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United States · Official source
2,169 records where Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-48] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 30777 Rancho California Road in Temecula, California, as the "Dalip Singh Saund Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
District of Columbia Voting Rights Restoration Act of 2005 - Restores the right of District of Columbia residents to participate as Maryland residents in congressional elections and presidential elections. Repeals provisions of the: (1) District of Columbia Delegate Act that establishes the office of District of Columbia Delegate to the House of Representatives; and (2) District of Columbia Statehood Constitution Convention Initiative of 1979 that provides for electing a Senator and Representative for the District.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
FHA Single Family Loan Limit Adjustment Act of 2005 - Amends the National Housing Act to revise eligibility requirements for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) single family mortgage insurance to increase the maximum principal obligation to the lesser of: (1) 100% (currently 95%) of the median single-family house price in the area; or (2) 100% (currently 87%) of the alternative the dollar amount limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Family Heritage Preservation Act - Repeals the Federal tax on estates, gifts, and generation-skipping transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Tax Reform Action Commission Act of 2005 - Declares that Congress must reform the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 so that the United States has a tax system that is: (1) simple, transparent, and efficient; (2) fair and equitable to all Americans; and (3) neutral between different activities and between current and future consumption. Establishes in the legislative branch a Tax Reform Action Commission (Commission). Requires the Commission to make recommendations for tax reform to meet those objectives to Congress within two years after it is established. Directs the Commission to establish task forces in Federal agencies to assist in the making and compiling of recommendations for tax reform. Sets forth procedures for congressional consideration of the Commission's recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Social Security Beneficiary Tax Reduction Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, effective January 1, 2005, the 1993 increase in income taxes on Social Security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Clean, Learn, Educate, Abolish, Neutralize, and Undermine Production (CLEAN-UP) of Methamphetamines Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to carry out environmental cleanup and remediation programs involving specified lands that are contaminated with hazardous substances associated with illegal methamphetamine manufacture. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate as hazardous certain byproducts of the methamphetamine production process and expand penalties against laboratory operators; (2) the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to list byproducts likely to cause long-term environmental harm; (3) the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to provide grants to State and local law enforcement for specified training and equipment acquisition; (4) the EPA Administrator to study the impact of methamphetamine laboratory operation on the environment; and (5) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study contamination issues. Amends: (1) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize grants for educational programs; (2) the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to provide treatment; and (3) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include among permissible grant projects under the "cops on the beat" program hiring personnel and purchasing equipment. Urges the President to seek commitments from the Canadian Government regarding the availability of pseudoephedrine.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax deduction for medical expenses without the gross income percentage limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Expresses support for the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 30777 Rancho California Road in Temecula, California, as the "Dalip Singh Saund Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5505 Stevens Way in San Diego, California, as the "Earl B. Gilliam/Imperial Avenue Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek an European Union (EU) commitment that it will not lift its arms sale embargo to the People's Republic of China (PRC); and (2) the 2005 Department of Defense military report on the PRC should include an analysis of such embargo's lifting on U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region and a review of U.S. steps taken to address such EU action.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2004
Increases to $75,000 the amount of death gratuity payable with respect to members of the Armed Forces. Makes this increase applicable with respect to deaths occurring on or after September 11, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004
Supports the goals and ideals of National Computer Security Awareness Month (October 2004).
