United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006
Comprehensive Veterans' Data Protection and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2006 - Places upon the Secretary of Veterans Affairs an affirmative obligation to protect from any data breach the sensitive personal information of veterans and any other individuals that the Department of Veterans Affairs possesses, creates, or maintains, as well as information or tools (including passwords and encryption keys) used to protect the integrity of such data. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement and maintain reasonable security policies and procedures to protect such information; and (2) prescribe policies and procedures regarding employee and third party access to, and use of, such information which the Department receives, maintains, or transmits. Directs the Secretary, upon discovery of a data breach, to: (1) notify the United States Secret Service, the Department's Inspector General, the congressional veterans' committees, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (2) notify each individual whose information was acquired or accessed by an unauthorized person; and (3) place a conspicuous notice on the Department's Internet website. Requires the Secretary, upon request of an affected individual, to: (1) include a fraud alert in the file of the individual with each nationwide consumer reporting agency; (2) apply a security freeze to the file of such individual; and (3) provide free damage mitigation services, including credit monitoring and annual copies of consumer credit reports. Establishes within the Department an Ombudsman for Data Security.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006
Professional Driver Background Check Efficiency Act of 2006 - Amends federal transportation law to revise background records check requirements with respect to the issuance of a motor vehicle license for the transportation of hazardous materials to: (1) impose a fee of not more than $50 upon the applicant to cover the costs of the background check; and (2) authorize the costs for such background checks be reimbursed to the state. Prohibits an applicant from being subjected to an additional background records check or having to pay a fee in connection with applying for a transportation security card.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Congratulates the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative on ten years of significant achievement in the search for an HIV/AIDS vaccine. Expresses support for the continued success of the Initiative.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2006
Fostering Our Future Act of 2006 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to require, for grants to the highest state courts for foster care proceedings, that the state in which the courts are located has laws and procedures in effect that will ensure that the courts measure their performance with respect to children under the court's jurisdiction. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to forgive the student loan debt of a borrower who: (1) enters a written agreement with the Secretary to remain employed full-time as a family law, dependency, or domestic relations attorney for at least three years; and (2) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower seeks forgiveness. Limits the amount that the Secretary may pay to no more than $6,000 in any year for any borrower or $50,000 in the aggregate for any borrower. Authorizes the Secretary to renew such agreements. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a comparative study of state dependency courts and foster care systems. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) court accountability for improved child outcomes; (2) the organization of state dependency courts; (3) building the pool of attorneys qualified to handle cases in dependency courts; and (4) training, caseloads, and compensation of attorneys for children.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2006
Preserve Historic America Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the tax credit for rehabilitation of older and historic buildings by: (1) increasing from 20 to 25% the tax credit rate for certified historic structure rehabilitation expenditures; (2) permitting a building at least 50 years old to qualify for the rehabilitation tax credit (currently, a building must have been placed in service before 1936); (3) permitting qualified rehabilitated buildings to be used for lodging purposes; (4) limiting to 50% the basis reduction for buildings qualifying for the low-income housing and rehabilitation tax credits; (5) allowing an increased rehabilitation tax credit for certain buildings in difficult development areas or which qualify as small rehabilitation projects; (6) exempting tax credits for rehabilitation of certified historic structures from the calculation of the passive activity credit; and (7) permitting the assignment of rehabilitation tax credits. Allows a new tax credit for 20% of the cost of rehabilitating a qualified historic home. Defines "qualified historic home" as a certified historic structure which has been substantially rehabilitated and which is owned by the taxpayer and is or will be used as the taxpayer's principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006
