religions freedom.

 The President shall: (1) identify and designate a non-state actor that has engaged in particularly severe violations of religious freedom as an entity of particular concern for religious freedom; and (2) take appropriate actions to address severe violations of religious freedom, including suspension of assistance.

 The President shall designate any country that appears on the special watch list in more than two consecutive annual reports on international religious freedom as a country of particular concern for religious freedom.

 The State Department shall establish a list of foreign individuals who are sanctioned for ordering or otherwise directing particularly severe violations of freedom religion.

frank wolf international religious freedom act bill amends international religious freedom act include responsibilities ambassador large international religious freedom integration international religious freedom policies strategies foreign policy bill states department_of_state consider office international religious freedom position ambassador large international religious freedom office_of_the_secretary state executive summary annual religious freedom report shall include special watch list countries engage severe violations religious freedom meet criteria designation country particular concern religious freedom bill expresses sense congress national_security_council staff special adviser president international religious freedom state_department work congress address severe violations religious freedom non state actors ongoing persistent waivers specified presidential actions countries particular concern religious freedom fulfill purpose state_department specified assistance available promote international religious freedom institutions higher education operating campuses outside united_states establishing educational entities foreign governments seek uphold right freedom religion president annual national security strategy promote international religious freedom foreign_service act amended direct state_department develop curriculum director george national foreign affairs training center begin mandatory training religious freedom foreign_service officers amended require commission international religious freedom compile publicly available updated lists persons determines imprisoned placed house arrest subject forced faith religious activity religious freedom advocacy foreign government non state actor commission recommends designation country entity particular concern freedom president shall identify designate non state actor engaged particularly severe violations religious freedom entity particular concern religious freedom appropriate actions address severe violations religious freedom including suspension assistance president shall designate country appears special watch list consecutive annual reports international religious freedom country particular concern religious freedom state_department shall establish list foreign individuals sanctioned ordering directing particularly severe violations freedom religion


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) This bill amends the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 to eliminate the provision that specifies that Department of Health and Human Services national human trafficking hotline grants be funded by amounts made available to the Department of Justice for trafficking victim services grants.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate passed version repeated sec bill amends victims_of_trafficking_and_violence_protection_act eliminate provision specifies department_of_health_and_human_services national human trafficking hotline grants funded amounts available department_of_justice trafficking victim services grants


Summary:
Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of State, with respect to covered countries, to annually include within either the relevant Annual Country Report on Human Rights, the International Religious Freedom Report, or other appropriate report an assessment of the nature and extent of national laws or enforceable policies regarding the identification, return, or restitution of wrongfully seized or transferred Holocaust era assets and compliance with the goals of the Terezin Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets and Related Issues, including:

 the return to the rightful owner of wrongfully seized or transferred property, including religious or communal property, or the provision of comparable substitute property or the payment of equitable compensation to the rightful owner; the use of the Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art and the Terezin Declaration in settling claims involving publicly and privately held movable property; the restitution of heirless property to assist needy Holocaust survivors; and progress on the resolution of claims for U.S. citizen Holocaust survivors and family members. "Covered countries" means signatories to the Terezin Declaration that are determined by the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues to be countries of particular concern with respect to such restitution.

justice uncompensated survivors today act bill directs department_of_state respect covered countries annually include relevant annual country report human rights international religious freedom report appropriate report assessment nature extent national laws enforceable policies identification return restitution wrongfully seized transferred holocaust era assets compliance goals declaration holocaust era assets related issues including return owner wrongfully seized transferred property including religious property provision comparable substitute property payment equitable compensation owner use washington conference principles nazi confiscated art declaration settling claims involving publicly privately held property restitution property assist needy holocaust survivors progress resolution claims citizen holocaust survivors family members covered countries means signatories declaration determined special envoy holocaust issues countries particular concern respect restitution


Summary:
Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2016

This bill directs the President to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at each international financial institution to use U.S. influence to oppose any loan or other fund use for the government of Nicaragua's benefit, other than for basic human needs or to promote democracy, unless the Department of State certifies that Nicaragua is taking effective steps to: (1) hold elections overseen by credible domestic and international electoral observers, (2) promote democracy and an independent judiciary system and electoral council, (3) strengthen the rule of law, and (4) respect the right to freedom of association and expression.

The President shall direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States to use U.S. influence to advocate for an Electoral Observation Mission to be sent to Nicaragua in 2016 and 2017.

investment act bill directs president instruct executive director international financial institution use influence oppose loan fund use government nicaragua benefit basic human needs promote democracy department_of_state certifies nicaragua taking effective steps hold elections overseen credible domestic international electoral observers promote democracy independent judiciary system electoral council strengthen rule law respect right freedom association expression president shall direct permanent representative organization_of_american_states use influence advocate electoral observation mission sent nicaragua


Summary:
Burma Strategy Act of 2016

This bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations for assistance to Burma to: (1) support civil society organizations and strengthen anti-corruption efforts, (2) implement a specified democracy and human rights strategy, (3) support refugee-assistance organizations operating in Thailand, (4) promote ethnic reconciliation, and (5) reduce the military's position in the economy.

Funds may not be provided to: (1) the military of Burma or any individual or organization credibly alleged to have committed gross violations of human rights, or (2) any individual or organization that advocates violence against ethnic or religious groups and individuals in Burma. The bill provides for a U.S. national security waiver.

The Department of the Treasury shall instruct the U.S. executive director of each international financial institution to use U.S. influence to support only those projects in Burma that meet specified accountability, social and cultural, environmental and natural resource, and indigenous peoples protections.

Foreign military sales funds are made available for English language training for Burma's military under the Defense Language Institute English Language Center.

The Department of State may establish an exchange program between military and civilian personnel of Burma and their counterparts in: (1) countries that are strengthening a democratic form of government and demonstrating civilian oversight of the military, or (2) North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries.

The President may designate a private, nonprofit organization as the Win Tin Burma-American Enterprise Fund to receive financial assistance and support under this bill. No military-owned enterprises are eligible for fund participation.

The U.S. Trade Representative is urged to: (1) help Burma achieve eligibility for the generalized system of preferences, and (2) urge other countries to support such eligibility.

