Rep. Deutsch, Peter [D-FL-20]

An amendment to prohibit FEMA from using funds in the bill to instruct Metropolitan Dade County, Florida officials to require property owners who have rebuilt after Hurricane Andrew to tear down the rebuilt homes if they do not meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance program.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to allow the Coast Guard the discretion to extend for up to two years the deadline for bareboat charterers to comply with new safety regulations imposed by the bill. The bill would allow a one year extension.

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An amendment to require states to provide health care benefits to public safety officers who are forced to resign or retire because of an injury they received in the course of duty, at least equal to benefits received by officers who resign or retire voluntarily. States that fail to provide such coverage will be eligible for only up to 90% of the state and local law enforcement funding for which they qualify.

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An amendment to increase the penalties provided in the bill for the second sex offense against a child from 5 levels to 6 levels.e

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An amendment preprinted in the Congressional Record of July 11 as amendment No. 5, that prohibits the use of funds in the bill to pay the salaries of personnel who carry out the Market Promotion Program if the program provides assistance to the U.S. Mink Export Development Council, or to any mink industry trade association.

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An amendment numbered 1 and printed in the Congressional Record to provide funding for Central American and Caribbean disaster recovery.

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An amendment to clarify that the provisions of the bill apply also to Monroe County, Florida.

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An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to add a provision to the bill to prevent the lifting of the embargo on Iranian goods.

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An amendment to prevent use of funds in the bill may be used to pay salaries and expenses of personnel of the Department of the Interior to extend leases, any standstill agreement, or the terms of the settlement agreement that took effect March 30, 2001, concerning the holders of interests in seven campsite leases in Biscayne National Park, Florida, identified as campsite leases collectively known as "Stiltsville".

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An amendment to prohibit any of the bill's $18.6 billion for reconstruction in Iraq from being provided until September 30, 2004.

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Act to Save America's Forests

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Act to Save America's Forests - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to revise eligibility criteria for members of the land and resource management scientific committee. Revises the committee termination date. Directs the Chief of the Forest Service, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to each prepare a continuous inventory of forest land administered by each agency head and to document whole-system measures that will be taken as a result of the inventory. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for conservation and restoration of native biodiversity in forested areas. Prohibits clearcutting or other even-age logging operations on any stand or watershed on certain Federal land, National Forest System land, and National Wildlife Refuge System land. Provides for Federal enforcement and a private right of action. Designates special areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas,Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Requires the Secretaries concerned to appoint a committee of independent scientists to recommend additional special areas. Restricts road construction and logging on Federal land in ancient forests, special areas, roadless areas, and watershed protection areas. Provides for Federal enforcement and a private right of action. States that this Act shall not apply to Federal wilderness areas designated under the Wilderness Act.

Emergency Relief for Caribbean Nationals Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Emergency Relief for Caribbean Nationals Act - Requires Haiti, Grenada, and the Cayman Islands to be treated as if such countries had been designated for purposes of the temporary protected status (TPS) provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Requires the initial period of designation to remain in effect for 18 months beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. Limits eligibility for TPS under this Act to aliens who: (1) have been continuously physically present in the United States since September 7, 2004; (2) are admissible as immigrants or eligible for certain waivers of inadmissibility and are not ineligible for TPS; and (3) register for TPS in the manner established by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Directs the Secretary to give prior consent to travel abroad to an alien granted TPS pursuant to this Act if the alien establishes that emergency and extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the alien require the alien to depart for a brief, temporary trip abroad.

PROTECTION Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 2004 or PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers for community policing; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for certain educational costs. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; and (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of appropriated funds for technical assistance and training to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other entities. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding termination of grants for hiring officers. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community policing efforts; and (3) in paying overtime to existing career law enforcement officers. Reserves specified funds for local governmental units with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted for police officer retention.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Homeland Security should designate Haiti, Grenada, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to make nationals of those countries eligible for temporary protected status under that section.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Homeland Security should designate Haiti, Grenada, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas under the Immigration and Nationality Act to make nationals of those countries eligible for temporary protected status.

Commending the resiliency of the people of the State of Florida and the work of those individuals who have assisted with the recovery efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004

Declares that the House of Representatives commends the resiliency of the people of Florida and the work of those individuals who have assisted with the recovery efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Ivan.