Lewis and Clark Commemorative Coin Correction Act - Amends the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act to instruct the Secretary of the Treasury to distribute one-half of surcharge proceeds to the National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, and one-half to the Missouri Historical Society. Requires that funds remaining unexpended by the National Council or the Historical Society as of June 30, 2007, be transferred to the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation to establish a trust for the stewardship of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Bioenergy Innovation, Optional Fuel Utilization, and Energy Legacy (BIOFUEL) Act of 2006 - Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the schedule for the volume of renewable fuels, the volume for cellulosic biomass, and the volume of biodiesel. Amends federal transportation law to require manufacturers of new dual fueled automobiles to ensure that the percentage of the total of such automobiles, manufactured and distributed in commerce for sale in the United States, meets prescribed percentages for specified model years. Directs the Secretary of Energy to require motor fuel retailers in each geographic region the Secretary establishes, when flexible-fuel vehicle market penetrations reach a certain level, to install an E-85 fuel pump or pumps at their retail fuel facilities. Establishes in the Treasury a Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Fund to implement a related grant program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a renewable energy strategic feedstock reserve program to purchase and store agricultural commodities with their producers. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) redefine bioenergy as ethanol derived from cellulosic feedstocks; and (2) reauthorize the Department of Agriculture bioenergy program. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to enable eligible farmers, ranchers, and certain domestic entities controlled by them to create or expand facilities designed to convert agricultural commodities into fuel. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a lender to obtain an unsubordinated interest in a borrower's farming or ranching operation as a prerequisite to a federal loan guarantee. Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to declare eligible for credit assistance certain associations of farmers, producers, or harvesters of aquatic products engaged in commercial activities related to renewable energy products. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a research and development program related to: (1) ethanol production; (2) extraction of energy from biological sources; (3) biomass gasification; and (4) new vehicle efficiency technologies. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a biofuels production facility grant program. Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should enact policies that: (1) reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) encourage systems that compensate American agricultural producers for the beneficial role that they play in reducing greenhouse gases and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend tax credits for ethanol and biodiesel; (2) increase tax credits for refueling property for ethanol and biodiesel; and (3) increase the small ethanol producer credit. Revises requirements for infrastructure bonds for facilities producing motor vehicle fuel from biomass.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to instruct the Secretary of Energy to establish and operate a Strategic Refinery Reserve (SRR) in order to provide petroleum products to: (1) the general public; and (2) the federal government, including the Department of Defense, and state and local governments which choose to purchase refined petroleum products from the SRR. Restricts availability of petroleum products from the SRR to: (1) periods of severe energy supply interruption; or (2) a regional petroleum product supply shortage of significant scope and duration, as determined by the President, if such action would assist directly and significantly in reducing the adverse impact of such shortage. Directs the Secretary to ensure that SRR refineries are designed to enable a rapid increase in production capacity during such periods. Requires the owner or operator of a domestic refinery to notify the Secretary at least six months in advance of permanently closing the refinery, and include in such notice an explanation of the reasons for the proposed closing.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2006
Medicare Teaching Anesthesiology Funding Restoration Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to set forth a special payment rule of 100% of the fee schedule amount for teaching anesthesiologists involved in the training of physician residents, if certain presence and availability requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Restoring Emergency Services to Protect Our Nation From Disasters Act of 2006 or the RESPOND Act of 2006 - Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the executive branch to be headed by a Director appointed by the President. Requires FEMA to: (1) include all functions and authorities prescribed by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster and Emergency Assistance Act; (2) carry out its mission by leading and supporting the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system; and (3) be the lead agency for the National Response Plan. Provides for an Office of the Inspector General within FEMA. Requires the Director to develop a human capital strategy. Establishes within FEMA a disaster workforce reserve cadre to meet surge requirements during emergencies. Requires the Director to: (1) establish a program to assist states and local governments representing areas at substantial risk for a catastrophic incident; (2) maintain and operate a national emergency operations center; (3) develop an efficient, transparent, and flexible logistics system for procurement and delivery of goods and services; and (4) establish and maintain an interoperable communications capability. Amends the Stafford Act to require the President, acting through the Director, to establish at least three national response teams, sufficient regional and other response teams, and a national emergency preparedness goal and system. Requires the Director to: (1) carry out a grant program to improve state and local government emergency response capabilities; (2) establish a comprehensive system to assess the nation's overall emergency preparedness; and (3) establish a National Emergency Preparedness Task Force. Establishes a national incident management system.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2006
