United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives to consider: (1) a bill reported by a committee unless the report includes a list of earmarks in the bill or in the report (and the names of the requesting Members); or (2) a conference report on a bill unless the joint explanatory statement accompanying it includes a list of earmarks in it or in the joint statement (and the names of the requesting Members) that were not committed to the conference committee by either chamber, not in the committee report, and not in a Senate committee report on a companion measure. Makes it out of order in the House to consider a bill carrying a tax measure reported by the Ways and Means Committee in which the Joint Committee on Taxation has: (1) identified a tax earmark, unless the report on the bill includes a list of tax earmarks in it or in the report (and the names of the requesting Members); or (2) failed to provide such analysis. Makes it out of order in the House to consider a conference report carrying such a measure as to which the Joint Committee on Taxation has: (1) identified a tax earmark, unless the accompanying joint explanatory statement includes a list of tax earmarks in it or in the joint statement (and the names of the requesting Members) that were not committed to the conference committee by either chamber, not in the Committee report, and not in a Senate committee report on a companion measure; or (2) failed to provide such analysis. Makes it out of order in the House to consider a rule or order that waives the requirements of this Act with respect to consideration of conference reports. Requires the Joint Committee to: (1) review any bill containing a tax measure that is being reported by the Ways and Means Committee or prepared for filing by a conference committee; (2) identify whether such bill contains any tax earmarks; and (3) provide the Ways and Means Committee and the conference committee with a statement identifying such earmarks or declaring that the legislation does not contain any. Requires the statement to be included in the committee report or joint statement of managers, as applicable.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006
Congratulates the Professional Golfers' Association of America on its 90th anniversary and applauds its contributions to employment and economic growth.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 503) to amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006
Federal Employee Combat Zone Tax Parity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of civilian federal employees compensation for active service in a combat zone or for periods of hospitalization for wounds, diseases, or injuries incurred while serving in a combat zone.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that programs should be established to: (1) increase public awareness about the prevalence and devastating consequences of vision disorders in children; and (2) educate the public and health care providers about the warning signs and symptoms of ocular and vision disorders, the benefits of early detection, evaluation, and treatment, and the importance of early and regular vision screening and comprehensive eye exams.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4157) to amend the Social Security Act to encourage the dissemination, security, confidentiality, and usefulness of health information technology.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006
Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to prohibit any person from acting as an agent of a foreign principal that is: (1) the government of a foreign country that the Secretary of State has determined to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism; (2) a foreign political party of such a government; or (3) a partnership, association, or other combination of persons organized under the laws of or having its principal place of business in a foreign country of such a government.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Palafox Place in Pensacola, Florida, as the "Vincent J. Whibbs, Sr. Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006
Designates Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as visa waiver program countries under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006
Congratulates: (1) the Miami Heat for winning the 2006 National Basketball Association (NBA) World Championship; and (2) Dwayne Wade for winning the 2006 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006
Honors the town of Nicodemus, Kansas, for its contribution to American history. Commends and encourages the preservation efforts of the National Park Service and the residents of Nicodemus.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5576) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and independent agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006
Praises the U.S. diplomatic staff of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba, for their actions in support of freedom for the Cuban people. Condemns the Cuban regime's: (1) harassment of such personnel; and (2) 47 years of brutality and oppression against the Cuban people. Supports the Cuban people's right to exercise fundamental political and civil liberties, including freedom of expression, assembly, association, movement, the press, and the right to multiparty elections.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2006
Waives a specified requirement of Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) to allow consideration of H.R. 5576 (Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007) on the same day it is presented to the House.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006
Calls on the government of Germany to take action to combat sex trafficking in connection with the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup. Urges European countries to support public awareness campaigns to educate the general public, particularly athletes, sports fans, and financial sponsors of the 2006 World Cup, about the potential for trafficking in human beings. Encourages governments, international and nongovernmental organizations, 2006 World Cup sponsors, tour operators, and air transportation providers to join the efforts to end the sexual exploitation of women and girls and prevent trafficking in human beings. Commends the "Final Whistle--Stop Forced Prostitution Campaign" launched by the National Council of German Women's Organizations and calls on sports associations, including FIFA, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the German Football Association to support this campaign. Urges Germany and all countries to ratify or accede to, and to implement, the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5522) making appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2006
