PITTS, JOSEPH R. (a Representative from Pennsylvania)

Bills and resolutions cosponsored

Abortion: ensure that women seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound and the opportunity to review the ultrasound before giving informed consent to receive an abortion (see H.R. 5032), H558 [29JA]

Adopt-a-Platoon Soldier Support Effort (organization): tribute (see H. Res. 959), H944 [13FE]

Africa: develop strategy to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian operations, reduce violence, and move toward sustainable peace in regions of Chad, Central African Republic, and Sudan (see H. Res. 1011), H1540 [11MR]

Alaska: tribute to Army National Guard 3d Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment (see H. Res. 961), H621 [6FE]

Apple Crunch: support goals and ideals of healthy food choice event (see H. Res. 1143), H7059 [23JY]

Armed Forces: close loopholes in the prohibition on the sale or rental of sexually explicit material on military installations (see H.R. 5821), H2442 [16AP]

———deny Federal funds to any State, city, county, or other political subdivision that prohibits or unduly restricts the establishment or operation of a military recruiting office (see H.R. 5462), H993 [14FE]

———ensure fair treatment of members discharged early due to being the only surviving child in a family in which an immediate family member was killed, MIA, or disabled in the line of duty (see H.R. 5825), H2442 [16AP]

———mint coins in commemoration of the establishment of the U.S. Army and direct proceeds from sales of such coins to the establishment of the National Museum of the U.S. Army (see H.R. 5714), H10300 [27SE]

———retain certain active members otherwise retired or separated for a combat-related disability, but still medically able to perform noncombat-related specialties or duties (see H.R. 5868), H2854 [29AP]

———tribute to the 28th Infantry Division (see H. Con. Res. 390), H7308 [29JY]

Armed Forces Day: observance (see H. Res. 1122), H2761 [24AP]

Berkeley, CA: condemn resolution impugning integrity of the Marine Corps, rescind funds appropriated for certain local entities, and commend the service and efforts of Marine Corps members (see H. Res. 958), H1446 [10MR]

———rescind funds appropriated for certain local entities and transfer such funds to the Marine Corps (see H.R. 5222), H620 [6FE]

Berthoud, John: tribute (see H. Res. 881), H2659 [23AP] (see H. Res. 1302), H7790 [31JY]

Bhutto, Benazir: condemn assassination and reaffirm U.S. commitment to assist the people of Pakistan in combating terrorist activity and promoting a free and democratic Pakistan (see H. Res. 912), H296 [16JA]

Boy Scouts: express condolences to victims and those affected by tornado at Boy Scout camp in Iowa and gratitude to law enforcement and emergency responders conducting rescue operations (see H. Res. 1283), H5580 [18JN]

———mint coins in commemoration of centennial of establishment (see H.R. 5872), H2552 [22AP]

Bulgaria: independence anniversary (see H. Res. 1383), H7630 [30JY]

Burma: express sympathy and pledge support to victims of cyclone (see H. Res. 1181), H3403 [8MY]

Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act: approve renewal of import restrictions (see H.J. Res. 93), H5043 [5JN]

Business and industry: ensure that an employer may require employees to speak English while engaged in work (see H.R. 4464), H350 [17JA]

CERCLA: provide that manure is not considered a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant (see H.R. 1398), H9974 [25SE]

Children and youth: require recipients of universal service support for schools and libraries to protect minors from commercial social networking websites and chat rooms (see H.R. 1120), H2947 [30AP]

China, People's Republic of: call for end to human rights abuses of citizens, cease repression of Tibetan and Uyghur people, and end support for Governments of Sudan and Burma (see H. Res. 1370), H7309 [29JY]

———condemn violence against Tibetan protesters and use of Internet censorship and surveillance, urge compliance with criminal law, and provide information and access to all persons detained (see H. Res. 1075), H2011 [3AP]

Civil liberties: require reasonable religious accommodations in the workplace (see H.R. 1431), H2070 [8AP]