Expressing the sense of Congress with regard to providing humanitarian assistance to countries of the Caribbean devastated by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004

States that Congress: (1) commends the Caribbean governments for their efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne from August to September, 2004; (2) commends the efforts of the Caribbean-American community to provide relief to family and friends; (3) supports U.S. efforts to assist in coordinating international relief efforts, particularly in Grenada, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas; and (4) urges the international community to take all necessary steps to provide emergency relief and reconstruction efforts.

Affirming the commitments made by the United States at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, to improve worldwide access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation services.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004

Affirms the commitments made by the United States at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, to halve the number of people lacking safe drinking water and basic sanitation services and calls on developed nations to join the United States in such commitments. Expresses support for an increased effort to meet such commitments and calls on the President to report to Congress on U.S. progress. Declares that the House of Representatives shares the goals of the Water for the Poor Initiative. Expresses support for targeting U.S. water aid toward countries of greatest need and communities in which such aid can make the greatest impact.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow withdrawals from individual retirement plans without penalty by individuals within areas determined by the President to be disaster areas by reason of certain natural disasters occurring in 2004.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit premature distributions from certain tax-exempt retirement plans without penalty to individuals residing or holding real property within an area declared by the President as a disaster area due to a natural disaster at least part of which occurred in 2004, if such distributions are made within six months after the disaster declaration.

Calling on the United Nations Security Council to immediately consider and take appropriate action to respond to the growing threat that the ruling State Peace and Development Council in Burma poses to the Southeast Asia region and to the people of Burma.

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2004

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Security Council should consider and take appropriate action to respond to the growing threat that the ruling State Peace and Development Council in Burma poses to the Southeast Asia region and to the people of Burma.

Commending the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its employees for its dedication and hard work during Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Ivan.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Declares that Congress commends, for their extraordinary dedication and hard work during Hurricanes Charley and Frances, the employees of the National Weather Service, especially the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and National Data Buoy Center; the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the 403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Aircraft Operations Center at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida; the Hurricane Liaison Team; the National Ocean Service; and the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service. Commends also, for their extraordinary dedication and hard work during those hurricanes, the Southern and Eastern Region Weather Forecast Offices of San Juan, Miami, Tampa Bay, Key West, Melbourne, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Atlanta, Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Morristown, Charleston, Morehead City, Wilmington, Wakefield, and Taunton. Extends the thanks of Congress to the commercial and media meteorologists for their contributions in disseminating the NOAA forecasts and warnings to the public.

9/11 Commission Recommendations Implementation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004

9/11 Commission Recommendations Implementation Act of 2004 - Establishes a National Intelligence Director to manage the National Intelligence Program. Empowers the Secretary of Defense with lead responsibility for directing and executing paramilitary operations, whether clandestine or covert. Establishes a National Counterterrorism Center for strategic analysis concerning transnational terrorist organizations with global reach. Requires the President to direct the head of each appropriate Federal department or agency to identify and prioritize actual or potential terrorist sanctuaries throughout the world. Requires a national strategy to destabilize identified sanctuaries. Authorizes the President to support the Government of: (1) Pakistan in its efforts against extremists; and (2) Afghanistan to extend its authority over such country. Directs the Secretary of State to establish programs to promote greater familiarity with American society and values among the general public and select audiences in Muslim countries. Directs the President to: (1) strengthen counterproliferation efforts against weapons of mass destruction; and (2) track the financing of terrorist organizations and prevent money laundering for their benefit. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) integrate U.S. border screening systems with Federal security sites within the U.S. transportation system and sites containing vital national facilities; (2) complete a biometric entry and exit screening system for persons entering and departing the United States; (3) develop a plan for the allocation of limited transportation security resources; and (4) improve aviation screening. Requires: (1) the sharing of information for purposes of protecting the national security; (2) the establishment of a board to oversee Federal adherence to civil liberties; (3) that all U.S. emergency response agencies adopt the Incident Command System and unified command procedures; (4) the promotion of private sector emergency preparedness; (5) both Houses of Congress to pass separate intelligence appropriations bills; (6) a specialized and integrated national security workforce at the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and (7) regular adequacy assessments of the strategies and planning of the United States Northern Command to defend the United States against military threats.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 411 Midway Avenue in Mascotte, Florida, as the "Specialist Eric Ramirez Post Office".

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 411 Midway Avenue in Mascotte, Florida, as the "Specialist Eric Ramirez Post Office."

