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November 8, 2010 11:59AM

Sunlight Before Signing Updated—With a Graph!

By Jim Harper

As a campaigner, President Obama promised that bills sent him by Congress would be posted online for five days before he would sign them. It’s a simple, measurable transparency promise that we have followed on this blog.


With attention beginning to turn to the 2012 presidential election (believe it or not!), President Obama’s fealty to campaign promises will become a focus. So here’s an update on his Sunlight Before Signing promise.


First, a brief summary table. Congress has presented President Obama 283 bills, 124 in 2009 and 159 in 2010. He posted six online for the requisite number of days in 2009, and 103 in 2010. (One emergency bill did not require posting. It’s non-posting is consistent with the president’s promise so we treat it as “compliant” in summary materials.)

Number of Bills Emergency Bills Bills Posted Five Days
2009 124 0 6
2010 159 1 103
Overall 283 1 109

The graph below illustrates well that the administration has improved on the, frankly, lousy start it got with Sunlight Before Signing. In the month of May, every bill was posted on White​house​.gov for five days before the president signed it.

Media Name: Sunlight-Before-Signing-Data-Graph-11-2010.jpg


There remains a residuum of bills that don’t seem to get Sunlight Before Signing, and those may be the ones where political expedience takes precedence over the president’s campaign promise to his voters. But the White House is clearly positioned to fulfill this promise completely in the second half of the president’s term.


The chart below (that is, after the break) exhibits the same data—Sunlight Before Signing compliance by month—with percentages of non-compliance and compliance. After that, you’ll find a table of every bill the president has signed and its treatment in terms of sunlight.


There will be a short spate of bills during the lame duck session. The next report in late December will capture the entire first half of the president’s term, setting the stage for reporting on the White House’s 100% success rate in 2011 and 2012.


Full compliance will give the press and public a way to know exactly what hits the president’s desk, and an opportunity to make a habit of reviewing Congress’ work before bills become laws.

Sunlight Before Signing, Month-by-Month (%)

Did Not Receive Promised Sunlight Received Promised Sunlight
January 1 (100%) 0 (0%)
February 3 (75%) 1 (25%)
March 6 (100%) 0 (0%)
April 7 (100%) 0 (0%)
May 6 (100%) 0 (0%)
June 15 (100%) 0 (0%)
July 6 (100%) 0 (0%)
August 16 (100%) 0 (0%)
September 9 (100%) 0 (0%)
October 24 (100%) 0 (0%)
November 17 (100%) 0 (0%)
December 8 (62%) 5 (38%)
January 11 (85%) 2 (15%)
February 5 (100%) 0 (0%)
March 7 (64%) 4 (36%)
April 5 (50%) 5 (50%)
May 0 (0%) 13 (100%)
June 4 (19%) 17 (81%)
July 10 (36%) 18 (64%)
August 3 (27%) 8 (73%)
September 8 (24%) 26 (76%)
October 2 (15%) 11 (85%)

