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![Official portrait of Rep. Boustany, Charles W., Jr. [R-LA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/114_rp_la_3_boustany_charles_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
1,750 records where Rep. Boustany, Charles W., Jr. [R-LA-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2005
Supports an independent Iraqi judiciary and its efforts to serve the cause of justice in a free and democratic Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2005
Recognizes the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-142). Acknowledges the many and varied contributions of children with disabilities and their parents, teachers, related services providers, and other educators. Reaffirms the support of Congress for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so that all children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2005
Health Information Technology Promotion Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title II part D (Health Information Technology). Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Directs the National Coordinator to: (1) maintain, direct, and oversee the continuous improvement of a strategic plan to guide the nationwide implementation of interoperable health information in both the public and private health care sectors; and (2) serve as the coordinator of federal government activities relating to health information technology. Prescribes conditions under which any nonmonetary remuneration (in the form of health information technology and related training services) made by a hospital or a critical access hospital to a physician shall not be considered a prohibited payment (subject to civil and criminal penalties) made as an inducement to reduce or limit services to certain individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on whether pertinent state laws and current federal standards should be conformed to create a single set of national standards to preserve and protect the security and confidentality of patient health information. Amends SSA title XI to provide for establishment of uniform confidentality and security standards with respect to individually identifiiable patient health information. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promulgate a final rule for upgrading specified Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC X12) and National Council For Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) Telecommunications standards and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes; and (2) develop a strategic plan related to the need for coordination in the area of health information technology.
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
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
Recommends the establishment of National Surveyors Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services, in carrying out duties relating to the acquisition, construction, and alteration of public buildings and works, to: (1) repair a public building; (2) repair any building, or part of the building, that is under lease by the federal government for use for a public purpose; and (3) lease space for use for a public purpose, without approval of a prospectus, if the lease or repair is required as a result of damages to buildings or property attributable to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Requires the Administrator to submit initial and final reports on such repairs. Provides for lease agreements entered into under this Act to be for a term of five years or less. Requires the Administrator to submit reports on such leases.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
National Flood Insurance Program Further Enhanced Borrowing Authority Act of 2005 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to increase from $3.5 billion to $8.5 billion, through FY2008, the total amount which the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may borrow from the Secretary of the Treasury with the President's approval to carry out the flood insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2005
Recognizes and honors the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery (Alabama) bus boycott.
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
Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act - Permits a veteran with any compensable service-connected disability (and their dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.
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
Family Education Reimbursement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a Family Education Reimbursement Account Program for families of students displaced by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Provides for reimbursing parents for costs of such students or preschool-age children attending schools or preschool programs, chosen by the parents, during the 2005–2006 school year. Requires the Secretary to make a contract with a nongovernmental entity to administer and operate the program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Commends: (1) the people of the Republic of Iraq for holding a successful referendum on a new constitution; and (2) Iraqi military and police forces for their excellent work to ensure that the referendum was held in a relatively peaceful manner. Recognizes Iraq's democratic progress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2005
Recognizes the 40th anniversary of the White House Fellows program and commends the White House Fellows for their continuing lifetime commitment to public service.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the disappearance of the five naval Avenger torpedo bombers of Flight 19 and the naval Mariner rescue aircraft sent to search for Flight 19. Honors the memory of the 27 Navy airmen lost in these disappearances. Commends the Naval Historical Center for preserving the history of Flight 19.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005
Social Services Emergency Relief and Recovery Act of 2005 - Amends title IX (Employment Security) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer specified amounts from the federal unemployment account to the accounts of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi in the Unemployment Trust Fund. Allows any state, on or after August 28, 2005, to use any amounts it has received pursuant to title III (Unemployment Insurance) to assist in the administration of claims for compensation on behalf of any other state, if a major disaster was declared by reason of Hurricane Katrina with respect to such other state or any area within it under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Eliminates Medicare and Medicaid coverage under titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act of drugs used for the treatment of sexual or erectile dysfunction. Extends to December 31, 2005, the sunset date for transitional medical assistance (TMA). Extends through December 31, 2005, in the manner authorized for FY2005, activities authorized under the separate program for abstinence education under title V (Maternal and Child Health) of the Social Security Act. Makes appropriations for such purpose. Extends through September 2006 the qualified individual program. Prescribes additional allocations for such program for the extended period. Provides that, between the date of the enactment of this Act and August 31, 2006, any of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama shall be considered a needy state for purposes of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) program's Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, if it meets certain criteria.