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 23055 Sherman Way in West Hills, California, as the "Evan Asa Ashcraft Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2004
9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act - National Security Intelligence Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes a National Intelligence Director (Director) to, among other things: (1) serve as the head of the intelligence community (IC); (2) act as principal adviser for intelligence matters related to national security; and (3) manage, oversee, and direct the execution of the National Intelligence Program (formerly the National Foreign Intelligence Program). Establishes a National Intelligence Council to produce national intelligence estimates for the U.S. Government and evaluate the collection and production of intelligence by the IC. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center to: (1) analyze and integrate all U.S. intelligence pertaining to terrorism and counterterrorism; (2) conduct strategic operational planning for counterterrorism activities; and (3) ensure that intelligence agencies have access to and receive all intelligence needed to accomplish their missions. Establishes a: (1) Civil Liberties Protection Officer; and (2) Joint Intelligence Community Council. Authorizes the: (1) Secretary of Defense and the Director to jointly establish a program to advance foreign languages skills in languages critical to the capability of the IC to carry out U.S. national security objectives; and (2) assignment of IC personnel as language students. Requires the Director to conduct a pilot project to establish a Civilian Linguist Reserve Corps. Establishes the National Security Agency Emerging Technologies Panel to advise the Director on the research, development, and application of existing and emerging science and technology advances, advances in encryption, and other topics. Stop Terrorist and Military Hoaxes Act of 2004 - Provides criminal and civil penalties for false information concerning terrorist activities and military hoaxes. Material Support to Terrorism Prohibition Enhancement Act of 2004 - Provides criminal penalties for: (1) receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization; and (2) providing material support to terrorism. Weapons of Mass Destruction Prohibition Improvement Act of 2004 - Expands the jurisdictional bases and scope of the prohibition against weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Includes chemical weapons within the definition of WMDs. Provides criminal liability for participation in nuclear and WMD threats against the United States. Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Antiterrorism Technical Corrections Act of 2004 - Provides additional funding to combat crimes involving terrorist financing. Criminal History Access Means Protection of Infrastructures and Our Nation - Requires the Attorney General to establish and maintain criminal history information checks for use by employers. Provides for the use of biometric technology in airport access control systems. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare and update a transportation security strategic plan for defending aviation assets. Provides for: (1) next-generation airline passenger screening systems; (2) the deployment and use of explosive detection equipment at airport screening checkpoints; and (3) a pilot program to evaluate the use of blast-resistant cargo and baggage containers. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to establish a: (1) comprehensive intelligence program for FBI intelligence analysts and intelligence production, sources, and operations; and (2) national security workforce of agents, analysts, linguists, and surveillance specialists. Increases the number of full-time border patrol agents and immigration and customs enforcement investigators. Provides: (1) for expedited deportation of alien terrorists and supporters of terrorism; (2) minimum documentation requirements and issuance standards, for Federal recognition purposes, for driver's licenses, identification cards, and birth certificates; and (3) measures to enhance the privacy and integrity of social security numbers. Establishes within the State Department an Office of Visa and Passport Security. Requires specified reports concerning terrorist sanctuaries, including a priority list of countries providing such sanctuaries. Afghanistan Freedom Support Act Amendments of 2004 - Provides for the coordination of assistance to Afghanistan for various freedom support activities, and requires a long-term U.S. strategy with respect to such country. Authorizes assistance for counternarcotics efforts in Afghanistan. Outlines provisions concerning appropriate U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Requires the President to pursue international diplomatic and cooperative efforts to limit the availability, proliferation, and transfer of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) (individual-fired surface-to-air missiles). Commends the use of multilateral organizations for fighting terrorist financing. Establishes an International Terrorist Finance Coordinating Council. Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2004 - Authorizes grants to improve first responder capabilities and to establish essential capabilities for emergency preparedness. Provides for congressional oversight over the Department of Homeland Security. Establishes an Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement. Requires public financial disclosure with respect to certain IC employees. Authorizes the FBI Director to establish an FBI Reserve Service for the temporary reemployment of former FBI employees during periods of emergencies. Revises security clearance requirements and procedures. Federal Agency Protection of Privacy Act of 2004 - Requires Federal agency rulemakings to take into consideration rule impacts on individual privacy. Requires the establishment of chief privacy officers for agencies with law enforcement or antiterrorism functions. Mutual Aid and Litigation Management Authorization Act of 2004 - Authorizes: (1) mutual aid agreements for utilities and services support during an emergency or public service event; and (2) litigation management agreements for limiting legal action against emergency response providers. Calls for adoption of the National Incident Management System. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should regularly assess the adequacy of the United States Northern Command to respond to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004