Clean Air Act: reduce the proliferation of boutique fuels (see H.R. 2493), H4877 [3JN]

———waive applicable volume requirement for renewable fuels if the applicable volume is not technologically feasible or the fuel is not commercially available in the required volume (see H.R. 6136), H4829 [22MY]

Colorado: express condolences to victims and community impacted by church shootings (see H. Res. 886), H295 [16JA]

Congress: condition adjournment on enactment of comprehensive energy legislation (see H. Con. Res. 417), H8275 [16SE]

Constitution—U.S.: anniversary of signing (see H. Res. 1356), H6727 [17JY]

Courts: provide an equivalent to habeas corpus protection for persons held under military authority at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (see H.R. 6274), H5581 [18JN]

Crime: prohibit certain forms of interference with military recruiting (see H.R. 6023), H3408 [12MY]

———provide penalties for the destruction of memorials, headstones, markers, and graves commemorating persons serving in the Armed Forces on private property (see H.R. 5131), H1342 [5MR]

Dept. of Commerce: authorizing appropriations (see H.R. 6219), H5213 [10JN]

———use all reasonable measures to ensure that every person is counted in the 2010 decennial census (see H. Res. 1262), H5328 [11JN]

Dept. of the Interior: notify units of local government when a Native American group files a petition to become a federally recognized Indian tribe and before the decision on the petition is made (see H.R. 5795), H6825 [22JY]

Dept. of the Treasury: enter into agreement with the Free File Alliance to provide free electronic filing of individual income tax returns (see H.R. 3457), H2070 [8AP]

———require congressional approval for certain expenditures for the Troubled Asset Relief Program intended to bailout financial institutions (see H.R. 7276), H10856 [20NO]

Diseases: increase Federal commitment to supporting the development of innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment (see H. Res. 353), H4976 [4JN]

Economy: suspend capital gains tax, schedule government-sponsored enterprises for privatization, repeal Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act, and suspend mark-to-market accounting requirements (see H.R. 7223), H10641 [29SE]

Egypt: protect human rights and freedoms of religion, speech, and the press, prevent imposition of restrictions on peaceful activism, and call for release of Ayman Nour and other political prisoners (see H. Res. 1303), H6009 [24JN]

English language: declare as national language of U.S. (see H.R. 5759), H2223 [10AP]

Families and domestic relations: call upon the courts to uphold the fundamental and constitutional right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children (see H. Res. 1076), H2011 [3AP]

———constitutional amendment relative to definition of marriage (see H.J. Res. 22), H5329 [11JN] (see H.J. Res. 89), H4831 [22MY]

———recognize contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, support responsible fatherhood, and encourage greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children (see H. Res. 1243), H5044 [5JN]

FDA: provide with certain authority to regulate tobacco products, cosponsorship withdrawn (see H.R. 1108), H1974 [2AP]

Federal agencies and departments: establish a commission to review efficiency and need for certain agencies (see H.R. 5794), H2354 [15AP]

———repeal requirement on the procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels (see H.R. 5656), H4833 [22MY]

———require the President to submit recommendations and propose legislation to modernize, consolidate, and when necessary, terminate programs, agencies, and activities (see H.R. 6638), H7790 [31JY]

Financial institutions: increase amount of deposits insured under the Federal deposit insurance system (see H.R. 7235), H10642 [29SE]

———prohibit financial holding companies and national banks from engaging, directly or indirectly, in real estate brokerage or real estate management activities (see H.R. 111), H6727 [17JY]

Flag—U.S.: constitutional amendment to prohibit desecration (see H.J. Res. 12), H2012 [3AP]

Food: improve safety by providing for improved information technology to identify high-risk imports and enhanced use of science to identify and address food safety issues (see H.R. 5904), H4322 [20MY]

———require disclosure of nutritional information on food offered for sale in food service establishments (see H.R. 7187), H10975 [10DE]

