Daily Report for Executives Index-Summary

LABOR DEPARTMENT (DOL)

– Secretary, former congressmen Bonior and Gephardt among names considered by Obama (D-Ill) administration, 217:A–24 (11/10/08); Bonior rules out serving, recommends American Rights at Work executive director Maxwell, 225:A–41 (11/21/08); Obama plans to nominate Solis (D-Cal), sources confirm, 244:A–31 (12/19/08); Obama nominates Solis, 245:A–13 (12/22/08)

LANDFILLS

– Death of landfill manager in explosion at Va. facility, federal appellate court decision widow says interfered with her investigation (U.S., rev den), 199:A–12 (10/15/08)
– Direct mail industry must take decisive steps to change national perception that its products are clogging nation's landfills and decimating forests, participants at roundtable discussion say, 211:A–29 (10/31/08)
– Hazardous air pollutants, Environmental Defense Fund to sue EPA for its failure to update standards for landfills, 206:A–14 (10/24/08)
– Methane gas generated by landfills, EPA working with municipalities to encourage smaller communities to consider developing projects to harness for energy use, 205:A–16 (10/23/08)

LATIN AMERICA

See also specific countries
– Andean Community (CAN) could be further undermined with EU tentative decision to negotiate free trade agreements with Colombia and Peru, 220:A–16 (11/14/08)
– Andean Trade Preference Act

– – Bolivian officials say removal of unilateral of duty-free benefits by U.S. would hamper counter-narcotics efforts, 206:A–23 (10/24/08); Bush suspends Bolivia's participation because of failure to cooperate on counter-narcotic efforts, 229:A–11 (11/28/08)
– – Imports under ATPA continue to have negligible overall effect on U.S. economy and consumers, ITC finds in report, 218:A–4 (11/12/08)
– – One-year extension

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 7222*

– Economic growth forecast for 2009 cut by more than half, to 1.9 percent from 4.0 percent by UN agency, 247:EE–5 (12/24/08)
– Exports rose 25.5 percent in Jan.-Aug. period, UN agency says, 211:EE–5 (10/31/08)
– Global financial crisis

– – Argentina calls urgent meeting of Mercosur to seek “common answers,” 197:A–26 (10/10/08)
– – Asian import surge because of lost markets in U.S. and Europe, Mercosur finance and foreign ministers consider measures to address, 209:A–8 (10/29/08)
– – Economies holding up relatively well, but governments must still be “on high alert” and ready to act promptly, IMF official says, 198:EE–4 (10/14/08)
– – World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank announce there would be additional funding available to help countries cope with fallout from crisis, 199:A–19 (10/15/08)

– Meat exporters voice anger with proposal from Russia which would reserve most of its 2009 import quotas for suppliers from U.S. and EU, 225:A–2 (11/21/08)
– Mercosur discussions on possible adoption of higher import duties, quotas, or other protective steps criticized by senior EU official, 228:A–21 (11/26/08); Paraguay blocks Brazilian proposal to end multiple import tariffs, 242:A–3 (12/17/08); Mercosur to increase Bolivian imports due to loss of U.S. duty free benefits, 244:A–4 (12/19/08)
– Product safety and liability, HHS to open FDA offices in China, India, Europe, and Latin America before end of 2008, 201:A–12 (10/17/08)

LATVIA

– Financial crisis, Latvia becomes second EU member state to require economic bailout, 227:A–8 (11/25/08)
– IMF reaches agreement on 2-year, $2.4B loan to help stabilize economy, 245:A–26 (12/22/08); IMF approves $2.35B loan, making $826M available right away, 247:A–19 (12/24/08)

LAWYERS

See ATTORNEYS

LEGISLATION, FEDERAL

– Ed. Note: This heading covers bills with assigned numbers. For information on measures not yet assigned numbers, see specific subject headings. Asterisks (*) indicate bills that have become law.
– House