Shoulder-Fired Missile Threat Reduction Act of 2006 - Defines "MANPADS" as: (1) a surface-to-air missile system designed to be man-portable and carried and fired by a single individual; or (2) any other surface-to-air missile system designed to be operated and fired by more than one individual acting as a crew and portable by several individuals. States that it is U.S. policy to assist foreign governments to secure, remove, or eliminate stocks of MANPADS and other conventional weapons that pose a proliferation, security, or humanitarian threat. Authorizes the Secretary of State to carry out an accelerated global program to secure, remove, or eliminate stocks of MANPADS and other conventional weapons that pose a proliferation, security, or humanitarian threat. States that it should be U.S. policy to hold foreign governments accountable for knowingly transferring MANPADS to state-sponsors of terrorism or terrorist organizations. Directs the President, upon a determination that a foreign government which has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism knowingly transfers MANPADS to a foreign government or a terrorist organization, to: (1) report such information to the appropriate congressional committees; and (2) impose specified foreign assistance and military assistance sanctions on the transferring government. Exempts humanitarian assistance from such prohibition. Authorizes a national security waiver. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should pursue strengthened international diplomatic efforts to: (1) limit the availability and proliferation of MANPADS; and (2) exert diplomatic pressure to influence member country compliance with such efforts. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting MANPADS and conventional weapons threat reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Small Business Health Plans Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a small business health benefits program (SBHBP) under which small businesses may offer health insurance coverage to employees and their dependents. Outlines program elements and coverage requirements. Requires the Secretary to establish a program of premium assistance for small employers under the SBHBP. Allows for reinsurance for catastrophic costs for certain health insurance issuers. Defines a "small employer" for SBHBP purposes as an employer with 50 or fewer employees. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to provide for the establishment of a national health pooling arrangement for eligible small employers under the SBHBP.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Recognizes and honors the 30th Anniversary of the California victory at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting and recognizes the historical significance of this event to the U.S. wine industry.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that U.S. foreign assistance to a nongovernmental organization or contributions to an international organization may be provided only if the organization and each subrecipient submits to the U.S. government a certification that the assistance or contributions will not be used to: (1) intentionally traffic in goods or services that contain counterfeit marks; and (2) provide goods or services that are unauthorized by the owner or holder of the intellectual property rights (including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets) in such goods or services. Directs the President to suspend or terminate assistance or contributions for violations of such prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Recognizes the independence of the State of Israel as a significant event in providing refuge and a national homeland for the Jewish people, and extends warm congratulations to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 58th anniversary of Israel's independence. Commends the bipartisan commitment of all U.S. administrations and Congresses since 1948 to stand by Israel and work for its security and well-being. Congratulates the United States and Israel for strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of defense, trade, and homeland security and encourages both nations to continue their cooperation in resolving future mutual challenges.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Reverse the Raid on Student Aid Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cut student loan interest rates to 3.4% for student borrowers and 4.25% for parent borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and William D. Ford Direct Loan programs for loans whose first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2006. Maintains the current 6.8% interest rate, however, for unsubsidized Stafford loans for middle-income borrowers under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Freedom of Choice Act - Declares that it is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to: (1) bear a child; (2) terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability; or (3) terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect her life or her health. Prohibits a governmental entity from: (1) denying or interfering with a woman's right to exercise such choices; or (2) discriminating against the exercise of those rights in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information. Provides that such prohibition shall apply retroactively. Authorizes an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to obtain appropriate relief, including relief against a governmental entity, in a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2006 - Allows federal employees to substitute any available paid leave for any leave without pay available for either the: (1) birth of a child; (2) placement of a child with the employee for either adoption or foster care; (3) care of a seriously ill family member; or (4) employee's own serious health condition. Makes available as paid leave for any of the 12 weeks of leave an employee is entitled to for the above purposes: (1) six weeks of paid leave and any accumulated annual or sick leave for either the birth of a child or the placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care; and (2) any accumulated annual or sick leave for the care of a family member or the employee's own serious health condition.