United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to modify provisions regarding firefighter assistance to make the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration (currently, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency) responsible for such assistance. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to volunteer emergency medical service squads and to provide assistance for firefighter safety research and development. Includes within authorized uses of grants the funding of such squads that are not affiliated with a fire department, hospital, or for-profit entity. Makes specified funds available for research to improve firefighter health and life safety. Grants priority for certain earmarked funds to organizations that focus on prevention of injuries to high risk groups from fire, as well as research programs that demonstrate the potential to improve firefighter safety. Allows the Administrator to provide assistance only if the applicant agrees to match with an equal amount of non-Federal funds 20 (currently 30) percent of the assistance received for any fiscal year. Modifies grant recipient limitations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) convene an annual meeting of non-Federal fire service experts to recommend criteria for awarding grants and necessary administrative changes; (2) publish each year in the Federal Register guidelines that describe the grant application process and award criteria; (3) appoint fire service personnel to conduct peer review of applications; and (4) re-conduct a study to define the current role and activities associated with fire services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit certain amendments, waivers, or other modifications to mortgages held by a Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (REMIC) or a Grantor Trust without disqualifying such mortgages as REMIC or Grantor Trust mortgages. Permits amendments, waivers, or modifications that do not: (1) extend the final maturity date of a mortgage; (2) increase the outstanding balance of the mortgage; (3) result in the release of an interest in real property securing the mortgage; or (4) result in an instrument or property right which is not debt for Federal income tax purposes. Exempts such amendments, waivers, or modifications from the penalty for prohibited transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
Drug-Free Workplace Program Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act to extend through FY 2006 the authorization for the drug-free workplace demonstration program (program). Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make an additional grant to, or enter into a cooperative agreement or contract with, any original grantee under such program for providing, in cooperation with one or more small business development centers, technical assistance to small businesses seeking to establish a program. Provides two-year periods for such grants. Makes drug-free communities coalitions eligible for such grant assistance. Requires: (1) the Administrator to provide technical assistance to each intermediary receiving a grant regarding the most effective practices in establishing and carrying out such programs; (2) each intermediary to establish a system to collect and analyze information regarding the effectiveness of programs established with grant assistance; and (3) the Administrator to provide technical assistance and guidance to each intermediary with respect to the collection and analysis of such information. Extends through FY 2006 the authority of small business development centers to provide information and assistance to small businesses with respect to establishing such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
States that Congress: (1) condemns the Government of the Republic of Sudan for its attacks on innocent civilians in the Darfur region of Sudan and demands their cessation; (2) calls on the international community to condemn such attacks and demand their cessation; and (3) urges the President to direct the United States representative to the United Nations to seek an official investigation into whether Sudan has committed crimes against humanity in Darfur.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Trade Adjustment Assistance Equity for Service Workers Act of 2004 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend trade adjustment assistance (TAA) to workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision or public agency. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to include: (1) a shift, by a public agency to a foreign country in provision of services, like or directly competitive with services which are provided by the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency; and (2) the situation where the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country. Requires the Secretary of Labor to certify as eligible to apply for TAA any adversely affected secondary workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision or public agency. Specifies criteria for determination of the existence of increased imports of like or directly competitive articles or services. Increases from $220 million to $440 million the amount of fiscal year payments for training of adversely affected workers under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide technical assistance for the establishment of industrywide programs for new service development. Modifies the trade monitoring system to include imports of services.