Sunlight Before Signing, Bill-by-Bill

Public Law Date Presented Date Signed Posted [(Linked)]? Posted Five Days?
P.L. 111–2, The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 1/28/2009 1/29/2009 1/29/2009* No
P.L. 111–3, The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 2/4/2009 2/4/2009 (2/1/2009)* No
P.L. 111–4, The DTV Delay Act 2/9/2009 2/11/2009 2/5/2009* Yes †
P.L. 111–5, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 2/16/2009 2/17/2009 (2/13/2009)* No
P.L. 111–6, Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2009, and for other purposes 3/6/2009 3/6/2009 No No
P.L. 111–7, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2105 East Cook Street in Springfield, Illinois, as the “Colonel John H. Wilson, Jr. Post Office Building” 2/26/09 3/9/2009 No No
P.L. 111–8, The Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 3/11/2009 3/11/2009 (3/5/2009)* No
P.L. 111–9, To extend certain immigration programs 3/18/2009 3/20/2009 (3/19/2009)* No
P.L. 111–10, To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 3/19/2009 3/20/2009 (3/19/2009)* No
P.L. 111–11, The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 3/30/2009 3/30/2009 (3/27/2009)* No
P.L. 111–12, The Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2009 3/24/2009 3/30/2009 (3/24/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–13, The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act 4/20/2009 4/21/2009 No No
P.L. 111–14, To designate the United States courthouse under construction at 327 South Church Street, Rockford, Illinois, as the “Stanley J. Roszkowski United States Courthouse” 4/14/2009 4/23/2009 No No
P.L. 111–15, The Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program Act of 2009 4/14/2009 4/24/2009 (3/27/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–16, The Statutory Time-Periods Technical Amendments Act of 2009 4/30/2009 5/7/2009 (4/29/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–17, A joint resolution providing for the appointment of David M. Rubenstein as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 4/28/2009 5/7/2009 (4/23/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–18, A bill to repeal section 10(f) of Public Law 93–531, commonly known as the “Bennett Freeze” 4/28/2009 5/8/2009 (4/23/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–19, The Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009 4/30/2009 5/12/2009 (4/29/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–20, The Protecting Incentives for the Adoption of Children with Special Needs Act of 2009 5/5/2009 5/15/2009 (5/5/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–21, The FERA 5/19/2009 5/20/2009 (5/15/2009)* No
P.L. 111–22, The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 5/20/2009 5/22/2009 (5/20/2009)* No
P.L. 111–23, The Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 5/21/2009 5/22/2009 5/14/2009* No
P.L. 111–24, The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2009 5/20/2009 5/22/2009 5/15/2009* No
P.L. 111–25, The Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act 5/21/2009 6/2/2009 (5/28/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–26, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12877 Broad Street in Sparta, Georgia, as the “Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office Building” 6/9/2009 6/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–27, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 300 East 3rd Street in Jamestown, New York, as the “Stan Lundine Post Office Building” 6/9/2009 6/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–28, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 West Main Street in McLain, Mississippi, as the “Major Ed W. Freeman Post Office” 6/9/2009 6/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–29, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3245 Latta Road in Rochester, New York, as the “Brian K. Schramm Post Office Building” 6/9/2009 6/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–30, The Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act of 2004 Extension Act 6/19/2009 6/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–31, The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act 6/16/2009 6/22/2009 (6/12/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–32, The Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 6/19/2009 6/24/2009 (5/20/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–33, The Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009 6/16/2009 6/26/2009 (6/16/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–34, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 306 East Main Street in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the “J. Herbert W. Small Federal Building and United States Courthouse” 6/19/2009 6/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–35, To designate the Federal building located at 799 United Nations Plaza in New York, New York, as the “Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building” 6/19/2009 6/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–36, The Webcaster Settlement Act of 2009 6/19/2009 6/30/2009 (6/19/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–37, The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 6/25/2009 6/30/2009 (6/25/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–38, A bill to provide additional personnel authorities for the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction 6/24/2009 6/30/2009 (6/19/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–39, To make technical corrections to the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes 6/26/2009 7/1/2009 (6/26/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–40, A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (”WASP”) 6/24/2009 7/1/2009 (6/29/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–41, The Korean War Veterans Recognition Act 7/27/2009 7/27/2009 (7/25/2009)* No
P.L. 111–42, Approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, and for other purposes 7/27/2009 7/28/2009 No No
P.L. 111–43, A bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 7/30/2009 7/31/2009 No No
P.L. 111–44, The New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal Act 7/27/2009 8/7/2009 (7/27/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–45, To authorize the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to use funds made available under the Trademark Act of 1946 for patent operations in order to avoid furloughs and reductions-in-force, and for other purposes 7/27/2009 8/7/2009 (7/27/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–46, To restore sums to the Highway Trust Fund, and for other purposes 8/4/2009 8/7/2009 (8/5/09) No
P.L. 111–47, Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Program 8/6/2009 8/7/2009 (8/5/2009) No
P.L. 111–48, The Miami Dade College Land Conveyance Act 7/31/2009 8/12/2009 (7/31/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–49, The Judicial Survivors Protection Act of 2009 8/3/2009 8/12/2009 (8/5/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–50, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 46–02 21st Street in Long Island City, New York, as the “Geraldine Ferraro Post Office Building” 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–51, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 601 8th Street in Freedom, Pennsylvania, as the “John Scott Challis, Jr. Post Office” 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–52, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2351 West Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach, Florida, as the “Elijah Pat Larkins Post Office Building” 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–53, The Utah Recreational Land Exchange Act of 2009 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 (8/11/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–54, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 41 Purdy Avenue in Rye, New York, as the “Caroline O’Day Post Office Building” 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–55, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 431 State Street in Ogdensburg, New York, as the “Frederic Remington Post Office Building” 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–56, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 123 11th Avenue South in Nampa, Idaho, as the “Herbert A Littleton Postal Station” 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–57, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1300 Matamoros Street in Laredo, Texas, as the “Laredo Veterans Post Office” 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–58, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 702 East University Avenue in Georgetown, Texas, as the “Kyle G. West Post Office Building” 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–59, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 19190 Cochran Boulevard FRNT in Port Charlotte, Florida, as the “Lieutenant Commander Roy H. Boehm Post Office Building” 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–60, To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 (8/11/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–61, Recognizing the service, sacrifice, honor, and professionalism of the Noncommissioned Officers of the United States Army 8/11/2009 8/19/2009 (8/11/09) No ‡