The State Department shall submit a strategy to promote transparency and good governance in Burma's jadeite, ruby, and gemstones sector.

burma strategy act bill authorizes fy2017 appropriations assistance burma support civil society organizations strengthen anti corruption efforts implement specified democracy human rights strategy support refugee assistance organizations operating thailand promote ethnic reconciliation reduce military position economy funds provided military burma individual organization alleged committed gross violations human rights individual organization advocates violence ethnic religious groups individuals burma bill provides national security waiver department_of_the_treasury shall instruct executive director international financial institution use influence support projects burma meet specified accountability social cultural environmental natural resource indigenous peoples protections foreign military sales funds available english language training burma military defense language institute english language center department_of_state establish exchange program military civilian personnel burma counterparts countries strengthening democratic form government demonstrating civilian oversight military north_atlantic_treaty_organization countries president designate private nonprofit organization win tin burma american enterprise fund receive financial assistance support bill military owned enterprises eligible fund participation trade representative help burma achieve eligibility generalized_system_of_preferences urge countries support eligibility state_department shall submit strategy promote transparency good governance burma sector


Summary:
Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to establish a process to vacate convictions and expunge arrests for criminal offenses committed by trafficking victims that directly result from or relate to having been a trafficking victim.

A trafficking victim may file a motion to: (1) vacate a conviction for a nonviolent offense that does not include a child victim (i.e., under age 18); (2) expunge records of an arrest for a nonviolent offense that does not include a child victim; or (3) expunge records of an arrest for an offense that is violent or that includes a child victim, if the charges are reduced, dismissed, or disposed of.

trafficking survivors relief_act bill amends federal criminal code establish process vacate convictions arrests criminal offenses committed trafficking victims directly result relate having trafficking victim trafficking victim file motion vacate conviction nonviolent offense include child victim age records arrest nonviolent offense include child victim records arrest offense violent includes child victim charges reduced dismissed disposed


Summary:
Combating European Anti-Semitism Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) it is in the U.S. national interest to combat anti-Semitism at home and abroad; (2) there is a need to ensure the security of European Jewish communities, including synagogues, schools, and cemeteries; and (3) the United States should continue to emphasize the importance of combating anti-Semitism in multilateral bodies.

The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 is amended to require the Department of State's Annual Report on International Religious Freedom to include, for each European country in which threats or attacks against Jewish persons, schools, and religious institutions are particularly significant, a description of:

 the security challenges and needs of European Jewish communities and European law enforcement agencies; U.S. efforts to partner with European law enforcement agencies and civil society groups to combat anti-Semitic incidents; educational programming and public awareness initiatives that impart values of pluralism and tolerance, showcase the positive contributions of Jews, and pay special attention to population segments that exhibit a high degree of anti-Semitic animus; and efforts by European governments to adopt and apply a working definition of anti-Semitism.

combating european anti act bill expresses sense congress national interest combat anti home abroad need ensure security european jewish communities including schools cemeteries united_states continue emphasize importance combating anti multilateral bodies international religious freedom act amended require department_of_state annual report international religious freedom include european country threats attacks jewish persons schools religious institutions particularly significant description security challenges needs european jewish communities european law enforcement agencies efforts partner european law enforcement agencies civil society groups combat anti incidents educational programming public awareness initiatives values tolerance positive contributions pay special attention population segments exhibit high degree anti efforts european governments adopt apply working definition anti


Summary:
Trafficking In Persons Report Integrity Act

This bill amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to revise provisions regarding the Department of State's determination of whether countries are meeting the minimum standards for elimination of human trafficking, including provisions regarding: (1) the State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, (2) additional requirements for meeting minimum standards, (3) actions against governments failing to meet minimum standards, (4) the tier ranking process for meeting such standards, and (5) congressional oversight of such process.

The President shall instruct the U.S. executive director of each international financial institution to: (1) support the U.S. policy goal of ending slavery and human trafficking and encourage other nations to adopt similar policies, (2) oppose loans or other programs to Tier 3 and Tier 2 Watch List countries and channel funds from such countries to countries in better compliance with such standards, and (3) propose that other institutions develop anti-human trafficking provisions in their project safeguards and procurement policies.

A Tier 3 country is a country the government of which does not fully meet the minimum standards and is not making significant efforts to do so.

A Tier 2 Watch List country is a country the government of which does not fully meet the minimum standards but is making significant compliance efforts and in which: (1) the number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or is significantly increasing, (2) there is a failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons from the previous year, or (3) the compliance determination was based on the country's commitments to take additional steps over the next year.

trafficking persons report integrity act bill amends trafficking_victims_protection_act revise provisions department_of_state determination countries meeting minimum standards elimination human trafficking including provisions state_department annual trafficking persons report additional requirements meeting minimum standards actions governments failing meet minimum standards tier ranking process meeting standards congressional oversight process president shall instruct executive director international financial institution support policy goal ending slavery human trafficking encourage nations adopt similar policies oppose loans programs tier tier watch list countries channel funds countries countries better compliance standards propose institutions develop anti human trafficking provisions project safeguards procurement policies tier country country government fully meet minimum standards making significant efforts tier watch list country country government fully meet minimum standards making significant compliance efforts number victims severe forms trafficking significant significantly increasing failure provide evidence increasing efforts combat severe forms trafficking persons previous year compliance determination based country commitments additional steps year


Summary: Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation respecting the interference potential of systems that transmit broadband Internet services over power lines.

emergency amateur radio interference protection act directs federal_communications_commission fcc report house_committee_on_energy_and_commerce senate_committee_on_commerce science transportation respecting interference potential systems transmit broadband internet services power lines


Summary: Federal Agency Data Privacy Protection Act - Sets forth requirements: (1) for the use of encryption for sensitive data maintained by the federal government; (2) relating to access by agency personnel to sensitive data; and (3) relating to government contractors and their employees involving sensitive data.

federal agency data privacy protection act sets forth requirements use encryption sensitive data maintained federal_government relating access agency personnel sensitive data relating government contractors employees involving sensitive data


Summary: Cyber-Security Enhancement and Consumer Data Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) prohibit accessing or remotely controlling a protected computer to obtain identification information; (2) revise the definition of "protected computer" to include computers affecting interstate or foreign commerce or communication; (3) expand the definition of racketeering to include computer fraud; (4) redefine the crime of computer-related extortion to include threats to access without authorization (or to exceed authorized access of) a protected computer; (5) impose criminal penalties for conspiracy to commit computer fraud; (6) impose a fine and/or five year prison term for failure to notify the U.S. Secret Service or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of a major security breach (involving a significant risk of identity theft) in a computer system, with the intent to thwart an investigation of such breach; (7) increase to 30 years the maximum term of imprisonment for computer fraud and require forfeiture of property used to commit computer fraud; and (8) impose criminal penalties for damaging 10 or more protected computers during any one-year period. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend its guidelines and policy statements to reflect congressional intent to increase criminal penalties for computer fraud. Authorizes additional appropriations in FY2007-FY2011 to the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of Justice, and the FBI to investigate and prosecute criminal activity involving computers.