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Fairness and Accountability in Reorganizations Act of 2006 - Revises federal bankruptcy law to add to the conditions for court confirmation of a corporate reorganization plan that the compensation of an insider who will be employed or retained by the reorganized debtor has been approved by, or is subject to the approval of, the court, as reasonable. Prohibits the payment of a compensation enhancement in order to induce an insider of the debtor to remain with the debtor's business, unless the court finds that any transfers or obligations to or for the insider's benefit are essential to the survival of the business, or to the orderly liquidation and maximization of the value of the debtor's assets. Revises requirements for collective bargaining agreements and retiree health benefits to instruct the court to take into account the ongoing impact on the debtor of the debtor's relationship with all subsidiaries and affiliates, regardless of whether domestic or foreign, or whether any such subsidiary or affiliate is a debtor entity.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers (other than sugar cane and sugar beet producers) who have incurred qualifying: (1) 2005 crop losses due to weather or related conditions (including crop disease, insects, and delayed harvest); and (2) 2006 crop losses due to flooding in California and Hawaii that occurred prior to the date of enactment of this Act and for which a petition for a disaster designation has been filed with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) payments through the 2002 livestock compensation program for livestock disaster losses during calendar years 2005 and 2006 for losses that occurred prior to of enactment of this Act (including wildfire disaster losses in Texas and other states); (2) livestock indemnity payments to producers who have incurred 2005 and 2006 livestock disaster losses prior to enactment of this Act (including wildfire disaster losses in Texas and other states), including losses due to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and anthrax; (3) indemnity payments to poultry producers in hurricane-affected counties, and for 2006 ewe lamb replacement and retention; (4) compensation for certain owners of flooded crop and grazing land in North Dakota; (5) sugarcane and sugar beet disaster assistance for qualifying producers and first processors in Louisiana counties designated as disaster areas due to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita, or to qualifying producers and first processors in Florida for 2005 losses due to hurricanes, floods, rain, or storms; (6) assistance to sugarcane growers in Texas (for additional Baton Rouge demurrage costs and raw sugar transportation and storage costs) and Hawaii (for an agricultural transportation cooperative); (7) assistance to specialty and nursery crop producers in hurricane-affected counties; (8) assistance to dairy producers in hurricane-affected counties; (9) assistance to producers and first handlers of cottonseed; (10) grants for agricultural promotion; (11) supplemental economic loss payments under a specified rate to producers who received crop year 2005 commodity assistance; (12) assistance to tree producers (including Christmas, potted, ornamental, and nursery trees, shrubs, and vines) in hurricane-affected counties; and (13) emergency watershed protection and emergency conservation program activities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) financial and technical assistance to remove debris and animal carcasses that could adversely affect health and safety on non-federal land in hurricane-affected counties; and (2) immunizations to Department of Agriculture employees involved in direct recovery work in hurricane-affected counties. Directs the Secretary to hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to assist in agricultural disaster and economic assistance programs. Appropriates emergency drought assistance funds for: (1) the Army Corps of Engineers; and (2) the Bureau of Reclamation (Department of the Interior). Defines "hurricane-affected county" as a county, or contiguous county, covered by a natural disaster designation related to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, or Wilma.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Restates the House of Representatives' commitment to help strengthen democracy around the world through the work of the House Democracy Assistance Commission. Welcomes the members and staff of the parliaments of East Timor, Georgia, Indonesia, and Macedonia, and endorses a continuing partnership between the House of Representatives and such parliaments. Supports future exchanges between the House of Representatives and the parliaments of Afghanistan, Kenya, Lebanon, as well as similar partnerships with other new democracies.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Recognizes the Golden (50th) Anniversary Year of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways (Interstate Highway System).