P.L. 111–62, A joint resolution granting the consent and approval of Congress to amendments made by the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact 8/7/2009 8/19/2009 (8/7/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–63, The WIPA and PABSS Reauthorization Act of 2009 9/10/2009 9/18/2009 (9/10/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–64, A joint resolution providing for the appointment of France A. Cordova as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 9/11/2009 9/18/2009 (9/11/09) No ‡
P.L. 111–65, To provide for the award of a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Arnold Palmer in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf 9/21/2009 9/30/2009 (9/21/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–66, To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 9/30/2009 9/30/2009 (9/30/2009) No
P.L. 111–67, The Defense Production Act Reauthorization of 2009 9/24/2009 9/30/2009 (9/24/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–68, The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 9/30/2009 10/1/2009 (10/1/2009)
and
(10/23/09)		 No
P.L. 111–69, The Fiscal Year 2010 Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act 9/30/2009 10/1/2009 (9/30/2009) No
P.L. 111–70, To amend the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy 9/30/2009 10/9/2009 (10/1/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–71, To amend the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to extend by one year the operation of Radio Free Asia, and for other purposes 9/30/2009 10/9/2009 (10/1/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–72, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to delay the date on which the accreditation requirement under the Medicare Program applies to suppliers of durable medical equipment that are pharmacies 10/7/2009 10/13/2009 (10/7/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–73, The Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 10/5/2009 10/15/2009 (10/2/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–74, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at McKinley Avenue and Third Street, SW., Canton, Ohio, as the “Ralph Regula Federal Building and United States Courthouse” 10/7/2009 10/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–75, To designate the United States courthouse located at 525 Magoffin Avenue in El Paso, Texas, as the “Albert Armendariz, Sr., United States Courthouse” 10/7/2009 10/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–76, To provide for the transfer of certain Federal Property to the Galveston Historical Foundation 10/7/2009 10/19/2009 (10/7/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–77, To designate the Federal building located at 844 North Rush Street in Chicago, Illinois, as the “William O. Lipinski Federal Building” 10/7/2009 10/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–78, To designate the United States courthouse located at 301 Simonton Street in Key West, Florida, as the “Sidney M. Aronovitz United States Courthouse” 10/7/2009 10/19/2009 No No
P.L. 111–79, The Foreign Evidence Request Efficiency Act of 2009 10/7/2009 10/19/2009 (10/7/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–80, The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 10/16/2009 10/21/2009 (10/9/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–81, The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 10/16/2009 10/22/2009 (10/16/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–82, A bill to authorize major medical facility leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2010, and for other purposes 10/15/2009 10/26/2009 No No
P.L. 111–83, The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 10/22/2009 10/28/2009 (10/9/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–84, The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 10/26/2009 10/28/2009 (10/21/2009)* No
P.L. 111–85, The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 10/21/2009 10/28/2009 (10/21/2009)* No
P.L. 111–86, The Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act 10/22/2009 10/29/2009 (10/21/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–87, The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 10/26/2009 10/30/2009 (10/21/2009)* No
P.L. 111–88, The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 10/30/2009 10/30/2009 (10/28/2009)* No
P.L. 111–89, A bill to provide for additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 10/30/2009 10/30/2009 (10/29/2009) No
P.L. 111–90, The Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Amendments Act of 2009 10/22/2009 11/3/2009 (10/22/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–91, The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 10/29/2009 11/6/2009 (10/29/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–92, The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 11/5/2009 11/6/2009 (11/5/2009) No
P.L. 111–93, The Credit CARD Technical Corrections Act of 2009 10/30/2009 11/6/2009 (10/30/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–94, Proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States posthumously 10/29/2009 11/6/2009 (10/29/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–95, A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America, and for other purposes 10/30/2009 11/6/2009 (10/30/2009)* No ‡
P.L. 111–96, A bill to allow the funding for the interoperable emergency communications grant program established under the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to remain available until expended through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes 10/30/2009 11/6/2009 (10/30/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–97, The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act 11/4/2009 11/11/2009 (11/4/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–98, A bill to authorize a major medical facility project at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Walla, Walla, Washington, and for other purposes 11/4/2009 11/11/2009 No No
P.L. 111–99, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10355 Northeast Valley Road in Rollingbay, Washington, as the “John ‘Bud’ Hawk Post Office” 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–100, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 37926 Church Street in Dade City, Florida, as the “Sergeant Marcus Mathes Post Office” 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–101, To name the South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture in Lane, Oklahoma, and the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 310 North Perry Street in Bennington, Oklahoma, in honor of former Congressman Wesley “Wes” Watkins 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–102, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4282 Beach Street in Akron, Michigan, as the “Akron Veterans Memorial Post Office” 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–103, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 Merriman Road in Garden City, Michigan, as the “John J. Shivnen Post Office Building” 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–104, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1615 North Wilcox Avenue in Los Angeles, California, as the “Johnny Grant Hollywood Post Office Building” 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–105, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 West Edward Street in Erath, Louisiana, as the “Conrad DeRouen, Jr. Post Office” 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–106, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 867 Stockton Street in San Francisco, California, as the “Lim Poon Lee Post Office” 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–107, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1165 2nd Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, as the “Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Memorial Post Office” 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–108, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 936 South 250 East in Provo, Utah, as the “Rex E. Lee Post Office Building” 11/20/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–109, A bill to redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2777 Logan Avenue in San Diego, California, as the “Cesar E. Chavez Post Office” 11/19/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–110, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 60 School Street, Orchard Park, New York, as the “Jack F. Kemp Post Office Building” 11/19/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–111, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 630 Northeast Killingsworth Avenue in Portland, Oregon, as the “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Post Office” 11/19/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–112, A bill to extend the authority for relocation expenses test programs for Federal employees, and for other purposes 11/19/2009 11/30/2009 No No
P.L. 111–113, A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to include in the Federal charter of the Reserve Officers Association leadership positions newly added in its constitution and bylaws 12/2/2009 12/14/2009 (12/2/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–114, A bill to permit each current member of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance to serve for 3 terms 12/2/2009 12/14/2009 (12/2/2009) No ‡