cyber security enhancement consumer data protection act amends federal criminal code prohibit accessing remotely controlling protected computer obtain identification information revise definition protected computer include computers affecting interstate foreign commerce communication expand definition racketeering include computer fraud redefine crime computer related extortion include threats access authorization exceed authorized access protected computer impose criminal penalties conspiracy commit computer fraud impose fine year prison term failure notify secret_service federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi major security breach involving significant risk identity theft computer system intent thwart investigation breach increase years maximum term imprisonment computer fraud require forfeiture property commit computer fraud impose criminal penalties damaging protected computers year period directs sentencing commission review amend guidelines policy statements reflect congressional intent increase criminal penalties computer fraud authorizes additional appropriations fy2007-fy2011 secret_service department_of_justice fbi investigate prosecute criminal activity involving computers


Summary: Data Accountability and Trust Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC) to promulgate regulations requiring each person engaged in interstate commerce that owns or possesses electronic data containing personal information to establish security policies and procedures. Authorizes the FTC to require a standard method or methods for destroying obsolete nonelectronic data. Requires information brokers to submit their security policies to the FTC in conjunction with a security breach notification or on FTC request. Requires the FTC to conduct or require an audit of security practices when information brokers are required to provide notification of such a breach. Authorizes additional audits after a breach. Requires information brokers to: (1) establish procedures to verify the accuracy of information that identifies individuals; (2) provide to individuals whose personal information it maintains a means to review it; (3) place notice on the Internet instructing individuals how to request access to such information; and (4) correct inaccurate information. Directs the FTC to require information brokers to establish measures which facilitate the auditing or retracing of access to, or transmissions of, electronic data containing personal information. Prohibits information brokers from obtaining or disclosing personal information by false pretenses (pretexting). Prescribes procedures for notification to the FTC and affected individuals of information security breaches. Sets forth special notification requirements for breaches: (1) by contractors who maintain or process electronic data containing personal information; (2) involving telecommunications and computer services; and (3) of health information. Preempts state information security laws.

data accountability trust act_-_requires federal_trade_commission ftc promulgate regulations requiring person engaged interstate commerce owns possesses electronic data containing personal information establish security policies procedures authorizes ftc require standard method methods destroying obsolete data requires information brokers submit security policies ftc conjunction security breach notification ftc request requires ftc conduct require audit security practices information brokers required provide notification breach authorizes additional audits breach requires information brokers establish procedures verify accuracy information identifies individuals provide individuals personal information maintains means review place notice internet instructing individuals request access information correct inaccurate information directs ftc require information brokers establish measures facilitate auditing retracing access transmissions electronic data containing personal information prohibits information brokers obtaining disclosing personal information false pretenses pretexting prescribes procedures notification ftc affected individuals information security breaches sets forth special notification requirements breaches contractors maintain process electronic data containing personal information involving telecommunications computer services health information preempts state information security laws


Summary: Safeguarding America's Families by Enhancing and Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act of 2007 or the SAFER NET Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish an Office of Internet Safety and Public Awareness to be headed by a Director. Requires the FTC, acting through the Office, to carry out a nationwide program to increase public awareness and education regarding Internet safety, that utilizes existing resources and efforts of all levels of government and other appropriate entities and that includes: (1) evaluating and improving the efficiency of Internet safety efforts provided by such entities; (2) identifying and promoting best practices; (3) establishing and carrying out a national outreach and education campaign; (4) serving as the primary contact in the federal government and as a national clearinghouse for Internet safety information; (5) facilitating access to, and the exchange of, such information; (6) providing expert advice to the FTC; and (7) providing technical, financial, and other appropriate assistance to such entities.

safeguarding_america families enhancing reorganizing new efficient technologies act safer net act_-_requires federal_trade_commission ftc establish office internet safety public awareness headed director requires ftc acting office carry nationwide program increase public awareness education internet safety utilizes existing resources efforts levels government appropriate entities includes evaluating improving efficiency internet safety efforts provided entities identifying promoting best practices establishing carrying national outreach education campaign serving primary contact federal_government national_clearinghouse internet safety information facilitating access exchange information providing expert advice ftc providing technical financial appropriate assistance entities


Summary: Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to revise program requirements for the National High-Performance Computing Program. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) establish the goals and priorities for federal high-performance computing research, development, networking, and other activities; (2) establish Program Component Areas that implement such goals and identify the Grand Challenges (i.e., fundamental problems in science or engineering, with broad economic and scientific impact, whose solutions will require the application of high-performance computing resources) that the Program should address; and (3) develop and maintain a research, development, and deployment road map for the provision of high-performance computing systems. Revises requirements for annual reports by requiring that such reports: (1) describe Program Component Areas, including any changes in the definition of or activities under such Areas and the reasons for such changes, and describe Grand Challenges supported under the Program; (2) describe the levels of Federal funding and the levels proposed for each Program Component Area; (3) describe the levels of Federal funding for each agency and department participating in the Program for each such Area; and (4) include an analysis of the extent to which the Program incorporates the recommendations of the advisory committee on high-performance computing. Eliminates the requirement for inclusion of reports on Department of Energy activities taken to carry out the National High-performance Computing Program. Requires the advisory committee on high-performance computing to conduct periodic evaluations of the funding, management, coordination, implementation, and activities of the Program, and to report at least once every two fiscal years to specified congressional committees. Prohibits applying provisions for the termination, renewal, and continuation of federal advisory committees under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to such advisory committee.

