United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the National Cancer Institute, to establish special programs of research excellence in the area of pediatric cancers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a grant mechanism for the establishment of Research Fellowships in Pediatric Cancer to support adequate numbers of pediatric focused clinical and translational investigators. Requires the Director to award a grant for the operation of a population-based national childhood cancer database, the Childhood Cancer Research Network. Requires the Secretary to award grants to recognized childhood cancer professional and advocacy organizations to raise public awareness of currently available information, treatment, and research with intent to ensure access to best available therapies for pediatric cancers.
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
Amends the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to waive or reduce the emergency watershed protection program non-federal cost share requirement if the Secretary determines that immediate action is or was required for environmental or safety concerns and the local partner cannot or could not financially participate.
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
Extends, with specified exceptions, commodity programs, other direct spending programs, and authorizations of appropriations under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 until implementing legislation for the Doha Development Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations is enacted into law.
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 · 15 February 2006
Federal Aviation Administration Fair Labor Management Dispute Resolution Act of 2006 - Amends federal transportation law to revise certain federal aviation administration personnel management system requirements to prohibit the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from implementing any proposed change to the FAA personnel management system in cases where the services of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service do not lead to an agreement between the Administrator and FAA employees unless a bill is enacted into law by Congress that authorizes the change during the 60-day period beginning from the time Congress received the proposed change. (Current law does not require congressional action.) Requires the Administrator and FAA employee bargaining representatives to submit the proposed change to binding arbitration if Congress does not enact a bill into law within the 60-day period.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2006 - Amends the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2005 to extend for three years the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B aliens (temporary nonagricultural worker).
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Recognizes: (1) the importance of military recruiting in ensuring national security; and (2) the essential role of U.S. Armed Forces in protecting the nation and providing valuable resources and life experiences for future leaders. Condemns: (1) municipal and university actions which defy federal statutes regarding military recruiters, including recruiter access provisions; and (2) those who denigrate military service as less significant or valuable than higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Requires the phased recovery of overpayments of pay and allowances made to a member of the U.S. uniformed services to not exceed 20% of the member's pay per month, if the overpayment was made through no fault of the member. Delays recovery of pay and allowance overpayments to a member recovering from a wound, injury, or illness incurred in a combat operation or combat zone while in the line of duty until after the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which the member is notified of the overpayment.
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 · 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 · 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
Coast Guard Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 - Commends and thanks the Coast Guard (CG) for its outstanding efforts in response to Hurricane Katrina. Expresses the sense of Congress that the CG should play a major role in any future national emergency or disaster caused by a natural event in a U.S. coastal or offshore area. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to temporarily extend the duration of merchant mariners' licenses or documents or vessel certificates of registry issued to an individual until not later than February 28, 2006, if such individual is a resident of: (1) Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana; or (2) any other state, and the individual's records are located in a CG facility in New Orleans that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, or were damaged or lost as a result of it. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the duration or the validity of a certificate of inspection or a certificate of compliance issued for up to three months for a vessel inspected by a CG Marine Safety Office located in Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana. Authorizes CG members assigned to duty in support of units in the Eighth CG District area to mitigate the consequences of, or assist in the recovery from, Hurricane Katrina during the period from August 28, 2005, to January 1, 2006, and who would lose accumulated leave in excess of 60 days as a result of such assignment, to retain an accumulated total of up to 90 days of leave.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to restore federal aid for the repair, restoration, and replacement of private nonprofit educational facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005
Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) take all appropriate actions, including development of a national border strategy, to maintain operational control over the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) report on cross-border security agreements with Mexico and Canada; (3) provide for biometric data enhancements; (4) report on the One Face at the Border Initiative; (5) increase port of entry inspection personnel and canine detection teams; (6) report on the airspace security mission's impact on the National Capital Region; (7) reimburse private owners along the border for certain property damage; (8) establish at least one Border Patrol unit for the Virgin Islands; (9) report on Central American gang travel across the U.S.-Mexico border; and (10) deploy radiation portal monitors at U.S. ports of entry to screen inbound cargo for nuclear and radiological material. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) with respect to alien smuggling and illegal entry and presence to: (1) revise the definition of aggravated felony; (2) provide mandatory minimum sentences on smuggling convictions, and expand seizure and forfeiture authority; (3) make illegal U.S. presence a crime; (4) increase penalties for improper U.S. entry and for marriage and immigration-related entrepreneurship fraud; (5) provide mandatory minimum sentences for aliens convicted of reentry after removal; (6) impose on smugglers the same sentences that the aliens they have smuggled would receive; (7) include among smuggling crimes the carrying or use of a firearm during such activity; and (8) revise voluntary departure provisions. Directs the Secretary: (1) and the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to increase the availability of Department of Defense (DOD) surveillance equipment along the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) to assess border security vulnerabilities on Department of Interior land directly adjacent to the U.S. border; (3) conduct a training exercise on border security information sharing; (4) establish a Border Security Advisory Committee; and (5) establish a university-based Center of Excellence for Border Security. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of DHS grants for border security activities. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to border security cooperation with sovereign Indian Nations. Requires the mandatory detention of illegal aliens apprehended at a U.S. port of entry or along the U.S. land or maritime borders. Permits release with notice to appear only if the alien: (1) is not a security risk; and (2) provides a specified bond. Denies admission to the nationals of a country that refuses or delays acceptance of its nationals ordered removed from the United States. Requires that the Secretary place an alien (other than from Mexico or Canada) who has not been admitted or paroled into expedited removal if apprehended within 100 miles of the border and within 14 days of unauthorized entry. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to ensure coordination of DHS border security efforts. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in DHS an Office of Air and Marine Operations whose primary mission shall be to prevent the entry of terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband into the United States. Directs the Secretary to transfer to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement all functions of the Customs Patrol Officers unit operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (the "Shadow Wolves" unit). Authorizes the Secretary to establish within United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement additional Customs Patrol units to operate on Indian lands. Bars an alien: (1) deportable on terrorist grounds from receiving withholding of removal; (2) convicted of an aggravated felony, unlawful procurement of citizenship, or domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse from admissibility; (3) convicted of an aggravated felony from refugee or asylee status adjustment; (4) removable on terrorist grounds from becoming naturalized; and (5) from being naturalized while in removal proceedings. Revises and enhances detention provisions for certain dangerous aliens subject to removal, including establishment of a detention review process for cooperating aliens. Increases penalties and sets mandatory minimum sentences for aliens who fail to comply with removal provisions. Makes an alien deportable for: (1) three or more drunk driving convictions; and (2) social security number and identification fraud. Authorizes (and reimburses) local sheriffs or sheriff coalitions in specified counties along the southern border to enforce the immigration laws and to transfer illegal aliens to federal custody. Establishes in the Treasury the Designated County Law Enforcement Account. Makes an alien inadmissible for U.S. entry if: (1) such alien has been deported for criminal street gang participation; or (2) the consular officer or the Secretary knows or has reasonable grounds to believe that such alien is a member of a criminal street gang seeking U.S. entry in furtherance of gang-related crimes or activities, or is a member of a designated criminal street gang. Makes an alien deportable who: (1) is a street gang member convicted of committing or attempting to commit a gang crime; or (2) is determined by the Secretary to be a member of a designated criminal street gang. Authorizes the Attorney General to designate a group or association as a criminal street gang. Requires mandatory detention of alien gang members subject to removal. Makes such aliens ineligible for asylum and protection from removal to certain countries. Authorizes expedited removal for aliens inadmissible for security or criminal grounds. Makes sexual abuse of a minor an aggravated felony for immigration purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish, and sets forth the provisions for, an employment eligibility verification system. Expands the employment eligibility verification system to include: (1) previously hired individuals; and (2) recruitment and referral. Sets forth civil and criminal penalty provisions for noncompliance. Provides for: (1) voluntary employer verification utilizing such system two years after enactment of this Act for previously hired individuals; (2) mandatory employer verification three years after enactment of this Act by federal, state, and local governments, and the military for employees not verified under such system working at federal, state or local government buildings, military bases, nuclear energy sites, weapons sites, airports, or critical infrastructure sites; and (3) mandatory employer verification six years after enactment of this Act for all employees not previously verified under such system. Makes employer participation in the basic pilot program mandatory two years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Board of Immigration Appeals to reverse an immigration judge's removal decision without remand. Eliminates judicial review of visa revocation. Authorizes reinstatement of a prior removal order against an alien illegally reentering the United States. Requires an alien applying for withholding of removal to establish that his or her life or freedom would be threatened in the country of return, and that race, religion, nationality, or political or social group would be a central factor in such threat. Subjects removal appeals to an initial certification of reviewability process by a single court of appeals judge. Requires all nonimmigrant applicants to waive any right to: (1) review or appeal a determination of inadmissibility at port of entry; or (2) contest, other than through asylum, any action for removal.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Authorizes the President to make contributions under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to the owner or operator of a power transmission facility for the costs of repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of those portions of the facility damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita, including associated incurred expenses. Sets forth eligibility and limitations criteria. Defines such facility as a privately-owned electric transmission or distribution facility (including a leased facility) obligated under state law to provide electricity service to retail customers and a privately-owned natural gas transmission or distribution facility.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to establish a database of small business concerns which must be consulted by federal agencies before awarding a federal contract for a disaster-related activity.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2005
Public Prayer Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the federal judicial code to deny the Supreme Court and district courts jurisdiction to review any matter related to the alleged establishment of religion involving the expression of public prayer by any federal, state, or local government entity or a government officer or agent acting in an official capacity.