Veterans Identity Protection Act or VIP Act - Establishes as an independent office in the executive branch the Office of Veterans Identity Protection Claims, headed by a Director, to receive, process, and pay claims for injuries suffered as a result of the unauthorized use, disclosure, or dissemination of identifying information stolen from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Authorizes judicial review of claim determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2006
Central Asia Democracy and Human Rights Promotion Act of 2006 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) to support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Authorizes additional FY2007-FY2008 appropriations for Voice of America and RFE/RL, Incorporated to expand radio broadcasting in languages spoken in Central Asia. Conditions assistance for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs to a Central Asian government upon certification by the Secretary of State to the appropriate congressional committees that such government meets specified requirements respecting: (1) democratization; (2) freedoms of speech and the press; (3) freedom of religion; (4) prevention of torture; and (5) rule of law. Authorizes: (1) a national security waiver; and (2) withheld amounts to be used for democracy assistance. Conditions assistance for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs to the government of Uzbekistan upon certification by the Secretary to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) the government of Uzbekistan is making substantial progress in meeting its commitments under the Declaration on the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Framework Between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States of America; and (2) a credible international investigation of the May 2005 shootings in Andijan is underway with the support of the government of Uzbekistan. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify Uzbek officials, family members, and associates implicated in the Andijan massacre, or involved in other human rights violations in Uzbekistan; and (2) notify the Secretary of the Treasury, Attorney General, and the appropriate congressional committees of such identification. Provides for: (1) freezing of assets and visa bans for such individuals; and (2) export prohibition of United States Munitions List items to Uzbekistan.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) undertake measures to deny the Cuban regime the financial resources to engage in activities that threaten U.S. national security and other interests, threaten the environment and natural resources of northern Cuba and Florida, and prolong the dictatorship that oppresses the Cuban people; and (2) deter foreign investments that would enhance the Cuban regime's ability to develop its petroleum resources. Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to exclude from U.S. entry an alien who: (1) is an officer or principal of an entity, or a shareholder who owns a controlling interest in an entity that makes an investment (as defined by this Act) of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period), that significantly contributes to Cuba's ability to develop petroleum and natural gas resources off its north coast; or (2) is a spouse, minor child, or agent of such person. Exempts on a case-by-case basis entries: (1) for medical reasons or property-related litigation; or (2) where a transition government is in place. Defines "investment" for purposes of this Act. Directs the President to impose two or more specified export, procurement, financial institution, loan, or Export-Import Bank sanctions if the President determines that a person has made an investment of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that in the aggregate equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period) that contributes to the enhancement of Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources of the submerged lands of Cuba's northern coast.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006
Commends the people and government of Ukraine for: (1) holding free parliamentary elections on March 26, 2006; and (2) their commitment to democracy and freedom. Acknowledges the strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine, and reaffirms support for Ukraine's independence, territorial sovereignty, and full integration into the international community of democracies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006
Condemns the terrorist attacks on Dahab and Northern Sinai, Egypt and other terrorist attacks directed against Egypt. Expresses condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the attacks and expresses sympathies to those who were injured. Joins with President George W. Bush in expressing the solidarity of the people and government of the United States with the people and government of Egypt. Expresses readiness to support the Egyptian authorities' efforts to bring to justice those persons responsible for such attacks and to pursue and dismantle the responsible networks.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2006
Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow an eligible person or group to obtain a national franchise to provide cable service in a franchise area in lieu of any other authority under federal, state, or local law. Requires: (1) the filing of a franchise certification with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); and (2) cable operators with a national franchise to provide a specified minimum of channel capacity for public, educational, and governmental use, and to meet certain other requirements. Provides for FCC enforcement of franchising requirements. Requires an annual FCC report on the deployment of cable service, including deployment by new cable operators. Empowers the FCC to enforce its broadband policy statement and principles. Requires an FCC study regarding whether such statement and principles are being achieved. Requires each VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) service provider to ensure that 911 and E-911 services are provided to subscribers of VOIP services. Outlines rights and obligations of VOIP service providers. Allows the municipal provision of cable services, requiring competition neutrality among all providers in an area. Prohibits a broadband service provider from requiring a subscriber, as a condition for such service, to purchase any cable, telecommunications, or VOIP service offered by the provider. Directs the FCC to further the development of seamless mobility, requiring a study identifying barriers to achieving seamless mobility.