amends high performance computing act revise program requirements national high performance computing program requires director office_of_science_and_technology_policy establish goals priorities federal high performance computing research development networking activities establish program component areas implement goals identify grand challenges fundamental problems science engineering broad economic scientific impact solutions require application high performance computing resources program address develop maintain research development deployment road map provision high performance computing systems revises requirements annual reports requiring reports describe program component areas including changes definition activities areas reasons changes describe grand challenges supported program describe levels federal funding levels proposed program component area describe levels federal funding agency department participating program area include analysis extent program incorporates recommendations advisory_committee high performance computing eliminates requirement inclusion reports department_of_energy activities taken carry national high performance computing program requires advisory_committee high performance computing conduct periodic evaluations funding management coordination implementation activities program report fiscal years specified congressional committees prohibits applying provisions termination renewal continuation federal advisory committees federal_advisory_committee_act advisory_committee


Summary: Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for intentionally accessing a protected computer (a computer exclusively for the use of a financial institution or the U.S. government or which is used in or affects interstate or foreign commerce or communication) without authorization, or exceeding authorized access, by causing a computer program or code to be copied onto the protected computer and intentionally using that program or code in furtherance of another federal criminal offense.Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to two years if such unauthorized access of a protected computer is for the purpose of: (1) intentionally obtaining or transmitting personal information (including a Social Security number or other government-issued identification number, a bank or credit card number, or an associated password or access code) with intent to defraud or injure a person or cause damage to a protected computer; or (2) intentionally impairing the security protection of a protected computer with the intent to defraud or injure a person or damage such computer.Prohibits any person from bringing a civil action under state law premised upon the defendant's violating this Act. Exempts any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of the United States, a state, or a local law enforcement agency or of an U.S. intelligence agency from the prohibitions of this Act.(Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 to the Attorney General for prosecutions needed to discourage the use of spyware and practices commonly called phishing and pharming. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Justice should vigorously prosecute those who use spyware to commit crimes and those that conduct phishing and pharming scams.

internet prevention act sec amends federal criminal code impose fine prison term years intentionally accessing protected computer computer exclusively use financial institution government affects interstate foreign commerce communication authorization exceeding authorized access causing computer program code copied protected computer intentionally program code furtherance federal criminal offense imposes fine prison term years unauthorized access protected computer purpose intentionally obtaining transmitting personal information including social_security number government issued identification number bank credit card number associated password access code intent defraud injure person cause damage protected computer intentionally impairing security protection protected computer intent defraud injure person damage computer prohibits person bringing civil action state law defendant violating act exempts lawfully authorized investigative protective intelligence activity united_states state local law enforcement agency intelligence agency prohibitions authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2011 attorney general prosecutions needed discourage use practices commonly called sec expresses sense congress department_of_justice prosecute use commit crimes conduct scams


Summary: Broadband Deployment Acceleration Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers to elect to expense (i.e., deduct all expenses in the current taxable year) qualified broadband expenditures, including installation and connection costs for subscribers in rural or underserved areas.Permits mutual or cooperative telephone companies to elect to reduce their unrelated business taxable income in any year by the amount of their qualified broadband expenditures. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) designate census tracts identifying rural and underserved areas under this Act; and (2) prescribe regulations for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Prohibits federal or state agencies from adopting regulations and ratemaking procedures that would eliminate or reduce the broadband expense deduction provided by this Act.

broadband deployment acceleration act amends_the_internal_revenue_code permit taxpayers elect expense deduct expenses current taxable year qualified broadband expenditures including installation connection costs subscribers rural underserved areas permits mutual cooperative telephone companies elect reduce unrelated business taxable income year qualified broadband expenditures directs secretary treasury designate census tracts identifying rural underserved areas act prescribe regulations carrying purposes act prohibits federal state agencies adopting regulations ratemaking procedures eliminate reduce broadband expense deduction provided act


Summary: Rural Broadband Improvement Act - Amends provisions of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 relating to loans and loan guarantees for the provision of broadband service in eligible rural communities to revise the definition of "eligible rural communities." Regulates the amount of a loan or loan guarantee. Requires full repayment of a loan or loan guarantee if a project is not entirely completed within 3 years.

rural broadband improvement act_-_amends provisions rural electrification act relating loans loan guarantees provision broadband service eligible rural communities revise definition eligible rural communities regulates loan loan guarantee requires repayment loan loan guarantee project entirely completed years


Summary: Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives, to be headed by the Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives. States that the Under Secretary shall: (1) administer all rural broadband-related grant and loan programs previously administered by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, including the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program and the community connect grant program; (2) conduct rural outreach; (3) foster development of a comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision; (4) assess relevant technologies; (5) serve as a single information source for all federal rural broadband programs and services; and (6) provide technical assistance to state, regional, and local governments to develop broadband deployment strategies. Directs the Under Secretary to submit: (1) to the President and to Congress a comprehensive rural broadband strategy report; and (2) to Congress a plan for a Rural Broadband Advisory Panel. Establishes in the Treasury the National Rural Broadband Innovation Fund.

rural broadband initiative act amends rural electrification act establish department_of_agriculture office rural broadband initiatives headed secretary rural broadband initiatives states secretary shall administer rural broadband related grant loan programs previously administered administrator rural_utilities_service including rural broadband access loan loan guarantee program community connect grant program conduct rural outreach foster development comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision assess relevant technologies serve single information source federal rural broadband programs services provide technical assistance state regional local governments develop broadband deployment strategies directs secretary submit president congress comprehensive rural broadband strategy report congress plan rural broadband advisory_panel establishes treasury national rural broadband innovation_fund


Summary: Cyber-Security Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) prohibit accessing a protected computer to obtain a unique identification number, address or routing code, or access device; (2) revise the definition of "protected computer" to include computers affecting interstate or foreign commerce or communication; (3) expand the definition of "racketeering" to include computer fraud; (4) redefine the crime of computer-related extortion to include threats to access without authorization (or to exceed authorized access of) a protected computer; (5) impose criminal penalties for conspiracy to commit computer fraud; (6) require forfeiture of property used to commit computer fraud; and (7) impose criminal penalties for damaging 10 or more protected computers during any one-year period. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend its guidelines and policy statements to reflect congressional intent to increase criminal penalties for computer fraud. Authorizes additional appropriations in FY2007-FY2011 to the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate and prosecute criminal activity involving computers.

cyber security enhancement_act amends federal criminal code prohibit accessing protected computer obtain unique identification number address routing code access device revise definition protected computer include computers affecting interstate foreign commerce communication expand definition racketeering include computer fraud redefine crime computer related extortion include threats access authorization exceed authorized access protected computer impose criminal penalties conspiracy commit computer fraud require forfeiture property commit computer fraud impose criminal penalties damaging protected computers year period directs sentencing commission review amend guidelines policy statements reflect congressional intent increase criminal penalties computer fraud authorizes additional appropriations fy2007-fy2011 secret_service department_of_justice federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi investigate prosecute criminal activity involving computers


