VARGAS, JUAN (a Representative from California)

Bills and resolutions cosponsored

Agreement for Cooperation Between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea Concerning Civil Uses of Nuclear Energy: extend (see H.R. 2449), H4726 [18JY]

Agriculture: express that specialty crops are vital and propose and enact funding programs that reflect importance and support priorities of specialty crops (see H. Res. 182), H2351 [25AP]

——— provide for a uniform national standard for the housing and treatment of egg-laying hens (see H.R. 1731), H5884 [26SE]

American Fighter Aces: award Congressional Gold Medal (see H.R. 685), H4857 [22JY]

Animals: prohibit the sale or transport of equines or equine parts in interstate or foreign commerce for human consumption (see H.R. 1094), H6344 [7OC]

Antitrust policy: restore application of Federal antitrust laws to the business of health insurance to protect competition and consumers (see H.R. 911), H2775 [17MY]

Armed Forces: afford each member prior to separation from service with an electronic copy of medical records and the opportunity for a physical examination (see H.R. 3045), H5834 [25SE]

——— appropriate funds necessary to pay death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased members during a Government shutdown (see H.R. 3274), H6411 [8OC]

——— authorize enlistment of additional persons residing in the U.S. and lawfully admit for permanent residence certain enlistees who are not citizens or other nationals of the U.S. (see H.R. 435), H1359 [12MR]

——— authorize enlistment of certain aliens who are unlawfully present in the U.S. and provide a way for such aliens to be lawfully admitted to the U.S. through U.S. military service (see H.R. 2377), H3652 [14JN]

——— award Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment known as the Borinqueneers (see H.R. 1726), H2605 [14MY]

——— express importance of easing the transition of members and their families from military to civilian life (see H. Res. 104), H2720 [16MY]

——— making continuing appropriations for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased members (see H.J. Res. 91), H6411 [8OC]

——— require continuation of tuition assistance programs for members for the remainder of the fiscal year (see H.R. 1265), H2027 [15AP]

Blue Star Mothers of America Month: designate (see H. Res. 293), H5404 [2AU]

Boys Town (organization): mint coins in commemoration of anniversary (see H.R. 2866), H7608 [9DE]

Budget: eliminate sequestration (see H.R. 900), H1360 [12MR]

——— prohibit consideration of a concurrent resolution providing for adjournment unless the House has adopted a conference report on the budget resolution (see H. Res. 424), H7628 [10DE]

C.W. Bill Young Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bay Pines, FL: designate (see H.R. 3302), H6674 [22OC]

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: improve operations of recovery auditors under the Medicare Integrity Program to increase transparency and accuracy in audits conducted by contractors (see H.R. 1250), H5548 [12SE]

CFTC: improve consideration of costs and benefits of regulations and orders (see H.R. 1003), H1399 [13MR]

——— provide equal treatment for utility special entities using utility operations-related swaps (see H.R. 1038), H1569 [18MR]

Chavez, Cesar E.: tribute (see H. Res. 132), H1825 [21MR]

Children and youth: express that children trafficked in the U.S. be treated as victims of crime, and not as perpetrators (see H. Con. Res. 66), H7354 [21NO]

China: call for an end to organ harvesting from prisoners, investigate organ transplant practices, end persecution of the Falun Gong, and issue warnings to U.S. citizens about organ transplant practices (see H. Res. 281), H5885 [26SE]

Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund: establish (see H.R. 853), H984 [5MR]

Civil rights: award a Congressional Gold Medal to Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley honoring the 50th anniversary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing (see H.R. 360), H1430 [14MR]

——— improve remedies for discrimination in the payment of wages based on sex (see H.R. 377), H550 [14FE]

——— prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity (see H.R. 1755), H5922 [27SE]

Commission on America and Its Veterans: establish (see H.R. 1492), H1955 [11AP]

Commission on Health Care Savings Through Innovative Wireless Technologies: establish (see H.R. 3577), H7353 [21NO]

Commission To Accelerate the End of Breast Cancer: establish (see H.R. 1830), H2605 [14MY]

