United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005
Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minor’s state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minor’s abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to save the life of the minor. Protects from prosecution or civil liability the minor or the minor’s parents for violations of this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place. Authorizes any parent who suffers harm from a violation of this Act to seek relief in a civil action. Defines "parent" to include a guardian, legal custodian, or person standing in loco parentis. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on an physician who performs or induces an abortion on an out-of-state minor without complying with parental notification requirements. Allows certain exceptions, including abortions necessary to save the life of the minor.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005
Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act - Prohibits new and dismisses pending civil actions by any person against a manufacturer or seller of food or a trade association for any injury resulting from a person's consumption of food and weight gain, obesity, or any associated health condition, excluding actions alleging: (1) a knowing and willful violation of a Federal or State statute applicable to the manufacturing, marketing, distribution, advertisement, labeling, or sale of food where the violation was a proximate cause of injury related to a person's weight gain, obesity, or related health condition; (2) a breach of express contract or express warranty in connection with the purchase of food; or (3) a violation under the Federal Trade Commission Act or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires, in any action alleging such a violation of an applicable Federal or State statute or a breach of express contract or express warranty: (1) a stay of discovery during the pendency of any motion to dismiss, unless necessary to preserve evidence or to prevent undue prejudice; and (2) document preservation during the stay. Requires the complaint in an action alleging such a violation of an applicable statute to plead with particularity the Federal and State statutes that were allegedly violated and the facts that are alleged to have proximately caused the injury claimed.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005
Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations, and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. (Thus, through ERISA preemption of State laws, certified AHPs are exempted from State regulation of health insurance providers, including State consumer protection laws and State requirements for health care benefits to be offered by such entities, with certain exceptions.)
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005
Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal judicial code to specify the calculation of contingent and other attorney's fees in proposed class action settlements that provide for the award of coupons to class members. Prohibits a Federal district court from approving: (1) a proposed coupon settlement absent a finding that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate; (2) a proposed settlement involving payments to class counsel that would result in a net monetary loss to class members, absent a finding that the loss is substantially outweighed by nonmonetary benefits; (3) a proposed settlement that provides greater sums to some class members solely because they are closer geographically to the court; or (4) a proposed settlement that provides for the payment of a greater share of the award to a class representative versus other class members. Grants district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $5 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and that is between citizens of different States or between citizens of a State and a foreign State or its citizens or subjects. Lists those factors pursuant to which a district court may decline to exercise jurisdiction over a class action. Sets forth provisions governing the removal of interstate class actions to Federal district court and the review on appeal of remand orders. Grants the Federal courts of appeals jurisdiction to hear appeals of class action certification orders if notice of appeal is filed within 10 days of entry of such an order. Requires discovery and other proceedings to be stayed during the pendency of an appeal unless the court finds that specific discovery is necessary to preserve evidence or to prevent undue prejudice.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005
Permanent Sales Tax Deduction Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make provisions authorizing a taxpayer election to deduct State and local sales taxes in lieu of State and local income taxes permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005
Congratulates the people of Iraq and the elected candidates for having taken part in the historic 2005 Iraqi election, and offers continued support as they deal with the consequences of decades of misrule under Saddam Hussein. Thanks the Interim Government of Iraq and the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, Iraqi and Coalition security forces, and the civilian U.S. and international partners for their efforts to create the conditions in which a free election could be held. Expresses condolences to the families of those Iraqis who perished while attempting to vote or while protecting Iraqis who were doing so. Expresses gratitude to: (1) the U.S. Armed Forces for their valiant service and commitment to the highest ideals and traditions of the United States; and (2) the families of U.S. Armed Forces personnel. Reaffirms that U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq will remain under the full authority of their U.S. commanders. Urges the people of the United States and other countries to celebrate this latest step in the restoration of Iraqi freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2005 - Amends Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Signing of Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to Court; Sanctions) to: (1) require courts to impose sanctions on attorneys, law firms, or parties who file frivolous lawsuits (currently discretionary); (2) disallow the withdrawal or correction of pleadings to avoid Rule 11 sanctions; (3) require courts to award parties prevailing on Rule 11 motions reasonable expenses and attorney's fees, if warranted; (4) authorize courts to impose Rule 11 sanctions that include reimbursement of a party's reasonable litigation costs in connection with frivolous lawsuits; and (5) make the discovery phase of litigation subject to Rule 11 sanctions. Makes Rule 11 applicable to state civil actions where the court determines, upon motion, that the action affects interstate commerce. Requires personal injury claims (defined to exclude class actions) filed in State or Federal court to be filed in the county or Federal district in which: (1) the person bringing the claim resides at the time of filing or resided at the time of the alleged injury; (2) the alleged injury or circumstances giving rise to the claim occurred; or (3) the defendant's principal place of business is located. Directs the trial court to determine which county or Federal district is the most appropriate forum in those situations where the alleged injury occurred in more than one county or district.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005