P.L. 111–115, To amend titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act to prohibit retroactive payments to individuals during periods for which such individuals are prisoners, fugitive felons, or probation or parole violators 12/14/2009 12/15/2009 No No
P.L. 111–116, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes 12/14/2009 12/16/2009 (12/14/2009) No
P.L. 111–117, The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 12/15/2009 12/16/2009 (12/15/2009) No
P.L. 111–118, Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes 12/19/2009 12/19/2009 (12/19/2009) No
P.L. 111–119, A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to clarify the eligibility requirements with respect to airline flight crews 12/9/2009 12/21/2009 (12/11/2009) Yes
P.L. 111–120, To extend through December 31, 2010, the authority of the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed by non-Federal public entities to expedite the processing of permits 12/14/2009 12/22/2009 (12/14/2009) Yes
P.L. 111–121, Appointing the day for the convening of the second session of the One Hundred Eleventh Congress 12/16/2009 12/22/2009 (12/16/2009) Yes
P.L. 111–122, A bill to establish a section within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice to enforce human rights laws, to make technical and conforming amendments to criminal and immigration laws pertaining to human rights violations, and for other purposes 12/17/2009 12/22/2009 (12/17/2009) Yes
P.L. 111–123, To permit continued financing of Government operations 12/24/2009 12/28/2009 (12/25/2009) No
P.L. 111–124, To extend the Generalized System of Preferences and the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes 12/23/2009 12/28/2009 (12/23/2009) Yes
P.L. 111–125, To extend the commercial space transportation liability regime 12/24/2009 12/28/2009 (12/25/2009) No
P.L. 111–126, To accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the earthquake in Haiti 01/22/2010 01/22/2010 (01/22/2010) No
P.L. 111–127, The Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act 01/27/2010 01/27/2010 n/​a E! n/​a E!
P.L. 111–128, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 116 North West Street in Somerville, Tennessee, as the “John S. Wilder Post Office Building” 01/20/2010 01/29/2010 No No
P.L. 111–129, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 76 Brookside Avenue in Chester, New York, as the “1st Lieutenant Louis Allen Post Office” 01/20/2010 01/29/2010 No No
P.L. 111–130, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9810 Halls Ferry Road in St. Louis, Missouri, as the “Coach Jodie Bailey Post Office Building” 01/20/2010 01/29/2010 No No
P.L. 111–131, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 440 South Gulling Street in Portola, California, as the “Army Specialist Jeremiah Paul McCleery Post Office Building” 01/20/2010 01/29/2010 No No
P.L. 111–132, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 427 Harrison Avenue in Harrison, New Jersey, as the “Patricia D. McGinty-Juhl Post Office Building” 01/20/2010 01/29/2010 No No
P.L. 111–133, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16555 Springs Street in White Springs, Florida, as the “Clyde L. Hillhouse Post Office Building” 01/20/2010 01/29/2010 No No
P.L. 111–134, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 170 North Main Street in Smithfield, Utah, as the “W. Hazen Hillyard Post Office Building” 01/20/2010 01/29/2010 No No
P.L. 111–135, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3900 Darrow Road in Stow, Ohio, as the “Corporal Joseph A. Tomci Post Office Building” 01/20/2010 01/29/2010 No No
P.L. 111–136, To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 01/29/2010 01/29/2010 No No
P.L. 111–137, To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes 01/20/2010 02/01/2010 (01/20/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–138, A bill to provide that claims of the United States to certain documents relating to Franklin Delano Roosevelt shall be treated as waived and relinquished in certain circumstances 01/22/2010 02/01/2010 No No
P.L. 111–139, Increasing the statutory limit on the public debt 02/04/2010 02/12/2010 No No
P.L. 111–140, The Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act 02/04/2010 02/16/2010 No No
P.L. 111–141, An Act to extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 until February 28, 2011 02/26/2010 02/27/2010 (02/26/2010) No
P.L. 111–142, The Social Security Disability Applicants’ Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010 02/25/2010 02/27/2010 (02/25/2010) No
P.L. 111–143, The Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Extension Act of 2009 02/17/2010 03/01/2010 No No
P.L. 111–144, The Temporary Extension Act of 2010 03/02/2010 03/02/2010 (03/03/2010) No
P.L. 111–145, The Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections Act of 2009 03/04/2010 03/04/2010 (02/26/2010)* No
P.L. 111–146, The Trademark Technical and Conforming Amendment Act of 2010 03/17/2010 03/17/2010 (03/05/2010) Yes †
P.L. 111–147, The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act 03/17/2010 03/18/2010 (03/18/2010)* No
P.L. 111–148, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 03/22/2010 03/23/2010 (03/14/2010)* No
P.L. 111–149, To amend the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to establish requirements regarding payment of the non-Federal share of the costs of wetlands conservation projects in Canada that are funded under that Act, and for other purposes 03/15/2010 03/25/2010 (03/15/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–150, P.L. 111–150, To permit the use of previously appropriated funds to extend the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, and for other purposes 03/26/2010 03/26/2010 No No
P.L. 111–151, The Satellite Television Extension Act of 2010 03/26/2010 03/26/2010 No No
P.L. 111–152, The Reconciliation Act of 2010 03/30/2010 03/30/2010 No No
P.L. 111–153, The Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 03/26/2010 03/31/2010 (03/26/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–154, The PACT Act 03/19/2010 03/31/2010 (03/18/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–155, The Prevent Deceptive Census Look Alike Mailings Act 04/01/2010 04/07/2010 No No
P.L. 111–156, Recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded veterans and their families 04/01/2010 04/07/2010 No No
P.L. 111–157, The Continuing Extension Act of 2010 04/15/2010 04/15/2010 No No
P.L. 111–158, The Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act of 2010 04/15/2010 04/26/2010 (04/15/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–159, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that health coverage provided by the Department of Defense is treated as minimal essential coverage 04/14/2010 04/26/2010 (04/14/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–160, A joint resolution granting the consent and approval of Congress to amendments made by the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact 04/16/2010 04/26/2010 (04/16/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–161, The Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2010 04/29/2010 04/30/2010 (04/29/2010)* No
P.L. 111–162, A bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 04/29/2010 04/30/2010 (04/29/2010)* No
P.L. 111–163, The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 04/27/2010 05/05/2010 (04/23/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–164, To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs blind rehabilitation center in Long Beach, California, as the “Major Charles R. Soltes, Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center” 04/26/2010 05/07/2010 (04/26/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–165, To provide that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011 05/03/2010 05/14/2010 (05/03/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–166, The Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 05/06/2010 05/17/2010 (05/06/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–167, The Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009 05/13/2010 05/24/2010 (05/13/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–168, To provide for the sale of the Federal Government’s reversionary interest in approximately 60 acres of land in Salt Lake City, Utah, originally conveyed to the Mount Olivet Cemetery Association under the Act of January 23, 1909 05/13/2010 05/24/2010 (05/13/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–169, To provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of former President John Adams and his legacy, and for other purposes 05/13/2010 05/24/2010 (05/13/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–170, To amend title 39, United States Code, to clarify the instances in which the term “census” may appear on mailable matter 05/13/2010 05/24/2010 (05/13/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–171, The Haiti Economic Lift Program Act of 2010 05/13/2010 05/24/2010 (05/13/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–172, The Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009 05/17/2010 05/24/2010 (05/18/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–173, To clarify the health care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that constitutes minimum essential coverage 05/21/2010 05/27/2010 (05/21/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–174, The Federal Judiciary Administrative Improvements Act of 2009 05/21/2010 05/27/2010 (05/21/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–175, The Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 05/17/2010 05/27/2010 (05/18/2010)* Yes
