News

Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives today passed a bill sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) that updates our patent system to encourage innovation, job creation and economic growth. 

Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives today adopted a manager’s amendment to H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act, a bill that makes much-needed reforms to our patent system. 

Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary Committee today approved a bill (H.R. 1933) to help hospitals in inner-city neighborhoods and rural areas that have difficulty in attracting nurses.  Specifically, it reauthorizes the H-1C temporary visa program that allows foreign nurses to come to the U.S.

Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary Committee today approved the Secure Visas Act (H.R. 1741), a bill to help prevent terrorists from obtaining U.S. visas and to allow U.S. officials to expedite the removal of terrorists who are in the United States on a visa.  The bill was reported favorably to the House floor by a vote of 17-11.

Chairman Smith:  The foresight of the Founders in creating an intellectual property system in the Constitution demonstrates their understanding of how patent rights benefit the American people. Technological innovation from our intellectual property is linked to three-quarters of America’s economic growth, and American IP industries account for over one-half of all U.S.

Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary and Appropriations Committees have reached an agreement to end fee diversion and preserve oversight of the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). The compromise creates a fund for fees collected by the PTO and reserves the money for the PTO.

Washington, D.C. - The Committee on Rules has favorably reported a rule to allow a floor vote on the Smith Manager’s amendment to H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act.  The bill is expected to be considered by the full House tomorrow. 

Washington, D.C. - The Administration today announced their decision to extend the temporary deployment of National Guard troops along the Southwest border through September 30, 2011.  Since their deployment, the National Guardsmen have provided support to law enforcement actions intended to reduce drug smuggling and illegal immigration.  Following the announcement, C