Summary: Broadband Census of America Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct an annual assessment and report to the public on the nature and deployment of, and subscription to, broadband service capability throughout the states, including information comparing the extent of broadband service capability in other countries. Provides for enforcement as if the provisions of this paragraph were a part of the Communications Act of 1934. Considers a violation of the provisions of this paragraph to be a violation of that Act or a regulation promulgated under that Act. Makes the provisions of this paragraph ineffective six years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 3) Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the Department of Commerce to develop and maintain a broadband inventory map of the United States that identifies and depicts the geographic extent to which broadband service capability is deployed and available from commercial or public providers throughout each state. Requires the NTIA to seek to overlay demographic data obtained from other sources in the Department of Commerce and elsewhere for use with the map and to make the map accessible by the public on an interactive and searchable NTIA website. Requires that the NTIA request and obtain information as necessary from entities that are eligible for map grants under this Act, the FCC and commercial and public broadband service providers. Makes the provisions of this paragraph ineffective seven years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the NTIA, subject to fund availability, to make grants to states or nonprofit organizations to assist in providing the NTIA with information to facilitate the development of that map. (Sec. 5) Requires the NTIA to make grants to local technology planning entities, including to assess the current use of broadband service capability, set goals for improving or maximizing such use, identify local broadband demand and aggregate such demand, and establish programs to improve computer ownership and Internet access for unserved and underserved populations. Prohibits using grant funds to provide broadband service or acquire equipment or facilities for such capability. (Sec. 6) Requires the FCC to conduct and make public periodic consumer surveys regarding the types of technology used, the amounts consumers pay, the actual data transmission speeds, the types of applications and services consumers most frequently use in conjunction with such capability, the reasons given by consumers who decline to subscribe to broadband service, and other sources of broadband service consumers regularly use or on which they rely. Makes the provisions of this paragraph ineffective six years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 8) Prohibits construing this Act to expand or limit the authority of states, Indian tribes, or units of local government to compel the collection of information. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of this Act relating to the broadband inventory map, grants for that map, and grants to technology planning entities.

broadband census america act sec requires federal_communications_commission fcc conduct annual assessment report public nature deployment subscription broadband service capability states including information comparing extent broadband service capability countries provides enforcement provisions paragraph communications act considers violation provisions paragraph violation act regulation promulgated act makes provisions paragraph ineffective years enactment act sec directs assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information national_telecommunications_and_information_administration ntia department_of_commerce develop maintain broadband inventory map united_states identifies depicts geographic extent broadband service capability deployed available commercial public providers state requires ntia seek overlay demographic data obtained sources department_of_commerce use map map accessible public interactive searchable ntia website requires ntia request obtain information necessary entities eligible map grants act fcc commercial public broadband service providers makes provisions paragraph ineffective seven years enactment act sec authorizes ntia subject fund availability grants states nonprofit organizations assist providing ntia information facilitate development map sec requires ntia grants local technology planning entities including assess current use broadband service capability set goals improving maximizing use identify local broadband demand aggregate demand establish programs improve computer ownership internet access unserved underserved populations prohibits grant funds provide broadband service acquire equipment facilities capability sec requires fcc conduct public periodic consumer surveys types technology amounts consumers pay actual data transmission types applications services consumers frequently use conjunction capability reasons given consumers decline subscribe broadband service sources broadband service consumers regularly use rely makes provisions paragraph ineffective years enactment act sec prohibits construing act expand limit authority states indian tribes units local government compel collection information sec authorizes appropriations carry provisions act relating broadband inventory map grants map grants technology planning entities


Summary: Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that it is U.S. policy to: (1) maintain the freedom to use broadband telecommunications networks, including the Internet, without unreasonable interference from or discrimination by network operators; (2) enable the United States to preserve its global leadership in online commerce and technological innovation; (3) promote the open and interconnected nature of broadband networks that enable consumers to reach, and service providers to offer, content, applications, and services of their choosing; and (4) guard against unreasonable discriminatory favoritism for, or degradation of, content by network operators based upon its source, ownership, or destination on the Internet. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to commence a proceeding on broadband services and consumer rights, including assessing whether broadband network providers: (1) refrain from unreasonably interfering with the ability of consumers to access, use, send, receive, or offer content, applications, or services of their choice, and attach or connect their choice of devices; and (2) add charges for quality of service to certain Internet applications and service providers.

internet freedom preservation act amends communications act declare policy maintain freedom use broadband telecommunications networks including internet unreasonable interference discrimination network operators enable united_states preserve global leadership online commerce technological innovation promote open interconnected nature broadband networks enable consumers reach service providers offer content applications services choosing guard unreasonable discriminatory degradation content network operators based source ownership destination internet requires federal_communications_commission fcc commence proceeding broadband services consumer rights including assessing broadband network providers refrain unreasonably interfering ability consumers access use send receive offer content applications services choice attach connect choice devices add charges quality service certain internet applications service providers


Summary: Rural America Communication Expansion for the Future Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers in rural or underserved areas to elect to expense broadband expenditures, including installation and connection costs. Permits mutual or cooperative telephone companies to reduce their unrelated business taxable income in any year by the amount of their broadband expenditures. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to designate census tracts identifying rural and underserved areas. Prohibits federal or state agencies from adopting regulations and ratemaking procedures that would eliminate or reduce the broadband expense deduction provided by this Act. Allows a business-related tax credit for providing broadband services to rural or underserved subscribers through the radio transmission of energy. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to establish a grant to a local government with at least one rural or underserved area to establish publicly available broadband networks. Extends funding for: (1) public safety communications interoperability; (2) 911 access; and (3) telehealth programs. Revises provisions relating to rural area loans and loan guarantees regarding access to broadband telecommunications services, including revising the definition of "eligible rural community." Requires designation of a National Center for Rural Telecommunications Assessment. Establishes the Community Connect Grant Program to provide broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety services. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants to noncommercial education television broadcast stations that serve rural areas to enhance digital services. Extends the termination date of the authority to guarantee bonds or notes for electrification or telephone purposes.