States that the House of Representatives urges the interim Government of Iraq to ensure: (1) that the charges brought against Saddam Hussein include the crimes his government committed against the people of Iran during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, including the use of chemical weapons; and (2) a transparent and fair trial against Saddam Hussein.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection a National Cybersecurity Office, headed by an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, who shall assist the Secretary in promoting cybersecurity for the Nation. Grants the Assistant Secretary primary authority within DHS for all cybersecurity-related critical infrastructure programs of DHS. Includes among the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary to: (1) establish and manage a national cybersecurity response system, a national cybersecurity threat and vulnerability reduction program, a national cybersecurity awareness and training program, a government cybersecurity program, and a national security and international cybersecurity cooperation program; (2) coordinate specified activities with the private sector, with other directorates and offices within DHS (including with the Chief Information Officer), and with the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response; (3) develop processes for information sharing with the private sector; (4) consult with the Secret Service's Electronic Crimes Task Force on private sector outreach and information activities and with the Office for Domestic Preparedness to ensure that realistic cybersecurity scenarios are incorporated into tabletop and recovery exercises; and (5) consult and coordinate with other Federal agencies on cybersecurity-related programs, policies, and operations and with other relevant Federal agencies and within DHS on security of digital control systems. Grants the Assistant Secretary primary authority within DHS over the National Communications System.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and maintain special access programs associated with research, development, test and evaluation, and acquisition of technology. Directs: (1) the Secretary to submit to Congress certain budget request information for the Directorate of Science and Technology; and (2) the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to transmit to Congress a summary of the solicitations and resulting contracts and grants awarded in the past fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to conduct an assessment of: (1) the development of national capabilities in homeland security science and technology; and (2) the methods used by the Directorate for the prioritization of science and technology projects among and within research portfolios. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, to establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) the establishment or expansion of professional development programs and associate degree programs in cybersecurity; and (2) the purchase of equipment to provide training in cybersecurity for either professional development or degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements or partnerships with foreign governments that are U.S. allies in the war on terrorism and have extensive experience in counterterrorism. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a Geospatial Management Office; and (2) a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications. Provides for the establishment of a homeland security technology and equipment transfer program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Increases the death gratuity payable with respect to members of the Armed Forces from $12,000 to $50,000. Makes this increase applicable to deaths occurring on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary of Defense to derive funds for payments under this Act in FY 2005 from travel funds for personnel of the Office of the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004
Expresses support for the goals and ideals, and the designation, of National Preparedness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Commends the Festival of Children Foundation for its efforts on behalf of children and expresses support for the designation of a Child Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Homeland Security Information Sharing and Analysis Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for the establishment of an interagency Homeland Security Information Requirements Board to oversee the process for establishing homeland security requirements and collection management for all terrorism-related and other homeland security information collected within the United States. Includes among the responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection to: (1) ensure the simultaneous dissemination of data and information regarding communications and information technology infrastructure to appropriate personnel with maximum flexibility and speed; (2) coordinate the issuance of homeland security advisories and advice from other Federal agencies to State and local government, the private sector, other entities, and the public; and (3) administer a homeland security information network. Authorizes the Secretary to provide DHS personnel access to threat and vulnerability information required to discharge their duties. Directs the Secretary, where credible information indicates a potential terrorist threat that cannot be limited to one or more States, regions, critical infrastructure sectors, activities, or events, to use the Homeland Security Advisory System to inform the public of the threat, convey risk information, and provide specific unclassified warning information and advice about protective measures. Limits the dissemination of threat information without the Secretary's prior approval. Authorizes assignment of DHS personnel to the Terrorist Threat Integration Center.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Expresses continued support for the construction of the Victims of Communism Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2004
NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to mint and issue: (1) ten dollar gold coins; (2) five dollar gold coins; (3) one dollar silver coins; and (4) half-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has in its possession any craft or any part of a craft that flew in space to: (1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal that may be used in the production of any coins under this Act from such craft or part; and (2) deposit such metals with the Director of the United States Mint. Requires that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a surcharge of : (1) $75 per coin for the ten dollar coin; (2) $35 per coin for the five dollar coin; (3) $10 per coin for the one dollar coin; and (4) $3 for the half-dollar coin, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for the purposes of providing financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY 2005. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an interagency Homeland Security Information Requirements Board to oversee the process for establishing homeland security requirements and collection management for homeland security information. Establishes within the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection a National Cybersecurity Office. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) submit annual budget request information for the Directorate of Science and Technology; (2) conduct an assessment of the development of national capabilities in homeland security science and technology to address basic scientific research needs; and (3) establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for professional development programs in cybersecurity. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements or partnerships with U.S. allies in the war on terrorism that have extensive experience in counterterrorism activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications at all levels of government. Provides for the establishment of a homeland security technology and equipment transfer program. Establishes the Liberty Shield Award for Innovation and Excellence in Critical Infrastructure Protection. Urges the DHS Homeland Security Operations Center to increase on-site participation of representatives from private sector critical infrastructure sectors. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and distribute critical infrastructure protection awareness and education materials for emergency response providers; (2) ensure that DHS terrorism preparedness exercises and related information and training meet specified requirements; (3) establish a program supporting the development of mutual aid systems for terrorism and emergency preparedness and response; (4) develop a domestic emergency national preparedness goal, a comprehensive national biodefense strategy, a comprehensive national strategy to mitigate the radiological and nuclear threat, and a plan to ensure enhanced cooperation and interoperability of maritime and airborne homeland security assets; (5) initiate a pilot program of expedited inspection at designated ports of entry away from U.S. ports; (6) submit budget request information for DHS's information technology-related spending organized by directorate and critical mission area; and (7) keep each appropriate congressional committee informed of DHS activities. Establishes the Director of the U.S. Secret Service as an officer of DHS.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 Sacramento Street in Rio Vista, California, as the "Adam G. Kinser Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004
Congratulates the California State University, Fullerton Titans baseball team for winning the 2004 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I College World Series Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Health Care Choice Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the primary State (as designated by the health insurance issuer) apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer both in the primary State and in any secondary State. Exempts health insurance issuers from any State law or regulation that would: (1) regulate the operation of the health insurance issuer in the secondary State, except for certain activities, including paying taxes and registering with the State insurance commissioner; (2) require any individual health insurance coverage issued by the issuer to be countersigned by an agent or broker residing in the secondary State; or (3) discriminate against the issuer issuing insurance in both primary and secondary States. Allows States to require brokers to obtain a license from that State, but not to impose any requirements that discriminate against nonresident brokers. Requires health insurance issuers offering coverage in more than one State to submit to the insurance commissioner of each State a copy of a plan of operation or a feasibility study, written notice of any change in designation of its primary State, and an annual financial statement. Declares that this Act does not affect the authority of Federal or State courts to enjoin the sale of health insurance coverage to any person or group who is not eligible for such insurance or by a health insurance issuer that is in hazardous financial conditions. Sets forth requirements for primary States. Gives sole jurisdiction to primary States to enforce the covered laws in primary and secondary States. Sets forth procedures for resolving disputes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) is grateful for the support of the people and Government of Portugal; (2) commends the Government of Portugal and the Portuguese people for their friendship, leadership, and support; (3) commends the bravery of all members of the Portuguese armed forces who have participated in the effort to bring an end to international terrorism; and (4) expects the unique friendship between the United States and Portugal to continue.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