P.L. 111–176, To designate the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, District of Columbia, as the “Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building” 05/28/2010 06/08/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–177, The Extending Immunities to the Office of the High Representative and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo Act of 2010 05/27/2010 06/08/2010 (05/27/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–178, The FBI Families of Fallen Heroes Act 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–179, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1210 West Main Street in Riverhead, New York, as the “Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn Post Office Building” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–180, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 109 Main Street in Swifton, Arkansas, as the “George Kell Post Office” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–181, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Highway 64 Bypass in Roper, North Carolina, as the “E.V. Wilkins Post Office” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–182, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 43 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, as the “Ann Marie Blute Post Office” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–183, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9727 Antioch Road in Overland Park, Kansas, as the “Congresswoman Jan Meyers Post Office Building” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–184, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7464 Highway 503 in Hickory, Mississippi, as the “Sergeant Matthew L. Ingram Post Office” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–185, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45300 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert, California, as the “Roy Wilson Post Office” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–186, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 930 39th Avenue in Greeley, Colorado, as the “W.D. Farr Post Office Building” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–187, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2–116th Street in North Troy, New York, as the “Martin G. ‘Marty’ Mahar Post Office” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–188, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 119 Station Road in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, as the “Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–189, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 Westwood Avenue in Westwood, New Jersey, as the “Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek Post Office Building” 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–190, To amend the Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act of 2004 to extend the operation of such Act for a 5‑year period ending June 22, 2015, and for other purposes 06/01/2010 06/09/2010 (06/01/2010) Yes
P.L. 111–191, A bill to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to authorize advances from Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill 06/14/2010 06/15/2010 (06/10/2010) No
P.L. 111–192, The Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act 06/24/2010 06/25/2010 No No
P.L. 111–193, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2000 Louisiana Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the “Roy Rondeno, Sr. Post Office Building” 06/17/2010 06/28/2010 [06/17/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–194, A joint resolution to provide for the reconsideration and revision of the proposed constitution of the United States Virgin Islands to correct provisions inconsistent with the Constitution and Federal law 06/30/2010 06/30/2010 No No
P.L. 111–195, Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 06/28/2010 07/01/2010 [06/24/2010] No
P.L. 111–196, National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010 07/01/2010 07/02/2010 No No
P.L. 111–197, Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2010, Part II 07/01/2010 07/02/2010 No No
P.L. 111–198, Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010 07/01/2010 07/02/2010 No No
P.L. 111–199, Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act 06/25/2010 07/07/2010 [06/25/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–200, Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 06/25/2010 07/07/2010 [06/25/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–201, Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirming the United States-Korea alliance 06/25/2010 07/07/2010 [06/25/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–202, To permanently authorize Radio Free Asia, and for other purposes 07/01/2010 07/13/2010 [07/01/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–203, Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act 07/15/2010 07/21/2010 [06/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–204, Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 07/20/2010 07/22/2010 [07/15/2010] Yes †
P.L. 111–205, Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010 07/22/2010 07/22/2010 [07/15/2010] No
P.L. 111–206, Shasta-Trinity National Forest Administrative Jurisdiction Transfer Act 07/19/2010 07/27/2010 [07/19/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–207, Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 07/19/2010 07/27/2010 [07/16/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–208, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1981 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, as the ‘Clarence D. Lumpkin Post Office’ 07/19/2010 07/27/2010 [07/19/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–209, To amend the effective date of the gift card provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 07/15/2010 07/27/2010 [07/16/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–210, Approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 07/27/2010 07/27/2010 [07/27/2010] No
P.L. 111–211, To protect Indian arts and crafts through the improvement of applicable criminal proceedings, and for other purposes 07/27/2010 07/29/2010 [07/23/2010] Yes †
P.L. 111–212, Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010 07/29/2010 07/29/2010 (03/24/2010) No
P.L. 111–213, Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act 07/29/2010 07/29/2010 [07/29/2010] No
P.L. 111–214, To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 07/28/2010 07/30/2010 No No
P.L. 111–215, A bill to modify the date on which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and applicable States may require permits for discharges from certain vessels 07/30/2010 07/30/2010 No No
P.L. 111–216, The Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 07/30/2010 08/1/2010 No No
P.L. 111–217, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1343 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois, as the “Steve Goodman Post Office Building” 07/22/2010 08/03/2010 [07/22/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–218, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 23 Genesee Street in Hornell, New York, as the “Zachary Smith Post Office Building” 07/22/2010 08/03/2010 [07/22/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–219, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15 South Main Street in Sharon, Massachusetts, as the “Michael C. Rothberg Post Office” 07/22/2010 08/03/2010 [07/22/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–220, The Fair Sentencing Act of 2009 07/29/2010 08/03/2010 [07/29/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–221, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2009 07/27/2010 08/06/2010 [07/27/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–222, A bill to amend the National Law Enforcement Museum Act to extend the termination date 07/27/2010 08/06/2010 [07/27/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–223, To amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit recognition and enforcement of foreign defamation judgments and certain foreign judgments against the providers of interactive computer services 07/29/2010 08/10/2010 [07/29/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–224, The United States Patent and Trademark Office Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010 07/30/2010 08/10/2010 [08/02/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–225, The Cell Phone Contraband Act of 2009 07/29/2010 08/10/2010 [07/29/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–226, The XXXXXX Act of XXXX 08/10/2010 08/10/2010 [08/05/2010] No
P.L. 111–227, The Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2009 07/30/2010 08/11/2010 [08/02/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–228, The General and Special Risk Insurance Funds Availability Act of 2010 08/10/2010 08/11/2010 [08/05/2010] No