Congo, Democratic Republic of the: call for an end to the ongoing conflict and support international efforts toward long-term peace, stability, and observance of human rights (see H. Res. 131), H1825 [21MR]

Congressional Research Service: provide public Internet access to certain publications (see H. Res. 110), H1399 [13MR]

Conservation of energy: promote energy efficiency via information and computing technologies (see H.R. 540), H1720 [20MR]

Courts: prohibit exclusion of individuals from service on a Federal jury on account of sexual orientation or gender identity (see H.R. 312), H1828 [21MR]

Crime: clarify the range of conduct punished as sex trafficking (see H.R. 2805), H5090 [25JY]

——— prohibit attendance of an animal fighting venture (see H.R. 366), H6604 [15OC]

Defense of Marriage Act: repeal and ensure respect for State regulation of marriage (see H.R. 2523), H4078 [26JN]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: anniversary (see H. Res. 10), H456 [12FE]

Dept. of Agriculture: allow veterans to file for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits under the status of disabled while their Dept. of Veterans Affairs disability claims are pending (see H.R. 2038), H2717 [16MY]

——— create competition in canned tuna purchasing program to strengthen buying power, increase availability to school lunch and nutrition programs, and create jobs in canning industry (see H.R. 2842), H5088 [25JY]

——— expand coverage under crop insurance plans to include losses to an insured commodity that must be destroyed due to a federally-imposed quarantine (see H.R. 1319), H1821 [21MR]

——— extend period during which Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are temporarily increased (see H.R. 3108), H5656 [18SE] (see H.R. 3353), H6999 [12NO]

——— include California as a separate Federal milk marketing order upon the petition and approval of California dairy producers (see H.R. 1396), H2249 [23AP]

——— promote local and regional farm and food systems (see H.R. 1414), H2604 [14MY]

Dept. of Commerce: authorize appropriations for the SelectUSA Initiative (see H.R. 1413), H2604 [14MY]

——— enable concrete masonry products manufacturers and importers to carry out coordinated program of research, education, and promotion to improve, maintain, and develop markets (see H.R. 1563), H5435 [9SE]

Dept. of Defense: improve prevention and response to sexual assaults (see H.R. 1593), H2571 [9MY]

——— require Inspector General investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions in response to protected communications regarding sexual assault (see H.R. 1864), H3253 [6JN]

——— review discharge characterizations of former members of the Armed Forces discharged for sexual orientation (see H.R. 2839), H5088 [25JY]

Dept. of Education: award grants to States to establish Seal of Biliteracy to recognize high-level student proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English and a second language (see H.R. 2549), H4142 [27JN]

——— establish an awards program recognizing excellence exhibited by public school system employees providing services to students in pre-kindergarten through higher education (see H.R. 1763), H2438 [6MY]

——— establish feeding program to provide nutritious food to at-risk students on weekends and extended school holidays during the school year (see H.R. 1395), H1959 [11AP]

——— extend the reduced interest rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans (see H.R. 1433), H2067 [16AP] (see H.R. 1595), H2123 [17AP]

——— make grants for pilot programs at institutions of higher education that support the use of open textbooks to achieve savings for students (see H.R. 3538), H7312 [20NO]

——— require certain institutions of higher education to provide notice of tuition levels for students (see H.R. 2020), H2840 [21MY]

——— simplify and improve Federal Direct Loan Program through income-contingent repayment to protect borrowers and encourage responsible borrowing (see H.R. 1716), H2656 [15MY]

——— strengthen student achievement and graduation rates, and prepare young people for college, careers, and citizenship through innovative partnerships (see H.R. 2237), H7395 [2DE]

——— support Promise Neighborhoods (see H.R. 2195), H5175 [30JY]

Dept. of HHS: assist low-income individuals in obtaining recommended dental care (see H.R. 963), H2719 [16MY]

——— authorize Federal assistance to State adult protective services programs to implement a network of elder abuse prevention and response measures (see H.R. 3090), H5546 [12SE]

——— better enable State child welfare agencies to prevent human trafficking of children and serve the needs of victims under adoption assistance and foster care programs (see H.R. 1732), H2349 [25AP]