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a tax-exempt trust to be known as a "Lifetime Savings Account" for the benefit of an individual taxpayer or his beneficiaries. Allows an individual taxpayer to make cash contributions up to $5,000 each year to such trusts. Prohibits: (1) investment of trust assets in life insurance contracts; and (2) commingling of trust assets with any other property except in a common trust or investment fund. Provides for an annual cost-of-living adjustment to the contribution amount. Excludes from gross income distributions from such a trust. Allows tax-free rollovers to a trust from: (1) another account of the trust beneficiary if the rollover from such other account is completed within 60 days of the date of distribution; (2) from a Lifetime Savings Account of the spouse of the trust beneficiary if the rollover from the spouse's account is completed within 60 days of the date of distribution; (3) from a qualified state tuition plan or a Coverdell education savings account before January 1, 2006.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2004
Samaritan Initiative Act of 2004 - Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to establish a program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under which a participating Federal agency shall make grants to eligible entities, including faith-based and community-based organizations, for permanent housing (provision of housing or rental assistance) and related treatment (including health and drug and alcohol treatment) and support services for chronically homeless persons. Requires: (1) a participating Federal agency to establish an interagency implementation and monitoring team; and (2) a grantee to establish a homeless management information system. Obligates specified authorizations of appropriations for: (1) HUD; (2) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and (3) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Authorizes the participation of other Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2004
Veterans Housing Affordability Act of 2004 - Increases the maximum amount of Department of Veterans Affairs-guaranteed home loans to veterans for the purchase or construction of a home from $60,000 to the dollar amount equal to 22.5 percent of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limitation determined under the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, as adjusted for the year involved.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2004
Save Summer Act of 2004 - Increases the FY 2004 numerical limit on H-2B nonimmigrants (temporary nonagricultural workers) from 66,000 to 106,000. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide the House and Senate Judiciary Committees with information on: (1) the numbers of aliens granted H-2B status or terminated from H-2B status, on a quarterly basis; and (2) the countries of origin, occupations of, and compensation paid to aliens granted H-2B status, the number of aliens terminated from such status, and the number of aliens provided such status during both the fiscal year reported and the preceding fiscal year, on an annual basis.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
National Intelligence Education and Training Act - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) maintain an Academy for Law Enforcement Intelligence for training Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers and analysts in the analysis, dissemination, and management of intelligence; and (2) establish the Advisory Board on Law Enforcement Intelligence to advise the Attorney General regarding the Academy's operation, instruction and content of curriculum, appointment of staff and hiring of contract instructors, and efforts to promote the intelligence profession among undergraduate and graduate students. Directs the Attorney General to carry out a pilot program, known as the Law Enforcement Analyst Training Assistance Program, to assess providing for the preparation of selected students for employment as intelligence analysts for U.S. law enforcement agencies. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct that not less than 25 percent of COPS program grant funds be made available for activities to: (1) increase the number of State and local law enforcement officers or employees involved in developing intelligence for countering terrorism, crime, or both; (2) provide specialized training to not more than five intelligence officers per grant recipient to enhance observational, intelligence-gathering, foreign language, and analytical skills; (3) improve Federal-State-local law enforcement coordination; and (4) ensure that not less than one intelligence officer per grant recipient has at least a "top secret" level security clearance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2004
SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to provide a two year extension of supplemental security income (SSI) in FY 2005 through 2007 for qualified aliens (including asylees and certain Cuban and Haitian entrants).