P.L. 111–229, To increase the flexibility of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development with respect to the amount of premiums charged for FHA single family housing mortgage insurance, and for other purposes 08/10/2010 08/11/2010 [08/05/2010] No
P.L. 111–230, Making emergency supplemental appropriations for border security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes 08/12/2010 08/13/2010 [08/11/2010] No
P.L. 111–231, To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate certain easements held by the Secretary on land owned by the Village of Caseyville, Illinois, and to terminate associated contractual arrangements with the Village 08/10/2010 08/16/2010 [08/10/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–232, The Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act 08/10/2010 08/16/2010 [08/10/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–233, The Agricultural Credit Act of 2009 08/10/2010 08/16/2010 [08/10/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–234, To designate the annex building under construction for the Elbert P. Tuttle United States Court of Appeals Building in Atlanta, Georgia, as the “John C. Godbold United States Judicial Administration Building” 08/10/2010 08/16/2010 [08/10/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–235, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 405 West Second Street in Dixon, Illinois, as the “President Ronald W. Reagan Post Office Building” 08/10/2010 08/16/2010 [08/10/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–236, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 151 North Maitland Avenue in Maitland, Florida, as the “Paula Hawkins Post Office Building” 08/10/2010 08/16/2010 [08/10/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–237, The Firearms Excise Tax Improvement Act of 2010 08/10/2010 08/16/2010 [08/10/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–238, To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 to extend the authority of the Secretary of the Navy to enter into multiyear contracts for F/A‑18E, F/A‑18F, and EA-18G aircraft 09/23/2010 09/27/2010 [09/22/2010] No
P.L. 111–239, The Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 2010 09/21/2010 09/27/2010 [09/21/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–240, The Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 09/23/2010 09/27/2010 [09/16/2010] No
P.L. 111–241, The Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2009 09/23/2010 09/30/2010 [09/23/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–242, The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 09/30/2010 09/30/2010 No No
P.L. 111–243, To designate the Federal building under construction at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the “Chaney, Goodman, Schwerner Federal Building” 09/23/2010 09/30/2010 [09/24/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–244, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to extend grants and other assistance to facilitate a political status public education program for the people of Guam 09/30/2010 09/30/2010 No No
P.L. 111–245, The First Responder Anti-Terrorism Training Resources Ac 09/22/2010 09/30/2010 [09/22/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–246, To enable State homes to furnish nursing home care to parents any of whose children died while serving in the Armed Forces 09/23/2010 09/30/2010 [09/24/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–247, The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010 09/23/2010 09/30/2010 [09/24/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–248, To improve the operation of certain facilities and programs of the House of Representatives, and for other purposes 09/23/2010 09/30/2010 [09/24/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–249, The Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2010, Part III 09/28/2010 09/30/2010 [09/28/2010] No
P.L. 111–250, The National Flood Insurance Program Reextension Act of 2010 09/24/2010 09/30/2010 [09/24/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–251, A bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 09/29/2010 09/30/2010 [09/28/2010] No
P.L. 111–252, To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who serve under an overseas limited appointment for at least 2 years, and whose service is rated fully successful or higher throughout that time, to be converted to a permanent appointment in the competitive service 09/28/2010 10/05/2010 [09/28/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–253, A bill to award a congressional gold medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in recognition of his contributions to the fight against global poverty 09/28/2010 10/05/2010 [09/28/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–254, A bill to grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II 09/28/2010 10/05/2010 [09/28/2010] No
P.L. 111–255, The Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2009 09/24/2010 10/05/2010 [09/24/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–256, Rosa’s Law 09/23/2010 10/05/2010 [09/23/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–257, A bill to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to provide for certain disclosures under section 552 of title 5, United States Code, (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), and for other purposes 09/24/2010 10/05/2010 [09/24/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–258, The Reducing Over-Classification Act of 2009 09/30/2010 10/07/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–259, The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 10/01/2010 10/07/2010 No No
P.L. 111–260, The Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act 09/30/2010 10/08/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–261, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for other purposes 09/30/2010 10/08/2010 No No
P.L. 111–262, The 5‑Star Generals Commemorative Coin Act 09/30/2010 10/08/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–263, The Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2009 09/29/2010 10/08/2010 [09/29/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–264, The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2010 10/04/2010 10/08/2010 [10/04/2010] No
P.L. 111–265, A bill to make technical corrections in the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 and the amendments made by that Act 09/30/2010 10/08/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–266, The Security Cooperation Act of 2010 09/29/2010 10/08/2010 [09/29/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–267, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 09/30/2010 10/11/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–268, The Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act of 2009 09/30/2010 10/12/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–269, The Indian Veterans Housing Opportunity Act of 2009 09/30/2010 10/12/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–270, To provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. to establish a Vietnam Veterans Memorial visitor center, and for other purposes 09/30/2010 10/12/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–271, The Redundancy Elimination and Enhanced Performance for Preparedness Grants Act 09/30/2010 10/12/2010 [10/06/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–272, The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act of 2009 09/30/2010 10/12/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–273, The Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 09/30/2010 10/12/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–274, The Plain Language Act of 2009 10/01/2010 10/13/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–275, The Veterans’ Insurance and Health Care Improvements Act of 2009 10/01/2010 10/13/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–276, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4285 Payne Avenue in San Jose, California, as the “Anthony J. Cortese Post Office Building” 10/01/2010 10/13/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–277, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Orndorf Drive in Brighton, Michigan, as the “Joyce Rogers Post Office Building” 10/01/2010 10/13/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–278, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 13301 Smith Road in Cleveland, Ohio, as the “David John Donafee Post Office Building” 10/01/2010 10/13/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–279, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3894 Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, as the “Tom Bradley Post Office Building” 10/01/2010 10/13/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–280, The WIPA and PABSS Extension Act of 2010 10/01/2010 10/13/2010 [09/30/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–281, The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 10/04/2010 10/15/2010 [10/04/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–282, The United States Secret Service Uniformed Division Modernization Act of 2009 10/04/2010 10/15/2010 [10/04/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–283, The Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act of 2010 10/04/2010 10/15/2010 [10/04/2010] Yes
P.L. 111–284, The Mount Stevens and Ted Stevens Icefield Designation Act 10/12/2010 10/18/2010 [10/12/2010] Yes