——— lift restrictions on research agencies from conducting research on firearms safety and gun violence (see H.R. 321), H455 [12FE]

——— provide for a national public outreach and education campaign to raise public awareness of women’s preventive health (see H.R. 2457), H5263 [31JY]

——— reauthorize grant programs for education and outreach on newborn screening and coordinated followup care once newborn screening has been conducted (see H.R. 1281), H5767 [19SE]

——— revise and extend projects relating to children and violence to provide access to school-based comprehensive mental health programs (see H.R. 628), H499 [13FE]

Dept. of Homeland Security: establish conditions under which preclearance facilities may be established and preclearance operations may be conducted and provide customs services outside the U.S. (see H.R. 3488), H7357 [21NO]

Dept. of Justice: allow the denial of transfer of firearms or the issuance of firearms and explosives licenses to known or suspected terrorists (see H.R. 720), H629 [25FE]

——— establish Office of Elder Justice to strengthen law enforcement responses to elder abuse (see H.R. 861), H1360 [12MR]

——— provide definitions of terms and services for community-based gang intervention to ensure funding for such intervention is utilized in a cost-effective manner and agencies are held accountable (see H.R. 2669), H4482 [11JY]

——— provide for evidence-based and promising practices related to juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity prevention and intervention (see H.R. 1318), H1821 [21MR]

Dept. of Labor: strengthen the U.S. workforce investment system through innovation in, and alignment and improvement of, employment, training, and education programs (see H.R. 798), H1360 [12MR]

Dept. of State: enhance security for facilities and personnel at U.S. diplomatic and consular posts abroad (see H.R. 2723), H4724 [18JY]

Dept. of the Interior: conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating and interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the national parks (see H.R. 520), H455 [12FE]

Dept. of Transportation: making supplemental appropriations for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant Program (see H.R. 1124), H1395 [13MR]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: clarify presumptions relating to exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of Vietnam (see H.R. 543), H5884 [26SE]

——— designate one U.S. city each year as an ‘‘American World War II City’’ (see H.R. 864), H2396 [26AP]

——— ensure South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, TX, includes a full-service inpatient health care facility (see H.R. 552), H411 [6FE]

——— extend programs assisting homeless veterans with special needs (see H.R. 2485), H4858 [22JY]

——— extend work-study program for individuals pursuing rehabilitation, education, or training and expand program to veterans’ outreach services provided by congressional offices (see H.R. 2151), H5175 [30JY]

——— make grants with minority-serving institutions to establish verified delivery systems to address social and academic problems facing veterans enrolled at such institutions (see H.R. 1251), H1629 [19MR]

——— modify method of determining whether Filipino veterans are U.S. residents for purposes of eligibility for receipt of the full-dollar rate of compensation (see H.R. 3207), H5921 [27SE]

——— pay provisional benefits for certain nonadjudicated claims (see H.R. 1739), H2913 [22MY]

——— repeal requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan to offset the receipt of veterans’ dependency and indemnity compensation (see H.R. 32), H432 [8FE]

——— submit to Congress an annual report on the automatic processing of claims for compensation (see H.R. 1805), H2804 [20MY]

Depts. of Veterans Affairs and HUD: establish a grant pilot program to provide housing for elderly homeless veterans (see H.R. 1714), H2298 [24AP]

Diplomatic Security Act: revise provisions relative to Accountability Review Board personnel recommendations (see H.R. 925), H815 [28FE]

Discrimination: condemn discrimination, hate crimes, racism, bigotry, bullying and brutal violence perpetrated against Sikh-Americans, and all acts of vandalism against Sikh Gurdwaras in the U.S. (see H. Res. 328), H5399 [2AU]

District of Columbia: provide full voting representation in Congress and exempt residents from paying Federal income taxes until such voting representation takes effect (see H.R. 362), H5548 [12SE]

——— statehood (see H.R. 292), H5512 [11SE]

Doherty, Glen: award Congressional Gold Medal posthumously (see H.R. 1186), H2656 [15MY]