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to require representatives of governments designated by the Secretary of State as State Sponsors of Terrorism (covered foreign principals) to disclose to the Attorney General lobbying contacts with legislative branch officials. Prohibits the Secretary from recognizing as accredited a diplomatic or consular officer of a covered foreign principal unless the officer agrees to comply with this Act. Requires the Attorney General to make such information available to the general public in an electronic format.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Medicare Teaching Anesthesiology Funding Restoration Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to set forth a special payment rule of 100% of the fee schedule amount for teaching anesthesiologists involved in the training of physician residents, if certain presence and availability requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2006 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify guidelines governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash payment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage that may vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage. Permits the Secretary to insure any mortgage covering a one-family unit in a condominium project if the project has a certain blanket mortgage insured by the Secretary. Revises requirements for the Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund. Sets limitations upon the Secretary's authority to enter into commitments for loan guarantees. Makes insurance of a Native Hawaiian or Indian reservation mortgage the obligation of the MMI Fund (instead of the General Insurance Fund). Eliminates the limitation placed upon the aggregate number of home equity conversion mortgages insured under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure a home equity conversion mortgage when its primary purpose is to enable an elderly mortgagor to purchase a 1-to 4 family dwelling in which the mortgagor will occupy one of the units. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to insure temporarily certain mortgages for a single family residence located within a presidentially declared major disaster area.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
American Dream Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States prior to his or her sixteenth birthday, and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education, or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma. Sets forth the conditions for conditional permanent resident status. Authorizes an alien who has satisfied the appropriate requirements prior to enactment of this Act to petition the Secretary for conditional permanent resident status. Sets forth requirements respecting: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) confidentiality; (3) fee prohibitions; (4) higher education assistance; and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Independent Pharmacy Protection Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require each prescription drug plan contract entered into with a plan sponsor to provide for: (1) the availability of direct deposit payments; (2) an increased dispensing fee for generic drugs; and (3) payments within 10 days for certain pharmacies. Requires the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a generic covered part D drug therapeutically equivalent and bioequivalent to a brand name covered part D drug dispensed through the pharmacy to be at least 50% greater than the dispensing fee for the brand name drug. Limits to $10 the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a generic covered part D drug. Prohibits a prescription drug plan, subject to exception by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, from decreasing the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a brand name drug to an amount less than the dispensing fee paid for it on the date of enactment of this Act. Applies this Act to contracts with a Medicare Advantage organization in the same manner as they apply to those with a prescription drug plan sponsor.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1750 16th Street South in St. Petersburg, Florida, as the "Morris W. Milton Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1400 West Jordan Street in Pensacola, Florida, as the "Earl D. Hutto Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Military Spouses Employment Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty (more than 90 days or for an indefinite period) as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit (thus giving employers a tax incentive for hiring military spouses).
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Declares that the House of Representatives expresses its: (1) gratitude and appreciation for the professional manner in which the U.S. Capitol Police carry out their diverse missions; and (2) appreciation for the dedication such officers have for protecting the Capitol Complex. Commends them for their continued courage and professionalism in protecting the Capitol Complex and its employees and visitors.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Congressional Tribute to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Act of 2006 - Authorizes The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design, to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the United States and the world.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006
Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act - Provides for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Byron Nelson in recognition of his contributions to the game of golf as a player, teacher, and commentator.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2006 - Directs the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to conduct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico during the 110th Congress, giving voters the option to vote for continued U.S. territorial status or for a path toward a constitutionally viable permanent nonterritorial status. Provides for subsequent procedures, depending on ballot results. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate certain funds for the self-determination process.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Catastrophe Savings Accounts Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create tax-exempt catastrophe savings accounts (CSAs). Allows tax-free distributions from CSAs to pay expenses resulting from a presidentially declared major disaster. Limits CSA balances to: (1) $2,000 (for individuals with homeowner insurance deductibles of not more than $1,000); and (2) the lesser of $15,000 or twice a homeowner's insurance deductible (for individuals with deductibles of more than $1,000).