Condemning the series of terrorist attacks against the Russian Federation that occurred in late August and early September 2004.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2004

States that the House of Representatives: (1) deplores the series of terrorist attacks against the Russian Federation that occurred in August and September 2004; (2) expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and conveys its hope for the recovery of the injured; and (3) stands in solidarity with the Russian people in efforts to combat terrorism.

To designate the United States courthouse at 300 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida, as the "John Milton Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse".

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Designates the U.S. courthouse at 300 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida, as the John Milton Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse.

Gateway to Democracy Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Gateway to Democracy Act of 2004 - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to allow individuals under the minimum legal voting age, but who will reach such age before voting, to fill out the voter registration application forms when they get their driver's license. Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require States to maintain information on such individuals and make it available to election officials.

Nursing Home Fire Safety Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2004

Nursing Home Fire Safety Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic fire sprinkler systems in all Medicare and Medicaid funded nursing facilities and provide for reimbursement of the additional costs incurred with respect to installing such systems.

To amend title 3, United States Code, to permit an objection to the certificate of the electoral votes of a State to be received by the Senate and the House of Representatives if the objection is signed by either a Senator or a Member of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2004

Amends Federal law to permit the Senate and the House of Representatives, in the counting of electoral votes for election of the President and Vice President, to receive an objection to the certificate of the electoral votes of a State if the objection is signed by either a Senator or a Member of the House.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 560 Bay Isles Road in Longboat Key, Florida, as the "Lieutenant General James V. Edmundson Post Office Building".

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2004

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 560 Bay Isles Road in Longboat Key, Florida, as the "Lieutenant General James V. Edmundson Post Office Building."

Deploring the misuse of the International Court of Justice by a plurality of the United Nations General Assembly for a narrow political purpose.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004

States that the House of Representatives: (1) condemns the Palestinian leadership for failing to carry out its responsibilities under the Roadmap and under other obligations it has assumed, and to bring an end to terrorist attacks directed at Israel; (2) deplores the misuse of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the political purpose of advancing the Palestinian position on matters Palestinian authorities have said should be the subject of negotiations, the ICJ's willingness to acquiesce in efforts that are likely to undermine its reputation and interfere with a resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the attempt to infringe upon Israel's right to self defense; (3) commends the President and the Secretary of State for their leadership in marshaling opposition to the misuse of the ICJ; (4) calls on members of the international community to reflect on the steps taken by the Government of Israel to mitigate the impact of the security barrier on Palestinians, including steps it has taken by order of its High Court of Justice; and (5) cautions members of the international community that they risk a strongly negative impact on their relationship with the people and Government of the United States should they use the ICJ's advisory judgment as an excuse to interfere in the Roadmap process and impede efforts to achieve progress toward a negotiated settlement.

Stem Cell Discovery Through Diversity Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2004

Stem Cell Discovery Through Diversity Act - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the national research institutes, to conduct and support research that uses human embryonic stem cells in accordance with the final guidelines issued by NIH and published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2000, including: (1) the requirements that stem cells used in research be derived from human embryos that were created in vitro for fertility treatments and were in excess of the clinical needs of the individual seeking such treatment and that such individuals voluntarily donated such embryos with informed consent; and (2) the prohibition against the use of Federal funds to derive such cells from the embryos. Provides that restrictions on such research established by the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to policies announced by the President on August 9, 2001, have no legal effect after enactment of this Act. Prohibits additional Federal administrative policies on such research from being established or applied. Requires the Director to ensure that such research program include a significant number of donations from individuals who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups in order to make progress toward the goal of developing an understanding of whether the variables studied in clinical research affect such groups differently. Requires the Director to establish the Ronald Reagan Office of Human Stem Cell Research to coordinate all research conducted or supported by NIH that used human pluripotent stem cells.

Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994 and expressing the concern of the United States regarding the continuing, decade-long delay in the resolution of this case.

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004

States that Congress: (1) reiterates its strongest condemnation of the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina; (2) honors the victims of this heinous act and expresses its sympathy to the victims' relatives; (3) underscores U.S. concern regarding the case's continuing delay; (4) urges the Government of Argentina to continue to provide the resources necessary for its judicial system and intelligence agencies to investigate all areas of the AMIA case; (5) calls upon the international community to cooperate with the AMIA investigation; (6) encourages the President to direct U.S. law enforcement agencies to cooperate with the Government of Argentina to expand the investigation into this bombing and suspected terrorist support activities in the Tri-Border area of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil; (7) encourages the President to direct the U.S. Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to seek OAS support for the creation of a special task force of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist in the AMIA investigation, and urge OAS member countries to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization; (8) stresses the need for international pressure on Iran and Syria to extradite for trial individuals and government officials accused of planning or perpetrating the AMIA attack; and (9) desires a relationship between the United States and Argentina which is built in part on mutual abhorrence of terrorism and commitments to peace, stability, and democracy in the Western Hemisphere.