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Amends title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act to provide for the mandatory revocation of passports of individuals who are more than $5,000 in arrears in child support payments.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Military Retirees' Health Care Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed health benefits obligation to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to civilian employees; and (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage beneficiaries, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for beneficiaries. Prohibits an increase after December 31, 2005, in: (1) a premium, deductible, copayment, or other charge prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for medical and dental health care coverage for military personnel; and (2) the dollar amount of a cost-sharing requirement under the DOD pharmacy benefits program. Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day; and (2) after December 31, 2005, an increase in premiums under TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) for certain members of the Selected Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Commends the Africa Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in monitoring the N'Djamena Ceasefire Agreement in Darfur and its role in diminishing some acts of violence. Condemns: (1) the continued genocide against civilians in Darfur by the government of Sudan and government-sponsored militias; and (2) the continued violations by both parties to the Agreement. Calls on both parties to the Agreement to abide by its terms and engage in good-faith negotiations to end the Darfur conflict. Calls on the government of Sudan to: (1) withdraw all military aircraft from the region; and (2) cease support for the Janjaweed militia and rebels from Chad; and (3) disarm the Janjaweed militias. Calls on: (1) the African Union (AU) to work closely with the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to strengthen its capacity to deter violence and instability until a U.N. peacekeeping force is fully deployed in Darfur; and (2) NATO to extend its AU advisor mission. Calls on the U.N. Security Council to approve a trained and adequate Darfur peacekeeping mission. Urges the President to take steps to improve the security situation in Darfur, including by: (1) proposing that NATO implement an interim civilian protection force; and (2) requesting supplemental funding to support AMIS and a NATO mission in Darfur.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Congressional Tribute to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Act of 2006 - Authorizes The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design, to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the United States and the world.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to transmit to the House a copy of a specified workforce globalization final draft report produced by the Technology Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program Act of 2006 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, to increase and extend through FY2011 Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding authority for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Childhood Obesity Reduction Act - Establishes a Congressional Council on Childhood Obesity to engage in the following activities to encourage every U.S. elementary and middle school to develop and implement a plan to reduce and prevent obesity, promote improved nutritional choices, and promote increased physical activity: (1) work with outside experts to develop the Congressional Challenge to Reduce and Prevent Childhood Obesity; (2) develop and maintain a website on best practices for reducing and preventing childhood obesity; (3) assist schools in establishing goals for the healthy reduction and prevention of childhood obesity; (4) consult and coordinate with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and other federal initiatives that are conducting activities to reduce and prevent childhood obesity; (5) reward elementary schools, middle schools, and local educational agencies promoting innovative, successful strategies; (6) provide information to secondary schools; and (7) designate model plans for reducing and preventing childhood obesity that are submitted by schools as Congressional Challenge winners. Establishes the National Foundation for the Prevention and Reduction of Childhood Obesity as a nonprofit private corporation to support and carry out activities to prevent and reduce childhood obesity, including by: (1) establishing a fund to provide endowments for positions within the Council and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) associated with reducing childhood obesity; (2) evaluating model plans used by schools; and (3) making Challenge awards to schools and local agencies for developing and implementing such plans. Requires creation of a committee to incorporate the Foundation under state laws, establish its policies and bylaws, provide for its initial operation, and appoint members of its board of directors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
All Kids Health Insurance Coverage Act of 2006 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to provide eligibility of all uninsured children for SCHIP. Provides for: (1) an increase in federal financial participation under SCHIP and Medicaid for states with simplified enrollment and renewal procedures for children; (2) a limitation on payments to states that have an enrollment cap but have not exhausted their available allotments; and (3) an additional enhancement to the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to promote expansion of coverage to all uninsured children under Medicaid and SCHIP. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the scheduled phaseout of the limitations on personal exemptions and itemized deductions.
