United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2005
Late Term Abortion Restriction Act - Prohibits knowingly performing an abortion after the fetus has become viable, unless, in the medical judgment of the attending physician, the abortion is necessary to preserve the woman's life or to avert serious adverse health consequences to her. Subjects a physician who violates this Act to a civil penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2005
Special Inspector General for Hurricane Katrina Recovery Act - Establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General for Hurricane Katrina Recovery. Places at the head of such Office a Special Inspector General for Hurricane Katrina Recovery, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Provides for the Special Inspector General to report directly to the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense. Requires the Special Inspector General, among other specified duties, to conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits and investigations of the treatment, handling, and expenditure of amounts made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery by the federal government, and of the programs, operations, and contracts carried out utilizing such funds. Instructs the Special Inspector General, within ten days of being appointed, to: (1) open a 24-hour fraud, waste, and abuse hotline; (2) deploy auditors and investigators to the affected Gulf of Mexico region of the United States; (3) announce a strategic plan for oversight; (4) go to the media of that region with antifraud messages; (5) liaise with Hurricane Katrina recovery federal agencies to identify vulnerabilities; and (6) coordinate interagency oversight elements through the creation of a task force. Requires the Special Inspector General to: (1) submit specified quarterly and interim reports summarizing the activities of the Special Inspector General and the Hurricane Katrina recovery activities of the federal government; and (2) publish such reports on the websites of the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2005
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make available for use as temporary residences for Hurricane Katrina-affected individuals any residential properties on which the Department of Veterans Affairs has foreclosed under the Department's guaranteed home loan program. Requires a residential priority for veterans, surviving spouses of veterans, and children of veterans and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency grants to nonprofit organizations or states or political subdivisions thereof for providing housing assistance to homeless veterans who are Hurricane Katrina-affected individuals and their families for up to two years. Authorizes the Secretary, during or following a period of emergency or disaster, to use underutilized Department property to house, for up to 180 days, veterans and their dependents who are displaced as the result of such emergency or disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to make emergency grants to entities providing care for homeless veterans to repair or replace care facilities that are damaged or destroyed by a disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005
Honors the victims of the 1975-1979 genocide in Cambodia. Welcomes the establishment of an international criminal tribunal to bring to justice the perpetrators of the Cambodian genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Allows a person who is adversely affected by a final decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals and who is a Hurricane Katrina-affected person 240 days (currently, 120 days) after such decision to file an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, with respect to any Board decision rendered during the period beginning on June 1, 2005, and ending on November 30, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Makes a Hurricane Katrina-affected veteran who is otherwise eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care from the Department of Veterans Affairs under a low priority for the provision of such care eligible, during the period beginning on August 28, 2005, and ending on August 31, 2007, for such care and services as if that veteran were covered for such care and services due to exposure to a war-related toxic substance, radiation, or related conditions (a higher priority). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct an outreach program to enhance awareness of veterans eligible for such care and services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Expresses the sense of Congress that all Americans should program their cell phones and other portable electronic devices to show personal emergency contacts under the acronym ICE (In Case of Emergency) to enable emergency personnel to contact family and friends in the event of an emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2005
International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 - Prohibits an international marriage broker from providing any U.S. client with any personal contact information of any individual under the age of 18. Prohibits a marriage broker from providing any U.S. client with the personal contact information of any foreign national client 18 years of age or older until the marriage broker has: (1) collected certain background information from the U.S. client; (2) provided a copy of such background information to the foreign national client; (3) provided the foreign national client information about legal rights; (4) received consent from the foreign national client to release personal contact information; and (5) informed the U.S. client that he or she will be subject to a criminal background check. Requires a marriage broker to collect specified background information from each U.S. client. Sets forth penalties for marriage broker violations. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to repeal the mail-order bride provision. Provides for the dissemination of a pamphlet about the resources available for immigrant victims of domestic violence to: (1) foreign national clients of marriage brokers; and (2) beneficiaries of K-visa petitions. Amends INA to set forth new K-visa processing provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Bartlett Montgomery GI Bill Act - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to allow an individual who has completed six years of service in the Armed Forces and enters into an agreement to serve at least four more years to transfer their educational assistance entitlement to their spouse, child, or a combination thereof. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a percentage annual increase in the rates of such educational assistance based on the average monthly costs of higher education. Authorizes reimbursement of reductions in basic pay for educational assistance coverage in the case of extended active-duty service. Provides similar eligibility for the transfer of educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve who have completed at least six years of service and enter into an agreement to remain a member of such Reserve for at least four more years. Provides educational assistance eligibility credit for cumulative active-duty service in the Selected Reserve. Increases the rates of educational assistance under the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill. Applies an annual adjustment to the rates of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Commends the Biotechnology Industry Organization for a successful 2005 Annual International Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Directs the Attorney General to transmit to the House of Representatives all documents in the Attorney General's possession relating to the disclosure of the identity of Ms. Valerie Plame as an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during May 6, 2003 - July 31, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Directs the Secretary of Defense to transmit to the House of Representatives all documents in the Secretary's possession relating to the disclosure of the identity of Ms. Valerie Plame as an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during May 6, 2003 - July 31, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Directs the President to transmit to the House of Representatives all documents in the President's possession relating to the disclosure of the identity of Ms. Valerie Plame as an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during May 6, 2003 - July 31, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Directs the Secretary of State to transmit to the House of Representatives all documents in the Secretary's possession relating to the disclosure of the identity of Ms. Valerie Plame as an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during May 6, 2003 - July 31, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Medicare Home Health Telehealth Access Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the current requirements for Medicare coverage of telehealth services under the prospective payment system. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to treat as a home health visit any telehealth services furnished by a home health agency via a telecommunication system to an individual receiving home health services, if the telehealth services: (1) are ordered as part of a plan of care certified by a physician; (2) (as under current law) do not substitute for in-person home health services ordered as part of a plan of care certified by a physician; and (3) are considered the equivalent of a visit under criteria developed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to initiate and carry out projects in a variety of geographic locations that provide incentives to home health agencies to utilize home monitoring and communications technologies that will: (1) enhance health outcomes for individuals enrolled under Medicare parts A and B; and (2) reduce part A and B program expenditures for institutional and other providers, practitioners, and suppliers of health care items and services. Authorizes the Secretary to pay incentive payments to each home health agency participating in a pilot project. Provides that, if the Secretary determines that any of the pilot projects results in decreased federal Medicare expenditures, and maintains or enhances health outcomes for the participating beneficiaries, the Secretary may initiate or extend comparable projects in additional areas.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Superfund Polluter Pays Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating until January 1, 2016, the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate and the corporate environmental income tax.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Global Poverty Act of 2005 - States that a major priority of U.S. foreign policy is to vastly reduce global poverty and to eliminate extreme poverty in developing countries. Directs the President to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act - Identifies roadless areas within the National Forest System set forth in specified maps as National Forest Inventoried Roadless Areas, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to manage such Areas to maintain their roadless character. Authorizes the Forest Service to modify such maps for the sole purpose of improving their accuracy or inclusiveness. Requires any substantial modification of those maps to be made through the national forest management planning process and documented in an environmental impact statement.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from awarding any contracts under the competitive durable medical equipment items and services acquisition program unless: (1) the quality standards have been implemented; and (2) the Secretary has received advice from the program oversight committee. Requires the Secretary (who currently is authorized), in carrying out competitive acquisition programs, to exempt: (1) rural areas and areas with low population density within urban areas that are not competitive, unless there is a significant national market through mail order for a particular item or service; and (2) items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings. Adds to such exemptions smaller metropolitan statistical areas. Modifies requirements for the protection of small suppliers in bidding and contracting. Requires the Secretary to permit suppliers classified as small businesses to continue to participate as suppliers at the selected award price so long as they submit bids at less than the fee schedule amount otherwise applicable to the items and they otherwise comply with applicable program requirements. Provides for appeal rights (currently denied). Requires the Secretary to exempt from competitive acquisition requirements items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings of at least 10%. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a program with respect to an item or service unless the Secretary demonstrates a probability of achieving significant savings of at least 10%, compared to the fee schedule in effect on January 1, 2006, by including the item or service in the program. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing certain requirements for the payment basis for covered items furnished after January 1, 2009, with respect to the application of rates in an area that is not a competitive acquisition area, unless the Secretary has completed and published in the Federal Register a comparability analysis to ensure the application is appropriate. Requires application of the comparability analysis requirement to certain other part B items and services.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medicaid prospective payment system for federally-qualified health centers is critical to ensuring that both Medicaid recipients and the nation's uninsured population have access to quality affordable primary and preventive care services. Recognizes the critical role of such health centers as an essential source of care for millions of Medicaid recipients and uninsured Americans and supports continuation of the prospective payment system in helping to maintain this system of care.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Expresses support for the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms. Recognizes breast cancer survivors, the efforts of victims, volunteers, and professionals who combat breast cancer, and the work of national and community organizations in promoting breast cancer awareness, providing information, and offering treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Russian Federation should provide effective protection of intellectual property rights or it risks losing its eligibility to participate in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax free rollovers of military death gratuities to Roth individual retirement accounts, health savings and Archer medical savings accounts, and Coverdell education savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005
Recognizes the centennial of sustained immigration from the Philippines to the United States. Acknowledges the achievements and contributions of Filipino Americans over the past century. Requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe this milestone with appropriate celebratory and educational programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2005
Somalia Comprehensive Peace and Economic Recovery Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should assist the people of Somalia to establish a democratic government that is committed and able to fight terrorism and extremism; (2) the United States should provide training and support to the Transitional National Government of Somalia to fight terrorism and extremism; (3) strengthening civil society and grassroots efforts in Somalia will deny terrorist and extremists groups a fertile recruitment ground; and (4) Somaliland's political future should be resolved through negotiations between the government of Somaliland and the Transitional National Government of Somalia. Declares that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed against innocent civilians by warlords in many parts of Somalia, and that the responsible individuals should be held accountable for their actions. Authorizes the President to seek the establishment of an international commission of inquiry to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Somalia. Authorizes the President to: (1) support efforts to peacefully resolve the Somalia conflict, as well as to establish a representative form of government in Somalia; and (2) encourage Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) mediators to insist on broader participation in the new government of Somalia. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Expresses the sense of Congress in support of multilateral efforts to support peace and democracy in Somalia. Directs the President to impose sanctions (visa denial, freezing of assets, withholding of non-humanitarian assistance) if the Transitional National Government of Somalia or any regional authority in Somalia: (1) is not honoring or implementing the peace agreement; (2) is not cooperating in counterterrorism efforts; (3) is not respecting basic human rights and the rule of law; or (4) is engaged in unnecessary conflicts inside Somalia or with its neighbors. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions for national security purposes. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for local efforts to promote human rights, the rule of law, and democracy in Somalia. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2005
Requests the President and directs the Secretary of State, not later than 14 days after the date of adoption of this resolution, to transmit to the House of Representatives all documents, including telephone and electronic mail records, logs, calendars, minutes, and memos, in the possession of the President and the Secretary relating to communications with officials of the United Kingdom from January 1, 2002 to October 16, 2002, relating to U.S. policy with respect to Iraq, including any discussions or communications between the President or other Administration officials, or the Secretary or other officials of the Department of State, and officials of the United Kingdom that occurred before the July 23, 2002 meeting in London, England, between Prime Minister Tony Blair, United Kingdom intelligence officer Richard Dearlove, and other national security officials of the Blair Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2005
South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2005 - Prohibits U.S. assistance to develop or promote rail connections or railway-related connections that do not traverse or connect with Armenia, and do traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2005
States that: (1) it is U.S. policy to seek justice for American victims of terrorism and to hold terrorists and their state-sponsors accountable for their actions; and (2) any provision of the Algiers Accords, entered into with Iran on January 19, 1981, that purports to bar a U.S. citizen from prosecuting any claim in any U.S. court or to limit the jurisdiction of any U.S. court is hereby abrogated and deemed nonapplicable. Directs the the Secretary of the Treasury to begin payments to a common fund to be: (1) established and administered by the certified class representatives for the former American hostages in Iran and their survivors (case number 1:00CV03110 (EGS) of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia); and (2) funded from the liquidation of blocked Iranian assets and from amounts in the Iran Foreign Military Sales Fund account (Foreign Military Sales Fund). Sets forth fund payment amounts for each former hostage and spouse and child identified as a class member.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2005
Stolen Valor Act of 2005 - Amends the federal criminal code to expand the prohibition against wearing, manufacturing, or selling military decorations or medals without legal authorization to prohibit purchasing, soliciting, mailing, shipping, importing, exporting, producing blank certificates of receipt for, advertising, or exchanging such decorations or medals without authorization. Prohibits falsely representing oneself as having been awarded any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces or any of the service medals or badges. Increases penalties for violations if the offense involves a Distinguished Service Cross, an Air Force Cross, a Navy Cross, a silver star, or a Purple Heart.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2005
Emergency Contraception Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop and disseminate to the public information on emergency contraception, including, at a minimum, a description of emergency contraception and an explanation of the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of such contraception. Requires that the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop and disseminate to health care providers information on emergency contraception. Requires that the information disseminated to health care providers include, at a minimum: (1) information describing the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of emergency contraception; (2) a recommendation regarding its use in appropriate cases; and (3) information explaining how to obtain copies of information from the CDC.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005
Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to establish sustainability programs at institutions of higher education. Requires such programs to develop and implement: (1) sustainability practices, including in the areas of energy management, green building, waste management, purchasing, transportation, and toxics management; and (2) other aspects of sustainability that integrate campus operations with multidisciplinary educational programs and are applicable to the private and government sectors.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005
Requests the President to transmit to the House of Representatives (House), within 14 days of the adoption of this resolution, all documents in the possession of the President relating to the disclosure of the identity of Ms. Valerie Plame as an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the period beginning on May 6, 2003, and ending on July 31, 2003. Directs: (1) the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, CIA Director, and Attorney General to each transmit to the House, within such 14 days, all documents in possession of such officials relating to such disclosure during such period; and (2) the CIA Director to transmit to the House, within such 14 days, the results of any internal investigation by the CIA into such disclosure, whether such results (or reports) are in draft or final form.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2005
Energy Efficiency Cornerstone Act of 2005 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to expand the scope of products encompassed within the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, including testing requirements and energy conservation standards for additional consumer and commercial products. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA) to set forth additional funding incentives for state building energy efficiency codes. Amends the National Manufacturing Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to subject its energy conservation standards to the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to subject energy efficiency standards and a model energy code to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code. Amends EPCA to establish within the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency a voluntary program to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings through voluntary labeling of, or other forms of communication about, products and buildings that meet the highest energy efficiency standards. Amends the ECPA to: (1) subject federal building performance standards to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code; and (2) require all housing constructed under the military housing privatization initiative of the Department of Defense to be Energy Star qualified and equipped with Energy Star appliances and FEMP designated appliances, including Energy Star lighting. Amends EPCA and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to modify compliance requirements governing alternative fuel use by light duty federal vehicles. Amends federal transportation law to modify standards for executive agency automobiles. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to enter into voluntary agreements with entities in industrial sectors that consume significant quantities of primary energy for each unit of physical output to reduce the energy intensity of their production activities. Instructs the Secretary to establish a financial assistance pilot program for state implementation of pilot projects for energy efficiency programs and reduction of consumption of electricity or natural gas. Amends the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act of 1978 to require a state regulatory authority or non-regulated utility to implement an energy efficiency resource program to reduce consumer electricity or gas consumption. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth business related credits for: (1) construction of new energy efficient homes; (2) energy efficiency improvements to existing homes; and (3) energy efficient appliances. Allows as a deduction from gross income: (1) an amount equal to the cost of energy efficient commercial building property placed in service during the taxable year; and (2) certain energy efficient property used in business and residential rental property. Establishes a tax credit for: (1) energy efficient building property expenditures; (2) installation of qualified fuel cells; and (3) qualified fuel cell motor vehicles and hybrid motor vehicle. Revises requirements for the energy credit for combined heat and power system property.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out without delay a thorough review of the cases of all 28 individuals convicted in the court-martial arising from a disturbance at Fort Lawton, Seattle, Washington, on August 14, 1944, in order to determine the validity of the original findings and sentences and the extent, if any, to which racial prejudice or other improper factors may have tainted the original investigation and trials. Requires the Secretary: (1) to report to Congress on the review's results; and (2) if it is determined that there was error or an injustice, to correct the individual's military records as necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2005 - Sets forth the sense of Congress with respect to the situation in Darfur, Sudan, including the sense of Congress that the atrocities unfolding in Darfur are genocide. Amends the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 to direct the President, with waiver authority upon congressional notification, to block the assets and deny visas and entry to any individual (and family member) responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Sudan. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to reinforce the deployment and operations of an expanded African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to advocate NATO reinforcement of AMIS, upon request of the African Union. Amends the Sudan Peace Act to include entry denial at U.S. ports to certain cargo ships or oil tankers among the measures available to the President if the government of Sudan fails to take specified peace measures in Darfur. Prohibits, with waiver authority, U.S. assistance to a country in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1591(embargo on military assistance to Sudan). Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to urge the adoption of a Security Council resolution supporting AMIS' expansion.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Children's Safety Act of 2005 - Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act - Requires: (1) each state, territory, and federally recognized Indian tribe to maintain a sex offender registry; and (2) each sex offender to register in the jurisdictions where the offender resides, is an employee, and is a student. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) maintain a National Sex Offender Registry at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (2) establish a Sex Offender Management Assistance program; and (3) authorize sex offender apprehension grants. DNA Fingerprinting Act of 2005 - Amends: (1) the DNA Identification Act of 1994 to expand the scope of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples to be included in the Combined DNA Index System; and (2) the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to authorize the Attorney General to collect DNA samples from individuals who are arrested or detained under U.S. authority. Prevention and Deterrence of Crimes Against Children Act of 2005 - Increases penalties for violent crimes against persons under age 18, including death or life imprisonment if the crime results in the death of a person under that age. Protection Against Sexual Exploitation of Children Act of 2005 - Increases penalties for sexual offenses against children. Foster Child Protection and Child Sexual Predator Sentencing Act of 2005 - Requires background checks and checks of national crime information databases and state child abuse registries before approval of foster or adoptive placements. Establishes: (1) procedures for the civil commitment of sexually dangerous persons; and (2) mandatory minimum penalties for child sex trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Montgomery GI Bill Second Chance Act of 2005 - Authorizes certain members of the Armed Forces to make an irrevocable election during October of any year beginning in 2005 to become entitled to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. Requires a reduction in basic pay of those members electing such educational assistance or, if the member is discharged or released from active duty prior to such reduction, the collection of specified amounts from the member or an equivalent reduction in retired or retainer pay. States that members who are enrolled in the post-Vietnam era veterans' educational assistance program shall be disenrolled from that program upon electing the educational assistance described in this Act. Requires the Secretary concerned, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, to provide notice of the opportunity created by this Act to elect educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program Act - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program to ascertain and protect the environmental integrity of important