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells if: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics for the purpose of fertility treatment and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) the embryos will never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) such individuals donate the embryos with written informed consent and receive no financial or other inducements.

Fisheries Management Reform Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004

Fisheries Management Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (currently, the Secretary of Commerce) to appoint members to the Regional Fishery Management Councils who, by reason of their occupational or other experience, are knowledgeable regarding the conservation and management, or the commercial or recreational harvest, of fishery resources. Revises requirements for the composition of such councils and the qualifications of voting Council members. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to: (1) training of appointed Council members; and (2) disclosure of financial interest and recusal of Council members. Directs the Secretary to establish regional science and technical teams to make recommendations on certain matters, on the basis of which the Secretary shall provide Councils conservation and management measures for incorporation into fishery management plans that establish: (1) catch and bycatch limits; (2) specific habitat and area protections to protect essential fish habitats; and (3) specific requirements necessary to protect endangered species.

Honoring the 10 communities selected to receive the 2004 All-America City Award.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004

Honors the following communities on receiving the National Civic League 2004 All-America City Award: Concord, North Carolina; Evansville, Indiana; Cottage Grove, Oregon; Spokane, Washington; Springfield, Ohio; Montevideo, Minnesota; Pembroke Pines, Florida; Stockton, California; Philippi, West Virginia; and Hidalgo, Texas.

Reaffirming unwavering commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004

States that: (1) Congress reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act as the cornerstone of United States-Taiwan relations; (2) the military modernization and weapons procurement program of the People's Republic of China (PRC) is a matter of grave concern, particularly the missile deployment directed toward Taiwan; (3) the President should direct U.S. officials to raise these military concerns with PRC officials; (4) the President and Congress should determine whether the escalating arms buildup, including deployment of offensive weaponry and missiles in areas adjacent to the Taiwan Strait, requires that additional defense articles and services be made available to Taiwan, and the United States should encourage Taiwan to devote sufficient financial resources to its defense; (5) as recommended by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, the Department of Defense should provide the appropriate congressional committees with a comprehensive report on Russian military sales to the PRC; (6) the President should encourage further dialogue between Taiwan and the PRC; and (7) the United States should not discourage Taiwan officials from visiting the United States on the basis that doing so would violate the "one China policy."

Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004

Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make Alzheimer's disease research a priority within the National Institute on Aging. Requires the Director of the Institute to: (1) undertake an Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Initiative to accelerate the discovery of new risk and protective factors, to rapidly identify therapies and preventive interventions, and to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies; (2) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's; and (3) conduct research concerning early detection and diagnosis, the relationship between Alzheimer's and vascular disease, and interventions designed to help caregivers. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaboration among Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to educate the public and public health community regarding Alzheimer's disease. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or cooperative agreements to develop coordinated respite care programs on a statewide basis. Defines "respite care" to mean planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with a special need in order to provide temporary relief to the family caregiver of such child or adult. Directs the Secretary to award a grant or cooperative agreement to a public or private nonprofit entity to establish a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a nonrefundable tax credit for each individual certified as having long-term care needs and for whom the taxpayer is acting as a caregiver; (2) a tax deduction for long-term care premiums paid under a qualified insurance contract; and (3) qualified long-term care insurance to be offered in a cafeteria plan and flexible spending arrangements.

Recognizing and honoring America's labor movement, supporting the designation of a National Labor History Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2004

Honors and recognizes the American labor movement. Supports the designation of a National Labor History Month. Urges government officials, educators, the media, and all Americans to observe a National Labor History Month with ceremonies, activities, and programs that encourage reflection on the labor movement's heritage and contributions to the creation and maintenance of a just America.

Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the day civil rights organizers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner gave their lives in the struggle to guarantee the right to vote for every citizen of the United States and encouraging all Americans to observe the anniversary of the deaths of the 3 men by committing themselves to ensuring equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal justice for all people.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004

Recognizes the 40th anniversary of the day civil rights organizers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner gave their lives. Encourages all Americans to observe the anniversary of the deaths of the three men by committing themselves to the fundamental principles of freedom, equality, and democracy.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify the treatment of adopted children.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2004

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow foreign children adopted while under age 18 for whom adoption proceedings were initiated while they were under the age of 16 (currently, children adopted while under age 16) to be treated as children for immigration and naturalization purposes.