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 · 15 February 2006
Declares that the House of Representatives will work with the engineering community to make sure that its creativity and contribution can be expressed through research, development, standardization, and innovation. Supports the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week and its aims to: (1) increase understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers; and (2) promote literacy in math and science.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Savings for Working Families Act of 2006 - Allows certain low-income individuals between age 18 and 61 to establish tax-exempt individual development accounts (IDAs) to pay for certain qualified expenses, including education expenses, first-time homebuyer costs, and business capitalization or expansion costs. Sets forth rules for the establishment, maintenance, and termination of IDAs. Permits tax-free withdrawals from IDAs for qualified expenses, but requires IDA beneficiaries to complete one or more financial education courses prior to making an IDA withdrawal. Allows certain financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, and Indian tribes to sponsor and administer IDAs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow such entities a business-related tax credit for the cost of administering IDAs and for making matching contributions to IDAs in parallel accounts. Provides that IDA amounts shall be disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance under certain means-tested federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Judiciary Rent Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the federal judicial code to direct the Administrator of General Services to establish rent charges for accommodations provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) in federally-owned space that do not exceed the GSA's actual costs of operating and maintaining them. Prohibits GSA from assessing any amount for shell rent, tenant improvements, parking rent, or real estate taxes for federally-owned space assigned to the judiciary. Makes the judiciary responsible for providing funds to the GSA from judiciary appropriations to pay for new repair and alteration, tenant improvement, and construction projects performed by the GSA for such accommodations, except for those projects for which the GSA has separately received appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Ensuring Access to Contraceptives Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to furnish assistance to provide contraceptives in developing countries in order to prevent unintended pregnancies, abortions, and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. States that a nongovernmental organization shall not be subject to eligibility requirements relating to the use of non-U.S. government funds that are more restrictive than those that apply to a foreign government.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Recognizes the potential threat that sympathizers and financiers of Islamist terrorist organizations that operate in the Western Hemisphere pose to the United States, our allies, and interests. Acknowledges the cooperation of some Western Hemisphere governments to deny the use of their territory to Islamist terrorist organizations and calls on all governments to intensify such efforts. Encourages the President to direct the United States Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to: (1) seek OAS support for the creation of a special task force of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist in investigating and combating the proliferation of Islamist terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere; and (2) urge OAS countries to designate Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, al-Qaeda and other such groups as terrorist organizations.
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 · 1 February 2006
Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2006 - Extends from one to two years the lobbying ban for former senior executive personnel, former Members of Congress, and legislative branch officers and employees. Denies floor privileges to any former Members and House officers if he or she is a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress and senior congressional staff of employment negotiations. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to revise requirements for lobbying disclosures reports. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to: (1) exclude gifts from lobbyists from the gift ban exceptions; and (2) prohibit privately funded travel by a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee. Establishes the Office of Public Integrity within the Office of Inspector General of the House. Amends the LDA to increase the penalty for failure to comply with lobbying disclosure requirements. Requires certification that congressional travel meets certain conditions, subject to civil fines for false certifications. Establishes mandatory annual ethics training for House employees. Makes it out of order to consider any reconciliation legislation which has the net effect of reducing the surplus or increasing the deficit compared to the most recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate for any fiscal year. Limits recorded electronic votes to 20 minutes, except in certain circumstances. Makes requirements for earmarks in funding measures. Makes it out of order to consider a resolution providing for adjournment sine die unless, during at least 20 weeks of the session, a quorum call or recorded vote was taken on at least four of the weekdays (excluding legal public holidays). Makes it out of order, with certain exceptions, for the House to consider a bill or joint resolution until 24 hours, or in the case of legislation containing a district-oriented earmark or limited tax benefit, until three days after copies of such measure are available. Makes a motion to request or agree to a conference on a general appropriation bill in order only if the House expresses its disagreements with the Senate in the form of numbered amendments. Requires all provisions on which the two chambers disagree to be open to discussion at any meeting of a conference committee. Prescribes minimum requirements for political appointees holding public safety positions. Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (OFPPA) to require an executive agency, after awarding a contract, to make specified information regarding it available to the public, including over the Internet in a searchable database. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (FPASA) to prohibit awarding of a monopoly federal contract to a single contractor. Specifies conditions under which such contracts may be awarded. Amends the FPASA to require revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require competition for certain multiple award contracts. Provides for suspension and debarment of unethical contractors. Amends the federal criminal code to impose fines and penalties on cheating taxpayers and wartime fraud. Revises requirements and prohibitions regarding contractor conflicts of interest. Requires disclosure of certain government contractor overcharges. Subjects individuals to penalties for improper sole-source contracting procedures. Prescribes disclosure requirements for organizations established to raise funds for creating, maintaining, expanding, or conducting activities at a former or existing presidential archival depository or its facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2005