– – HR 928*, Improving Government Accountability Act, introduced by Cooper (D-Tenn), would reform inspector general system, Bush signs, 199:A–24 (10/15/08)
– – HR 1343*, Health Care Safety Net Act, would authorize community health centers program for 5 years, Bush signs, 197:A–17 (10/10/08)
– – HR 1424*, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, Reid (D-Nev) proposes linking package to tax extenders and increase in FDIC insurance, 190:AA–1 (10/1/08); new financial rescue plan to be inserted by Senate, 190:N–1 (10/1/08); compromise mental health parity provisions included, 191:A–20 (10/2/08); bankers say passage needed to address persistent stress in financial and credit markets, 191:A–29 (10/2/08); House leaders begin work to find enough votes to pass, 191:A–40 (10/2/08); Senate easily approves, 191:AA–1 (10/2/08); Senate passes House-rejected financial rescue plan combined with extensions package, 191:GG–1 (10/2/08); text of Title III, tax provisions, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); Finance Comm. summary of tax provisions, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); summary of energy, disaster relief, AMT, and extender provisions, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); JCT technical explanation of tax provisions, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); Sanders (I-Vt) proposed amendment, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); CBO cost estimates for Dodd (D-Conn) amendment, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); JCT revenue estimates for Dodd substitute amendment, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); Senate-engrossed HR 6049, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); signs of continued dissension emerge as House members offer changes, 192:A–34 (10/3/08); Kennedy (D-Mass) urges House members to pass bill, including mental health parity provisions, 192:A–36 (10/3/08); FAF warns lawmakers not to meddle in setting accounting standards, 192:G–3 (10/3/08); Dem leaders will not allow House vote on bailout, extenders unless numbers are there, 192:G–8 (10/3/08); “pork” in bill consists of provisions opponents have previously endorsed, 192:G–9 (10/3/08); Senate-engrossed bill, 192:TaxCore (10/3/08); White House statement on bill, 192:TaxCore (10/3/08); group health plans will be prohibited from adopting mental health treatment limitations or financial requirements, 193:A–15 (10/6/08); Bush signs, though doubts remain about effectiveness, 193:AA–1 (10/6/08); Sec'y Paulson says Treasury will move rapidly and in expedited and methodical way to put new tools to work, 193:AA–2 (10/6/08); Bush immediately signs tax extenders, financial rescue bill after House passage, 193:GG–1 (10/6/08); future of renewable energy looks brighter with passage of tax credits, 193:GG–3 (10/6/08); overseas executive compensation targeted, 193:GG–4 (10/6/08); enrolled bill, 193:TaxCore (10/6/08); Finance Comm. staff summary of tax proposals in Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), 193:TaxCore (10/6/08); White House statement on bill, 193:TaxCore (10/6/08); Finance Comm. staff summary of tax proposals in Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), 193:TaxCore (10/6/08); Treasury official discusses implementation of $700B program to buy bad assets, 194:A–19 (10/7/08); $3.3B provided to offset impact on timber harvesting of northern spotted owl listing as endangered, 194:A–19 (10/7/08); package fails to address fundamental problems in U.S. banking system, economists say, 194:EE–2 (10/7/08); further action, see EMERGENCY ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT
– – HR 2095*, Railroad Safety Enhancement Act, introduced by Oberstar (D-Minn), Senate expected to pass $13B Amtrak reauthorization, White House expresses concerns, 191:A–39 (10/2/08); Senate approves, Bush expected to sign, 192:A–17 (10/3/08); Bush signs, 201:A–28 (10/17/08)
– – HR 2233, Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act, key lawmakers urge swift action on McDermott (D-Wash) bill, 235:G–12 (12/8/08)