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 · 6 October 2005
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to deploy disaster liaisons to state and local Department of Agriculture Service Centers to coordinate Department assistance with other designated disaster agencies in a federally declared disaster area whenever Federal Emergency Management personnel are deployed in that area. Defines "federally declared disaster area" for such purposes.
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
Ensure Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 2005 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to lengthen through June 30, 2007, the initial enrollment period for the Medicare prescription drug program. Extends through December 31, 2007, the period during which a discount card eligible individual may enroll in an endorsed discount card program..
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
Charitable Giving Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to charitable giving and charitable organizations to: (1) allow individuals who do not itemize a deduction from gross income for a portion of their charitable contributions; (2) allow tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes; (3) increase the cap on corporate charitable contributions; (4) allow non-corporate taxpayers a tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory; (5) revise certain excise taxes related to private foundations; (6) modify the excise tax on unrelated business taxable income of charitable remainder trusts; (7) extend and expand the charitable contribution for scientific property used for research and for computer technology and equipment used for educational purposes; (8) adjust the basis of S corporation stock for certain charitable contributions; (9) revise church tax inquiry provisions; and (10) exclude from gross income certain landowner initiatives programs to conserve endangered habitats or species. Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to any private entity that operates a promising social services program (as defined by this Act): and (2) restore the 10 percent limit on transfers to the Social Services Block Grant Program. Amends the Assets for Independence Act to reauthorize the assets for independence demonstration program through FY2008. Expresses the sense of Congress encouraging corporate contributions to faith-based organizations. Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to include maternity group homes within the program for transitional living youth projects for homeless youth.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2005
Hurricane Katrina Emergency Housing Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to waive specified requirements under the section 8 (United States Housing Act of 1937) housing voucher and project-based assistance programs for an individual or family: (1) who resides or resided on August 29, 2005, in any area subject to a presidential disaster declaration in connection with Hurricane Katrina; and (2) whose residence became uninhabitable or inaccessible as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Authorizes the Secretary to directly administer section 8 vouchers if the appropriate public housing agency is unable to do so because of Hurricane Katrina. States that: (1) a project-based housing assistance contract covering a project damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina shall not expire because of the damage or destruction of dwelling units in the project; and (2) the contract's expiration date shall be the later of the contract date or three months after the units are first made habitable. Directs the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, other appropriate agency heads, the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) to compile an inventory of federal civilian and defense facilities and other properties that can be used: (1) for emergency housing; or (2) as construction sites for temporary housing. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on state emergency planning.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2005
Rural Housing Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949, in the event of a presidential-declared disaster, to authorize the Secretary, with respect to counties designated as disaster areas and the counties contiguous to such counties and for any residents of such counties, to: (1) convert rental assistance into housing voucher assistance or rural housing vouchers; (2) reprogram funds; and (3) waive rural area requirements. States that such authority shall last for six months after declaration of a disaster. Eliminates the rural housing voucher program fiscal year unit limit. Amends the Doug Bereuter section 502 single family housing loan guarantee program to permit loan and refinancing guarantees for home repair or rehabilitation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2005
Hurricane Katrina Emergency Relief CDBG Flexibility Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) suspend the community development block grant public services cap for FY2005-FY 2008 for communities directly or indirectly affected by Hurricane Katrina; (2) consider the specific economic circumstances of each indirectly affected community in determining the length of such suspension; and (3) waive or find alternative public hearing requirements in FY2006 for a directly affected community. Authorizes similar fund use in directly affected nonentitlement areas, and provides that such amounts shall not be considered for statewide limitation purposes. Defines: (1) "directly affected community" as a unit of general local government or area that is located in an area for which the President has declared a major disaster as a result of Hurricane Katrina; and (2) "indirectly affected community" as a unit of general local government or area that is a metropolitan city or urban county that is not a directly affected community and is determined by the Secretary to have been significantly affected economically by the occurrence of Hurricane Katrina (including from the presence of Katrina-evacuated persons).