(Parentheses indicate a separate White​house​.gov page with a link to Thomas legislative database)
* Page now gone, but it was either directly observed, evidence of it appears in White​house​.gov search, or White House says it existed.
[Brackets indicate a link from White​house​.gov to Thomas legislative database]

† Bill was posted for five days after final passage, though not formal presentment. Counted as “Yes.”

‡ Link to final version of bill on impossible-to-find page.

E! Emergency legislation not subject to five-day posting. Counted as “Yes” in simplifying graphs and tables.

Related Tags
Government and Politics, Technology and Privacy
November 8, 2010 10:58AM

This Month at Cato Unbound

By Jason Kuznicki

This month at Cato Unbound we’re debating campaign finance regulation, with a panel of notable contributors and a big, new idea.


That idea is semi-disclosure, in which information about campaign funding is collected and disseminated, but, much like the census, personal names and addresses aren’t attached. Political scientist Bruce Cain suggests semi-disclosure might break the impasse between privacy and the right to know. Others? Well… you’ll just have to wait and see. Joining us will be Nikki Willoughby of Common Cause, election law scholar Richard Hasen of Loyola Law School, and the Cato Institute’s own John Samples. Discussion will run through the rest of the month on this vital issue to our nation’s democracy.

Related Tags
Government and Politics, Constitutional Law, Regulation, Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies
November 8, 2010 9:41AM

Debunking White House Pro-Tax Increase Propaganda

By Daniel J. Mitchell

The White House recently released a video, narrated by Austan Goolsbee of the Council of Economic Advisers, asserting that higher tax rates on the so-called rich would be a good idea.


Since Goolsbee’s video made so many unsubstantiated assertions and was guilty of so many sins of omission, here’s a rebuttal video, narrated by yours truly.

This new Center for Freedom and Prosperity video includes the full footage of the White House production, so viewers can decide for themselves which side is correct.

Related Tags
Government and Politics, Tax and Budget Policy
November 6, 2010 10:59PM

First Up: A Symbolic Cut in Pay

By Jim Harper

The Hill reports that the likely Speaker of the new Republican House, John Boehner (R‑OH) will move first to cut representatives’ pay.