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 · 17 November 2005
Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to authorize the disclosure to government agencies of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) records on assistance provided to individuals in connection with a major disaster or emergency for purposes of complying with a federal or state sex offender registry or notification law. Conditions receipt of federal funds by non-governmental organizations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act on the organization providing assurances satisfactory to the President that it will disclose its records for the purpose of permitting a requesting jurisdiction to comply with a federal or state sex offender registry or notification law.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2005
Gulf Opportunity Zone Public Finance Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for investment in Gulf tax credit bonds issued to assist the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and their political subdivisions in refinancing certain existing bond obligations; (2) allow an additional advance refunding of outstanding bond obligations for such states; and (3) provide for limited federal guarantees of bonds in such states issued to restore lost revenues due to Hurricane Katrina and to fund local infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2005
Outer Continental Shelf Natural Gas Relief Act - States that all provisions of federal law that prohibit the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf are without any force or effect. Revokes all withdrawals from leasing of federal submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf, including withdrawals by the President under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. States such withdrawals are no longer in effect with respect to the leasing of areas for natural gas exploration, development, and production. Prohibits granting a gas lease for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf located within 20 miles of a state's coastline unless the Governor grants state approval. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in each five-year oil and gas leasing program, to include lease sales that when viewed as a whole propose to offer for gas leasing at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each Outer Continental Shelf planning area. Sets forth a scheme for bonus bids and royalties that affects: (1) new and existing gas leases; and (2) leased tracts lying partially within the seaward boundaries of a state. Permits leases that authorize development and production solely of natural gas and associated condensate, including leases for program years 2002-2007, and for program years 2007-2012.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2005
TRUE Enforcement and Border Security Act of 2005 - Sets forth border security-related provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) construction of fencing and security improvements in the the Pacific Ocean-Gulf of Mexico border area; (2) increased availability of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment on the southern border; and (3) construction of additional ports of entry. Provides for increases in funding, personnel, and technology at the federal, state, and local level for immigration and border enforcement and visa security, worksite enforcement, document integrity, immigration fraud, and detention and removal of illegal aliens. Establishes in the Department of Justice a position of Assistant Attorney General for Immigration Enforcement. Revises provisions respecting: (1) the integrated entry and exit data system; (2) registration of aliens in the United States; (3) state and local enforcement of immigration laws; and (4) National Crime Information Center listing of immigration violators. Provides for: (1) construction or acquisition of additional alien detention facilities; (2) federal custody of, and state or local compensation for, state or locally apprehended illegal aliens; (3) immigration-related training for state and local personnel; (4) personal liability immunity to the same extent as corresponding federal immunity for state or local personnel enforcing immigration laws within the scope of their duties; and (5) civil rights money damage immunity for state or local agencies enforcing immigration laws unless their personnel violated criminal law in such enforcement. Authorizes grants to border-adjacent Indian tribes adversely affected by illegal immigration for law enforcement, health care, environmental restoration, and cultural preservation. Revises visa and alien status provisions, including: (1) visa waiver program suspension; (2) diversity immigrant program elimination; (3) family sponsored immigrant allocations; and (4) visa compliance bonds. Continues, and expands to all states, the institutional removal program (IRP). Restricts citizenship-by-birth provisions. Denies immigration benefits to alien terrorists or criminals. Revises temporary protected status provisions. Employment Security Act of 2005 - Revises the work eligibility verification program. Directs the Commissioner for Social Security to establish an alien work eligibility database. Revises social security card anti-fraud and related provisions. Sets forth Internal Revenue Service (IRS) work eligibility verification provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make an illegal alien ineligible for nonresident alien tax status; and (2) prohibit a deduction for compensation paid to an unauthorized worker. Increases alien smuggling penalties. Establishes criminal penalties and forfeiture for aliens unlawfully present in the United States. Increases criminal penalties for marriage fraud and immigration-related entrepreneurship fraud. Revises criminal and civil penalties for improper entry and related actions by an alien. Increases criminal penalties for illegal entry and failure to depart violations. Increases criminal and civil penalties for document fraud, benefit fraud, and false citizenship claims. Makes aliens participating in criminal street gangs inadmissible and deportable. Revises specified voluntary departure, detention, and removal provisions. Provides for: (1) expedited removal of criminal aliens; and (2) detention alternative pilot programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2005