Doolittle Tokyo Raiders: award Congressional Gold Medal (see H.R. 1209), H1861 [9AP]

Education: improve early learning opportunities for prekindergarten children (see H.R. 3461), H7395 [2DE]

——— increase access to adult education to provide for economic growth (see H.R. 3697), H8113 [12DE]

——— restore fairness in education financing through student loan forgiveness, Federal student loan interest rate caps, and refinancing opportunities for private borrowers (see H.R. 1330), H2027 [15AP]

——— strengthen communities through English literacy and civic education for new citizens (see H.R. 1258), H1630 [19MR]

Election Assistance Commission: improve operations (see H.R. 2017), H2716 [16MY]

EPA: regulate wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil, natural gas, or geothermal energy (see H.R. 2825), H5087 [25JY]

Equal Pay Day: observance (see H. Con. Res. 28), H3289 [11JN]

ERISA: ensure health care coverage value and transparency for dental benefits under group health plans (see H.R. 1798), H2775 [17MY]

——— modify definition of fiduciary to exclude appraisers of employee stock ownership plans (see H.R. 2041), H7395 [2DE]

FDA: exempt certain user fees from budget sequestration (see H.R. 2725), H5348 [1AU]

——— provide for the regulation of medical software (see H.R. 3303), H7153 [15NO]

FEC: extend authority to impose civil money penalties on the basis of a schedule of established and published penalties and expand such authority to certain other violations (see H.R. 3487), H7109 [14NO]

Federal employees: provide certain benefits to domestic partners (see H.R. 3135), H5765 [19SE]

——— provide for the compensation of furloughed employees (see H.R. 3223), H6175 [2OC]

FEMA: award mitigation financial assistance in certain areas affected by wildfire (see H.R. 3333), H6902 [29OC]

——— delay increases in flood insurance premium rates under the National Flood Insurance Program until completion of affordability study, provide certain reimbursements, and accurately determine flood risk (see H.R. 3370), H6999 [12NO]

Firearms: develop and use technology for personalized handguns and require that all handguns manufactured or sold in, or imported into, the U.S. incorporate such technology (see H.R. 2005), H2720 [16MY]

——— ensure prohibited purchasers are included in National Instant Criminal Background Check System, require background checks for commercial sales, and establish a National Commission on Mass Violence (see H.R. 1565), H2396 [26AP]

——— impose excise tax on concealable firearms and require the Dept. of Justice to establish a firearms buyback grant program (see H.R. 793), H596 [15FE]

——— prevent gun trafficking (see H.R. 452), H660 [26FE] (see H.R. 955), H1632 [19MR]

——— prevent illegal sale (see H.R. 427), H504 [13FE]

——— restrict ability of a person with certain Federal firearms license revocations, denials, or notices, to transfer business inventory firearms (see H.R. 93), H599 [15FE]

Fish and fishing: call for ban and prevent the import of shark fins from sharks caught through the practice of finning (see H. Res. 285), H5590 [17SE]

Foreign trade: allow public-private partnerships to fund additional staffing and alternative financing for infrastructure improvements at land border ports of entry (see H.R. 1108), H1633 [19MR]

GAO: make permanent the requirement for annual reports on reviews of the accuracy of Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical budget submissions (see H.R. 806), H1721 [20MR]

General William H. Gourley Federal Outpatient Clinic—A Joint VA-DOD Health Care Facility, Marina, CA: designate (see H.R. 272), H3760 [18JN]

Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction: ensure compliance by certain countries and establish procedures for prompt return of children abducted to other countries (see H.R. 3212), H6454 [9OC]

Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund: ensure that receipts are fully spent on U.S. ports and harbors (see H. Res. 236), H3254 [6JN]

Health: prevent establishment of Federal health care provider standards of care in medical malpractice cases (see H.R. 1473), H5403 [2AU]

Hispanic Heritage Month: observance (see H. Res. 363), H5922 [27SE]

Horse Protection Act: designate additional unlawful acts, strengthen penalties for violations, and improve Dept. of Agriculture enforcement (see H.R. 1518), H5884 [26SE]