Cutting member pay would show voters the new GOP majority in the House is going to lead by example in their efforts to rein in spending and start with their own wallets, say officials with three prominent taxpayer advocacy groups in Washington, D.C.

Give a read to the whole article, and some themes recur: “gesture”, “symbols”, “symbolic gestures”, “symbolic moves”, “symbolic things”, “the right message”, “signals and symbols”, “symbol to the public”.


Symbols are great, but they don’t actually do anything. Rather than symbols, it might be better to hear a commitment to substance.


Or even procedure! A commitment to pass the appropriations bills on time would be good, for example, providing the public an opportunity to weigh in on the spending priorities of Congress.

Related Tags
Government and Politics
November 6, 2010 12:49PM

The Mudville Revolt

By David Boaz

The Wall Street Journal reports, “From New York to Florida to Arizona, some taxpayers are opposing agreements to fund baseball projects after a decadeslong boom in publicly financed ballparks. The fights are complicating plans for stadiums, pitting residents against one another and driving some local governments to turn to U.S. stimulus programs.”


Well, it’s good to know that if local taxpayers don’t want to line the pockets of millionaire players and billionaire owners, the U.S. government’s stimulus program stands ready to oblige.


Several Cato studies over the years have looked at the absurd economic claims of stadium advocates. In “Sports Pork: The Costly Relationship between Major League Sports and Government,” Raymond Keating finds:

The lone beneficiaries of sports subsidies are team owners and players. The existence of what economists call the “substitution effect” (in terms of the stadium game, leisure dollars will be spent one way or another whether a stadium exists or not), the dubiousness of the Keynesian multiplier, the offsetting impact of a negative multiplier, the inefficiency of government, and the negatives of higher taxes all argue against government sports subsidies. Indeed, the results of studies on changes in the economy resulting from the presence of stadiums, arenas, and sports teams show no positive economic impact from professional sports — or a possible negative effect.

In Regulation magazine, (.pdf) Dennis Coates and Brad Humphreys found that the economic literature on stadium subsidies comes to consistent conclusions:

The evidence suggests that attracting a professional sports franchise to a city and building that franchise a new stadium or arena will have no effect on the growth rate of real per capita income and may reduce the level of real per capita income in that city.

And in “Caught Stealing: Debunking the Economic Case for D.C. Baseball,” Coates and Humphreys looked specifically at the economics of the new baseball stadium in Washington, D.C., and found similar results:

Our conclusion, and that of nearly all academic economists studying this issue, is that professional sports generally have little, if any, positive effect on a city’s economy. The net economic impact of professional sports in Washington, D.C., and the 36 other cities that hosted professional sports teams over nearly 30 years, was a reduction in real per capita income over the entire metropolitan area.

Related Tags
Government and Politics, Tax and Budget Policy
November 4, 2010 3:43PM

Ford Motor’s Curious Policy Priorities

By Daniel J. Ikenson

Though it has been relatively successful in the marketplace lately, the Ford Motor Company continues to confound in its public policy commitments.


First, the company remained silent for the better part of two years as its chief domestic rivals General Motors and Chrysler were nursed back to viability by a doting government dispensing $65 billion of taxpayer-funded nourishment. Not once (to my knowledge) did Ford publicly complain that the government bailout of its struggling competitors was an affront to its own prospects or that it would deny the company its rightful increase in sales and market share (the so-called spoils of competition).


But now Ford is trumpeting its opposition to the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. In a full page ad in today’s Washington Post, Ford implores Americans to reject the agreement as it currently stands, arguing that it would “allow Korea to remain one of the most closed automotive markets in the world.” So all of a sudden Ford is concerned about sales and market share?


Had GM and Chrysler been allowed to contract to a degree commensurate with their reckless decisions over the years, Ford might have hit the mother lode of sales and market share. But Ford didn’t even attempt to make that case. If Ford is so concerned about sales and market share, where is the outrage over the $45.4 billion in unconventional tax deferrals being granted GM as part of the ongoing bailout bonanza? Aren’t those deferrals just subsidies to help GM regain market share … at Ford’s expense?


Instead, Ford has chosen to target a trade agreement that promises enormous benefits to American businesses and consumers, a slew of new domestic employment opportunities, and annual increases in GDP of anywhere from $17 to $43 billion (bailout-type sums!) on the grounds that the agreement contains no guarantees of increased U.S. auto sales in Korea.


There are no guarantees in trade. But that’s what Ford and others in the U.S. auto industry and in Congress want: guaranteed sales figures, bilateral trade balance within the auto sector, managed outcomes. Is that what Ford means in the ad where it claims to support free trade?


Granted, the Korean auto market has been notoriously difficult to penetrate. Behind-the-border taxes levied on engine size and other non-tariff barriers have discouraged purchases of U.S. automobiles in Korea. But without the agreement, none of that will change. With the agreement, Korea reduces its tariff on passenger vehicles from 8% to 0 immediately, while the United States reduces its tariff on passenger vehicles from 2.5% to 0 immediately. So both are good reforms, but there is no question that U.S. auto exporters get a relatively bigger boost from the agreement. And though there are no guarantees of hard sales quotas, one can be pretty well assured that only the most inept producer/​exporter would fail to capitalize on an 8 percent cost reduction granted with the stroke of a pen.


Ford should stop politicking and stay focused on the goal of making better automobiles.

Related Tags
Government and Politics, Trade Policy, Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies