United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Compassionate Visitor Visa Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a presumption that certain aliens seeking temporary entry into the United States in connection with the serious illness or death of a specified U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member (or other emergency or compelling circumstances involving such family members as the Secretary of Homeland Security may establish) are entitled to nonimmigrant status unless a consular or immigration officer determines that the applicant: (1) is inadmissible; or (2) does not intend to depart the United States following the period of authorized admission.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Wartime Parity and Justice Act of 2005 - Allows certain individuals of Japanese ancestry who were brought forcibly to the United States from countries in Latin America and interned during World War II or who lost other specified rights or privileges due to their ancestry to be provided restitution under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. Urges the President to transmit a letter of apology to each such individual. Makes the Attorney General responsible for identifying and locating individuals eligible for restitution. Authorizes judicial review of a denial of compensation. Permits an individual covered by this Act who has accepted payment on a related claim before this Act's enactment to receive an appropriately reduced payment. States that certain individuals covered by this Act shall not be considered to have been unlawfully present in the United States during the evacuation, relocation, or internment period. Directs: (1) each U.S. agency to correct any records indicating otherwise; (2) agencies to disclose all information relating to the removal and internment of such individuals; and (3) the President to share such information with other countries and encourage those countries to make that information available. Reestablishes in the Treasury the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, establishes a board of directors for the Fund, and sets forth permissible uses for Fund disbursements, including sponsorship of research and public education activities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Provides for the award, on behalf of Congress, of a congressional gold medal to Arnold Palmer in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Tiger Woods in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship and in breaking barriers with grace and dignity by showing that golf is a sport for all people.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Free and Fair Elections in Ethiopia Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia should hold national elections in May 2005 in order to ensure the long-term growth and stability of the country; (2) it is critical that the elections are deemed by the people of Ethiopia as free and fair and provide the winner a clear mandate to govern the country; and (3) the Government of Ethiopia and opposition parties should continue their dialog toward resolving elections-related issues. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide grants to nongovernmental organizations to monitor such election.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Bipartisan Commission on Medicaid Act of 2005 - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on Medicaid to review: (1) each of Medicaid's major functional responsibilities; (2) issues that either threaten or improve the long-term financial condition of Medicaid; (3) Federal and State policies for Medicaid and Medicare enrollment (including enrollment sites), income eligibility, outreach, and documentation; (4) the operation and effectiveness of Medicaid premium assistance programs; and (5) Medicaid payment policies.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2005
Help Our Patriotic Employers at Helping Our Military Employees Act or HOPE at HOME Act - Entitles a Federal employee who is a member of a reserve component and is absent from Federal employment under a call or order to active duty for a period of more than 30 days to the difference between the amount of the civilian base pay that would otherwise have been payable to such employee for such period and the amount of military compensation received for the active-duty service. Continues such entitlement: (1) while the employee is hospitalized for, or convalescing from, an injury or illness incurred in or aggravated during such active duty; or (2) during the 14-day period following the end of such active duty. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide as a general business credit for employers a Ready Reserve-National Guard employee credit equal to the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of the actual compensation paid with respect an employee who is absent from employment during the above periods; or (2) $30,000. Provides for the tax treatment of differential wage payments made under this Act. Provides an employer credit for income differential payments made with respect to the employment of activated military reservist and replacement personnel. Permits, without loss of tax benefits, employer payments to an individual retirement plan while an employee is performing active duty military service for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2005
Expresses: (1) deepest condolences to the family of Zurab Zhvania for their tragic loss, and to the people of the Republic of Georgia for the death of their Prime Minister; and (2) solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Georgia at this difficult time. Commends the courage and leadership of Zurab Zhvania that were so critical to the development of a democratic Republic of Georgia. Recognizes that the Republic of Georgia's integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions will be the completion of Zurab Zhvania's vision and his most lasting legacy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2005
Foster Care Mentoring Act of 2005 - Amends title IV part B (Child-Welfare Services) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to states to support the establishment or expansion and operation of programs using networks of public and private community entities to provide mentoring for children in foster care. Authorizes a grant award directly to a political subdivision if the subdivision serves a substantial number of foster care youth. Prescribes program implementation guidelines, including: (1) application requirements; (2) training; (3) screening; (4) educational requirements; (5) federal and nonfederal share of funds for the program; (6) considerations in awarding grants; and (7) use of funds. Sets forth a maximum grant amount to be awarded to a state or political subdivision. Authorizes the Secretary to award a competitive grant to an eligible entity to establish a National Hotline Service or website to provide information to individuals interested in becoming mentors to youth in foster care. Instructs the Secretary of Education to implement a program to provide for the discharge or cancellation of the federal student loan indebtedness of an eligible mentor.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2005
Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act - Repeals, as of the later of October 1, 2005, or the date of enactment of this Act, certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military pay or who would be entitled to retired pay except for being under 60 years of age. Provides for the recoupment of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2005
Condemns the February 14, 2005, terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and killed and wounded others. Extends condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Lebanon. Recognizes the significant contributions Rafik Hariri made during his lifetime. Reaffirms the right of the people of Lebanon to choose their leaders free from intimidation, terror, and foreign occupation in accordance with United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1559. Urges the international community to facilitate any investigation into this terrorist attack.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005
Recognizes and honors the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States. Urges Congress to amend the U.S. Code, or the President to issue an Executive order, to establish a paid legal public holiday in honor of Native Americans. Urges the States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and territories and possessions of the United States to observe the date established. Encourages public elementary and secondary schools to enhance understanding of Native Americans by providing classroom instruction focusing on their achievements and contributions. Encourages Americans of all backgrounds to observe the date established as Native American Day through appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to the family of Thurgood Marshall (the first African-American Justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court) in recognition of Marshall's contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005
American Samoa Possession Tax Credit Act of 2005 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions to extend the possession tax credit, with respect to American Samoa, until December 31, 2016.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005
Native American Veterans Cemetery Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to any tribal organization for establishing, expanding, or improving veterans' cemeteries on trust lands owned by, or held in trust for, the organization.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005
Designates the U.S. Postal Service facility (the Southeastern Post Office) located at 2777 Logan Avenue in San Diego, California, as the "Cesar E. Chavez Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the full realization of the rights of women is vital to the development and well-being of people of all nations; and (2) the Senate should, therefore, give its advice and consent to the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005
United States Seaport Multiyear Security Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to seaports to enhance security if the grant will improve security at the seaport or improve its efficiency without lessening security.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005
Indian Tribal Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act of 2005 - Establishes the Commission on Indian Recognition. Sets forth procedures for an Indian group to submit letters of intent and a petition to the Commission requesting Federal recognition as an Indian tribe (effectively transferring the Federal recognition process from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the Commission). Specifies the requirements of a petition for recognition. Requires the Commission upon receiving a petition to: (1) send acknowledgment of receipt in writing to the petitioner; and (2) conduct a review to determine whether the petitioner is entitled to be recognized as an Indian tribe. Authorizes the petitioner to seek judicial review of a final determination with respect to a petition in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Makes an Indian tribe upon recognition by the Commission: (1) eligible for services and benefits from the Federal Government that are available to other federally recognized Indian tribes by virtue of their status as Indian tribes with a government-to-government relationship with the United States; and (2) have responsibilities, obligations, privileges, and immunities of those Indian tribes. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to Indian groups seeking Federal recognition as Indian tribes to enable them to conduct research to substantiate, and prepare documentation necessary for submission of, documented petitions under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005
Directs the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration to establish a tsunami hazard mitigation program for all U.S. insular areas to perform hazard assessment, monitoring and warning, and public education functions. Requires the program to be designed for the benefit of all such areas, including American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Honors Cesar E. Chavez for his commitment to improving the plight of farm workers and the poor and for inspiring Americans to work nonviolently for justice. Encourages all Americans to commit to working for justice through nonviolence and to remind themselves of the work of the people who put food on the tables of America.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Honors the life and accomplishments of Yogi Bhajan on behalf of the Sikh community. Extends condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and the Sikh communities around the world on his death on October 6, 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005
Little Rock Central High School Desegregation 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Requires the design of such coins to be emblematic of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School and its contribution to civil rights in America. Specifies the sale price of such coins and applicable surcharges. Requires surcharges collected from sales to be used equally for: (1) the Jefferson National Parks Association for support of the activities and mission of Little Rock Central High National Historic Site; and (2) site improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act - Amends Federal postal law to extend through December 31, 2007, the U.S. Postal Service's authority to issue special postage stamps to help fund breast cancer research.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005
Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2005 - Deems certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts as active military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Repeals certain provisions discounting such service as qualifying service.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005
Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005 - Establishes the U.S. Office for Native Hawaiian Relations within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Coordinating Group. Recognizes the right of the Native Hawaiian people to reorganize the Native Hawaiian governing entity to provide for their common welfare and to adopt appropriate organic governing documents. Establishes a Commission to: (1) prepare and maintain a roll of the adult members of the Native Hawaiian community who elect to participate in such reorganization; and (2) certify that the adult members of the Native Hawaiian community proposed for inclusion on the roll meet the definition of Native Hawaiian. Outlines the process for the reorganization, which includes forming a Native Hawaiian Governing Council. Reaffirms the political and legal relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian governing entity upon certification required by the Secretary regarding the organic governing documents and the election of the entity's officers. Extends Federal recognition to the governing entity as the representative governing body of the Native Hawaiian people. Authorizes the United States, upon the reaffirmation of such political and legal relationship, to enter into negotiations with the governing entity to lead to an agreement addressing specified matters, including the transfer of lands, natural resources, and other assets, and the protection of existing rights related to such lands or resources.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005
Recognizes the sacrifices, service, and dedication of Allied soldiers and partisans and underground fighters that resulted in the defeat of the Nazi regime and the liberation of Auschwitz and other World War II concentration camps. Expresses gratitude to individuals and organizations that assisted survivors of Nazi brutality. Commends countries marking the 60th anniversary (on January 27, 2005) of the liberation of Auschwitz, as well as the United Nations General Assembly and other international organizations, for honoring Holocaust victims and increasing awareness of the Holocaust. Urges all countries to strengthen efforts to fight racism, intolerance, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination, and anti-Semitism. Urges governments and educators to teach the lessons of the Holocaust so that future generations will understand that racial, ethnic, and religious intolerance and prejudice can lead to the genocide carried out in camps such as Auschwitz.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005
Calls for the President to grant a pardon, posthumously, to Jack Johnson, the first African-American professional boxer to hold the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2005
Iran Freedom Support Act - States that: (1) U.S. sanctions, controls, and regulations relating to weapons of mass destruction with respect to Iran shall remain in effect until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has permanently and verifiably dismantled its weapons of mass destruction programs and has committed to combating such weapons' proliferation; and (2) such certification shall have no effect on other sanctions relating to Iranian support of international terrorism. Amends the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to: (1) eliminate mandatory sanction provisions respecting Libya; (2) impose mandatory sanctions on a person or entity that aids Iran acquire or develop weapons of mass destruction or destabilizing types and numbers of conventional weapons; (3) revise multilateral regime reporting requirements, including provisions respecting sanctions on individuals aiding Iranian petroleum development; (4) enlarge the scope of sanctionable entities; and (5) eliminate the sunset provision. Authorizes the President to provide financial and political assistance to eligible foreign and domestic individuals and groups that support democracy in Iran and that are opposed to the Government of Iran. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should appoint a special assistant on Iranian matters; (2) contacts should be expanded with democratic Iranian opposition groups; and (3) the President should designate at least one such eligible group within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Directs the Secretary of Education to study and report to Congress on the rate at which Native Americans (including Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians) and students who reside in American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam drop out of secondary schools in the United States. Requires recommendations for increasing the numbers of such students who graduate from secondary school. Directs the Secretary of Labor to report to Congress three years after enactment of this Act on the Federal programs funded during such period which were designed to decrease or otherwise address the rate at which students cease attending secondary schools in the United States before they have graduated.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Tsunamis Temporary Protected Status Act of 2005 - Requires Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Somalia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Maldives, Tanzania, Seychelles, Bangladesh, and Kenya to be treated as if such countries had been designated for purposes of the temporary protected status (TPS) provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Establishes a one-year period of initial TPS designation. Makes aliens who are nationals of such nations eligible for TPS if they: (1) have been continuously physically present since the date of enactment of this Act; (2) are admissible as immigrants or eligible for certain waivers of inadmissibility and are not ineligible for TPS; and (3) register for TPS in the manner established by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Directs the Secretary to give prior consent to travel abroad to an alien granted TPS pursuant to this Act if the alien establishes that emergency and extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the alien require the alien to depart for a brief, temporary trip abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Community Choice in Real Estate Act - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, and the Revised Statutes of the United States, to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury, respectively, from determining that real estate brokerage activity or real estate management activity is financial in nature, is incidental to any financial activity, or is complementary to a financial activity. (In effect, prohibits financial holding companies and national banks from engaging, directly or indirectly, in real estate brokerage or real estate management activities.) Exempts from such prohibition: (1) activities of a bank holding company (or any affiliate) that directly relate to managing any real property owned by national banks or their affiliates; and (2) the right, power, or ability of any financial holding company to engage in any activity, or acquire or retain the shares of any company engaged in an activity authorized for financial holding companies on December 6, 2001 ("grandfather clause").
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" to honor those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) mourns the horrific loss of life caused by the earthquake and tsunamis that occurred on December 26, 2004, in South and Southeast Asia; (2) expresses its deep condolences to the families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims; (3) applauds the prompt humanitarian response to the tsunami tragedy by governments, the United Nations and other international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations; (4) recognizes the generous outpouring of support for relief efforts from private citizens around the world, including in the United States; (5) affirms its commitment to additional generous U.S. support for relief and long-term reconstruction efforts in areas affected by the earthquake and tsunamis; and (6) urges continued attention by donors and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken countries, particularly the thousands of children who have been left parentless and homeless by this disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2004
Declares that Congress recognizes: (1) that the teachings of Yogi Bhajan (a leader of the Sikhs) about Sikhism and yoga, and the businesses formed under his inspiration, improved the personal, political, spiritual, and professional relations between U.S. citizens and the citizens of India; and (2) the legendary compassion, wisdom, kindness, and courage of Yogi Bhajan, and his wealth of accomplishments on behalf of the Sikh community. Extends condolences to Inderjit Kaur, the wife of Yogi Bhajan, his three children and five grandchildren, and to Sikh and Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO) communities around the Nation and the world upon the death on October 6, 2004, of Yogi Bhajan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 2004 or PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers for community policing; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for certain educational costs. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; and (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of appropriated funds for technical assistance and training to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other entities. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding termination of grants for hiring officers. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community policing efforts; and (3) in paying overtime to existing career law enforcement officers. Reserves specified funds for local governmental units with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted for police officer retention.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2004 - Extends eligibility for readjustment counseling services for Vietnam-era veterans. Requires implementation of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Department of Defense (DOD) Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund. Requires: (1) the DOD to assist the VA with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related data collection; (2) routine preventative maintenance intervention for returning members of the Armed Forces; and (3) substance use disorder questions in pre- and post-deployment screens and related treatment protocols. Provides for a telemedicine program to support health care providers in combat theaters. Requires a study of factors that decrease the likelihood of developing combat-related chronic PTSD. Extends the enhanced eligibility period for VA health services for certain veterans. Provides for participation by the VA in DOD demobilization and Transitional Assistance Program activities to enhance identification of chronic PTSD risk factors. Requires PTSD educational materials. Provides for a joint demonstration project that stations VA psychologists and psychiatrists at major demobilization sites and military treatment facilities. Requires: (1) performance measures that ensure appropriate deployment of resources to implement the Iraq war clinical practice guidelines; (2) establishment of the DOD/VA Council on Post-Deployment Mental Health; (3) a plan for expanded access to specialized PTSD care; and (4) additional mental health services personnel for certain VA programs and locations. Authorizes counseling for immediate family members of disabled veterans and Armed Forces personnel killed in action. Establishes a National Steering Committee on PTSD Education. Addresses deficiencies in compensation and pension examinations with regard to PTSD. Requires development of criteria for determining which medical conditions are likely associated with PTSD and when secondary service-connection should be granted for those conditions. Provides for an outreach program to enhance PTSD awareness.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Iran Freedom Support Act - States that: (1) U.S. sanctions, controls, and regulations relating to weapons of mass destruction with respect to Iran shall remain in effect until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has permanently and verifiably dismantled its weapons of mass destruction programs and has committed to combating such weapons' proliferation; and (2) such certification shall have no effect on other sanctions relating to Iranian support of international terrorism. Amends the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to: (1) eliminate mandatory sanction provisions respecting Libya; (2) impose mandatory sanctions on a person or entity that aids Iran acquire or develop weapons of mass destruction or destabilizing types and numbers of conventional weapons; (3) revise multilateral regime reporting requirements, including provisions respecting sanctions on individuals aiding Iranian petroleum development; (4) enlarge the scope of sanctionable entities; and (5) eliminate the sunset provision Authorizes the President to provide financial and political assistance to eligible foreign and domestic individuals and groups that support democracy in Iran and that are opposed to the Government of Iran. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should appoint a special assistant on Iranian matters; (2) contacts should be expanded with democratic Iranian opposition groups; and (3) the President should designate at least one such eligible group within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Port Chicago (California) Naval Magazine tragedy. Calls upon all Americans to honor the memory of those who served and those who gave their lives at Port Chicago in defense of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004
Native American Veterans Home Loan Act of 2004 - Extends through December 31, 2010, a program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may make direct housing loans to Native American veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