Truth in Immigration (TRIM) Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to annually report to Congress on the number of aliens, listed by country of last known habitual residence, who are estimated to be unlawfully residing in the United States. Amends the the Immigration and Nationality Act to reduce the total per country level of legal immigration determined for each country by one-half of the number of illegal aliens from that country who were residing in the United States as of August 31 of the preceding fiscal year. (Provides that no reduction for any single foreign state or dependent area may exceed one-half of the total per country level of legal immigration that otherwise would apply for any fiscal year.) Sets forth the following order of reductions: (1) diversity lottery winners; (2) brothers and sisters of citizens; (3) married sons and married daughters of citizens; (4) unmarried sons and unmarried daughters of permanent resident aliens; (5) unmarried sons and daughters of citizens; (6) skilled workers, professionals, and other specified workers; (7) special immigrants; (8) members of the professions holding advanced degrees or aliens of exceptional ability; (9) priority workers; (10) employment creation aliens; (11) veteran or active duty special immigrants; (12) spouses and children of permanent resident aliens; and (13) aliens not subject to quotas.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2005
Housing Opportunities and Mitigating Emergencies Act of 2005 - Amernds the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide temporary emergency assistance for primary residences damaged or destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Increases from 75% to 90% the amount the President may contribute toward the cost of cost-effective hazard mitigation measures which substantially reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by a major disaster. Doubles from 7.5% to 15% of the estimated aggregate federal disaster relief grants to an area the limit on the total amount of such presidential contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005
Border Security Enforcement and Detention Act of 2005 - Requires the mandatory detention of illegal aliens apprehended at a U.S. port of entry or along the U.S. land or maritime borders. Permits release with notice to appear only if the alien: (1) is not a security risk; and (2) provides a bond of at least $5,000. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) utilize all available DHS detention facilities; (2) conduct a analysis of all options to increase detention capacities, including the use of state and local correctional facilities, temporary detention facilities, private space, and detention alternatives; (3) expand the use of temporary detention facilities; and (4) report annually on repatriation costs. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny admission to the nationals of a country that refuses or delays acceptance of its nationals ordered removed from the United States. Authorizes FY2007-FY2010 appropriations for border patrol increases.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2005
Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to develop research protocols for collecting and analyzing scientific information about the effectiveness and ecological impacts of catastrophic event recovery projects and emergency stabilization treatments undertaken as part of a burned area emergency response to increase the long-term benefits of management activities and to decrease short-term impacts. Requires such Secretaries to enter into cooperative agreements with land-grant colleges and universities to form forest health partnerships to utilize their education, research, and outreach capacity to address the recovery of forested land after a catastrophic event. Requires such Secretaries to conduct catastrophic event recovery evaluations of damaged federal lands. Directs such Secretaries to prepare a list of pre-approved management practices that may be immediately implemented as part of catastrophic event recovery projects or catastrophic event research projects. Requires determinations of whether or not to: (1) use any pre-approved management practices that can be immediately implemented; and (2) develop and carry out a recovery or research project or part of such a project using the alternative arrangements authorized by this Act. Directs such Secretaries to clarify agency-wide guidance regarding reforestation in response to catastrophic events. Provides for assistance to restore landscapes and communities affected by catastrophic events. Provides for the availability and use of pre-approved management practices and alternative arrangements on National Forest experimental forests.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2005
Honors the memory of, and identifies, 2,249 members of the Armed Forces who died in service to the United States in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as of October 25, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
National Uniformity for Food Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to prohibit any state or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect for any food in interstate commerce: (1) any requirement that is not identical to specified FFDCA provisions (that would result in materially different requirements), including those related to adulterated foods, unsafe food additives, and new animal drugs; or (2) any notification requirement that provides for a warning concerning the food's safety that is not identical to FFDCA provisions. Allows a state to petition for an exemption or to establish a national standard regarding any requirement under FFDCA or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Service to provide such an exemption if the requirement: (1) protects an important public interest that would otherwise be unprotected; (2) would not cause any food to be in violation of any federal law; and (3) would not unduly burden interstate commerce. Allows a state to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FFDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this Act if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met. Declares that this Act does not preempt certain state and local laws relating to labeling or a consumer advisory relating to food sanitation imposed on a food establishment or recommended by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2005 - Directs the Chief of the Office of Citizenship of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide grants (not to exceed $500) to assist legal U.S. residents who declare an intent to apply for citizenship in the United States to meet naturalization requirements. Provides such grants to an accredited institution of higher education or other qualified educational institution for tuition, fees, books, and other educational resources required by the English language course in which the legal resident is enrolled. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide that a legal U.S. resident who demonstrates English fluency will satisfy the residency requirement upon the completion of four (currently, five years) years of continuous U.S. legal residency. Directs the Secretary of DHS to: (1) establish an American citizenship grant program for qualified entities to provide civics, history, and English classes to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens; (2) establish the United States Citizenship Foundation to support the functions of the Office of Citizenship; and (3) implement a strategy to enhance public awareness of naturalization ceremonies. Amends INA to set forth a new oath of allegiance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) incorporate a knowledge and understanding of the oath of allegiance into the history and government citizenship test; and (2) notify the embassy of the country of which a new citizen was a citizen or subject that such citizen has renounced allegiance to that foreign country, and sworn allegiance to the United States. Establishes a new citizens award program to recognize citizens who: (1) have made an outstanding contribution to the United States; and (2) were naturalized during the ten-year period ending on the date of such recognition.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Debris Removal Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to pay an eligible disaster relief applicant 50% of the federal share of assistance for which the applicant is eligible under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, within 60 days after the applicant files a claim for such assistance. Authorizes reimbursement for clearing and removing debris to include reimbursement for clearing, removing, and disposing of debris from any emergency access road. Authorizes federal assistance for removing debris and wreckage resulting from a major disaster from owner-occupied private residential residential property, utilities, and residential infrastructure (such as a private access route) as necessary for a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition. Provides that, for at least 180 days after the declaration of an emergency or major disaster between August 25, 2005, and December 31, 2005, the federal share of assistance provided to eligible applicants for debris removal shall be 100%. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide clear, concise, and uniform guidelines for the reimbursement to any county or government entity affected by a hurricane of the cost of hurricane debris removal.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) as part of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area to provide tax benefits to businesses and individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina, including: (1) tax-exempt bond financing and additional advance refunding of existing bond obligations in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi; (2) increased depreciation and expensing allowances for GO Zone property; (3) expensing of GO Zone demolition and cleanup costs and environmental remediation costs; (4) increased expensing for GO Zone reforestation expenditures; and (5) carrybacks of net operating losses for certain GO Zone businesses and public utilities. Provides for federal guarantees of bonds issued in Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi for revenue and infrastructure purposes related to Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Rita GO Zone as part of the Hurricane Rita disaster area and extends to businesses and individuals in such Zone tax benefits currently available in Hurricane Katrina disaster areas, including: (1) tax-free distributions and loans from retirement plans for disaster relief; (2) suspension of limitations on personal casualty losses; and (3) adjustments to earned income of Hurricane Rita victims in 2005 to preserve eligibility for certain tax benefits. Allows certain small employers a business tax credit for up to 40 percent of the wages paid to employees in a GO Zone between August 29 and December 31, 2005. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury should designate Gulf Coast Recovery Bonds in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2005
Directs the Architect of the Capitol to enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of Rosa Parks and to place the statue in the Capitol in a suitable permanent location in National Statuary Hall.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Louisiana Recovery Corporation Act - Establishes the Louisiana Recovery Corporation as an independent establishment in the executive branch whose primary mission shall be the economic stabilization and redevelopment of areas within Louisiana that were devastated or significantly distressed by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Directs the Corporation to establish the following divisions: (1) Environment and Land Use Management; (2) Economic Development; (3) Property Acquisition; (4) Property Management; (5) Property Disposition; and (6) Urban Homesteading and Community and Faith-Based Organizations. Sets forth Corporation authority with respect to: (1) property acquisition and mortgage debt assumption; (2) property resale, disposition, or improvement; and (3) limited eminent domain power. Terminates the Corporation ten years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Amends the Community Disaster Loan Act of 2005 to repeal the prohibition against cancelling (thus permitting the cancellation) of certain disaster loans authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to assist local governments in providing essential services.