States that House of Representatives: (1) declares that the people of Hong Kong should be free to determine the pace and scope of constitutional developments; and (2) calls upon the President to call upon the People's Republic of China to guarantee that all revisions of Hong Kong law are made according to the wishes of the people of Hong Kong as expressed through a fully democratically elected legislature and chief executive, declare that the continued lack of a fully democratically elected legislature in Hong Kong constitutes a violation of the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong (the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984), and call upon the People's Republic of China to honor its obligations under such Declaration.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2004
Expresses the House of Representatives deepest appreciation for the profound public service of President Ronald Reagan and its condolences to his wife, Nancy, and to his surviving children, Patti, Michael, and Ron, and the entire Reagan family. Calls on the people of the United States to reflect on President Reagan's record as President of the United States during this national period of remembrance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004
Working Families Access to Justice Act of 2004 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require attorneys' fees to be awarded to the prevailing party in an administrative or court proceeding involving the National Labor Relations Board if such party is an employer or labor organization that, at the time of such adversary adjudication or civil action, had not more than 100 employees and not more than $7 million of net worth.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2004
States that the House of Representatives: (1) expresses sympathy to the families of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned as a result of their participation in the democracy protests of June 3-4, 1989, in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in the People's Republic of China, and to all those persons who have suffered for their efforts to keep that struggle alive, and to all the people of China who lack fundamental human rights; (2) commends all persons who are peacefully advocating for democracy and human rights in China; (3) calls upon those nations participating in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing to urge China to fully comply with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights; (4) calls upon the Communist Government of China to honor its pledge of a `high degree of autonomy' made at the time of the Hong Kong reversion in 1997 by permitting immediate elections for the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and by leaving all revisions of Hong Kong law to a legislature elected by universal suffrage; and (5) condemns the human rights abuses by the Communist Government of China, and calls on that Government to reevaluate the official verdict on the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen pro-democracy activities and order formal investigations into the reported killing, torture, and imprisonment of democracy activists, establish a June Fourth Investigation Committee, release all prisoners of conscience, provide just compensation to the families of persons killed in such protests, allow the return of persons exiled for their activities in 1989, release Dr. Yang Jianli, and end the harassment and detention of all Chinese citizens exercising their legitimate freedoms of expression, association, and religion.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the regulation of tobacco products by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the Food and Drug Administration, including through disclosure, annual registration, inspection, recordkeeping, and user fee requirements. Sets forth criteria by which tobacco products are deemed adulterated or misbranded. Allows the Secretary to require prior approval of all label statements. Allows the Secretary to restrict the sale or distribution of tobacco products, including advertising and promotion, if the Secretary determines that such regulation would be appropriate for the protection of the public health. Prohibits such regulations from: (1) limiting product sales or distribution to authorization of a practitioner licensed to prescribe medical products; (2) prohibiting product sales in face-to-face transactions by a specific category of retail outlets; or (3) establishing a minimum age greater than 18 years of age for product purchases. Prohibits cigarettes from containing any artificial or natural flavor (other than tobacco or menthol) or an herb or spice, including strawberry, cinnamon, or coffee. Requires the Secretary to establish tobacco product standards to protect the public health, but reserves to Congress the power to ban any tobacco products or reduce the nicotine level to zero. Allows the Secretary to take specified actions, including public notification and recall, against unreasonably harmful products. Requires premarket approval of all new tobacco products. Sets forth standards for the sale of modified risk tobacco products. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) judicial review; (2) coordination with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (3) congressional review of regulations; and (4) state and local authority. Requires the Secretary to establish a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to change cigarette warning label and advertising requirements. Amends the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 to change smokeless tobacco warning label and advertising requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Amends the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 to extend by one year the deadline for: (1) installing at all U.S. ports of entry equipment and software capable of processing machine-readable, tamper-resistant entry and exit documents and passports that contain biometric identifiers; (2) Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to certify that they are issuing machine-readable, tamper-resistant passports that contain biometric and document authentication identifiers comporting with specified standards; and (3) VWP participants who are issued passports on or after the new deadline to present passports that comply with such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer the parcel of Department of the Navy real property in the District of Columbia known as the Nebraska Avenue Complex to the administrative jurisdiction of the Administrator of General Services to accommodate the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Authorizes the Secretary of DHS (the Secretary) to establish the Complex as DHS headquarters. Makes the Secretary responsible for the payment of the costs to move furnishings and equipment related to the initial relocation of the Navy Department activities from the Complex and costs incident to the initial occupancy by such activities of interim leased space. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to retain administrative jurisdiction over that portion of the Complex that is currently being used to provide family housing to the Navy. Directs that Secretary to: (1) complete the transfer of administrative jurisdiction by January 1, 2005; (2) relocate Department of the Navy activities at the Complex to other locations; and (3) submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Congress an initial estimate of sums necessary to cover the costs to permanently relocate Department of the Navy activities from the Complex.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2004
Urges the U.S. Air Force to continue to honor and learn from the example provided by the Tuskegee Airmen as it faces the challenges of the 21st century and the war on terror.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2004 -Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims concerning the provision of health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Allows the recovery of unlimited economic damages. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a percentage based on the amount awarded. Allows: (1) any party to a lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death to introduce evidence of collateral source benefits; and (2) any opposing party to then introduce evidence of any amount paid or contributed to secure the right to such benefits. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Limits the liability of manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and providers of medical products that comply with Food and Drug Administration standards. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the increased upper limit amounts for the ten percent income tax rate bracket for individual taxpayers ($14,000 for married taxpayers filing joint tax returns and surviving spouses, $10,000 for heads of household, and $7,000 for unmarried individuals and married individuals filing separately). Allows an inflation adjustment to such amounts for married taxpayers filing joint tax returns, surviving spouses, and heads of household for taxable years beginning after 2003 based on the difference from the Consumer Price Index for 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) all Americans should keep the victims of child abuse and neglect in their thoughts and prayers; (2) all Americans should seek to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and to give victimized children hope for the future; and (3) the faith community, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers across America should recommit themselves and mobilize their resources to assist abused and neglected children. Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) supports the goals and ideas of the "Day of Hope" which were observed as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month; and (2) commends the individuals working on behalf of abused and neglected children throughout the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004
Department of Homeland Security Financial Accountability Act - Amends the Chief Financial Officer Act of 1990 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the President to appoint a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), who is to report directly to the Secretary of DHS and to the Under Secretary for Management. Removes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the list of agencies required to have a CFO. Amends the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000 to instruct the Secretary of DHS to: (1) submit a specified performance and accountability report, including an audit opinion of DHS internal controls over its financial reporting; and (3) design and implement DHS-wide management controls that reflect the national homeland security strategy of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and that permit assessment by Congress and DHS managers of DHS performance in executing such strategy. Requires performance and accountability reports after FY 2005 to include an assertion of the internal controls that apply to financial reporting by the DHS. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Future Years Homeland Security Program to: (1) include the same type of information, organizational structure, and level of detail as a certain future years defense program; (2) set forth the homeland security strategy that was used to develop program planning guidance for the Program; and (3) include an explanation of how the resource allocations included in the Program correlate to homeland security strategy. Instructs the Secretary to establish an Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation. Creates the position of Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation. Requires the CFO of DHS to notify simultaneously specified congressional committees whenever appropriations earmarked for DHS are either transferred or reprogrammed.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004
Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. Encourages all Americans to consider the importance of the victory for equality under law achieved because of such Supreme Court decision. Recognizes that the struggle for equality under law continues in the United States and around the world. Affirms the Declaration of Independence, including that all persons are created equal and "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Pledges to diligently defend and advance equality under law for all persons.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2004