– – HR 2608*, SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act, signed, 191:G–2 (10/2/08); Senate engrossed bill, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); enrolled bill, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08)
– – HR 2638*, Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, Bush signs, 190:A–28 (10/1/08); trade adjustment assistance program extension included, 191:A–37 (10/2/08); DHS funding reflects concerns over ability to manage contracts for Coast Guard fleet modernization and border security programs, 193:A–7 (10/6/08)
– – HR 2851*, Michelle's Law, Bush signs bill to prevent students from losing health insurance due to medical leave, 197:G–1 (10/10/08)
– – HR 3970, Tax Reduction and Reform Act, Ways-Means Chrm. Rangel (D-NY) discusses tax reform agenda, 225:G–7 (11/21/08); N.Y. bar association discusses effect of international provisions, 249:G–1 (12/30/08); NYSBA tax section report, 249:TaxCore (12/30/08)
– – HR 5720, Housing Assistance Tax Act, Ways-Means report, 200:TaxCore (10/16/08)
– – HR 6049, Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act, Senate-engrossed version as added to financial rescue plan (HR 1424*), 191:TaxCore (10/2/08)
– – HR 6296*, FEC authority to impose administrative fines for campaign finance reporting violations, introduced by Brady (D-Pa), Senate passes, 192:A–7 (10/3/08)
– – HR 6353*, Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, introduced by Stupak (D-Mich), Senate approves, 191:A–4 (10/2/08); Bush signs, 201:A–2 (10/17/08)
– – HR 6357, PRO(TECH)T Act, introduced by Dingell (D-Mich), would encourage providers to adopt health information technology, privacy provisions could burden providers, counteract incentives, speaker says, 191:A–17 (10/2/08)
– – HR 6374, American Shipping Reinvestment Act, McDermott (D-Wash) bill would encourage repatriation of income, 236:TaxCore (12/9/08)
– – HR 6382, Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act, Senate postpones action on tax cuts, suspending pension funding rules, 225:G–1 (11/21/08); Baucus (D-Mont), Grassley (R-Iowa), Kennedy (D-Mass), Enzi (R-Wyo) substitute amendment, 225:TaxCore (11/21/08); revised Finance Comm. staff summary, 225:TaxCore (11/21/08); preliminary revenue estimates, 225:TaxCore (11/21/08); employers say pension plan funding relief urgently needed, 226:G–6 (11/24/08); Pomeroy (D-ND) accuses Bush administration of blocking efforts by employers seeking temporary relief, 232:G–2 (12/3/08); Pomeroy's letter to PBGC, 232:TaxCore (12/3/08); companies blanket Congress with pleas for immediate pension funding relief, 236:G–9 (12/9/08); further action, see LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 7327*
– – HR 6460*, Great Lakes Legacy Act Reauthorization Act, introduced by Ehlers (R-Mich), would expedite process of addressing contaminated sediments, Bush signs, 198:A–23 (10/14/08)
– – HR 6531*, Vessel Hull Design Protection Amendments, introduced by Berman (D-Cal), would clarify distinction between hull and deck but makes clear protection available to both, Senate approves, 191:A–9 (10/2/08); Bush signs, 203:A–3 (10/21/08)
– – HR 6600, Medicare Identify Theft Prevention Act, introduced by Doggett (D-Tex), House approves bill to end use of Social Security numbers on Medicare cards, 190:A–15 (10/1/08)
– – HR 6849*, Minimum acreage for farm subsidy eligibility clarification, Bush signs, 200:A–17 (10/16/08)
– – HR 6867*, Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, introduced by McDermott (D-Wash), Senate expected to begin debate on $6B package, 224:AA–2 (11/20/08); Senate approves, Bush to sign, 225:A–30 (11/21/08); Senate approves House-passed extension, 225:N–1 (11/21/08); Bush signs, 226:A–12 (11/24/08)
– – HR 6893*, Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, Bush signs bill revising “child” definition to offset $1.75B in incentives, 195:G–7 (10/8/08); CBO releases cost and revenue estimates, 249:G–5 (12/30/08); revenue estimates, 249:TaxCore (12/30/08)
– – HR 6984*, Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act signed, 191:G–1 (10/2/08)
– – HR 7013, Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act, introduced by Capps (D-Cal), sponsors attempting to pass in lame-duck session, 223:A–6 (11/19/08)