National Levee Safety Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to: (1) inspect each levee in the United States constructed or maintained by the Secretary or identified by a state governor, excluding levees the failure of which would not pose a significant threat to human life or property; (2) notify the governor of the state in which a levee is located of inspection results, hazardous conditions found, and necessary remedial measures; (3) submit, annually, a priority list of flood damage reduction studies and projects; and (4) periodically publish an inventory of U.S. levees, including inspection results. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Levee Safety to support federal levee safety programs through coordination and information exchange among federal agencies concerning the implementation of levee safety guidelines. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the National Levee Safety Review Board to monitor levee safety and state implementation of this Act and to advise the Secretary on national levee safety policy; (2) establish a national levee safety program, including federal levee safety guidelines; (3) provide assistance for and periodically review state levee safety programs; (4) carry out a program of technical and archival research regarding levee construction, rehabilitation, inspection, safety, security, and management; and (5) establish a program to train state safety agency staff and inspectors.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005
Thanks Bono, Bill Gates, and Melinda Gates for their charitable efforts. Congratulates each of them on their selection as Time Magazine's Persons of the Year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Commission on Terrorism Risk Insurance Act - Amends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 to establish the Commission on Terrorism Risk Insurance. Directs the Commission to identify and make recommendations regarding actions to: (1) encourage, facilitate, and sustain provision by the private domestic insurance industry of affordable coverage for losses due to acts of terrorism; (2) sustain or supplement the ability of the domestic insurance industry to cover losses resulting from acts of terrorism; (3) reduce the federal role over time in any continuing federal terrorism risk insurance program; and (4) evaluate whether coverage under the Terrorism Insurance Program is necessary to permit redevelopment at sites of previous acts of terrorism. Instructs the Commission to evaluate and makes recommendations on the need for a federal terrorism risk insurance program. Requires the Terrorism Insurance Program to remain in effect, but only to cover insured losses under property and casualty insurance issued on or before December 31, 2008, if the Commission determines that the market will not provide for renewal or generation of new insurance contracts necessary to permit redevelopment at the site of a previous act of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Easement Owners Fair Compensation Claims Act of 2005 - Prescribes the time for filing suit by the owner of property subject to an interim use of railroad right-of-way for damage claims brought against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
High Performance Buildings Act of 2005 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to require that state and local housing strategies include a description of the jurisdiction's strategies to encourage sustainable development for affordable housing. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to nonprofit organizations to use for specified purposes to improve or carry out energy efficiency, resource conservation and reuse, and effective use of existing infrastructure in affordable housing and economic development activities in low-income communities. Establishes within the National Science Foundation a Sustainable Building Institute to undertake or support through providing grants, loans, or other assistance: (1) research regarding the relationships among indoor environmental quality, human health, and human productivity; and (2) research, development, and commercial application of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for support of basic research activities in the physical sciences, mathematics and computer sciences, and engineering; and (2) the Department of Defense (DOD) for support of basic research activities. Makes at least 8% of such amounts available for high-risk, potentially high-payoff research. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the NSF, National Institutes of Health (NIH), DOE, DOD, and NASA for the support of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers program. Directs NSF to institute the Graduate Scholar Awards in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics program or GSA-STEM program, to award graduate fellowships in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory board. Establishes a Presidential Innovation Award, which the President shall periodically award to individuals who develop one or more unique scientific or engineering ideas in the national interest. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure to: (1) identify and prioritize deficiencies in research facilities and instrumentation in academic institutions and national laboratories; and (2) make recommendations for resource allocation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to NSF and DOE for construction and maintenance of research facilities at institutions of higher education or national laboratories and other physical resources for performing leading-edge research.
![Official portrait of Rep. Carnahan, Russ [D-MO-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001060_200.jpg)