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) pluralistic and geographic expansion is necessary for its continued effectiveness and relevance; (2) Israel's demonstrated commitment to uphold democracy and to combat terrorism, in addition to its strategic and military capabilities, make Israel deserving of NATO membership; (3) the United States, as Israel's strong ally, should take the lead in supporting an upgrade in Israel's NATO relationship to that of a leading member of NATO's Individual Cooperation Program as a first step toward Israel's full NATO membership; and (4) Israel's deepened relationship with NATO would be mutually beneficial to both Israel and NATO member states, including the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibitions against interstate gambling. Modifies the definition of "wire communication facility" to include all communications, including transmissions by satellite or microwave using fixed or mobile connections (e.g., the Internet or other wireless communications). Expands the definition of "bets and wagers" to include all forms of gambling activity. Modifies existing prohibitions against interstate gambling to prohibit anyone engaged in a gambling business from using a communication facility to transmit: (1) bets or wagers; (2) a communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers; or (3) information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers. Imposes a five-year prison term for violations. Prohibits anyone engaged in a gambling business from accepting in connection with the transmission of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers: (1) credit, or the proceeds of credit; (2) electronic funds transfers; (3) checks, drafts, or similar instruments; or (4) the proceeds of any other form of financial transaction as prescribed by Treasury regulations. Exempts certain instrastate gambling activities. Requires any common carrier who is notified in writing that a user of one of its communication facilities is violating prohibitions against interstate gambling to discontinue service to such user. Authorizes federal, state, tribal, or local law enforcement agencies to obtain injunctive or declaratory relief to restrain persons from violating prohibitions against interstate gambling.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
Federal Aviation Administration Fair Labor Management Dispute Resolution Act of 2006 - Amends federal transportation law to revise certain federal aviation administration personnel management system requirements to prohibit the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from implementing any proposed change to the FAA personnel management system in cases where the services of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service do not lead to an agreement between the Administrator and FAA employees unless a bill is enacted into law by Congress that authorizes the change during the 60-day period beginning from the time Congress received the proposed change. (Current law does not require congressional action.) Requires the Administrator and FAA employee bargaining representatives to submit the proposed change to binding arbitration if Congress does not enact a bill into law within the 60-day period.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
Condemns the government of Iran's many failures to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations, including its obligations under the Safeguards Agreement. Commends the efforts of the governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to seek a credible suspension of Iran's enrichment- and reprocessing-related activities and to find a diplomatic means to address Iran's noncompliance with such obligations. Calls on U.N. Security Council members, in particular the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, to consider and take action in response to the report of Iran's noncompliance in fulfillment of the Security Council's mandate to respond to situations bearing on the maintenance of international peace and security. Declares that Iran, through its many breaches of the Safeguards Agreement, has forfeited the right to develop any aspect of a nuclear fuel cycle, especially with uranium conversion and enrichment and plutonium reprocessing technology, equipment, and facilities. Calls on all members of the international community to impose economic sanctions to deny Iran the ability to develop nuclear weapons. Urges the President to keep Congress fully and currently informed concerning Iran's violation of its international nuclear nonproliferation obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
States that a precondition for the integration of Belarus into the Western community of nations is its establishment of a genuinely democratic political system. Expresses support for the efforts of the Belarusian people to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in Belarus. Urges the government of Belarus to: (1) guarantee freedom of association and assembly, and (2) meet its Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) standards and commitments on democratic elections. Urges the Belarusian authorities to ensure: (1) transparency procedures for the 2006 presidential election; (2) election monitor access; (3) multiparty representation on all election commissions; (4) media access by all parties and candidates; (5) freedom of candidates, members of opposition parties, and independent media organizations from government harassment; and (6) prosecution of election law violators. Encourages the international community to continue efforts to support democracy in Belarus and urges countries such as Lithuania and other Baltic countries and Nordic countries to continue to provide assistance to nongovernmental organizations and other Belarusian organizations involved in promoting democracy and fair elections. Pledges support to the Belarusian people, their commitment to a democratic system and creation of a free market economy, and their country's assumption of its place as a full and equal member of the Western community of democracies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Recognizes the potential threat that sympathizers and financiers of Islamist terrorist organizations that operate in the Western Hemisphere pose to the United States, our allies, and interests. Acknowledges the cooperation of some Western Hemisphere governments to deny the use of their territory to Islamist terrorist organizations and calls on all governments to intensify such efforts. Encourages the President to direct the United States Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to: (1) seek OAS support for the creation of a special task force of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism to assist in investigating and combating the proliferation of Islamist terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere; and (2) urge OAS countries to designate Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, al-Qaeda and other such groups as terrorist organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Encourages all Americans to increase their charitable giving, with the goal of increasing the annual amount of charitable giving in the United States by 1%.
![Official portrait of Rep. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln [R-FL-21]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000299_200.jpg)