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the limitation on the allowable amount of the work opportunity credit, the welfare-to-work credit, and the research credit based upon a taxpayer's tentative alternative minimum tax for the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions requiring adjustments to depreciation in calculating alternative minimum taxable income. Eliminates certain accelerated depreciation as an item of tax preference for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2004
ROTC and Military Recruiter Equal Access to Campus Act of 2004 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to prohibit funds made available for the Department of Homeland Security from being provided by contract or grant to an institution of higher education determined by the Secretary of Defense to be ineligible due to a policy or practice of prohibiting or limiting its access to students for purposes of recruitment for the Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Amends Federal armed forces provisions to direct the Secretary to annually request, from each institution of higher education that has students participating at that institution in a Senior ROTC program during that academic year, a certification that the institution will, during the next academic year: (1) permit the Secretary of each military department to maintain a unit of the Senior ROTC at that institution, should the department Secretary elect to maintain such a unit; and (2) if the department Secretary elects not to maintain such a unit, permit a student of that institution to enroll in a Senior ROTC unit at another institution. Denies the provision of funds made available for certain Federal departments and agencies to institutions of higher education unless military recruiters are provided access to campuses at such institutions that is at least equal in quality and scope to the access to campuses and students that is provided to any other employer. Adds the Department of Homeland Security, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Central Intelligence Agency to the list of Federal departments and agencies whose funds will be denied to post-secondary schools that prevent ROTC access or military recruiting. Codifies under Federal armed forces law a provision of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000 which excludes from such funding prohibition any amounts provided solely for student financial assistance, related administrative costs, or costs associated with attendance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Congressional Accountability Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to prohibit discrimination in access to and use of congressional electronic and information technology by Federal and non-Federal individuals with disabilities. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to apply such prohibition to the General Accounting Office (GAO), the Government Printing Office, and the Library of Congress. Grants covered employees and applicants for such employment rights and protections under Whistleblower Protection Rules. Includes: (1) GAO employees and Library of Congress employees as covered employees; and (2) GAO and the Library of Congress as employing offices. Prohibits an employing office from: (1) discharging a covered employee by reason of a garnishment of such individual's earnings for any one indebtedness; or (2) denying employment to, terminating the employment of, or discriminating with respect to employment against a covered employee who has been a debtor or bankrupt under the Bankruptcy Act, or discriminating against another covered employee with whom such bankrupt or debtor has been associated, solely because of debtor or insolvent status. Prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation of legislative branch entities. Covers legislative branch employees under the Federal Judicial Code rules protecting jurors' employment. Applies administrative and judicial dispute-resolution procedures of the Act for violations of certain rights and protections under: (1) the Employee Polograph Protection Act of 1988; (2) the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; and (3) Federal law regarding veterans' employment and reemployment. Directs the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and desirability of extending all procedural rules and enforcement mechanisms under the Act to all legislative branch entities. Requires employing offices to post notices of rights and protections applicable to covered employees under the Act and any other Federal law relating to the terms and conditions of employment or access to public services and accommodations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue a combat artillery badge to each person who, while a member of the Army artillery branch, participated in combat after April 5, 1917. Requires the criteria used for the issuance of such badge to be similar to that used for the issuance of the combat infantry badge.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2004
Commends the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (Girl Scouts) for its efforts to launch a national dialogue on the issue of girls' safety. Recognizes the Girl Scouts for its leadership and expertise in knowing the needs of girls through the work of the Girl Scout Research Institute. Commends the Girl Scouts for actively promoting issues important to girls.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the annual authorization of appropriations for mental health courts through FY 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2004 - Amends Federal monetary law to set forth requirements for the redesign and issuance of circulating $1 coins emblematic of each of the Presidents of the United States. Prohibits the inclusion of a President who has not completed such President's term of service (sitting President). Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bullion coins that are emblematic of the spouse of each such President during the same period in which the $1 coins are issued. Expresses the sense of Congress about the issuance of such coins.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2004
Expresses the thanks of the House of Representatives to and commends the Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network (C-SPAN), together with Brian Lamb and the more than 275 C-SPAN employees, for their service to the House on the 25th anniversary of C-SPAN's first coverage of the proceedings of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2004
Juvenile Protection From Sex Slavery Trafficking Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to subject anyone who acts as a child sex trafficking kingpin to the death penalty, or to life imprisonment if the death penalty is not imposed. Defines such a kingpin as a person who: (1) violates the prohibition against sex trafficking of children as part of a continuing series of violations undertaken in concert with five or more other individuals with respect to whom that person occupies a position of management; and (2) obtains substantial income or resources from such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2004