Amends rule X (Organization of Committees) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to increase the membership on the Select Committee on Intelligence from 18 to 21, of whom not more than twelve (currently, ten) shall be from the same party.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005
Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an abortion provider, before beginning any abortion of a pain-capable unborn child (defined as an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of 20 weeks after fertilization), to: (1) make a specified statement to the pregnant woman that Congress has determined that there is substantial evidence that the process will cause the unborn child pain, and that the mother has the option of having pain-reducing drugs administered directly to the child; (2) provide to the woman an Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure (unless she waives receipt) or information on accessing such brochure on the Internet; (3) provide to the woman an Unborn Child Pain Awareness Decision Form; and (4) obtain on the form the woman's signature and her explicit request for or refusal of the administration of drugs to the child. Creates an exception for certified medical emergencies. Establishes penalties for willfully failing to comply with this Act, including civil penalties, medical license suspension, or both. Authorizes: (1) specified officials to bring suit in Federal court; and (2) private rights of action by a parent or guardian of a woman who is an unemancipated minor. Requires each State and State medical licensing authority to promulgate procedures for the revocation or suspension of a provider's license upon a court finding that the provider has violated this Act. Subjects a State that fails to implement such procedures to loss of Medicaid funding.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Ninth Circuit Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal judicial code to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit into the Ninth Circuit (to be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands), the Twelfth Circuit (to be composed of Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana), and Thirteenth Circuit (to be composed of Alaska, Oregon, and Washington State). Requires the President to appoint five additional circuit judges for the new Ninth Circuit and two temporary judges for the former Ninth Circuit. Specifies the locations where new circuits are to hold regular sessions. Assigns active circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to the new circuits. Allows senior circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to elect assignment. Specifies the disposition of cases pending in the former Ninth Circuit before the effective date of this Act as follows: (1) proceedings in matters that have been submitted for decision shall continue without regard to this Act; (2) matters not yet submitted for decision must be transferred to the court to which they would have been submitted under this Act; and (3) proceedings on petitions for rehearing or rehearing en banc that have been submitted or decided shall continue without regard to this Act. Authorizes the temporary assignment of circuit and district judges of the former Ninth Circuit among the new circuits. Authorizes administrative coordination among any two contiguous new circuits. Directs that the former Ninth Circuit shall cease to exist for administrative purposes two years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act of 2005 - Amends title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reauthorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to award state family assistance grants. Authorizes States to use grants for marriage promotion activities and requires the Secretary to make bonus grants to each State that has achieved formulated employment goals. Revises requirements for: (1) the consideration of certain child care expenditures in determining State compliance with contingency fund requirements; (2) State work participation standards, incorporating a 40-hour work week standard, and creating a State superachiever participation rate credit; and (3) the use of TANF grants. Replaces personal responsibility plans with family self-sufficiency plans. Authorizes the Secretary to establish TANF performance goals and plans. Makes appropriations for research, demonstrations, and technical assistance. Promotion and Support of Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage Act of 2005 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit community entities for demonstration projects to test the effectiveness of various approaches to create a Fatherhood Program. Permits States the option to make TANF programs mandatory partners with one-stop employment training centers. Caring for Children Act of 2005 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to specify consumer education information States are required to collect and disseminate. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to income tax benefits. Reauthorizes funding for State child care entitlement programs and revises State requirements for child support payments. Amends: (1) SSA title XI (General Provisions) to eliminate specified limitations on the Secretary's authority to approve demonstration projects and grant waivers; and (2) SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to require the Commissioner of Social Security to review State agency blindness and disability determinations. Authorizes the administering Secretary to authorize innovative State demonstration projects involving individual programs, or integrating multiple public assistance, employment security, and other programs to support working families. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the Secretary to establish a program to make grants to States to provide food assistance and funds to operate employment and training programs for needy individuals. Extends abstinence education funding and reauthorizes transitional medical assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