rural america communication expansion future act amends_the_internal_revenue_code permit taxpayers rural underserved areas elect expense broadband expenditures including installation connection costs permits mutual cooperative telephone companies reduce unrelated business taxable income year broadband expenditures directs secretary treasury designate census tracts identifying rural underserved areas prohibits federal state agencies adopting regulations ratemaking procedures eliminate reduce broadband expense deduction provided act allows business related tax credit providing broadband services rural underserved subscribers radio transmission energy amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act establish grant local government rural underserved area establish publicly available broadband networks extends funding public safety communications interoperability access telehealth programs revises provisions relating rural area loans loan guarantees access broadband telecommunications services including revising definition eligible rural community requires designation national center rural telecommunications assessment establishes community connect grant program provide broadband service fosters economic growth delivers enhanced educational health_care public safety services amends food agriculture conservation trade act authorize grants noncommercial education television broadcast stations serve rural areas enhance digital services extends termination date authority guarantee bonds notes electrification telephone purposes


Summary: Inform and Deter Spam Act or the ID Spam Act - Amends the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 to authorize the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on it's motion or at it's direction, to add a civil penalty amount obtained for a violation of the Act to a fund to provide rewards to individuals who provide violation information. Authorizes the CPSC, in its sole discretion, to grant a reward up to $100,000 to any individual who provided valuable violation information which resulted in a final court order against any violators. Declares that the receipt of a reward under this section does not constitute immunity from criminal liability. Makes it unlawful to provide false information. Authorizes regulations providing for procedures to protect informants' anonymity.

inform deter spam act spam act_-_amends spam act authorize consumer_product_safety_commission cpsc motion direction add civil penalty obtained violation act fund provide rewards individuals provide violation information authorizes cpsc sole discretion grant reward individual provided valuable violation information resulted final court order violators declares receipt reward section constitute immunity criminal liability makes unlawful provide false information authorizes regulations providing procedures protect


Summary: Cell Tax Fairness Act of 2008 - Prohibits states or local governments from imposing any new discriminatory tax on mobile services, mobile service providers, or mobile service property for five years after the enactment of this Act. Defines "new discriminatory tax" as a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property that is not generally imposed on other types of services or property, or that is generally imposed at a lower rate.

cell tax fairness act prohibits states local governments imposing new discriminatory tax mobile services mobile service providers mobile service property years enactment act defines new discriminatory tax tax imposed mobile services providers property generally imposed types services property generally imposed lower rate


Summary: Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any broadband network provider from: (1) failing to provide its services on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms; (2) refusing to interconnect its facilities with those of another service provider on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms; (3) blocking, impairing, discriminating against, or interfering with any person's ability to use a broadband network service to access or offer lawful content, applications, or services over the Internet (or imposing an additional charge to avoid such prohibited conduct); (4) prohibiting a user from attaching or using a device on the provider's network that does not physically damage or materially degrade other users' utilization of the network; or (5) failing to clearly and conspicuously disclose to users accurate information concerning service terms. Requires a provider that prioritizes or offers enhanced quality of service to data of a particular type to prioritize or offer enhanced quality of service to all data of that type without imposing a surcharge or other consideration. Permits a provider to take reasonable and nondiscriminatory measures to: (1) manage the functioning of its network and services; (2) give priority to emergency communications; (3) prevent a violation of federal or state law; (4) offer consumer protection services; (5) offer special promotional pricing or other marketing initiatives; or (6) prioritize or offer enhanced quality of service to all data of a particular type without imposing a surcharge or other consideration.

internet freedom nondiscrimination act amends clayton act prohibit broadband network provider failing provide services reasonable nondiscriminatory terms refusing interconnect facilities service provider reasonable nondiscriminatory terms blocking impairing discriminating interfering person ability use broadband network service access offer lawful content applications services internet imposing additional charge avoid prohibited conduct prohibiting user device provider network physically damage materially degrade users utilization network failing clearly conspicuously disclose users accurate information concerning service terms requires provider prioritizes offers enhanced quality service data particular type prioritize offer enhanced quality service data type imposing surcharge consideration permits provider reasonable nondiscriminatory measures manage functioning network services priority emergency communications prevent violation federal state law offer consumer protection services offer special promotional pricing marketing initiatives prioritize offer enhanced quality service data particular type imposing surcharge consideration


Summary: Directs the Attorney General to award grants to U.S. entities that assist elementary and secondary school administrators, faculty, and staff and law enforcement officials in implementing Internet crime prevention education. Defines "Internet crime prevention education" as programs that help parents, educators, and law enforcement officials to educate children and communities to recognize and prevent potentially criminal activity on the Internet, telephone, and other electronic means.

directs attorney general award grants entities assist elementary secondary school administrators faculty staff law enforcement officials implementing internet crime prevention education defines internet crime prevention education programs help parents educators law enforcement officials educate children communities recognize prevent potentially criminal activity internet telephone electronic means


Summary: Securing Our Borders and Our Data Act of 2008 - Sets forth rules for the search or seizure at a U.S. border of digital electronic devices or digital storage media. Prohibits a search of the digital contents of such devices or media unless such search is based on: (1) a reasonable suspicion regarding the owner of such devices or media; and (2) an independent constitutional authority to make a seizure (other than the authority for border searches). Requires officers at U.S. borders to receive appropriate training to make searches of digital devices or media to minimize the possibility of irreparable damage to such devices or media. Allows the owners of such devices and media to request that searches be conducted out of public view. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) make rules regarding border searches of digital devices and storage media, including rules to protect the integrity of digital data, for the retrieval of seized devices or media by owners, and for sharing such data with other governmental agencies; and (2) publish such rules on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website. Requires the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct an annual study of searches and seizures of digital devices and storage media at U.S. borders and report to Congress on such study.

securing borders data act sets forth rules search seizure border digital electronic devices digital storage media prohibits search digital contents devices media search based reasonable suspicion owner devices media independent constitutional authority seizure authority border searches requires officers borders receive appropriate training searches digital devices media minimize possibility irreparable damage devices media allows owners devices media request searches conducted public view requires secretary homeland_security rules border searches digital devices storage media including rules protect integrity digital data retrieval seized devices media owners sharing data governmental agencies publish rules department_of_homeland_security dhs website requires commissioner customs border_protection conduct annual study searches seizures digital devices storage media borders report congress study


Summary: National Commission on American Cybersecurity Act of 2008 - Establishes the National Commission on American Cybersecurity to analyze the cybersecuirty of American business, national infrastructure, and U.S. Government non-military and non-national security related computer systems and to recommend a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for those systems.