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Pension Flexibility for Displaced Workers Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, for a one-year period, to provide appropriate waivers, suspensions, or exemptions from title I provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to individual account plans affected by Hurricane Katrina. Exempts any person from liability for any violation of such title based upon acts or omissions covered by such waivers, suspensions, or exemptions and in compliance with their terms. Amends ERISA to extend the Secretary's current authority to postpone certain deadlines for up to one year in cases of pension or employee benefit plans, or any sponsor or other persons with respect to such plans, that are affected by presidentially-declared disasters or terrorist or military actions. Applies such postponement authority to actions required under any regulation issued or any plan provision (as well as, currently, to any action required or permitted to be completed under ERISA).
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem hospitals, emergency rooms, physicians, and physicians groups that provide emergency care to uninsured individuals to be employees of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise due to items and services furnished. Requires the Attorney General to make separate estimates as to the cost of claims expected to arise under this Act and to establish separate funds for such claims. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to limit the total amount of payments under this Act to the amounts appropriated in advance for such purposes. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide additional payments from the Federal Supplementary Insurance Trust Fund for physicians' services in the emergency department of a hospital or critical access hospital to a Medicare recipient. Provides for incentive payments to hospitals that certify to the Secretary that they meet established standards for prompt admission by a hospital of individuals presenting to the emergency department that need inpatient hospital services. Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the relevant congressional committees a report that evaluates whether such standards will achieve the stated objectives and recommends any changes. Sets forth civil monetary penalties for filing a false certification and engaging in a pattern or practice of failing to meet established standards.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Natural Disaster Student Aid Fairness Act - Authorizes, and in certain cases requires, the Secretary of Education to waive certain matching funds requirements and reallocation rules, and to extend the availability of certain funds, with respect to campus-based student assistance programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, for institutions of higher education that: (1) are located in areas affected by a Gulf hurricane disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita; or (2) have accepted for enrollment any students who were affected by such disaster. States that such students may be affected by reason of: (1) having been enrolled or accepted by an institution in the affected area; (2) being dependent on parents residing or employed in such an area; or (3) having suffered direct economic harm as a direct result of such disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Act of 2005 - Provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Directs the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, in realloting amounts to states under certain provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA), to give preference to affected states that contain an area, or that received a significant number of individuals who resided in an area, in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists. Requires such funds to be made available by the later of October 7, 2005, or seven days after enactment of this Act. Authorizes waiver of a nonfederal share requirement. Allows an affected state to use such reallotted funds for FY2005 to: (1) pay for vocational rehabilitation services for such individuals that contribute to economic growth and development of communities; (2) enable such individuals to participate in reconstruction or other major disaster assistance activities in the areas in which the individuals resided on certain dates; or (3) carry out other activities in accordance with title I of RA.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005
Timber Tax Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction (available to taxpayers whether or not they itemize deductions) for up to 60% of gains from certain sales or exchanges of timber.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005
Sets at 90% the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) and the enhanced FMAP for medical and child health assistance provided in Louisiana and Mississippi and to Hurricane Katrina evacuees in other states during FY2006 under Medicaid (title XIX) and SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) under SSA title XXI.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Teacher Loan Hurricane Relief Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive the consecutive service requirements of the student loan forgiveness program, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, for teachers whose employment is interrupted in schools in major disaster areas caused by Hurricane Katrina.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to obligate more than $100 million in a state for a fiscal year under the emergency relief program for projects for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads, and trails in response to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. (Effectively, modifies the $100 million limit that may be obligated from such program in any fiscal year for such projects). Sets the federal share of project costs at 100%. Authorizes appropriations in the amount of $2.9 billion for the emergency relief program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Flexibility for Displaced Workers Act - Allows national emergency grant funds to states under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) for addressing the effects of Hurricane Katrina to be used to provide disaster relief employment on projects that provide assistance in areas outside of the disaster area. Allows such funds to be used to provide disaster relief employment and other WIA assistance, or temporary general public sector employment, to individuals affected by the hurricane, including those who have relocated from states in the disaster area, who were unemployed at the time of the disaster, or who are without employment history, in addition those who meet WIA eligibility requirements. Limits such general public sector employment to not more than six months in addition to such disaster relief employment. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, however, to extend the duration of employment under this Act and WIA for up to an additional six months due to extraordinary circumstances. Allows any state, with the Secretary's approval, to use available WIA national emergency grant funds to assist workers affected by the hurricane, including those who have relocated from states in the disaster area. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) states operating one-stop centers should make them available for use in areas affected by the hurricane and areas where large numbers of the hurricane's victims have been relocated; and (2) one-stop operators should increase access for individuals affected by the hurricane, including through expanded operational hours and on-site services for those in temporary housing locations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005
Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief to Hurricane Katrina victims, including by: (1) extending (from two to five years) the mandatory replacement period for property involuntarily converted due to Hurricane Katrina: (2) suspending (between August 28 and December 31, 2005) the limitations on individual and corporate charitable cash contributions for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts; (3) increasing the standard mileage rate for the tax deduction for charitable use of an automobile used for Hurricane Katrina relief; (4) excluding from gross income cancellations of certain nonbusiness indebtedness incurred by Hurricane Katrina victims; (5) suspending certain restrictions on residential loans financed with mortgage revenue bonds in a Hurricane Katrina disaster area; (6) suspending limitations on casualty losses incurred by Hurricane Katrina victims; (7) allowing an additional personal tax exemption for housing individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina; (8) allowing Hurricane Katrina victims eligible for an earned income credit in 2005 to base such credit on 2004 earned income; (9) authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to make tax law adjustments to ensure that Hurricane Katrina victims do not lose certain tax benefits; (10) allowing employers a work opportunity tax credit for employees hired in a Hurricane Katrina disaster area; and (11) permitting retirement plan participants to take distributions and loans from such plans without penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005
Hospital Emergency Assistance Act of 2005 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide reimbursement to a for-profit hospital for damages to it, or an expense incurred by it, during a major disaster or emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005
Good Samaritan Protection for Construction Volunteers Act - Grants construction companies and their employees immunity from liability for negligence, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct, when providing emergency construction assistance on a voluntary basis in response to a declared emergency or disaster, in good faith, and without expectation of compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Student Grant Hurricane and Disaster Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to waive certain requirements for repayment of federal student grant assistance by students if: (1) they were residing in, employed in, or attending an institution of higher education located in a major disaster area; (2) their attendance was interrupted because of the disaster's impact on them or the institution; and (3) their withdrawal ended within the academic year during which the major disaster designation occurred or during the next succeeding academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay each state family assistance grant payable for the first quarter of FY2006, as soon as practicable after the enactment of this Act. Provides that activities authorized by part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act shall continue through December 31, 2005, in the manner authorized for FY2005. Makes necessary appropriations for such purpose. Provides that grants and payments may be made pursuant to this authority through the first quarter of FY2006 at the same level as provided through the first quarter of 2005. Extends the National Random Sample Study of Child Welfare and Child Welfare Waiver Authority through December 31, 2005. Provides that, between the enactment of this Act and August 31, 2006, a state shall be considered a needy state for purposes of the TANF Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs if: (1) cash benefits under the state TANF program have been provided on a short-term, nonrecurring basis, to a family which has resided in another state that includes an area for which a major disaster has been declared as a result of Hurricane Katrina, and has traveled (not necessarily directly) to the state from such other state as a result of the hurricane; and (2) the state has determined that the family is not receiving cash benefits from any program funded under part A of any other state. Declares that no state match is required for such state payments. Provides that between the enactment of this Act and the end of FY2006: (1) the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama shall be considered eligible for federal loans for State Welfare Programs; and (2) the cumulative dollar amount of all loans made to such a state by reason of this Act shall not exceed 20% of the state family assistance grant payable to the state for FY2006. Prohibits the imposition of a penalty against Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama for failure to repay such a loan or make any interest payment on it. Authorizes a state or tribe to use a grant made under the TANF program for any fiscal year to provide, without fiscal year limitation, any benefit or service that may be provided under the state or tribal TANF program to support needy families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Provides that benefits provided on a short-term, nonrecurring basis under a state TANF program, between the enactment of this Act and the end of FY2006, to meet a subsistence need of a family resulting from Hurricane Katrina shall not be considered assistance for purposes of mandatory work requirements and the five-year limit on assistance, Prohibits the Secretary from imposing a penalty on Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama for failure to comply with any provision of the TANF program between the enactment of this Act and the end of FY2006, if the failure resulted from Hurricane Katrina or reasonable conduct of the state in addressing needs of Hurricane Katrina victims. Designates each amount provided in this Act as an emergency requirement exempt from the budget enforcement requirements of H.Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress).