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 · 4 January 2005
Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Social Security Protection Act of 2005 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require inclusion of encrypted machine-readable electronic identification strips on Social Security cards. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) develop the strip in a manner that enables employers to access the Employment Eligibility Database (EED) established by this Act; and (2) transmit to the Secretary of Homeland Security necessary information from an individual's application for a Social Security card or number (as determined by the Secretary) for inclusion in the EED. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain the EED. Requires the EED to include data on the citizenship status and work and residency eligibility of noncitizens authorized to work in the United States. Restricts access to EED information. Prohibits individuals from commencing employment with a U.S. employer absent a Social Security card that meets the requirements of this Act and presentation of such card to the employer. Prohibits employers from hiring individuals absent verification of identity and work authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) assess penalties against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers or fail to comply with verification procedures; and (2) bring civil actions against those who fail to pay assessments or otherwise violate this Act. Establishes criminal penalties for such violations. Mandates integration of Border Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint databases. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to establish a national identification card.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Fair Tax Act of 2005 - Repeals the income tax, employment tax, and estate and gift tax. Redesignates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the Internal Revenue Code of 2005. Imposes a national sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. Sets the sales tax rate at 23 percent in 2007, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. Allows exemptions from the tax for property or services purchased for business, export, or investment purposes and for State government functions. Sets forth rules relating to: (1) the collection and remittance of the sales tax; and (2) credits and refunds. Allows families a sales tax rebate. Grants States the primary authority for the collection of sales tax revenues and the remittance of such revenues to the Treasury. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to: (1) the filing of monthly reports and payments of tax; (2) accounting methods; (3) registration of sellers of goods and services responsible for reporting sales; (4) penalties for noncompliance; and (5) collections, appeals, and taxpayer rights. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate sales tax revenues among: (1) the general revenue; (2) the old-age and survivors insurance trust fund; (3) the disability insurance trust fund; (4) the hospital insurance trust fund; and (5) the Federal supplementary medical insurance trust fund. Prohibits the funding of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after FY 2009. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer excise taxes not administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF); and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Instructs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to inform the President that J. Dennis Hastert has been elected Speaker of the House and that Jeffrey J. Trandahl has been elected Clerk.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Adopts the Rules of the House of Representatives for the 108th Congress as the Rules for the 109th Congress, with amendments regarding: (1) establishment of a standing Committee on Homeland Security; (2) modification of the jurisdiction of the Committees on the Judiciary, on Transportation and Infrastructure, and on Ways and Means; (3) the Committee on Homeland Security special oversight functions; (4) adoption of committee oversight plans; (5) composition of the Budget Committee; (5) tenure of the chairman of the Committee on Rules; (6) motions to recess subject to the call of the chair; (7) privileged motions by the chairman to go to conference; (8) suspension of the rules on Wednesdays; (9) repeal of the Corrections Calendar; (10) remarks in debate (which may include references to the Senate or its Members); (11) voting and quorum calls during catastrophic circumstances; (12) postponement of certain proceedings; (13) use of campaign funds to pay for certain official expenses; (14) use of the frank for mass mailings less than 90 days before an election; (15) the gift rule on officially connected travel; and (16) procedures of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Continues from the 108th Congress: (1) certain budget enforcement mechanisms; and (2) the provisions of the conference report on S.Con.Res. 95 (budget "deeming" resolution) until a conference report establishing a budget for FY 2005 is adopted. Waives Rule X, clause 5(d) to allow extra subcommittees for the Committees on Armed Services, on International Relations, and on Transportation and Infrastructure. Reserves the first ten bill numbers (H.R. 1 through H.R. 10) for assignment by the Speaker to such bills as he may designate when introduced during the 109th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) mourns the horrific loss of life caused by the earthquake and tsunamis that occurred on December 26, 2004, in South and Southeast Asia; (2) expresses its deep condolences to the families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims; (3) applauds the prompt humanitarian response to the tsunami tragedy by governments, the United Nations and other international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations; (4) recognizes the generous outpouring of support for relief efforts from private citizens around the world, including in the United States; (5) affirms its commitment to additional generous U.S. support for relief and long-term reconstruction efforts in areas affected by the earthquake and tsunamis; and (6) urges continued attention by donors and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken countries, particularly the thousands of children who have been left parentless and homeless by this disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Provides for appointment of a House of Representatives committee joined with a Senate committee to notify the President that a quorum of each House has assembled.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Provides for the attendance of the House of Representatives at the inaugural ceremonies of the President and Vice President on January 20, 2005, and, upon conclusion of the ceremonies, for the adjournment of the House until January 25, 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2005