Fort Presque Isle National Historic Site: establish (see H.R. 6730), H7786 [31JY]

FTC: explicitly prohibit the sending of text messages containing an unsolicited advertisement to a cellular telephone number listed on the ``do-not-call'' registry (see H.R. 5769), H2223 [10AP]

Health: establish a pathway for the licensure of biosimilar biological products (see H.R. 5629), H1701 [13MR]

———establish nationwide health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed to offer a choice of private health plans and make health coverage more affordable, predictable, and accessible (see H.R. 6210), H6473 [14JY]

Helms, Jesse: tribute (see H. Res. 1325), H6408 [10JY]

History: mint coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of the ``Star Spangled Banner'' and the War of 1812 (see H.R. 2894), H1155 [27FE]

House of Representatives: establish the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (see H. Res. 1451), H8478 [18SE]

House Rules: repeal ``Gephardt rule'' and require recorded votes on measures that increase the statutory limit on the public debt (see H. Res. 1027), H1417 [6MR]

Human rights: increase global stability and security by reducing number of individuals who are de jure or de facto stateless and at risk of being trafficked (see H.R. 6520), H6673 [16JY]

Immigration: extend termination date for the exemption of returning workers from the numerical limitations for temporary workers (see H.R. 5233), H2225 [10AP]

———withhold financial aid from countries that deny or unreasonably delay acceptance of their nationals who have been ordered removed from the U.S. and prohibit issuance of visas to their nationals (see H.R. 5761), H3020 [1MY]

India: condemn recent religious violence and call to stop the violence and address its root causes (see H. Con. Res. 434), H10131 [26SE]

International Olympic Committee: designate a new venue for the 2014 Winter Games (see H. Con. Res. 421), H8477 [18SE]

International Religious Freedom Act: anniversary (see H. Res. 1140), H2658 [23AP]

Iran: condemn persecution of Baha'is (see H. Res. 1008), H4454 [21MY]

Iraq: express concern for plight of ethno-religious minorities and urge commitment of resources to address humanitarian crisis of refugees and internally displaced persons (see H. Res. 1467), H9086 [23SE]

———make technical corrections to legislation providing special immigrant status for certain Iraqis (see H.R. 5837), H3020 [1MY]

———support idea that coalition victory is possible (see H. Con. Res. 315), H1538 [11MR]

Jordan: express sense regarding Jordanian institutions (see H. Con. Res. 276), H7790 [31JY]

Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act: provide for specified civil penalties for violations (see H.R. 5775), H2854 [29AP]

Languages: repeal Executive order on providing access to Federal programs and activities for persons with limited English proficiency (see H.R. 768), H2224 [10AP]

Latvia: independence anniversary (see H. Res. 1405), H10133 [26SE]

Law enforcement: mandate reporting requirements for sex traffickers and offenders intending to travel internationally, provide notice to the destination country, and prevent entry by foreign sex offenders (see H.R. 5722), H2069 [8AP]

———reform the ATF, modernize firearms laws and regulations, and protect the community from criminals (see H.R. 4900), H1539 [11MR]

Law enforcement officers: provide exception to mandatory minimum sentences for officers who use or possess firearms during a crime committed during pursuit or apprehension of a suspect (see H.R. 6367), H7629 [30JY]

Lincoln, Abraham: observe anniversary of birth and recognize the role the Declaration of Independence played in belief development (see H. Con. Res. 281), H814 [7FE]

Local Radio Freedom Act: support (see H. Con. Res. 244), H2760 [24AP]

Medicare: improve access of beneficiaries to immune globulins (see H.R. 2914), H4454 [21MY]

———repeal limiting charges for non-participating physicians and to preempt State laws that prohibit balance billing (see H.R. 4736), H5044 [5JN]

Minnesota: anniversary of statehood (see H. Res. 923), H2488 [17AP]

Mother's Day: mint coins in commemoration of centennial of establishment (see H.R. 2268), H3109 [6MY]

———support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 1113), H2855 [29AP]

National Apple Month: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 1143), H7059 [23JY]

National Arbor Day: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 1114), H2855 [29AP]

National Prader-Willi Awareness Month: designate (see H. Res. 1386), H8579 [22SE]

National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month: support goals and ideals (see H. Con. Res. 393), H9085 [23SE]

National Year of the Bible: observance (see H. Con. Res. 284), H1418 [6MR]

Nuclear energy: authorize use of amounts in the Nuclear Waste Fund to promote recycling of spent nuclear fuel (see H.R. 6132), H4829 [22MY]

———establish a program for providing scholarships for nuclear science and nuclear engineering students (see H.R. 6135), H4829 [22MY]

Outer Continental Shelf: lift moratorium on oil and gas drilling, leasing, and exploration on certain portions and allow State governors to petition for increased energy exploration off their coast (see H.R. 6418), H6674 [16JY]

———provide for exploration, development, and production activities for mineral resources (see H.R. 6108), H4833 [22MY]

———provide for State enhanced authority for coastal and ocean resources and expansion of natural gas and oil supplies (see H.R. 6428), H6674 [16JY]

Palestinians: condemn ongoing rocket attacks on Israeli civilians (see H. Res. 951), H1342 [5MR]

Paul, Alice: award Congressional Gold Medal posthumously (see H.R. 406), H2759 [24AP]

Petroleum: repeal prohibition on using certain funds to issue regulations on oil shale resources (see H.R. 6138), H4829 [22MY]

———set schedules for consideration of permits for refineries (see H.R. 6139), H4830 [22MY]

Pittsburgh, PA: anniversary (see H. Res. 1000), H6408 [10JY]

Political campaigns: protect uncompensated Internet activity by individuals from treatment as a contribution or expenditure (see H.R. 5699), H2659 [23AP]

———repeal restrictions on electioneering communications (see H.R. 3714), H457 [23JA]

Pornography: limit Federal court jurisdiction over State laws restricting pornography (see H.R. 5514), H1703 [13MR]

Power resources: develop energy independence, lower gas prices, and open reliable national sources of energy (see H.R. 6207), H6343 [9JY]

———enhance energy independence through the usage of existing resources and technology (see H. Con. Res. 401), H7787 [31JY]

———expedite exploration and development of oil and gas from Federal lands (see H.R. 6379), H7629 [30JY]

———promote alternative and renewable fuels, domestic energy production, conservation, and efficiency, and increase energy independence (see H.R. 6566), H7059 [23JY]

———provide a comprehensive plan for greater energy independence (see H.R. 6384), H6728 [17JY] (see H.R. 6709), H7809 [1AU]

———repeal certain incentives and subsidies for renewable fuels (see H.R. 5911), H2948 [30AP]

———secure unrestricted reliable energy for American consumption and transmission (see H.R. 3089), H6230 [8JY]

———terminate or suspend Federal restrictions on exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, or oil shale and facilitate construction of new oil refineries (see H.R. 6463), H6405 [10JY] (see H.R. 6717), H7785 [31JY]

Radioactive substances: prohibit importation of certain low-level radioactive waste into the U.S. (see H.R. 5632), H7789 [31JY]

Real estate: prohibit Federal economic development funds to States that carry out public takings for private purposes (see H.R. 6219), H5213 [10JN]

Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission: establish (see H.R. 5235), H6342 [9JY]

Schools: prohibit Federal education funding for elementary or secondary schools that provide access to emergency postcoital contraception (see H.R. 6453), H6405 [10JY]

———withhold Federal funds from schools that permit or require the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem in a language other than English (see H.R. 6783), H7806 [1AU]

Science: prohibit human-animal hybrids (see H.R. 5910), H2759 [24AP]

Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission: establish (see H.R. 3654), H943 [13FE]

Senior citizens: improve research, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, conditions, and injuries and conduct a longitudinal study on aging (see H.R. 6478), H9974 [25SE]

Small business: encourage development of small business cooperatives for healthcare options to improve coverage for employees (CHOICE) including through a small business CHOICE tax credit (see H.R. 6582), H7057 [23JY]

———improve access and choice relative to employee health care (see H.R. 241), H558 [29JA]

Social Security: exclude from creditable wages income earned by aliens for services illegally performed in the U.S. or derived from an illegal trade or business (see H.R. 736), H2151 [9AP]

Special Olympics: anniversary (see H. Res. 1279), H6230 [8JY]

Standing Bear (Ponca Native American Chief): tribute (see H. Res. 1043), H1618 [12MR]

Stewart, Jimmy: honor life and accomplishments and recognize anniversary of birth (see H. Res. 1165), H3187 [7MY]

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 648), H4976 [4JN]

Tariff: digital-to-analog converter boxes (see H.R. 5635), H8276 [16SE]

Taxation: accelerate phase-in of the deduction for domestic production activities (see H.R. 5101), H814 [7FE]

———allow a refundable credit for the purchase of private health insurance (see H.R. 914), H3050 [5MY]

———allow a tax credit for the purchase of idling reduction systems for diesel-powered on-highway vehicles (see H.R. 139), H7789 [31JY]

———allow individuals a credit for health insurance costs and allow employees who elect not to participate in employer subsidized health plans an exclusion from gross income for employer payments (see H.R. 5923), H2852 [29AP]

———allow reimbursement from flexible spending accounts for certain dental procedures (see H.R. 3109), H1074 [26FE]

———clarify that wages paid to unauthorized aliens are not deductible (see H.R. 6813), H7807 [1AU]

———exclude from gross income certain distributions from qualified retirement plans used for mortgage payments (see H.R. 5776), H2224 [10AP]

———exclude from gross income gain from the conversion of property by reason of eminent domain (see H.R. 6348), H5864 [23JN]

———extend and modify the renewable energy production credit and the solar energy and fuel cell investment credit (see H.R. 6133), H4829 [22MY]

———improve access to health care through expanded health savings accounts (see H.R. 3234), H1445 [10MR]

———increase and extend the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction (see H.R. 539), H7789 [31JY]

———make permanent the deduction for expensing certain depreciable business assets and allow a deduction for the original purchase of domestically manufactured automobiles (see H.R. 7298), H10975 [10DE]

———provide a credit for new qualified plug-in hybrid motor vehicles (see H.R. 1331), H7789 [31JY]

———provide a shorter recovery period for the depreciation of certain energy production and distribution facilities (see H.R. 6716), H7785 [31JY]

———provide for the limited continuation of clean energy production incentives and incentives to improve energy efficiency (see H.R. 5984), H3185 [7MY]

———provide incentives to encourage investment in the expansion of freight rail infrastructure capacity and to enhance modal tax equity (see H.R. 2116), H1822 [31MR]

———provide permanent incentives for economic growth (see H.R. 5109), H455 [23JA]

———provide permanent zero percent capital gains rate for individuals and corporations (see H.R. 5908), H2948 [30AP]

———reduce corporate marginal income tax rates (see H.R. 4995), H294 [16JA]

———reduce depreciation recovery period for roof systems (see H.R. 4126), H6177 [26JN]

———repeal alternative minimum tax on individuals (see H.R. 1366), H2853 [29AP]

———repeal tax increase on Social Security benefits (see H.R. 2158), H2853 [29AP]

———suspend employment and income taxes for a certain period (see H.R. 7309), H10976 [10DE]

———terminate Internal Revenue Code (see H.R. 510), H2151 [9AP]

———treatment of Social Security benefits (see H.R. 191), H2853 [29AP]

Telephones: restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property (see H.R. 5793), H7629 [30JY]

Terrorism: restrict diplomatic travel of officials and representatives of state sponsors of terrorism (see H.R. 5886), H2758 [24AP]

Tobacco products: reduce youth usage of tobacco products and enhance State efforts to eliminate retail sales of tobacco products to minors (see H.R. 5513), H1822 [31MR]

U.N.: condemn efforts of Human Rights Committee and Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women to pressure Ireland to reduce or eliminate constitutionally established abortion restrictions (see H. Res. 1482), H10133 [26SE]

———support the U.N. African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and call upon member States and the international community to contribute resources necessary to ensure its success (see H. Res. 1351), H7059 [23JY]

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: anniversary (see H. Con. Res. 332), H2854 [29AP]

University of Nebraska at Omaha: anniversary (see H. Res. 1372), H7309 [29JY]

Venezuela: condemn actions and statements of President Hugo Chavez supporting terrorism and terrorists organizations (see H. Res. 965), H813 [7FE]

Workforce Investment Act: make non-union training programs eligible for Federal funding under the ``Green Jobs'' program (see H.R. 6220), H5213 [10JN]

World Refugee Day: observance (see H. Res. 1290), H6473 [14JY]

Bills and resolutions introduced

Taxation: allow nontaxable employer matching contributions to 529 college savings plans (see H.R. 5591), H1538 [11MR]

Pledge of Allegiance

House of Representatives, H1191 [4MR], H5872 [24JN]

Remarks

Abortion: pro choice versus right to life, H6321 [9JY]

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: oil and gas exploration, H3781 [14MY], H6679 [17JY]

Armed Forces: escalation of U.S. forces in Iraq, H392 [23JA]

Budget: setting forth the Federal budget for 2008-2013 (H. Con. Res. 312), H1624 [13MR]

Burma: human rights violations, H5332 [12JN]

China, People's Republic of: condemn use of the People's Armed Police to protect the Olympic torch, H2453 [17AP]

Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land: commend efforts to stop hateful speech in the media, H2074 [9AP]

Dept. of the Interior: conduct an expeditious environmentally responsible program of competitive leasing of oil and gas in the National Petroleum Reserves in Alaska (H.R. 6515), H6679 [17JY]

Economy: extend certain tax relief provisions, H2273 [15AP]

Exelon Corp.: tribute to efforts to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, H7063 [24JY]

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence (H.R. 3773), H1191 [4MR], H2494 [22AP]

———modernize and streamline (S. 2248), H484 [29JA]

House of Representatives: establish the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (H. Res. 1451), H8641 [23SE]

Iraq: removal of uranium yellowcake by U.S. Armed Forces in cooperation with Iraqi authorities, H6348 [10JY]

Lancaster County, PA: tribute to waste-to-energy facility, H3059 [6MY]

Mars, Inc.: tribute to opening of facility in Elizabethtown, PA, E2030 [26SE]

Medicare/Medicaid: extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), H6092 [26JN]

Obama, Senator: views on abortion, H1976 [3AP]

Outer Continental Shelf: lift moratorium on oil and gas drilling, leasing, and exploration on certain portions, H3781 [14MY], H5117 [10JN], H6236 [9JY], H6582 [16JY]

Petroleum: expedite construction of new refinery capacity on closed military installations (H.R. 2279), H5584 [19JN]

———gasoline price levels, H3781 [14MY], H4836 [3JN]

Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.: funding, H6321 [9JY]

Power resources: national energy policy, H4836 [3JN], H6582 [16JY]

———secure unrestricted reliable energy for American consumption and transmission (H.R. 3089), H5220 [11JN]

Supreme Court: decision in Boumediene v. Bush on right of habeas corpus for detainees held in the war on terror, H5733 [20JN], H5873 [24JN]

Taxation: rates, H1624 [13MR], H2273 [15AP]

United Kingdom: condemn Great Britian decision to require their Olympic athletes sign a pledge promising not to speak about China's human rights record, H1078 [27FE]