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2005
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) expresses the condolences of the Nation to the victims of Hurricane Katrina; (2) commends the resiliency and courage of the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; and (3) commits to provide the necessary resources and to stand by the people of such states in the relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
Medicare Value-Based Purchasing for Physicians' Services Act of 2005 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for value-based purchasing in the payment for physicians' services under the Medicare program. Establishes updates to the single conversion factor for 2006 through 2009 and succeeding years for such services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide, as part of the rulemaking process, for the selection of quality measures (Q-measures) and efficiency measures (E-measures) meeting specified general requirements; and (2) determine a single rating of each billing unit based on Q and E measures, and disclose to the public whether a particular billing unit met performance objectives. Requires the Secretary to establish such performance objectives, and base upon them any increased updates in the payment for physician services.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005
National Health Museum Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey specified property in the District of Columbia as a site for a national health museum, under an agreement with the National Health Museum, Inc., including certain terms and conditions. Sets forth related requirements regarding environmental matters, incidental costs, and land use approvals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Child Abuse Reform and Enforcement Act of 2005 - CARE Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to reduce by 25 percent certain fiscal year allocations and grant amounts, under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the National Child Protection Act of 1993, respectively, to any state that is not in compliance with requirements of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to use such withheld amounts and authorized funds under this Act for additional grants to states in compliance to computerize, improve, transmit, and index their own data and criminal history files in the national data and criminal history systems for child sexual abuse protection and sentencing reform. Requires a state, to be eligible for funding under this Act, to: (1) study its laws pertaining to intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual abuse of children, and examine issues concerning their differences; (2) examine disparities in charging and sentencing perpetrators of child sexual abuse; (3) examine, and implement, legislative actions necessary to equalize charging and sentencing without regard to familial relationship of perpetrator to child victim; (4) compile, analyze, and report relevant data; and (5) promote regulations requiring its courts and agencies to compile such data.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Apprenticeship Enhancement Act - Amends the National Apprenticeship Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to ensure that applications relating to apprenticeship programs are processed in a fair and timely manner. Allows aggrieved applicants to file petitions for judicial review of final determinations by the Secretary or applicable designee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005
Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from awarding any contracts under the competitive durable medical equipment items and services acquisition program unless: (1) the quality standards have been implemented; and (2) the Secretary has received advice from the program oversight committee. Requires the Secretary (who currently is authorized), in carrying out competitive acquisition programs, to exempt: (1) rural areas and areas with low population density within urban areas that are not competitive, unless there is a significant national market through mail order for a particular item or service; and (2) items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings. Adds to such exemptions smaller metropolitan statistical areas. Modifies requirements for the protection of small suppliers in bidding and contracting. Requires the Secretary to permit suppliers classified as small businesses to continue to participate as suppliers at the selected award price so long as they submit bids at less than the fee schedule amount otherwise applicable to the items and they otherwise comply with applicable program requirements. Provides for appeal rights (currently denied). Requires the Secretary to exempt from competitive acquisition requirements items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings of at least 10%. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a program with respect to an item or service unless the Secretary demonstrates a probability of achieving significant savings of at least 10%, compared to the fee schedule in effect on January 1, 2006, by including the item or service in the program. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing certain requirements for the payment basis for covered items furnished after January 1, 2009, with respect to the application of rates in an area that is not a competitive acquisition area, unless the Secretary has completed and published in the Federal Register a comparability analysis to ensure the application is appropriate. Requires application of the comparability analysis requirement to certain other part B items and services.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax free rollovers of military death gratuities to Roth individual retirement accounts, health savings and Archer medical savings accounts, and Coverdell education savings accounts.