Provides for an adjournment of the House of Representatives from January 6, 2005, until January 20, 2005 (or until another time of reassembly under this concurrent resolution), from January 20, 2005, until January 25, 2005 (or until another time of reassembly), and a recess or an adjournment of the Senate from January 6 or 7, 2005, until January 20, 2005 (or until another time of reassembly). Requires the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate, or their respective designees, acting jointly after consultation with the Minority Leaders of the House and of the Senate, to notify the Members of the House and the Senate, respectively, to reassemble at such place and time as they may designate whenever, in their opinion, the public interest shall warrant it.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2004
Provides for appointment of a committee of two Members of the House of Representatives and two Members of the Senate to inform the President that the two Houses have completed their business of the session and are ready to adjourn.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2004
Provides for the sine die adjournment of the House of Representatives on any legislative day between December 7 and December 10, and the Senate on any legislative day between December 7 and December 11, 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2004
Permanent Sales Tax Deduction Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the taxpayer election to deduct State and local sales taxes in lieu of State and local income taxes permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2004
Provides for an adjournment of the House of Representatives from October 9 or 10, 2004, until November 16, 2004, and a recess or an adjournment of the Senate on any day from October 9 through 15, 2004, until November 15 or 16, 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004
States that the House of Representatives condemns the abduction of Dylan Benwell from his home in the United States, the country of his custodial mother's domicile. Calls upon the Government of Ireland to: (1) recognize that this matter does not pertain to the custodial rights of Dylan's maternal grandparents, a matter already decided by the courts, and instead relates to a violation of U.S. law and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction; and (2) secure the prompt return of Dylan to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 South Swenson Street in Stamford, Texas, as the "Gordon Wood 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
Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Protection Amendment - Declares that marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits the Constitution or any State constitution from being construed to require that marital status or its legal incidents be conferred upon any union other than that of a man and a woman.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Thanks, pays tribute to, and expresses gratitude to all of those who assisted in the significant hospitality, logistical, and security efforts to successfully execute the 2004 national political conventions in Boston, Massachusetts, and New York City, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004
Extends sympathies to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honors the sacrifices of U.S. military and civilian personnel and their families on the anniversary of those attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to arrange for the carving of the figure of former President Ronald Reagan on Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Creates in the Department of the Treasury a fund for carrying out this Act. Requires all associated costs, including the cost of carving the figure of such former President on the Memorial and other administrative costs, to be provided or reimbursed by non-Federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004
Provides for an adjournment of the House of Representatives on July 22, or 23, 2004, until September 7, 2004, and a recess or an adjournment of the Senate from July 22, 23, or 24, 2004, until September 7, 2004.
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 · 20 July 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the actions of terrorists will never cause the date of any Presidential election to be postponed; and (2) no single individual or agency should be given the authority to postpone the date of such an election.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Child Safety, Adoption, and Family Enhancement (Child SAFE) Act of 2004 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise eligibility for adoption assistance and foster care maintenance payments by eliminating certain income requirements, reducing Federal matching rates, allowing separate standards for relative foster family homes, modifying provisions for foster children's Medicaid eligibility, and including Indian tribes as eligible for such payments. Provides for Safe Children, Strong Families Programs, which revise and combine currently separate part B title IV SSA programs for child and family services and for promoting safe and stable families. Provides such part B grant allotment funds for States and Indian tribes to improve protection for children and strengthen families. Continues grants for State court improvement of adoption and foster care proceedings, and for programs mentoring children of prisoners. Establishes challenge grants to reward efforts to move children safely from foster care and prevent the removal of children from their homes. Revises child welfare waiver authority to eliminate various limitations, and to extend such authority to approve demonstration projects. Extends and increases amounts of high performance bonuses, under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to review State agency determinations of blindness and disability, under Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2004
Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) recognizes the 35th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing; (2) commends the astronauts and other men and women of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) whose efforts assured the success of the Apollo 11 mission; and (3) supports the continued leadership of the United States in the exploration of space.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004
United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Approves the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement entered into with the Government of Morocco, and the statement of administrative action proposed to implement the Agreement, both submitted to Congress. Authorizes the President to proclaim such actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.S. Government to issue such regulations, as may be necessary to ensure appropriate implementation of any provision of this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force. Provides for: (1) administration of dispute settlement proceedings; (2) arbitration of claims; (3) specified tariff modifications; (3) additional duties, under specified conditions, on certain agricultural safeguard goods; (4) enforcement of textile and apparel rules of origin; (5) actions for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; and (6) certain textile and apparel safeguard measures. Requires the President to terminate the designation of Morocco as a beneficiary developing country on the date of the entry into force of the Agreement for purposes of such country receiving duty-free treatment for any of its eligible articles under the Trade Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 East Kleberg in Kingsville, Texas, as the "Irma Rangel Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004
United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Approves the United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement entered into with the Government of Australia, and the statement of administrative action proposed to implement the Agreement, both submitted to Congress. Authorizes the President to proclaim such actions, and other appropriate officers of the U.S. Government to issue such regulations, as may be necessary to ensure appropriate implementation of any provision of this Act that takes effect on the date the Agreement enters into force. Provides for: (1) administration of dispute settlement proceedings; (2) specified tariff modifications; (3) additional duties, under specified conditions, on certain horticulture and beef safeguard goods; (4) enforcement of textile and apparel rules of origin; (5) actions for relief from imports benefiting from the Agreement; (6) certain textile and apparel safeguard measures; and (7) U.S. International Trade Commission findings and presidential actions with regard to whether imports of articles from Australia are a substantial cause of serious injury or threat to U.S. articles and industries. Redefines "eligible products" to include, regarding any foreign country or instrumentality that is a party to a free trade agreement that entered into force with respect to the United States after December 31, 2003, and before January 2, 2005, a product or service of that country or instrumentality which is covered under the free trade agreement for U.S. procurement.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004
States that Congress: (1) strongly endorses the principles articulated by President Bush in his letter dated April 14, 2004, to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon which will strengthen the security and well-being of the State of Israel; and (2) supports continuing efforts with the international community to build the capacity and will of Palestinian institutions to fight terrorism, dismantle terrorist organizations, and prevent the areas from which Israel has withdrawn from posing a threat to the security of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004
Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2004 - Amends Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to: (1) require courts to impose sanctions on attorneys, law firms, or parties who file frivolous lawsuits (currently discretionary); (2) disallow the withdrawal or correction of pleadings to avoid Rule 11 sanctions; (3) require courts to award parties prevailing on Rule 11 motions reasonable expenses and attorney's fees, if warranted; (4) authorize courts to impose Rule 11 sanctions that include reimbursement of a party's reasonable litigation costs in connection with frivolous lawsuits; and (5) make the discovery phase of litigation subject to Rule 11 sanctions. Makes Rule 11 applicable to state civil actions where the court determines, upon motion, that the action affects interstate commerce. Requires personal injury claims (defined to exclude class actions) filed in State or Federal court to be filed in the county or Federal district in which: (1) the person bringing the claim resides at the time of filing or resided at the time of the alleged injury; (2) the alleged injury or circumstances giving rise to the injury occurred; or (3) the defendant's principal place of business is located. Directs the trial court to determine which county or Federal district is the most appropriate forum in those situations where the alleged injury occurred in more than one county or district.
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 condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of Ronald Wilson Reagan (former President of the United States). Authorizes the Speaker of the House to appoint a committee of the House to join with such Members of the Senate to attend the funeral services.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004
Orderly and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act of 2004 - Amends the Social Security Act to require each State to: (1) have in effect procedures for orderly and timely placement of children, in foster care or for adoption, across State lines; and (2) complete home studies for such purpose within 60 days of another State's request. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make incentive grants to States that complete timely interstate home studies. Revises requirements for checking of child abuse registries to eliminate an opt-out provision. Allows access to the Federal parent locator service to courts in foster care or adoptive placement cases. Provides for consideration of out-of-state placements in permanency hearings, case plans, and case reviews. Revises provisions relating to caseworker visits, health and education records, notice of proceedings, and use of interjurisdictional resources. Directs the Comptroller General to study State performance of background checks for child placements. Expresses the sense of Congress that States should: (1) revise the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; and (2) use private agencies to conduct home studies and give full faith and credit to other States' home study reports.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to the Honorable Charles W. Johnson, III for his unrivaled record of devoted service and steady, impartial guidance as its Parliamentarian.
![Official portrait of Rep. DeLay, Tom [R-TX-22]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000217_200.jpg)