United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to the next of kin or personal representative of each passenger or crew member on board United Airlines Flight 93 who is identified by the Attorney General as having aided in the effort to resist the hijackers on board the plane, in recognition of heroic service to the Nation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such gold medal. Declares such medals to be national medals. Requires that proceeds from the sale of duplicate bronze medals be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) all restrictions on U.S. visits by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan, including the President of Taiwan, should be lifted; (2) the United States should encourage direct Cabinet level exchanges in order to strengthen a policy dialogue with Taiwan; and (3) it is in the U.S. national interest to strengthen links with the democratically-elected government of Taiwan and demonstrate stronger support for democracy in the Asia-Pacific region.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1213 East Houston Street in Cleveland, Texas, as the "Lance Corporal Robert A. Martinez Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) Modernization and Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the firearms provisions of the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties. Requires fines to be based upon the nature and severity of the violation, the size of the firearms business involved, and the prior record of the firearm's licensee. Requires the Attorney General to make a preliminary determination on federal firearms license applications and to notify applicants in writing of intent to deny an application. Grants applicants the right to a hearing for license denials. Directs the Attorney General to establish guidelines for Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigations of firearms violations. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to review the operations of ATF relating to the gun show enforcement program and blanket residency checks of prospective and actual firearms purchasers. Limits the authority of federal agencies to disclose information on firearms purchasers. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to repeal the authority of the Attorney General to delegate to ATF responsibility for investigating violent crimes and acts of domestic terrorism. Grants a firearm licensee whose license has expired or has been suspended or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory. Allows purchasers of existing firearms businesses the right to cure firearms violations attributable to such businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Military Spouses Employment Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty (more than 90 days or for an indefinite period) as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit (thus giving employers a tax incentive for hiring military spouses).
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Recognizes the 225th anniversary of the American and French victory at Yorktown, Virginia, during the Revolutionary War. Reminds the American people of the debt the United States owes to its Armed Forces and the important role Yorktown and the Commonwealth of Virginia played in securing their liberty.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2007, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008-FY2011. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2007-FY2011 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2007-FY2011. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Education and the Workforce; (4) Energy and Commerce; (5) Government Reform; (6) Resources; (7) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (8) Ways and Means. Requires the Committee on Ways and Means to report a reconciliation bill providing for revenue reduction. Requires the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to submit to the Committee on the Budget its findings that identify savings amounting to 1% of total spending under its jurisdiction from activities that are wasteful, unnecessary, or lower-priority. Establishes a reserve fund for emergencies. Prohibits House legislation that would require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception. Makes rule XXVII of the House (the Gephardt Rule, relating to mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution) inapplicable with respect to the adoption by Congress of a budget resolution for FY2007. Requires: (1) reported legislation designated as an emergency requirement to include an explanation of the manner in which the legislation meets specified criteria; and (2) if such legislation is to be considered without being reported, the explanation to be published in the Congressional Record in advance of floor consideration. Provides for changes in allocations and aggregates resulting from realistic scoring of measures affecting federal revenues. Prohibits the use of revenue increases to comply with budget allocations and aggregates. Makes it out of order in the House to consider direct spending legislation that would increase an on-budget deficit or decrease an on-budget surplus for any specified applicable time period. Requires the chairman of the Committee on the Budget to maintain a: (1) Budget Protection Mandatory Account; and (2) Budget Protection Discretionary Account.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Saudi Arabia should live up to its World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments and end all aspects of any boycott on Israel; and (2) the President, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Secretary of State should urge the government of Saudi Arabia to comply with its WTO obligations and end any boycott on Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to prohibit any U.S. officer or employee, or person operating under color of federal law, under control of a federal official, or providing services to such person, while acting in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency, from: (1) seizing or authorizing seizure of any firearm the possession of which is not prohibited under federal or state law, other than for forfeiture in compliance with federal law or as evidence in a criminal investigation; (2) requiring registration of any firearm for which registration is not required by federal or state law; (3) prohibiting possession of any firearm in any place or by any person where such possession is not otherwise prohibited; or (4) prohibiting the