Northern Marianas Delegate Act - Prescribes a procedure for election to the House of Representatives as a nonvoting Delegate of the Resident Representative to the United States authorized under the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Security Council should consider and take appropriate action to respond to the growing threat that the ruling State Peace and Development Council in Burma poses to the Southeast Asia region and to the people of Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Recognizes the courage of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in the Battle of Peleliu and of all veterans who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Urges the Secretary of the Interior to recognize the year 2004 as the 60th anniversary of that battle, work to protect historic sites of the Peleliu Battlefield National Historic Landmark, and establish commemorative programs honoring the Americans who fought at those sites.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) deplores the series of terrorist attacks against the Russian Federation that occurred in August and September 2004; (2) expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and conveys its hope for the recovery of the injured; and (3) stands in solidarity with the Russian people in efforts to combat terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of 2004 - Makes it unlawful to: (1) take any covered coral reef species within U.S. waters; (2) import into or export from the United States any covered coral reef species; (3) possess, sell, purchase, deliver, carry, transport, or receive in interstate or foreign commerce any covered coral reef species taken or imported illegally; or (4) attempt a prohibited act involving a covered coral reef species. Defines "covered coral reef species" to include any species of coral or ornamental reef fish listed in or added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Exempts from the prohibitions of this Act covered coral reef species taken incidentally or for: (1) a qualified scientifically-based management plan; (2) a cooperative breeding program; (3) an aquaculture and mariculture facility; (4) scientific, museum, or zoological purposes; or (5) personal consumption. Denies an exemption for species taken using any destructive collection practice (e.g., reef-dredging, explosions, or poisons). Authorizes the Secretary of State to consult with foreign governments to encourage the protection of coral reef species and to take steps to eliminate destructive collection practices. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Commerce to coordinate with the Coral Reef Task Force for the conservation and management of coral reef ecosystems. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit increases in the monthly Medicare premium, including the Medicare Advantage prescription drug program premium, to 25 percent of any Social Security cost of living increase.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Deep Sea Coral Protection Act - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to direct the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to research and map deep sea corals and sponges. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory panel. Prohibits the use of mobile bottom-tending fishing gear in any Coral Management Area (CMA) and Coral Study Area (CSA). Requires the Secretary to designate: (1) as a CSA any area that is located within the exclusive economic zone which has not been fished using mobile bottom-tending gear for a three-year period, is determined beyond the reasonable depth limits of such gear, or where certain data indicate the actual or potential presence of a deep sea coral and sponge ecosystem; (2) CMAs according to specified coordinates; and (3) all or a part of a CSA as a CMA if there is a deep sea coral and sponge ecosystem in such area, and the use of mobile bottom-tending fishing gear in the area would cause more than minimal and temporary damage to deep sea corals or sponges. Applies the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act's civil penalty and forfeiture requirements to persons who violate this Act's prohibition against the use of mobile bottom-tending gear. Urges the President to identify, with foreign entities, areas in international waters that would benefit from additional protection.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Nuclear Black-Market Elimination Act - Authorizes the President to prohibit, for at least three years, any transaction or dealing by a U.S. person or within the United States with any foreign person or entity that the President determines sells, transfers, brokers, finances, assists, delivers or otherwise provides or receives, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act: (1) nuclear enrichment or reprocessing equipment, materials, or technology to any country for which an additional protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency for the application of safeguards is not in force, or to any country that the President determines is developing, constructing, manufacturing, or acquiring a nuclear explosive device; or (2) designs, equipment, or specific information to assist in the development, construction, manufacture, or acquisition of a nuclear explosive device by a non-nuclear weapon state. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for up to three years under the Arms Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as well as a drawdown of defense equipment and services under the latter Act, to any country that cooperates with the United States and U.S. allies to prevent the transport and transshipment of items of proliferation concern in its national territory or airspace or in vessels under its control or registry. Prohibits the United States from transferring any excess defense article that is a vessel or aircraft to a country that has not provided written assurances that it will support and assist U.S. efforts to interdict items of proliferation concern. Prohibits the President from providing, in any fiscal year, more than 75 percent of U.S. assistance to Pakistan unless Pakistan meets certain requirements, including fully sharing with the United States all information relevant to the A.Q. Khan proliferation network, and providing full access to A.Q. Khan, his associates, and any material that bears upon their activities and contacts. Provides for a national security waiver of such requirements, but prohibits its exercise in two successive fiscal years. Requires the President to: (1) identify proliferation network host countries to appropriate congressional committees; and (2) suspend all arms sales licenses to such countries.
![Official portrait of Del. Faleomavaega, Eni F. H. [D-AS-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000010_200.jpg)