– – HR 7060, Renewable Energy and Job Creation Tax Act, CRS reports on delay of worldwide interest allocation rules, 190:G–4 (10/1/08); CRS reports on new markets tax credit extension, 190:G–6 (10/1/08)
– – HR 7081*, U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act, introduced by Berman (D-Cal), Senate nears passage, 191:A–33 (10/2/08); Sec'y of State Rice to visit India to mark congressional approval, 192:A–15 (10/3/08); Bush signs, 194:A–17 (10/7/08); U.S. companies will be able to export nuclear-energy-related goods and technology to India, 196:A–11 (10/9/08)
– – HR 7082*, Inmate Tax Fraud Prevention Act, Senate clears bill allowing inmate tax return disclosure to Bureau of Prisons, 192:G–1 (10/3/08); enrolled bill, 193:TaxCore (10/6/08); JCT revenue estimates, 193:TaxCore (10/6/08); Pres. Bush signs bill, 200:G–9 (10/16/08)
– – HR 7083, Charity Enhancement Act, House passed bill to relax rules for donor-advised funds, JCT revenue estimates, 191:TaxCore (10/2/08); Grassley puts hold on Lewis (D-Ga) bill, legislation dies for 110th Congress, 192:G–7 (10/3/08)
– – HR 7084*, Webcaster Settlement Act, introduced by Inslee (D-Wash), allows webcasters to negotiate royalty rates with SoundExchange, Senate passes, 191:A–8 (10/2/08)
– – HR 7103, Small Business Efficiency Act proposes certification for PEOs, clarifies tax payment authority, 196:G–3 (10/9/08); text, 196:TaxCore (10/9/08); description of Pomeroy (D-ND), Brady (R-Tex) bill, 196:TaxCore (10/9/08); section-by-section description, 196:TaxCore (10/9/08)
– – HR 7112, Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act, introduced by Berman (D-Cal), Senate fails to pass, Hoyer (D-Md) expresses disappointment, 193:A–10 (10/6/08)
– – HR 7222*, Generalized System of Preferences and Andean Trade Preference Act one-year extensions, House and Senate pass compromise version, 193:A–1 (10/6/08)
– – HR 7300, Bank ownership change, Doggett (D-Tex) bill would rescind IRS Notice lifting restrictions on losses, 227:TaxCore (11/25/08); House and Senate bills take different approaches, practitioners weigh in, 228:G–8 (11/26/08); state revenue loss from Notice cited, 234:G–5 (12/5/08); letter from 27 advocacy groups, 234:TaxCore (12/5/08); bill premised on “separation of powers,” Viewpoint, 242:J–1 (12/17/08)
– – HR 7308, State and Local Sales Tax Deduction Expansion Act, Blackburn (R-Tenn) bill would allow itemizers to deduct income and sales taxes, 238:G–12 (12/11/08); bill text, 238:TaxCore (12/11/08)
– – HR 7309, Tax holiday, Gohmert (R-Tex) proposes suspension of employment, income taxes for Jan. and Feb. 2009, 238:G–12 (12/11/08); bill text, 238:TaxCore (12/11/08)
– – HR 7321, Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act, introduced by Frank (D-Mass), House expected to pass, but obstacles remain in Senate, 238:A–30 (12/11/08); bill includes loss relief for acquisitions, SILO guarantee, 238:G–14 (12/11/08); Senate Finance leaders oppose SILO provision, 238:G–14 (12/11/08); bill text, 238:TaxCore (12/11/08); industry bailout bill stalls in Senate, 239:G–7 (12/12/08); CBO revenue estimates for bill House passed, 239:TaxCore (12/12/08); auto industry could get §382 tax breaks if TARP funds used for bailout, 240:G–8 (12/15/08); House-engrossed bill, 240:TaxCore (12/15/08)
– – HR 7327*, Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act, Senate and House approve pension funding relief, 239:G–6 (12/12/08); text of Rangel (D-NY), McCrery (R-La), Miller (D-Cal), McKeon (R-Cal) bill, 239:TaxCore (12/12/08); JCT technical explanation, 239:TaxCore (12/12/08); ABC senior counsel calls smoothing, transition provisions helpful, 240:G–9 (12/15/08); House-engrossed bill, 240:TaxCore (12/15/08); JCT revenue estimates for enrolled bill, 240:TaxCore (12/15/08); 239:G-6 report corrected, 242:G–3 (12/17/08); enrolled bill, 242:TaxCore (12/17/08); president plans to sign bill, 243:G–5 (12/18/08)
– – HR 7336, Private activity bonds, Neal (D-Mass) bill would prevent AMT from effectively repealing interest exemption, 239:G–4 (12/12/08); text, 239:TaxCore (12/12/08)

– Senate

– – SJRes 45*, Great Lakes Compact ratification, introduced by Levin (D-Mich), Bush signs, 193:A–25 (10/6/08)
– – S 334, Healthy Americans Act, Wyden (D-Or)-Bennett (R-Utah) bill supporters outline 7 reform principles for Pres.-elect Obama (D-Ill) to consider, 227:A–15 (11/25/08); senators urge Obama (D-Ill) to support bipartisan bill, 227:G–1 (11/25/08); Watson-Wyatt's Raetzman discusses bill's prospects, 242:A–17 (12/17/08)
– – S 431*, Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual-Predators Act, introduced by Schumer (D-NY), Senate passes, 191:A–32 (10/2/08); Bush signs, 199:A–9 (10/15/08)
– – S 602*, Child Safe Viewing Act, introduced by Pryor (D-Ark), Senate passes bill to require FCC to open inquiry into advanced blocking technology for video programming, 192:A–14 (10/3/08); House revises and approves, 193:A–14 (10/6/08); Senate approves revised bill, 223:A–4 (11/19/08); Bush signs, 234:A–16 (12/5/08)
– – S 906*, Mercury Market Minimization Act, introduced by Obama (D-Ill), would prohibit export of surplus mercury in elemental form, Bush signs, 200:A–26 (10/16/08)
– – S 1382*, ALS Registry Act, introduced by Reid (D-Nev), creates first national patient registry, Bush signs, 198:A–10 (10/14/08)
– – S 1492*, Broadband Data Improvement Act, introduced by Inouye (D-Haw), Senate passes, 191:A–6 (10/2/08); provisions included to establish Internet safety public awareness program, 191:A–32 (10/2/08); Bush signs, 198:A–9 (10/14/08); FCC required to submit annual reports on availability of broadband in U.S. and include geographic areas not served by provider, 198:A–12 (10/14/08)
– – S 1693, Wired for Health Care Quality Act, introduced by Kennedy (D-Mass), privacy provisions could burden providers and counteract health information technology incentives, speaker says, 191:A–17 (10/2/08)
– – S 2856, Optional One Page Flat Tax Act, Alexander (R-Tenn) bill, 234:TaxCore (12/5/08)
– – S 3001*, Natl. Defense Authorization Act for FY2009, introduced by Levin (D-Mich), includes $222.4M to cover DOD contribution to fund for nuclear waste disposal, Bush signs, 199:A–30 (10/15/08); multiple contracting-related provisions included, 200:A–28 (10/16/08)
– – S 3109, Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act, introduced by Thune (R-SD), would require EPA to establish system through collection of fees, Senate passes, 192:A–34 (10/3/08)
– – S 3197*, National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act, introduced by Durbin (D-Ill), House passes bill to exempt from means test under BAPCPA, 193:A–2 (10/6/08); Bush signs, 206:A–18 (10/24/08)
– – S 3325*, Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (Pro IP) Act, stakeholders and Smith (R-Tex) urge Bush to sign, 197:A–10 (10/10/08); Bush signs despite earlier objection to IP czar provision, 199:A–7 (10/15/08)
– – S 3359, American Shipping Reinvestment Act, Cantwell (D-Wash) bill would encourage repatriation of income, 236:TaxCore (12/9/08)
– – S 3507, Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, introduced by Reed (D-RI), attempt to consider opposed by Senate GOP, 192:A–36 (10/3/08)
– – S 3560*, QI Program Supplemental Funding Act, would help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay their Part B premium, Bush signs, 198:A–7 (10/14/08)
– – S 3633, Transparency in Drug Labeling Act, introduced by Brown (D-Ohio), would require country-of-origin labeling for both active and inactive ingredients on all pharmaceuticals, 190:A–2 (10/1/08)
– – S 3663*, Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act, introduced by Rockefeller (D-WVa), sponsors attempting to pass in lame-duck session, 223:A–6 (11/19/08); Senate approves, 225:A–28 (11/21/08); House approves, 239:A–2 (12/12/08)
– – S 3684, Automotive industry stimulus, Mikulski (D-Md) introductory remarks on bill to allow tax deduction for debt interest, state sales taxes, 223:TaxCore (11/19/08); Bond (R-Mo) introductory remarks, 223:TaxCore (11/19/08)
– – S 3689, Economic Recovery Act, Reid (D-Nev), Byrd (D-WVa) bill, 223:TaxCore (11/19/08); Baucus (D-Mont) to offer additional tax benefits, 223:G–2 (11/19/08); Senate Dems propose to add $1B to NIH FY2009 budget, 225:A–8 (11/21/08)
– – S 3692, Bank mergers, Sanders (I-Vt) bill would rescind IRS Notice lifting restrictions on losses, 226:G–7 (11/24/08); bill text, 226:TaxCore (11/24/08); Dear Colleague letter, 226:TaxCore (11/24/08); House and Senate bills take different approaches, practitioners weigh in, 228:G–8 (11/26/08); 3 watchdog groups ask senators to overturn Notice, 229:G–3 (11/28/08); letter from Citizens for Tax Justice, Coalition on Human Needs, OMB Watch, 229:TaxCore (11/28/08); state revenue loss from Notice cited, 234:G–5 (12/5/08); letter from 27 advocacy groups, 234:TaxCore (12/5/08)
– – S 3700, High-Speed Rail for America Act proposes bond funding for passenger rail improvements, 224:G–7 (11/20/08); text, 224:TaxCore (11/20/08); Kerry (D-Mass) introductory remarks, 224:TaxCore (11/20/08)
– – S 3712*, Changing effective date for complying with Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, Bush signs, 248:A–14 (12/29/08)
– – S 3718, Unemployment Benefit Tax Suspension Act, Snowe (R-Me) bill would suspend tax for 2 years, 237:G–1 (12/10/08); text of bill, 237:TaxCore (12/10/08); introductory remarks, 237:TaxCore (12/10/08)
– – S 3719, Retirement Account Distribution Improvement Act, Snowe (R-Me) bill would delay required distributions 3 years, 237:G–10 (12/10/08); bill text, 237:TaxCore (12/10/08); introductory remarks, 237:TaxCore (12/10/08)
– – S 3720, Pension distributions, Specter (R-Pa) would suspend minimum requirement for 2 years, 237:G–10 (12/10/08); bill text, 237:TaxCore (12/10/08); introductory remarks, 237:TaxCore (12/10/08)

LIECHTENSTEIN

– Deutsche Post former CEO accused of hiding assets in Liechtenstein bank, 224:I–3 (11/20/08)
– LGT, Liechtenstein's largest bank, announces trust changes to ensure tax compliance, 220:I–3 (11/14/08)
– Tax information exchange

– – European Union, Liechtenstein negotiations hit impasse, 238:I–1 (12/11/08)
– – U.S. and Liechtenstein to sign pact, 233:GG–1 (12/4/08); historic agreement signed, 236:GG–1 (12/9/08); Treasury news release, 236:TaxCore (12/9/08); text of agreement, 236:TaxCore (12/9/08); banks must individually meet TIEA requirements for QI status, LMSB's Shott says, 237:I–3 (12/10/08)

– U.S. tax evasion, sentencing of former UBS banker postponed (S.D. Fla.), 197:K–2 (10/10/08)

LIFE INSURANCE

See INSURANCE

LIQUOR

See ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

LOBBYING

– Abramoff case, former Bush admin. official Safavian pleads not guilty to new corruption charges brought by DOJ, Abramoff might be called as defense witness, 199:A–8 (10/15/08); Safavian found guilty after second trial (D.D.C.), 245:A–12 (12/22/08)
– Ethics, advocates urge House Speaker Pelosi (D-Cal) and Minority Leader Boehner (R-Ohio) to make changes to rules to restrict when lawmakers can negotiate for new job and begin lobbying activities, 233:A–15 (12/4/08)
– Exempt groups, EO adviser Kindell addresses permitted issue advocacy, lobbying rules, 210:G–16 (10/30/08); correction, 212:G–7 (11/3/08)
– Financial industry stabilization, Feinstein (D-Cal) to introduce bill to ensure that government loans or grants made to companies pursuant to rescue legislation are not used for lobbying, 204:A–6 (10/22/08)
– Honest Leadership and Open Government Act