carrying of firearms by any person otherwise authorized to carry firearms, solely because such person is operating under the direction, control, or supervision of a federal agency in support of relief from a major disaster or emergency. Authorizes any individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to seek relief by bringing an action for redress and by bringing a civil action in U.S. district court for return of a confiscated firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Authorizes the President, upon making specified determinations, to exempt a certain proposed cooperation agreement with India from requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (AEC) regarding: (1) mandatory maintenance of International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards for nuclear materials in peaceful nuclear activities; (2) certain additional export criteria and procedures; and (3) conduct resulting in termination of nuclear exports. Renders any such determinations without effect if the President finds that India has detonated a nuclear explosive device after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Firearms Corrections and Improvements Act - Amends firearms provisions of the federal criminal code to: (1) lift restrictions on the possession, transfer, and importation of machineguns, and certain other shotguns and rifles, for contractors providing national security services for the United States and training related to such services, and for manufacturers for testing, research, design, or development purposes; (2) prohibit the Attorney General from charging any tax or fee for any background check by the national instant criminal background check system; (3) permit juveniles to possess and use a handgun or ammunition for certain activities without written parental consent if the parent is present when the juvenile is using the handgun; (4) eliminate certain reporting requirements for multiple handgun sales (more than one sale within five days) by dealers to state police and law enforcement agencies; (5) prohibit the Attorney General from electronically retrieving records of gun dealers who have gone out of business by name or any personal identification code; (6) limit disclosure of trace records; and (7) allow importation of barrels, frames, and receivers for firearms other than handguns for repair or replacement purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2006
Tax Fairness for Small Business Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an accelerated five-year amortization period for goodwill and other business intangibles acquired from certain small businesses (businesses whose average three-year gross receipts do not exceed $5 million) after December 31, 2005. Limits the amount eligible for such amortization to $5 million.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Congressional Tribute to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Act of 2006 - Authorizes The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design, to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the United States and the world.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Clean Air and Water Investment Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include air and water pollution control facilities among the projects for which tax exempt facility bonds may be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006
Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act - Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Byron Nelson in recognition of his contributions to the game of golf as a player, teacher, and commentator.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 2006 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose the rescission of any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority or the rescission, in whole or in part, of any item of direct spending. Sets forth requirements for the President's transmittal to Congress of a special message regarding a proposed rescission. Requires any rescinded budget authority or items of direct spending to be dedicated only to deficit reduction, and not to be used as an offset for other spending increases. Provides for adjustment of: (1) committee allocations resulting from such rescission; and (2) applicable limits, as appropriate, under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of a proposed rescission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
Directs the Attorney General, at the request of certain state education officials, to conduct fingerprint-based checks of public or private school employees, job applicants, or volunteers for positions involving work with or around children. Restricts the disclosure of information from such checks. Imposes criminal penalties for unauthorized use or release of such information.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require any individual who desires to register or re-register to vote in an election for federal office to provide the appropriate state election official with proof that the individual is a U.S. citizen. Requires proof of citizenship in states without a registration requirement and states permitting same day registration. Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the appropriate state or local election official from: (1) providing a ballot for an election for federal office to an individual who desires to vote in person unless the individual presents to the official a current and valid photo ID; or (2) accepting any ballot of an individual voting by mail without a copy of a current photo ID.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or subterranean passage that crosses the international border between the United States and another country. Imposes a 20-year prison term for such offense. Imposes a 10-year prison term on any person who recklessly permits the construction or use of such a tunnel or passage on land that such person owns or controls. Doubles penalties for persons who use such a tunnel or passage to unlawfully smuggle an alien, illegal goods, controlled substances, weapons of mass destruction, or members of a terrorist organization. Subjects to forfeiture any property involved in, or traceable to, the construction or financing of such a tunnel or passage. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend sentencing guidelines to provide for increased penalties for persons convicted of criminal offenses related to the construction or financing of such a tunnel or passage.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006