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Homeland Security Volunteerism Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish: (1) a Citizens Corps, as a component of the USA Freedom Corps, to coordinate homeland security volunteer activities; and (2) a Border Corps as a volunteer organization to assist the U.S. Border Patrol in carrying out its mission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the Secretary of Homeland Security's discretionary authority to order expedited removal, except that if the Secretary determines after consulting with appropriate federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies that the alien will be detained under the authority of such an agency, the Secretary may not remove the alien until such detention terminates. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit residential mortgages for aliens residing unlawfully in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Gulf Coast Small Business Recovery Act - Requires, for any contract for the procurement of goods or services related to any damage caused as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Rita, or any reconstruction related to such damage, a federal agency to give priority to a business that as of August 28, 2005, had a significant presence in a Gulf hurricane disaster-affected area. Requires an agency to award not less than 30 percent of amounts expended for prime contracts, and not less than 40 percent of amounts expended for subcontracts, on procurements to small businesses that, as of such date, had such a presence. Requires an agency to provide the maximum practicable opportunity for small business participation in all such contracts and subcontracts. Requires a Gulf hurricane disaster-affected small business to be treated as if it were located in a HUBZone (heavily underutilized business zone) for purposes of favorable loan status under the Small Business Act. Prohibits, until two years after the enactment of this Act, any federal government facility from being permanently relocated from a location in a Gulf hurricane disaster-affected area to a location outside that area.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Worker Recovery Act of 2005 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish a temporary program to provide worker recovery accounts to workers affected by a Gulf hurricane disaster. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible entities to provide such accounts to eligible individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita, in order to meet such individuals' employment and training needs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Hurricane Regulatory Relief Act of 2005 - Authorizes temporary regulatory relief and transfers of funds to facilitate delivery of services to individuals affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Gulf hurricanes), under various specified programs of the Departments of Education, of Health and Human Services (HHS), and of Labor, in affected states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas) and other states serving such individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive certain requirements with respect to affected individuals, institutions, and states in relation to: (1) programs administered by the Department of Education, except under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); (2) IDEA deadlines and paperwork; (3) charter schools; (4) teacher qualifications, among states, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and (5) student financial assistance, institutional eligibility, loan cancellation or deferment, and Pell Grant eligibility information under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to waive a filing deadline under the Community Services Block Grant Act (CBGA) with respect to any affected state. Requires HHS to provide technical assistance, guidance, and resources to Head Start agencies in major disaster areas. Authorizes HHS waiver or modification of certain types of limitations and requirements under Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 for any affected state and any state serving significant numbers of affected individuals. Pension Flexibility for Displaced Workers Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to issue waivers, suspensions, or exemptions from requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) in the case of individual account pension plans, or persons or service providers involved with or dealing with such plans, that are affected by the Gulf hurricane disasters. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to: (1) recruit, train, and use the services of volunteers for Occupational Safety and Health Administration projects in response to the Gulf hurricanes; and (2) increase the size of a state grant under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Exempts from notice requirements under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act any plant closing or mass layoff due to a Gulf hurricane. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to permit transferability of funds, among youth, adult, and dislocated worker programs under the Worker Investment Act of 1998 and the Wagner-Peyser Act employment services program, by states and local workforce investment areas in which a Gulf hurricane disaster occurred or to which significant numbers of affected individuals have relocated.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act - Prohibits any person from being terminated, demoted, or discriminated against in the terms or conditions of employment because the employee is absent or late as a result of responding as a volunteer firefighter or performing volunteer emergency medical services. Limits applicable absences to 14 days per calendar year. Allows employers to: (1) withhold the employee's regular pay for such time as the employee is absent; and (2) request the employee to provide written verification from the supervising Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state, or local official that such employee responded in an official capacity at a specified time and date. Requires such an employee to make a reasonable effort to notify his or her employer that he or she may be absent or late. Gives such an employee a private cause of action for discrimination which violates this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Enforcement First Immigration Reform Act of 2005 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and other immigration-related provisions with respect to: (1) enforcement and detention of, and criminal penalties for, illegal aliens; (2) the institutional removal (IRP) and criminal alien assistance (SCAAP) programs; (3) alien smuggling, document fraud, gang violence, and drug trafficking; (4) border security, personnel increases, and border-related assignment of armed forces members; (5) provision of social security numbers; (6) work authorization and enforcement; (7) secure identification standards, including birth certificates; (8) reform of legal immigration, including elimination of the diversity lottery visa category and certain limitations on entrants from Mexico; (9) citizenship reform, including limitations on citizenship by birth; and (10) wages paid to unauthorized aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Hurricane Katrina Financial Services Relief Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that it is vital that insured depository institutions and insured credit unions continue to provide financial services to consumers displaced or otherwise affected by Hurricane Katrina, which includes the cashing of federal government assistance and benefit checks. Urges the Secretary of the Treasury and the federal financial regulators to seek to educate insured depository institutions and insured credit unions on the proper application of the guidance on cashing of federal government assistance and benefit checks. Urges the federal financial regulators to continue to work with such institutions and credit unions operating under extraordinary circumstances to facilitate the cashing of federal government assistance and benefit checks. Requires a federal reserve bank to waive or rebate any transaction fee for wire transfer services that otherwise would be imposed on any insured depository institution or insured credit union that, as of August 28, 2005, was headquartered in a qualified disaster area. Authorizes a federal financial regulator in specified circumstances to: (1) forbear from taking any action with respect to any undercapitalized insured entity; and (2) permit such an entity to subtract specified amounts from its total assets in calculating compliance with the applicable leverage limit. Identifies such an insured entity as one that: (1) derives more than 50% of its total deposits from persons who normally reside within, or whose principal place of business is normally within, a qualified disaster area; (2) was adequately capitalized as of August 28, 2005; (3) incurred reduction of its capital or net worth category as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina; and (4) has a recovery plan or net worth restoration plan to facilitate recovery consistent with safe and sound practices.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005
Exempts transportation projects, programs, or plans for the parishes of East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, and Iberville, Louisiana, through FY2010, from Clean Air Act requirements prohibiting a federal agency from providing financial assistance or support for, or a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) from approving, a project or activity that does not comply with state implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards. Excludes from such waiver (thus keeping applicable) certain regulations relating to federal and state interagency consultation procedures. Exempts the Louisiana Capital Region Planning Commission, through FY2010, from certain MPO requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2005
Hurricane Relief Bonds Act of 2005 - Amends federal money and finance law to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to designate one or more series of savings bonds or certificates issued as Hurricane Relief Bonds in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and the subsequent flooding and displacement of residents along the Gulf Coast.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Flood Insurance Buy-In Act of 2005 - Establishes a temporary flood insurance buy-in program. Instructs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make flood insurance coverage available under such program for eligible structures (but not their contents) for flooding resulting from Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Limits eligibility to structures located in an area not subject to the mandatory purchase requirements of the national flood insurance program, and which were not covered by such insurance at the time of the hurricanes. Prescribes a formula for determination of premiums, which may be paid by deduction from the amount of any claims payable under coverage by the buy-in program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005
Justice for Peace Officers Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prescribe penalties to be imposed on anyone who: (1) murders a federal, state, or local peace officer engaged in, or on account of the performance of, official duties and moves or travels in foreign commerce with intent to avoid prosecution or confinement after conviction of that crime; or (2) is an accessory after the fact to such a crime. Authorizes the prosecution of such violations only after formal approval in writing, upon consultation with the appropriate state or local prosecutor, by the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, Associate Attorney General, or Assistant Attorney General. Directs the Secretary of State to notify the Mexican government of the desire of the United States to enter into formal discussions regarding the Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the United Mexican States, signed in Mexico City on May 4, 1978, and available actions that the Mexican government may take to persuade the Mexican Supreme Court to reconsider its October 2001 ruling, so that the possibility of a sentence of life imprisonment will not have an effect on the timely extradition of a criminal suspect from Mexico to the United States.
![Official portrait of Rep. Alexander, Rodney [R-LA-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000361_200.jpg)