Congratulating the Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the 2004 National Hockey League Stanley Cup championship and for their outstanding performance during the entire 2003-2004 season.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004

Extends the congratulations of the House of Representatives to the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team for winning the 2004 National Hockey League Stanley Cup championship and for their outstanding performance during the entire 2003-2004 season. Recognizes the achievements of the Tampa Bay Lightning players, coaches, owners, and staff who were instrumental in bringing the Stanley Cup to Tampa Bay. Congratulates the Tampa Bay community as it celebrates its second major sports championship in less than two years.

Expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong.

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.

Small Disaster Assistance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004

Small Disaster Assistance Act of 2004 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, after an event that results in major damage to or destruction of 100 homes or fewer, to declare, at the request of a Governor, that a major disaster exists and provide Federal assistance upon determining that such assistance is necessary due to the existence of one or more of the following factors in the affected area: (1) a large population of historically and economically disadvantaged individuals; (2) a median family income level below the national, State, or local average; (3) high unemployment; (4) a large population of uninsured homeowners or renters; (5) a large elderly population; (6) a high concentration of damage; and (7) a high level of trauma, including injuries, deaths, disruption of community services, and emergency needs.

Condemning the crackdown on democracy protestors in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in the People's Republic of China on the 15th anniversary of that tragic massacre.

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.

Medicare Trust Fund Reimbursement Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Medicare Trust Fund Reimbursement Act of 2004 - Provides that if the Comptroller General of the United States determines that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have violated the restriction on using appropriated funds for publicity or propaganda purposes contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 or any other provision of law, the principal campaign committee of the President shall reimburse the Federal Government for the amount used in committing such violation as appropriate. Requires the amount reimbursed to be credited to the appropriate Medicare trust fund to the extent that it was initially appropriated to such trust fund.

Fair Housing Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Fair Housing Protection Act - Amends the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 to revise the per-unit cost calculation for expiring tenant-based rental assistance contracts under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop a plan to end section 8 waiting lists. States that if the Secretary withdraws amounts from the reserve account for any public housing agency, or takes any other action that reduces reserve accounts without agency approval, the Secretary shall: (1) notify the agency of such withdrawal or action; and (2) before the commencement of the quarter of the fiscal year first commencing after such withdrawal or action, replenish the reserve account with the full amount of such withdrawal or reduction. Prohibits a zero balance withdrawal by the Secretary without prior notice to, and written approval from, a public housing agency. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to authorize additional appropriations for the fair housing initiatives program.

Medicare Prescription Drug Low-Income Assistance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

Medicare Prescription Drug Low-Income Assistance Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for the automatic enrollment of beneficiaries under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) in the interim prescription drug discount program and the transitional assistance program, making them eligible for the $600 per year in low-income discount card assistance without requiring a separate enrollment process. Provides for automatic enrollment for MSP beneficiaries under the permanent Medicare part D prescription drug coverage program.

Urging the Government of the Republic of Belarus to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election process for its parliamentary elections in the fall of 2004.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004

States that the House of Representatives: (1) looks forward to the development of cordial relations between the United States and the Republic of Belarus; (2) emphasizes that a precondition for the integration of Belarus into the Western community of nations is its establishment of a democratic political system; (3) expresses its support for the efforts of the Belarusian people to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in Belarus; and (4) urges the Government of Belarus to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election process for its 2004 parliamentary elections.

Public Servant Retirement Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004

Public Servant Retirement Protection Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the current windfall elimination provisions (which reduce Social Security benefits of retirees who paid into the Social Security system for part of their careers and who also receive a government pension from work in the public sector not covered by Social Security) and to replace them with a formula that treats non-Social Security earnings as if they were Social Security earnings for the purpose of calculating lifetime earnings for certain individuals.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4737 Mile Stretch Drive in Holiday, Florida, as the "Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith Post Office Building".

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2004

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4737 Mile Stretch Drive in Holiday, Florida, as the "Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith Post Office Building."

Supporting the goals of National Marina Day and urging marinas to continue providing environmentally friendly gateways to boating.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2004

Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) supports the goals of National Marina Day; and (2) urges U.S. marinas to continue to provide environmentally friendly gateways to boating.