– – Disclosure requirements, GAO report urges better efforts to comply, 190:A–1 (10/1/08); lawmakers prepare new round of changes to disclosure guidelines, 237:A–31 (12/10/08)
– – Mandatory code of ethical conduct for lobbyists should be added, Public Citizen's Holman says, 201:A–18 (10/17/08)

– Senate former aide pleads guilty to failing to report lobbyist's gifts on tax returns (D.D.C.), 225:K–2 (11/21/08)
– Ways-Means Comm. ranking member McCrery (R-La) to join D.C. lobbying firm in Jan., 239:G–8 (12/12/08)

LOCAL TAXES

See specific states

LOUISIANA

– Historic structures

– – “Facade donation” by owner of New Orleans hotel overstated by $5.7M (T.C.), 211:K–1 (10/31/08); decision text, 211:TaxCore (10/31/08)
– – Rehabilitation credit, revenue dep't rules on allocation of credits, 242:H–3 (12/17/08)

– Hurricanes

– – Gustav, IRS adds parishes to list eligible for relief, 222:G–5 (11/18/08)
– – Katrina and Rita, amended returns not needed to use federal housing stimulus bill to reduce casualty loss, 199:H–2 (10/15/08)

– Income tax

– – Lower rate takes effect Jan. 1, 250:H–2 (12/31/08)
– – Withholding, lower rates to take effect in July, 231:H–1 (12/2/08)

– Interest rate on unpaid taxes set for 2009, 248:H–1 (12/29/08)
– New markets tax credit, La. reaches 2008 cap for NMTC, 209:H–2 (10/29/08); revenue dep't issues guidance on “qualified equity investment,” 228:H–2 (11/26/08); emergency rule issued on claims for 2009, 248:H–2 (12/29/08)
– Pipeline company's tax challenge, appeals court issues 2 rulings (La. Ct. App.), 204:K–1 (10/22/08); text of decisions, 204:TaxCore (10/22/08); 204:TaxCore (10/22/08)
– Severance tax, voters reject constitutional amendment to increase revenue cap for parishes, 215:H–6 (11/6/08)
– Tax filing extensions, revenue dep't adopts emergency rule, 231:H–1 (12/2/08)
– “Tax matters person,” revenue dep't issues emergency rule, 207:H–2 (10/27/08)
– Vehicles used in interstate commerce, rule amendment proposed for sales tax exemption, 248:H–1 (12/29/08)
– Wind, solar power, revenue dep't adopts rule on tax credits for residential systems, 209:H–1 (10/29/08)

LUMBER INDUSTRY

– Antidumping, Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports urges CBP to withdraw requests for repayments of distributions to U.S. lumber producers under Byrd Amendment (CDSOA), 238:A–5 (12/11/08); 14 senators urge CBP to withdraw requests for repayments, 241:A–21 (12/16/08)
– Importer declaration requirements under Lacey Act for wood and wood products, USDA's APHIS proposes phased-in enforcement, 198:A–6 (10/14/08); key Dems urge Bush admin. to lengthen proposed phase-in schedule, 202:A–4 (10/20/08)
– Or., planned logging in Ochoco Natl. Forest remanded so that U.S. Forest Service could amend its analysis to reflect cumulative effects of past timber sales (9th Cir.), 240:A–24 (12/15/08)
– Softwood lumber products

– – Canada, Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports expresses concern that increasing amount of timber sold for as little as C25 cents per cubic yard in British Columbia to produce, 242:A–8 (12/17/08)
– – Subsidies, if any, provided by Brazil, Canada, Chile, and Germany examined by Commerce Dep't, 243:A–7 (12/18/08)

– Wrongful taking of timber interests, Boise Cascade review of Or. state appellate court decision to protect endangered northern spotted owl (U.S., rev sought), 194:A–36 (10/7/08)

LUXEMBOURG

– European Comm'n challenges Luxembourg over exemptions for EU savings tax, 230:I–5 (12/1/08)
– Withholding, IP regime, PwC Webcast addresses European legislative changes, 218:I–4 (11/12/08)