House of Representatives: encourage Speaker to immediately request a conference and appoint conferees to complete fiscal year 2014 budget resolution with the Senate (see H. Res. 174), H2438 [6MY]

——— provide the District of Columbia a voting seat and the State of Utah an additional seat (see H.R. 363), H5548 [12SE]

Housing Act: revise census data and population requirements for areas to be considered rural areas (see H.R. 858), H1430 [14MR]

Human rights: provide protections for sexually exploited and trafficked girls in the U.S. and create criminal or civil penalties for anyone who buys or sells a child through a system of child trafficking (see H. Res. 387), H6675 [22OC]

Human Rights Day: observance (see H. Res. 436), H7627 [10DE]

Immigration: allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their permanent partners for U.S. residence (see H.R. 717), H546 [14FE]

——— reform (see H.R. 15), H6173 [2OC] (see H.R. 3163), H6290 [4OC]

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 221), H2774 [17MY]

Investments: repeal certain indemnification requirements for regulatory authorities to obtain access to swap data required to be provided by swaps entities (see H.R. 742), H1398 [13MR]

Iran: call for release of Saeed Abedini and condemn persecution of religious minorities (see H. Res. 147), H6999 [12NO]

——— impose additional human rights and economic and financial sanctions to compel Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons (see H.R. 850), H700 [27FE]

Iraq: condemn attack on Iranian dissidents at Camp Hurriya, call for resettlement of camp residents, allow outside assessment of the camp, and return residents to Camp Ashraf to improve protection (see H. Res. 89), H1911 [10AP]

Israel: affirm U.S. recognition of sovereignty, security, and legal right to its lands and support relocation of U.S. embassy to Jerusalem (see H.R. 3629), H7447 [3DE]

——— amend requirements relative to assessment of qualitative military edge over military threats (see H.R. 1992), H6454 [9OC]

——— authorize further assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system (see H.R. 1130), H1395 [13MR]

——— authorize further assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system and authorize cooperation on the David’s Sling, Arrow, and Arrow 3 anti-missile defense systems (see H.R. 2717), H5834 [25SE]

——— include in the visa waiver program (see H.R. 300), H170 [15JA]

——— independence anniversary (see H. Con. Res. 30), H1994 [12AP]

——— recognize Jerusalem as capital and support relocation of U.S. Embassy (see H.R. 2846), H5093 [26JY]

——— strengthen strategic alliance with the U.S. (see H.R. 938), H1360 [12MR]

James ‘Jim’ Kohnen Post Office, Dublin, CA: designate (see H.R. 1671), H2246 [23AP]

James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse, San Diego, CA: designate (see H.R. 1378), H1824 [21MR]

Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of: improve enforcement of sanctions (see H.R. 1771), H3357 [12JN]

Mandela, Nelson R.: tribute (see H. Res. 434), H7689 [11DE]

Medicare: provide coverage of hearing aids and related hearing services (see H.R. 3150), H5766 [19SE]

——— provide eligible individuals with single chronic diseases access to medication therapy management under the part D prescription drug program (see H.R. 1024), H5175 [30JY]

Medicare/Medicaid: delay implementation schedule of the reductions of disproportionate share hospital payments (see H.R. 1920), H2959 [23MY]

Members of Congress: prohibit automatic salary adjustments for the remainder of the 113th Congress (see H.R. 636), H550 [14FE]

Mental Health Month: designate (see H. Res. 212), H2574 [13MY]

Minimum wage: increase, and index future increases to the consumer price index (see H.R. 1010), H1319 [6MR]

Monuments and memorials: ensure that memorials commemorating the service of the U.S. Armed Forces may contain religious symbols (see H.R. 1497), H1955 [11AP]

National Adoption Day: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 409), H7051 [13NO]

National Adoption Month: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 409), H7051 [13NO]

National Anti-Bullying Month: designate (see H. Res. 398), H6954 [30OC]

National Emancipation Day: observance (see H. Res. 38), H177 [18JA]

National Entrepreneurs Day: designate (see H. Res. 401), H6954 [30OC]

National Foster Care Month: designate (see H. Res. 203), H2575 [13MY]

National Innovation in Education Day: designate (see H. Res. 331), H5399 [2AU]

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 381), H6605 [15OC]

National Park Service: mint coins in commemoration of anniversary (see H.R. 627), H629 [25FE]

National security: enhance safety of U.S. ports of entry (see H.R. 583), H413 [6FE]

National Small Business Week: observance (see H. Res. 265), H3687 [17JN]

National Teacher Appreciation Week: observance (see H. Res. 167), H2438 [6MY]

Native Americans: honor service in the Armed Forces (see H. Con. Res. 63), H6954 [30OC]

Nelson ‘Mac’ MacWilliams Post Office Building, Ramona, CA: designate (see H.R. 1356), H1823 [21MR]

Nicklaus, Jack: award Congressional Gold Medal (see H.R. 2203), H5403 [2AU]

Office of the Director of National Intelligence: allow elements of the intelligence community to share cyber threat intelligence with private-sector cybersecurity entities (see H.R. 624), H2027 [15AP]

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: delay application of annual fee on health insurance providers (see H.R. 3367), H7508 [4DE]

Peralta, Rafael: award Medal of Honor posthumously (see H. Con. Res. 26), H1630 [19MR]

Philippines: accelerate income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for relief of victims of Typhoon Haiyan (see H.R. 3771), H8109 [12DE]

Political campaigns: require corporations and labor organizations to disclose to shareholders and or members amounts disbursed for certain political activity (see H.R. 2670), H4482 [11JY]

Ports: recognize importance to the U.S. economy and national security, strengthen seaport-related infrastructure, and express gratitude to port employees (see H. Res. 158), H1992 [12AP]

Postal Service: authorize the sale, at fair market value, of any post office building subject to relocation (see H.R. 1016), H1319 [6MR]

——— ensure continuation of 6-day mail delivery service (see H. Res. 30), H629 [25FE]

——— provide for the computation of normal-cost percentage for postal employees as a separate and distinct class and the disposition of certain excess retirement contributions (see H.R. 961), H1861 [9AP]

——— recalculate and restore retirement annuity obligations, eliminate Retiree Health Benefits Fund prefunding requirement, restrict closure of facilities, create innovation incentives, and maintain level of service (see H.R. 630), H2438 [6MY]

——— reinstate overnight delivery standards for market-dominant products (see H.R. 2459), H3988 [20JN]

Public Works and Economic Development Act: amend relative to grants for economic adjustment (see H.R. 3518), H8127 [19DE]

Puerto Rico: set forth the process to be admitted as a State (see H.R. 2000), H3929 [19JN]

Ride, Sally K.: award Congressional Gold Medal (see H.R. 2422), H3758 [18JN]

Rustin, Bayard: tribute (see H. Res. 319), H5477 [10SE]

Schools: address and take action to prevent bullying and harassment of students (see H.R. 1199), H5175 [30JY]

——— end discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity in public schools (see H.R. 1652), H2158 [18AP]

——— require local school wellness policies to include a requirement that students receive a certain amount of school nutrition education per school year (see H.R. 1500), H1956 [11AP]

SEC: exempt inter-affiliate swaps from certain regulatory requirements put in place under the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (see H.R. 677), H1430 [14MR]

Securities: provide end user exemptions for certain derivative sales (see H.R. 634), H1398 [13MR]

Slavery: mint coins in commemoration of the anniversary of the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution which officially abolished slavery (see H.R. 2633), H5175 [30JY]

Social Security: improve old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program, provide cash relief for years when annual cost-of-living increases do not take effect, and provide benefit protection (see H.R. 649), H703 [27FE]

——— prevent use of chained consumer price index (CPI) to calculate the cost-of-living adjustments in benefits (see H. Con. Res. 34), H2159 [18AP]

——— repeal Government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions (see H.R. 1795), H2438 [6MY]

——— strengthen by reforming the benefit formula and the calculation of cost-of-living adjustments and improving the long-term condition of the trust fund (see H.R. 3118), H5588 [17SE]

——— treat permanent partnerships between individuals of the same gender as marriage for purposes of determining entitlement to Federal old-age, survivors, and disability insurance benefits (see H.R. 3050), H5398 [2AU]

Sudan: develop strategy to end human rights violations, create incentives for governments and persons to end support, and reinvigorate peace efforts (see H.R. 1692), H4178 [28JN]

Taxation: allow credit for amounts paid by a spouse of an Armed Forces member for a new State license or certification required due to permanent change in duty station of such member to another State (see H.R. 1620), H5834 [25SE]

——— allow Head Start teachers the same above-the-line deduction for supplies as is allowed to elementary and secondary school teachers (see H.R. 2141), H2952 [23MY]

——— apply payroll taxes to remuneration up to the contribution and benefit base and to remuneration in excess of certain amounts (see H.R. 1029), H1721 [20MR]

——— establish ABLE accounts to pay for qualified disability expenses of family members with disabilities (see H.R. 647), H5435 [9SE]

——— extend and expand the deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers (see H.R. 3490), H7395 [2DE]

——— extend and modify the American Opportunity Tax Credit (see H.R. 1738), H2350 [25AP]

——— extend and modify the railroad track maintenance credit (see H.R. 721), H7188 [18NO]

——— extend energy credit for certain property under construction (see H.R. 2502), H5884 [26SE]

——— extend the qualifying therapeutic discovery project credit (see H.R. 3473), H7051 [13NO]

——— increase the deduction allowed for student loan interest (see H.R. 1527), H1991 [12AP]

——— make permanent qualified school construction bonds and zone academy bonds, treat zone academy bonds as specified tax credit bonds, and modify private business contribution requirement for zone academy bonds (see H.R. 1629), H7394 [2DE]

——— make permanent the above-the-line deduction for certain elementary and secondary school teacher expenses (see H.R. 3318), H6957 [30OC]

——— permanently extend lower threshold for refundable portion of child tax credit and adjust credit for inflation (see H.R. 769), H983 [5MR]

——— promote savings through a credit for low- and middle-income taxpayers who deposit tax refunds into designated savings options (see H.R. 2917), H5342 [1AU]

——— reduce excise tax rate on beer produced domestically by certain qualifying producers (see H.R. 494), H2248 [23AP]

——— repeal excise tax on medical devices (see H.R. 523), H410 [6FE]

Telephones: restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property (see H.R. 2309), H3286 [11JN]

Transportation: provide grants to construct transportation and supporting infrastructure improvements at existing and new international border crossings (see H.R. 3182), H5832 [25SE]

Tubman, Harriet: establish the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, NY, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties, MD (see H.R. 664), H703 [27FE]

Typhoons: express condolences and support to victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, support relief and reconstruction assistance, and commend the Filipino-American community for disaster relief efforts (see H. Res. 404), H7053 [13NO]

Unemployment: extend unemployment benefits (see H.R. 3546), H8138 [3JA]

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: anniversary (see H. Res. 436), H7627 [10DE]

Veterans: clarify that individuals who attended a military preparatory school but never joined the Armed Forces may not claim veteran status for purposes of contracting preferences and benefits (see H.R. 3469), H7357 [21NO]

——— ensure education and training received by Armed Forces members and veterans better assists them in obtaining civilian certifications and licenses (see H.R. 1796), H2438 [6MY]

——— expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of military retired pay or combat-related compensation with service-connected disability benefits and eliminate phase-in period for such benefits (see H.R. 333), H284 [23JA]

——— extend work opportunity tax credit to certain veterans, improve coordination of job training services, and improve Federal contracting with small businesses owned by disabled veterans (see H.R. 2056), H2802 [20MY]

——— improve ability of health care professionals to treat veterans via telemedicine (see H.R. 2001), H6644 [16OC]

Violence Against Women Act: reauthorize (see H.R. 11), H221 [22JA]

Voting: allow all eligible voters to vote by mail in Federal elections (see H.R. 376), H455 [12FE]

——— modernize voter registration, promote access to voting for disabled individuals, and protect the right to vote (see H.R. 12), H277 [23JA]

Water pollution: clarify requirement that permit applications for the discharge of pollutants be approved by disinterested board members (see H.R. 836), H1837 [25MR]

Women: provide protections against violence against immigrant women (see H.R. 629), H499 [13FE]

Woods, Tyrone: award Congressional Gold Medal posthumously (see H.R. 1186), H2656 [15MY]

World War II: award a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of Filipino veterans (see H.R. 111), H224 [22JA]

——— award Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Civil Air Patrol (see H.R. 755), H3760 [18JN]

——— award Congressional Gold Medal to the First Special Service Force (see H.R. 324), H2299 [24AP]

Bills and resolutions introduced

BLM: transfer certain public land to administrative jurisdiction of the Dept. of the Navy for inclusion in Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range in California (see H.R. 1691), H2246 [23AP]

Crime: remove knowledge of age as an element of the offense for sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud, or coercion (see H.R. 1690), H2246 [23AP]

International Boundary and Water Commission: recognize recent efforts to address trash, sediment, and water quality issues with Mexican counterparts (see H. Res. 241), H2955 [23MY]

Constitutional authority statements

BLM: transfer certain public land to administrative jurisdiction of the Dept. of the Navy for inclusion in Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range in California (H.R. 1691), H2248 [23AP]

Crime: remove knowledge of age as an element of the offense for sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud, or coercion (H.R. 1690), H2248 [23AP]

Letters

Immigration reform: David Fleming (excerpt), H2345 [25AP]

——— David Uth (excerpt), H2345 [25AP]

——— Jose Gomez, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (excerpt), H2345 [25AP]

——— Laurie Coskey, Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice and Pedro Rios, San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium and American Friends Service Committee (excerpt), H2118 [17AP]

——— Mark Potter (excerpt), H2117 [17AP]

——— Richard Land (excerpt), H2118 [17AP], H2344 [25AP]

——— Ron Stern, H2343 [25AP]

——— Samuel Rodriguez, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (excerpt), H2345 [25AP]

——— Scott Santarosa (excerpt), H2116 [17AP]

——— Sean Carroll, Kino Border Initiative (organization) (excerpt), H2034 [16AP], H2116 [17AP]

——— several religious organizations, H2344 [25AP]

Remarks

Agriculture: reauthorize certain programs (H.R. 1947), H3727 [18JN]

Armed Forces: authorize use against Syria in response to use of chemical weapons, H5441 [10SE]

Boston, MA: condemn bombings at the Boston Marathon and express condolences to victims and their families, H2114 [17AP]

Budget: repeal and replace current fiscal year sequestration (H.R. 699), H674 [27FE], E199• [27FE]

Committees of the House: authorizing expenditures (H. Res. 115), H1592, H1595 [19MR]

Dept. of Agriculture: reform the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commodity distribution programs, and other food and nutrition programs (H.R. 3102), H5712 [19SE]

——— Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, H3727 [18JN]

Depts. of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies: making appropriations for military construction and veterans’ services (H.R. 2216), H3068 [4JN]

Economy: impact of budget sequestration, H674 [27FE], H1592, H1595 [19MR], E199• [27FE]

——— impact of immigration reform, H4584 [17JY]

Government: shutdown relative to budget process, H6190 [3OC]

Immigration: reform, H1867 [10AP], H1920 [11AP], H2034 [16AP], H2114–H2119 [17AP], H2257 [24AP], H2343–H2345 [25AP], H2449 [7MY], H4584 [17JY]

——— reform (S. 744), H4149 [28JN]

Kaiser Permanente (company): anniversary of Southern California Permanente Medical Group, E1341• [19SE]

Tributes

Arredondo, Beatriz, H5033 [24JY]

Fleet, James P.D., II, E975• [26JN]

Lloyd, Michael, E1241• [2AU]

Moore, Rondal K., H7701 [12DE], E1851• [12DE]

Moreno, Jennifer M., H6461 [10OC], E1476• [10OC]

Smith, Sean, H2312 [25AP]