national_commission american cybersecurity act establishes national_commission american cybersecurity analyze american business national infrastructure government non military non national security related computer systems recommend comprehensive cybersecurity strategy systems


Summary: Informed P2P User Act - Makes it unlawful for any person who is not the owner or authorized user of a protected computer to cause or induce the owner or authorized user of the protected computer to install any component of a peer-to-peer file sharing program that intentionally obtains files on the protected computer, or makes such files available to another computer without first providing clear and conspicuous notice that such program obtains files on the protected computer, or makes such files available to another computer, and obtaining the informed consent to the installation of such program for such activities from the owner or authorized user of the protected computer. Makes it unlawful for any person who is not the owner or authorized user of a protected computer to prevent reasonable efforts by such owner or authorized user to: (1) block the installation of a peer-to-peer file sharing program that intentionally obtains files on the protected computer or makes such files available to another computer; or (2) disable or remove any peer-to-peer file sharing program that intentionally obtains files on the protected computer or makes such files available to another computer. Treats a violation of this Act as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

informed user act makes unlawful person owner authorized user protected computer cause induce owner authorized user protected computer install component peer peer file sharing program intentionally obtains files protected computer makes files available computer providing clear conspicuous notice program obtains files protected computer makes files available computer obtaining informed consent installation program activities owner authorized user protected computer makes unlawful person owner authorized user protected computer prevent reasonable efforts owner authorized user block installation peer peer file sharing program intentionally obtains files protected computer makes files available computer disable remove peer peer file sharing program intentionally obtains files protected computer makes files available computer treats violation act violation rule defining unfair deceptive act practice prescribed federal_trade_commission_act


Summary: Title I: Broadband Data Improvement - Broadband Data Improvement Act - (Sec. 103) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): (1) to compile a list of geographical areas that are not served by any provider of advanced telecommunications capability (high-speed, switched, broadband telecommunications capability that enables users to originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video telecommunications); (2) when census data is available, to determine the population, population density, and average per capita income for each area; and (3) to make certain international comparisons. Requires the FCC to conduct and make public periodic surveys of consumers in urban, suburban, and rural areas in the large business, small business, and residential consumer markets to evaluate the national characteristics of broadband service capability. Requires expansion of the American Community Survey conducted by the Bureau of the Census to elicit information, including for native lands, to determine what households own or use a computer, if they subscribe to Internet service and, if so, by dial-up or broadband. (Sec. 104) Requires the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on additional broadband metrics or standards that may be used by industry or the federal government to provide users with more accurate information about the cost and capability of their broadband connection and to better compare the deployment and penetration of broadband in the United States with other countries. (Sec. 105) Requires the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, subject to appropriations, to report to specified congressional committees on the impact of broadband speed and price on small businesses. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) make competitive grants to develop and implement statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within each state; and (2) create a web page on the Department of Commerce website that aggregates relevant information made available to the public by grant recipients, including hypertext links to any geographic inventory maps created by grant recipients. Requires that the FCC provide eligible entities electronic access to aggregate data (subject to exception) collected by the FCC from broadband service providers. Defines "eligible entity" as an entity that is: (1) either an agency or instrumentality of a state (or a state's subdivision), a nonprofit organization, or certain independent agencies; and (2) the single eligible entity designated by the state to receive such a grant. Title II: Protecting Children - Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act - Subtitle A: Promoting a Safe Internet for Children - (Sec. 211) Declares that the issue of Internet safety includes issues regarding the use of the Internet in a manner that promotes safe online activity for children, protects children from cybercrimes, including crimes by online predators, and helps parents shield their children from material that is inappropriate for minors. (Sec. 212) Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to carry out a nationwide program to increase public awareness and provide education on strategies to promote safe Internet use by children. Requires annual reports to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 214) Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish an Online Safety and Technology working group to review and evaluate: (1) the status of industry efforts to promote online safety for children; (2) the status of industry efforts to promote online safety by service providers and remote computing services by reporting apparent child pornography under specified provisions; (3) the record-keeping practices of electronic communications and remote computing service providers in connection with crimes against children; and (4) the development of technologies to help parents protect their children from inappropriate material on the Internet. Requires the working group to report to the Assistant Secretary and specified congressional committees. Renders the Federal Advisory Committee Act inapplicable to the working group. (Sec. 215) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require elementary and secondary schools with computer access to the Internet to educate minors about appropriate online behavior, including online interaction with other individuals in social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response. Subtitle B: Enhancing Child Pornography Enforcement - (Sec. 221) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to impose a forfeiture penalty on any person determined by the FCC to have violated specified provisions relating to the sexual exploitation of minors.

title broadband data improvement broadband data improvement act sec requires federal_communications_commission fcc compile list geographical areas served provider advanced telecommunications capability high speed broadband telecommunications capability enables users originate receive high quality voice data video telecommunications census data available determine population population density average capita income area certain international comparisons requires fcc conduct public periodic surveys consumers urban suburban rural areas large business small business residential consumer markets evaluate national characteristics broadband service capability requires expansion american_community_survey conducted bureau_of_the_census information including native lands determine households use computer subscribe internet service broadband sec requires comptroller_general report specified congressional committees additional broadband metrics standards industry federal_government provide users accurate information cost capability broadband connection better compare deployment penetration broadband united_states countries sec requires small_business_administration office advocacy subject appropriations report specified congressional committees impact broadband speed price small businesses sec directs secretary commerce competitive grants develop implement statewide initiatives identify track availability adoption broadband services state create web page department_of_commerce website aggregates relevant information available public grant recipients including links geographic inventory maps created grant recipients requires fcc provide eligible entities electronic access aggregate data subject exception collected fcc broadband service providers defines eligible entity entity agency instrumentality state state subdivision nonprofit organization certain independent agencies single eligible entity designated state receive grant title protecting children protecting children 21st century act subtitle promoting safe internet children sec declares issue internet safety includes issues use internet manner promotes safe online activity children protects children including crimes online predators helps parents shield children material inappropriate minors sec directs federal_trade_commission ftc carry nationwide program increase public awareness provide education strategies promote safe internet use children requires annual reports specified congressional committees sec directs assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information establish online safety technology working_group review evaluate status industry efforts promote online safety children status industry efforts promote online safety service providers remote computing services reporting apparent child pornography specified provisions record keeping practices electronic communications remote computing service providers connection crimes children development technologies help parents protect children inappropriate material internet requires working_group report assistant secretary specified congressional committees renders federal_advisory_committee_act inapplicable working_group sec amends communications act require elementary secondary schools computer access internet educate minors appropriate online behavior including online interaction individuals social networking websites chat rooms cyberbullying awareness response subtitle enhancing child pornography enforcement sec amends communications act impose forfeiture penalty person determined fcc violated specified provisions relating sexual exploitation minors