Declares that the Congress: (1) recognizes and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision; (2) encourages all Americans to recognize and celebrate the anniversary; and (3) renews its commitment to continuing and building on the legacy of Brown with a pledge to acknowledge and address the modern day disparities that remain.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives (House) that: (1) it is in the interests of the United States to immediately resolve long-standing military mail delivery problems so that our troops can receive mail from home and are not disenfranchised in the 2004 election; (2) the Secretary of Defense should establish a system that expedites the delivery of election ballots to members and accurately tracks military postal transit times; and (3) the House stands ready to assist in resolving these issues.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of the cost of a qualified hydrogen-powered vehicle refueling property. Defines "qualified hydrogen-powered vehicle refueling property" as a depreciable property for the production, storage or dispensing of hydrogen fuel into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle propelled by such fuel. Terminates the credit after 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permanently extend: (1) the increased standard deduction for married taxpayers filing joint returns or for surviving spouses (twice the deduction for single taxpayers); and (2) the increase in the taxable income level for qualifying married taxpayers filing joint returns or surviving spouses for the 15-percent tax bracket. Provides that the general terminating date under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (December 31, 2010) shall not apply to the extensions provided by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
Simple Tax for Seniors Act - Allows eligible seniors (or their spouses in the case of a joint return) with Social Security and pension income to use new Form 1040SR (similar to Form 1040EZ) to file their Federal income tax returns without regard to the amount of their taxable interest or other taxable income.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to modify provisions regarding firefighter assistance to make the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration (currently, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency) responsible for such assistance. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to volunteer emergency medical service squads and to provide assistance for firefighter safety research and development. Includes within authorized uses of grants the funding of such squads that are not affiliated with a fire department, hospital, or for-profit entity. Makes specified funds available for research to improve firefighter health and life safety. Grants priority for certain earmarked funds to organizations that focus on prevention of injuries to high risk groups from fire, as well as research programs that demonstrate the potential to improve firefighter safety. Allows the Administrator to provide assistance only if the applicant agrees to match with an equal amount of non-Federal funds 20 (currently 30) percent of the assistance received for any fiscal year. Modifies grant recipient limitations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) convene an annual meeting of non-Federal fire service experts to recommend criteria for awarding grants and necessary administrative changes; (2) publish each year in the Federal Register guidelines that describe the grant application process and award criteria; (3) appoint fire service personnel to conduct peer review of applications; and (4) re-conduct a study to define the current role and activities associated with fire services.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2004
North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the human rights of North Koreans should remain a key concern in future negotiations between the United States, North Korea, and other parties in Northeast Asia; (2) the United States should increase its support for radio broadcasting to North Korea; (3) the United Nations has a significant role to play in promoting and improving human rights in North Korea; (4) the United States should pursue an international agreement to adopt a `first asylum' policy, modeled on the first asylum policy for Vietnamese refugees, that guarantees safe haven to North Korean refugees; (5) the Government of China has obligated itself to provide the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with unimpeded access to North Koreans inside its borders to enable UNHCR to determine whether they are refugees and whether they require assistance; and (6) the United States should promote measures similar to humanitarian parole or temporary protected status granted in countries that neighbor North Korea. Authorizes the President to: (1) provide grants to private, nonprofit organizations to promote human rights, democracy, rule of law, and the development of a market economy in North Korea; (2) increase the availability of information inside North Korea by increasing the availability of information sources not controlled by the Government of North Korea; (3) provide assistance to the World Food Program and to U.S. nongovernmental organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to North Koreans inside North Korea; and (4) provide assistance to organizations or persons that provide humanitarian assistance or legal assistance to North Koreans who are outside of North Korea without the permission of the Government of North Korea. Prohibits U.S. agency humanitarian or nonhumanitarian assistance to the Government of North Korea without certification that North Korea has taken steps to ensure the humanitarian, nonpolitical use of such assistance. States that for refugee or asylum status under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a national of the Democratic Republic of Korea shall not be considered a national of the Republic of Korea. Directs the Secretary of State to designate natives or citizens of North Korea who were subjected to disproportionately harsh or discriminatory treatment for their political or religious beliefs as a priority refugee group. Provides, with respect to qualifying citizens and nationals of North Korea, for: (1) parole entry; (2) status adjustment to permanent resident; and (3) temporary protected status.