coastal and estuarine areas. Directs the Secretary to make program grants to coastal states with approved coastal zone management plans to assist such states to acquire coastal and estuarine property. Limits grant funding from federal sources to 75 percent, unless the Secretary waives such limitation. Authorizes the Secretary to provide $5 million for a regional watershed protection demonstration project that: (1) leverages land acquisition funding from other federal conservation or acquisition programs; (2) involves partnerships with federal, state, and non-governmental entities; (3) creates conservation corridors; (4) protects habitats under imminent threat of development or conversion; (5) enhances protected areas under the National Estuarine Research Reserve program; and (6) provides a model for future regional watershed protection projects. Reserves 15 percent of program funds for acquisitions benefitting the National Estuarine Research Reserve. Allows the Secretary to enter into contracts or other arrangements with other federal agencies (including interagency financing of Coastal America activities) as well as any other qualified person for the purposes of carrying out technical assistance and research to support coastal zone management.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Iraq Sovereignty Promotion Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States supports: (1) the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, the people of Iraq, and the leaders of Iraq's elected government; and (2) the Iraqi people's desire to rebuild Iraq as a fully sovereign, stable, and peaceful democratic country. States as U.S. policy not to maintain a long-term or permanent military presence in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Expresses appreciation to the people and government of Canada for their long history of friendship and cooperation with the people and government of the United States. Congratulates Canada as it celebrates its annual Canada Day.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005
Declares that it is U.S. policy not to enter into any base agreement with the government of Iraq that would lead to a permanent U.S. military presence in Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2005
Kidney Patient More Frequent Dialysis Quality Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish final regulations for equivalent per treatment prospective payment rates for more frequent hemodialysis treatments furnished to qualified individuals at home and in a facility (commonly known as composite Method I and Method II Cap rates), and prospective payment rates for in-facility training for more frequent hemodialysis.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2005
Recognizes the contributions of the tribes of the Pacific Northwest and celebrates the promises made 150 years ago between the Pacific Northwest tribes and the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2005
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the government of Uzbekistan should take immediate steps to comply with calls for an independent international inquiry into the violence in Andijon and the prosecution of those individuals responsible for civilian deaths; (2) the government of Uzbekistan should accelerate democratic reforms and fulfill its human rights obligations; and (3) the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense should condition diplomatic engagement with and security assistance to the government of Uzbekistan based on Uzbekistan's compliance with such steps, ensure that assistance does not benefit the security forces of Uzbekistan implicated in human rights violations, and, and support those individuals, nongovernmental organizations, and media outlets in Uzbekistan working to establish a democratic government.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2005
Establishes in the legislative branch the Independent Commission on the Investigation of Detainee Abuses to conduct a full, complete, independent, and impartial investigation of the abuses of detainees in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or any operation within the Global War on Terrorism, including, but not limited to: (1) the extent of the abuses; (2) why the abuses occurred; and (3) who is responsible. Directs the Commission, in connection with the investigation, to assess, analyze, and evaluate relevant persons, policies, procedures, reports, and events. Authorizes the Commission to report interim findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Congress and the President. Requires a final report containing recommendations for corrective measures. Terminates the Commission 60 days after its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2005
Pulmonary Hypertension Research Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of the Institute with respect to research on pulmonary hypertension and to coordinate the Director's activities with related activities of other national research institutes and National Institutes of Health (NIH) agencies. Requires the Director to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of centers to conduct research and programs on pulmonary hypertension, including: (1) basic and clinical research into the cause, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control, and treatment of the disease; (2) training programs for scientists and health professionals; (3) programs to provide information and continuing education to health professionals; and (4) programs for the dissemination of information to the public. Requires the Director to establish: (1) a data system for the collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and dissemination of data derived from patient populations with pulmonary hypertension; and (2) an information clearinghouse to facilitate and enhance knowledge and understanding of pulmonary hypertension by health professionals, patients, industry, and the public.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2005
Uniting American Families Act or the Permanent Partners Immigration Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include permanent partners (as defined by this Act) within the scope of such Act.