Summary: Counter Spy Act - Prohibits a person who is not an authorized user of a protected computer (a computer used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication) from installing software that takes control of the computer, modifies the computer's settings, or prevents the user's efforts to block installation of, disable, or uninstall software. Prohibits such installation of software that collects sensitive personal information without first providing clear and conspicuous disclosure to the authorized user and obtaining the user's consent. Allows software that collects information for the provider of an online service or website knowingly used or subscribed to by an authorized user if the information collected is used only to affect the user's experience while using such service or website. Prohibits such installation on a protected computer of software that causes advertising windows to appear (popularly known as adware) unless: (1) the source is clear and instructions are provided for uninstalling the software; or (2) the advertisements are displayed only when the user uses the software author's or publisher's website or online service. Sets forth exceptions, including for network or computer security, diagnostics, technical support, and detection or prevention of the unauthorized use of fraudulent software or other illegal activities. Allows a multichannel video programming distributor to take certain actions if the actions are subject to provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 concerning notice to satellite subscribers.

counter act prohibits person authorized user protected computer computer interstate foreign commerce communication installing software takes control computer modifies computer settings prevents user efforts block installation disable software prohibits installation software collects sensitive personal information providing clear conspicuous disclosure authorized user obtaining user consent allows software collects information provider online service website knowingly authorized user information collected affect user experience service website prohibits installation protected computer software causes advertising windows appear popularly known source clear instructions provided software advertisements displayed user uses software author publisher website online service sets forth exceptions including network computer security diagnostics technical support detection prevention unauthorized use fraudulent software illegal activities allows multichannel video programming distributor certain actions actions subject provisions communications act concerning notice satellite subscribers


Summary: Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation respecting the interference potential of systems that transmit broadband Internet services over power lines.

emergency amateur radio interference protection act directs federal_communications_commission fcc report house_committee_on_energy_and_commerce senate_committee_on_commerce science transportation respecting interference potential systems transmit broadband internet services power lines


Summary: Blue Collar Computing and Business Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Under Secretary of Technology of the Department of Commerce to award grants to eligible entities (any nonprofit, consortium of nonprofits, or partnership between a for-profit and a nonprofit) to establish up to five Advanced Multidisciplinary Computing Software Centers throughout the United States. Requires each Center to conduct: (1) general outreach to small businesses and manufacturers in all industry sectors within the geographic region assigned to the Center by the Under Secretary; and (2) technology transfer, development, and utilization programs for businesses throughout the United States in the specific industry sector assigned to the Center by the Under Secretary.

blue computing business assistance_act directs secretary technology department_of_commerce award grants eligible entities nonprofit consortium nonprofits partnership profit nonprofit establish advanced multidisciplinary computing software centers united_states requires center conduct general outreach small businesses manufacturers industry sectors geographic region assigned center secretary technology transfer development utilization programs businesses united_states specific industry sector assigned center secretary


Summary: Empowering Teaching and Learning Through Education Portals Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states to implement or maintain education portal initiatives that include collecting and making available: (1) high quality resources (including data, tools, and digital media content) for teachers, students, and parents, that support public education from Head Start through graduate school; and (2) resources for ongoing and sustainable teacher training in the use of education technology at such educational levels. Allows teachers, students, and parents to contribute resources to their state portal, which is to be accessible statewide. Permits states to use funds available to them under part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to maintain such initiatives after their receipt of this Act's funding ends. Requires the Secretary to hold a conference, at least biennially, for state advisory panels on education portal initiatives to share information on best practices. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) count corporate contributions to such initiatives separately from other corporate contributions in applying charitable contribution deductibility limits; and (2) allow corporate deductions for contributions to such initiatives to reach 50% of a corporation's taxable income.

empowering teaching learning education portals act_-_authorizes secretary education award matching grants states implement maintain education portal initiatives include collecting making available high quality resources including data tools digital media content teachers students parents support public education head_start graduate school resources ongoing sustainable teacher training use education technology educational levels allows teachers students parents contribute resources state portal accessible statewide permits states use funds available teacher principal_training recruiting_fund title elementary secondary education act maintain initiatives receipt act funding ends requires secretary hold conference biennially state advisory panels education portal initiatives share information best practices amends_the_internal_revenue_code count corporate contributions initiatives separately corporate contributions applying charitable contribution deductibility limits allow corporate deductions contributions initiatives reach corporation taxable income


Summary: Broadband Access Equality Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit for broadband property installed in underserved and rural areas. Allow a 50% credit for the cost of such property installed in areas in which not more than the greater of 5% of households or 20 households have broadband access and a 30% credit for all other underserved and rural areas. Increases by 10% the rate of such credit for high speed broadband service.

broadband access equality act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow general business tax credit broadband property installed underserved rural areas allow credit cost property installed areas greater households households broadband access credit underserved rural areas increases rate credit high speed broadband service


Summary: Advanced Broadband Infrastructure Bond Initiative of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified advanced broadband infrastructure bonds. Limits the issuance authority for such bonds in 2009, 2010 and 2011 to $1 billion for state and local government issuers and $10 billion for all other issuers. Requires the use of bond proceeds to finance broadband infrastructure projects to provide residential or small business consumers with high-speed access to the Internet.Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in the Department of Commerce to: (1) approve requests for qualified advanced broadband infrastructure projects; (2) monitor the implementation of such projects; and (3) make determinations regarding increases in the transmission speed requirements of the advanced broadband infrastructure bond program.

advanced broadband infrastructure bond initiative amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credit investment qualified advanced broadband infrastructure bonds limits issuance authority bonds billion state local government issuers billion issuers requires use bond proceeds finance broadband infrastructure projects provide residential small business consumers high speed access internet amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act require national_telecommunications_and_information_administration department_of_commerce approve requests qualified advanced broadband infrastructure projects monitor implementation projects determinations increases transmission speed requirements advanced broadband infrastructure bond program