Torchiere Lighting Efficiency Standards and Technology Development Act of 2006 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to extend from January 1, 2006, to October 1, 2006, the manufacturing deadline by which torchieres must meet a standard of a maximum of 190 watts of power.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Small Business Expensing Permanency Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and make permanent the taxpayer election to expense (i.e., deduct all costs in current taxable year) depreciable business property, including computer software; (2) increase the investment threshold amount used to calculate reductions in the amount of such expensing allowance; (3) allow an inflation adjustment to the amount of the expensing allowance and the investment threshold amount; and (4) make permanent the taxpayer's right to revoke an election to expense.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibitions against interstate gambling. Modifies the definition of "wire communication facility" to include all communications, including transmissions by satellite or microwave using fixed or mobile connections (e.g., the Internet or other wireless communications). Expands the definition of "bets and wagers" to include all forms of gambling activity. Modifies existing prohibitions against interstate gambling to prohibit anyone engaged in a gambling business from using a communication facility to transmit: (1) bets or wagers; (2) a communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers; or (3) information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers. Imposes a five-year prison term for violations. Prohibits anyone engaged in a gambling business from accepting in connection with the transmission of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers: (1) credit, or the proceeds of credit; (2) electronic funds transfers; (3) checks, drafts, or similar instruments; or (4) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as prescribed by Treasury regulations. Exempts certain instrastate gambling activities. Requires any common carrier who is notified in writing that a user of one of its communication facilities is violating prohibitions against interstate gambling to discontinue service to such user. Authorizes federal, state, tribal, or local law enforcement agencies to obtain injunctive or declaratory relief to restrain persons from violating prohibitions against interstate gambling.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Amends rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that it shall not be in order to consider a bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report that establishes a new program or modifies an existing program by adding a new function unless such legislation also eliminates one or more existing programs of equal or greater total cost. Excludes legislation that establishes a new defense, homeland security, or emergency program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should increase trade opportunities with Taiwan by launching negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
Domestic Energy Production through Offshore Exploration and Equitable Treatment of State Holdings Act of 2006 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to revise the determination of adjacent zones and planning areas in the subsoil and seabed of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Prescribes guidelines for: (1) lease administration; (2) lease grants; (3) lease receipts ; and (4) allocations to states and coastal municipal political subdivisions. Modifies review guidelines for OCS exploration plans and drilling permits. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to include in each five-year program lease sales that offer at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS Planning Area for oil and gas or natural gas leasing. Revises requirements for review of OCS development and production plans. Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund. Declares without force or effect all provisions of existing federal law that prohibit spending appropriated funds for OCS oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing. Prohibits a federal agency from permitting certain activities on federal OCS or in state waters that are incompatible with either oil or natural gas leasing, or with exploration and production of tracts that are geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise regulation of surface-disturbing activities. Redesignates the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Resources and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2005 - Amends the OCSLA to prescribe requirements for the use of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms for mariculture, artificial reef, and scientific research. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the requirement for: (1) a comprehensive inventory of OCS oil and natural gas resources; and (2) payments for oil shale and tar sands leases. Establishes the Federal Energy And Mineral Resources Professional Development Fund. National Geologic Data and Mapping Fund Act of 2006 - Establishes the National Geologic Data and Mapping Fund. Prescribes implementation guidelines for leasing areas located within 100 miles of California or Florida. Amends the OCSLA to repeal the coastal impact assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Encourages all Americans to increase their charitable giving, with the goal of increasing the annual amount of charitable giving in the United States by 1%.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2006
Amends the federal criminal code to allow any person who was the victim of a sexual crime while a minor to sue in federal court for damages for resulting injury, regardless of whether the injury occurred while such person was a minor. (Current law allows a minor who is the victim of a sexual crime to sue.) Increases from $50,000 to $150,000 the minimum amount of damages such a victim shall be deemed to have sustained.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to promote the emergence of a democratic Palestinian governing authority that denounces and combats terrorism, upholds human rights for all people, and has agreed to recognize Israel as an independent Jewish state. Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance under such Act or any other provision of law to the Palestinian Authority (PA) only during a period for which a presidential certification has determined: (1) that no PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization and no member of a foreign terrorist organization serves in a PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality; (2) that the PA has publicly acknowledged Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the government of the United States, the government of Israel, and the international community; and (3) that the PA has made demonstrable progress toward purging from its security services individuals with ties to terrorism, dismantling all terrorist infrastructure and cooperating with Israel's security services, halting anti-Israel incitement, and ensuring democracy and financial transparency. Directs the President to make and transmit such certifications to Congress every six months. Prohibits during a period in which a certification is is not in effect with respect to the PA.: (1) assistance to nongovernmental organizations for the West Bank and Gaza (exempts assistance for basic human health needs from such limitation.); (2) U.S. contributions to the United Nations intended for U.N. agencies providing assistance directly to the PA; (3) visa issuance to any PA official or affiliated person (with a case-by-case exemption for U.S. security needs); (4) travel outside of a 25-mile radius of the U.N. headquarters building for officials and representatives of the PA and of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) who are stationed at the United Nations in New York City; and (5) establishment of an office, headquarters, premises, or other facilities within U.S. jurisdiction at the direction of, or with funds provided by, the PA or the PLO. Requires the President to direct the executive director at each international financial institution to use U.S. influence to prohibit assistance to the PA during any such period. Directs the Secretary of State to audit and report respecting duplicative entities and functions of: (1) the United Nations Division for Palestinian Rights; (2) the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People; (3) the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority; (4) the NGO Network on the Question of Palestine; (5) the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories; and (6) any other entity the Secretary determines results in duplicative efforts or funding or fails to ensure balance in the approach to Israeli-Palestinian issues. Withholds specified U.S. contributions to the United Nations for such entities until the report's recommendations are implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that during any such period the territory controlled by the PA should be deemed to be in use as a terrorist sanctuary for purposes of the Export Administration Act of 1979, and of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989. Prohibits funds to be used by any U.S. officer or employee to negotiate, attend official meetings, or have official contacts with members or official representatives of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or any other Palestinian terrorist organization, until such organization: (1) recognizes Israel's right to exist; (2) renounces terrorism; (3) dismantles the terrorist infrastructure; and (4) recognizes all previous agreements and understandings between Israel and the PA.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Compliance, Examinations, and Inspections Restructuring Act of 2005 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to vest the inspections and examinations authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in those administrative divisions or offices to which the SEC has delegated its administrative responsibilities. Requires the subject of an SEC inquiry or inspection to be notified in writing at least every 120 days regarding the status of an ongoing proceeding. Requires an SEC administrative division or office to obtain permission to conduct a sweep examination in the same manner and subject to the same procedures as SEC enforcement divisions or offices must follow in conducting a formal investigation or inquiry of registered entities. Instructs the Chairman of the SEC to appoint an Ombudsman with respect to any problems resulting from SEC regulatory activities. Expresses the sense of Congress that the SEC should develop and publish guidelines setting forth explicitly the benefit to either an issuer of securities or a registered entity if it self-reports an apparent violation of law, and subsequently becomes the respondent in an SEC civil injunctive action or administrative proceeding regarding the matter that was self-reported.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax deduction for medical expenses without the gross income percentage limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Makes it in order at any time on December 18, 2005, for the Speaker of the House of Representatives to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules relating to specified measures.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Code Talkers Recognition Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation of a congressional gold medal: (1) to persons, including specified individuals, who served as Sioux or Comanche Code Talkers during World War II; (2) honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I; and (3) to any other Native American member of the armed forces, identified by the Secretary of Defense, who served as a Code Talker in any foreign conflict in which the United States was involved during the 20th Century. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medals struck under this Act and to deposit the proceeds in the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the costs of the medals awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Makes it in order at any time on December 17, 2005, for the Speaker of the House of Representatives to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules relating to specified measures.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8624 Ferguson Road in Dallas, Texas, as the "Francisco `Pancho' Medrano Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Health Care Choices for Seniors Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivor's and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a procedure under which an individual otherwise entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare) may waive such entitlement and be automatically enrolled in the Medicare Alternative Voucher Program (MAV Program). Directs the Secretary to establish the MAV Program, under which a voucher may be used as a contribution into a health savings account and for the payment of enrollment premiums under a high deductible health plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the itemized deduction for health savings accounts by the amount of the MAV that is contributed to an individual's health savings account. Suspends Medicare late enrollment penalties for individuals between ages 65 and 70.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
The Fourteenth Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro Tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, in recognition of his many contributions to peace and religious understanding.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Amends the federal criminal code to establish a national standard for the carrying of certain concealed firearms by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state in accordance with the restrictions of that state or as specified under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
Flex Health Savings Accounts Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow individuals covered under a flexible spending arrangement or health reimbursement arrangement to qualify for the tax deduction for contributions to health savings accounts; and (2) increase the monthly limitation on contributions to health savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005
Children's Safety and Violent Crime Reduction Act of 2005 - Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act - Requires each state, territory, and federally recognized Indian tribe to maintain a sex offender registry. Prescribes registration, notification, and verification requirements and penalties for violations. Establishes the Jessica Lunsford Address Verification Program and the Megan Nicole Kanka and Alexandra Nicole Zapp Community Program (notification). Requires the Attorney General to: (1) maintain a National Sex Offender Registry at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (2) maintain the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website; (3) establish a Sex Offender Management Assistance program; (4) carry out a demonstration project on the use of electronic monitoring devices to manage sex offenders; (5) assist jurisdictions in apprehending sex offenders who violate registration requirements; and (6) make registration enforcement grants. Prescribes enhanced penalties for: (1) using a controlled substance to facilitate a sex offense; (2) violent crimes against persons under age 18; (3) sexual offenses against children; (4) conduct relating to child prostitution; (5) aggravated sexual assault; and (6) sexual abuse of a ward. Establishes within the Department of Justice an Office on Sexual Violence and Crimes against Children to administer sex offender-related registration, notification, and assistance programs. 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, detained, or convicted under U.S. authority. Calls for state implementation of the Attorney General's model code on investigating missing persons and deaths. Requires background checks and fingerprint-based checks of national crime information databases and state child abuse registries before approval of foster or adoptive placements. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the civil commitment of sexually dangerous persons; and (2) grants for state civil commitment programs for such persons. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) establish recordkeeping requirements for the production of matter containing simulated sexually explicit conduct; and (2) prohibit the production, with the intent to transport in interstate commerce, of obscene matter. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) judicial branch security; (2) specified crimes against federal officials, judges, law enforcement officers, public safety officers, jurors, and witnesses; and (3) grants to states for witness protection programs, threat assessment databases, juvenile and young adult witness assistance programs, and reentry courts. Authorizes federal judges and prosecutors to carry firearms. Modifies and expands code prohibitions against, and penalties for, criminal street gang activity. Increases penalties for various offenses, including interstate travel or transportation or violent crimes in aid of racketeering. Establishes additional penalties for violent crimes relating to drug trafficking, for using interstate commerce to commit multiple murders, and for certain crimes committed by illegal aliens. Authorizes grants to hire additional prosecutors, and fund technology, equipment, and training, to increase accurate identification of gang members and violent offenders. Directs the Attorney General to award grants for state and local reentry courts. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide a grant to a private, nonprofit organization to undertake specified activities to promote crime prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005
Bringing Overstay Numbers Down Act of 2005 or the BOND Act of 2005 - Sets forth terms and conditions for immigration delivery bonds (a written suretyship for the surrender of an individual against whom the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an order to show cause or a notice to appear, the performance of which is guaranteed by an acceptable surety on federal bonds). Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) with respect to the release of an alien detained pending a removal decision to: (1) permit corporate surety employees to visit the alien; (2) permit release of the alien on a delivery bond of at least $10,000; (3) permit release of such alien on his or her own recognizance only if an immigration judge expressly states in a signed release order that the alien is not a flight risk and is not a threat to the United States; and (4) eliminate parole release authority. Increases the amounts of recovered breached cash and surety bonds to be deposited into the Breached Bond/Detention Fund from amounts in excess of $8 million to amounts in excess of $80 million. States that: (1) DHS shall take into custody any alien subject to a final order of removal, and cancel any bond previously posted for the alien, if the alien is produced within the prescribed time limit by the bond obligor whether or not DHS accepts custody of the alien; and (2) the bond obligor shall be deemed to have performed all bond conditions and shall be released from liability if the alien is produced within such time limit. .
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005
Hospital and ASC Price Disclosure and Litigation Protection Act of 2005 - Prohibits a charge-related legal action from being brought by an individual against a hospital or ambulatory surgical center if the hospital or center: (1) has met the requirements under this Act; (2) has entered into an agreement with the uninsured individual before treatment that sets the maximum price that will be charged for such treatment; and (3) has met the terms of such agreement. Sets forth disclosures that a hospital or center must provide to an individual who is scheduled to receive treatment and include in any itemized bill, including: (1) the estimated price or the price charged for the treatment; (2) the payment rate for the treatment negotiated with the network plan or managed care plan that has the largest number of enrollees; and (3) the Medicare payment rate for the treatment. Excludes from such requirements a treatment for which there exists a third-party price arrangement unless the individual involved requests such information. Requires a hospital or ambulatory surgical center to report data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding: (1) the frequency of performing certain services and administering certain drugs; (2) the charge by the hospital or center for such services or drugs; (3) the negotiated rate of payment for the treatment by the plan with the largest number of enrollees; and (4) the Medicare payment rate for the treatment. Requires the Secretary to: (1) publicly post such information on the Internet in a manner that promotes charge comparisons among hospitals and centers; and (2) select which services or drugs are to be reported based on the frequency with which the services are performed or the drugs are administered.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to the security of Israel. Asserts that: (1) terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, should not be permitted to participate in Palestinian elections until such organizations recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, cease incitement, condemn terrorism, and disarm and dismantle their terrorist infrastructure; and (2) Hamas' or any other terrorist group's inclusion into the Palestinian governing structure will inevitably raise serious U.S. policy considerations, potentially undermining the ability of the United States to provide financial assistance and conduct normal relations with the PA. Calls on the Palestinian Authority (PA) President Abbas before the election to declare openly his intention to dismantle the terrorist organizations. States that progress in the peace process requires sustained Palestinian effort to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Border Law Enforcement Act of 2005 - Establishes a Designated County Law Enforcement Assistance program jointly within the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide financial assistance and authorization for the law enforcement operations of sheriffs in counties adjacent to the southern U.S. border. Authorizes the sheriffs in these counties to: (1) coordinate law enforcement operations in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement; (2) conduct law enforcement operations in their counties in order to enforce criminal laws and protect lives, property, and security; (3) transfer aliens detained or taken into custody who are not lawfully present in the United States to appropriate federal law enforcement officials; (4) enforce state and federal laws relating to controlled substance trafficking and other criminal laws other than immigration laws (except as provided in an agreement with DHS); and (5) be paid for the costs of performing such duties or functions by the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security. Creates the Designated County Law Enforcement Account in the Treasury. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary to jointly issue regulations that govern the distribution of funds under this Act and provide uniform standards that all other federal law enforcement officials shall follow to cooperate with such sheriffs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude manure from the definition of "hazardous substance" or "pollutant or contaminant" under that Act. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to exempt releases associated with manure from the emergency notification requirements under that Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/115_rp_tx_32_sessions_pete_200.jpg)