Reauthorizes the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988 through 2009. Modifies the list of priorities that the Secretary of Energy must consider in reviewing research and development activities for possible inclusion in the Steel Initiative Research Plan to include the development of: (1) advanced sheet and bar steel; and (2) technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income for premiums paid under a high deductible health plan by an individual eligible for a deduction for amounts paid into a health savings account, for months when such taxpayer is not covered under any other plan.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2004
Internet Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to prohibit any person from dispensing a prescription drug pursuant to a sale if: (1) any part of the sales transaction for the drug is conducted through an Internet site; and (2) such site fails to meet specified requirements regarding inclusion of a page (and links thereto) providing the identities and licensing information of the seller, pharmacists, or medical consultants. Prohibits a person from selling or dispensing a prescription drug if: (1) the purchaser communicated with the person through the Internet; (2) the purchaser did not have a valid prescription when the communication began; (3) the person provided for the involvement of a practitioner; (4) the practitioner issued a prescription for the drug that was purchased; (5) the person knew that no qualifying medical relationship existed (defines "qualifying medical relationship" as requiring an in-person medical evaluation); and (6) the person received payment. Allows States to bring civil actions against a person for violations of this Act. Prevents Internet providers from being held liable for dispensing or selling prescriptions drugs on account of another person's activities. Includes the dispensing or selling of a prescription drug in violation of this Act as a prohibited act under the FFDCA. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a grant or contract to the National Clearinghouse on Internet Prescribing to identify and report Internet sites that violate Federal or State laws concerning the dispensing of drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance excise tax ferry trailer cargo which is in a truck trailer or semitrailer on a ferry for the sole purpose of being transported between two ports due to traffic congestion on the nearest international bridge.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) allow pancreata procured for use in islet cell transplantation or research to be counted for certification purposes for qualified organ procurement organization grants; and (2) require the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee to include in its annual report an assessment of the Federal activities and programs related to pancreatic islet cell transplantation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
National Trails System Willing Seller Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to: (1) prohibit the Government acquisition of lands outside the exterior boundaries of any federally administered area, except with the owner's consent, for the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, Lewis and Clark, Iditarod, and Nez Perce National Historic Trails and the Continental Divide, North Country, Ice Age, and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trails; and (2) provide that the Government's authority to acquire fee title shall be limited to an average of not more than one-quarter mile on either side of such national historic trails and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Senate should give its advice and consent to ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 55/25 of November 15, 2000), and the supplementing Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, and the Protocol Against Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2004
Urges that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp be issued in honor of the centennial anniversary of Rotary International and its effort to eradicate polio; (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued; and (3) the Rotary Clubs of the United States be commended for 100 years of volunteer service.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Family Budget Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to eliminate the May 15 deadline for consideration of annual appropriations measures. Requires annual joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolutions signed by the President. Provides for an amendment to change the statutory limit on the public debt. Requires consideration of budget-related legislation before the budget resolution becomes law. Sets forth provisions regarding the establishment of a reserve fund for emergencies. Requires: (1) biennial (currently, annual) budget resolutions; (2) biennial appropriations Acts; and (3) biennial Government strategic and performance plans. Provides spending caps on the growth of entitlements and mandatory budget outlays. Excludes benefits payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA), Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, and benefits payable under part A of title XVIII (relating to part A Medicare hospital insurance benefits) of SSA and part C of such title (relating to the Medicare Advantage program) from required reductions under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, along with specified Government accounts and activities. Provides other exceptions, limitations, and special rules with respect to sequestration exemptions. Directs the Chairman to maintain the Family Budget Protection Mandatory Account and the Family Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Freezes at current levels spending authority for each unearned entitlement, high-cost discretionary spending program, and authorized and unauthorized discretionary spending programs. Establishes the Commission to Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. Provides for accrual funding of the: (1) Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (2) Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System; and (3) Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Retirement Fund; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Retirement System; and (3) the Coast Guard Military Retirement Fund. Changes the name of the Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund to Uniformed Services Health Care Fund (thus, providing health care programs for all uniformed service retirees, under certain conditions). (Currently, such programs are for Department of Defense Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.) Decreases the limit on the public debt from $6.4 trillion to $4.393 trillion. Prohibits consideration of extraneous appropriations in omnibus appropriations measures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Mandatory IDEA Full-Funding Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to revise and reauthorize part B programs of education of all children with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for part B for FY 2005 through 2011 and thereafter. (Provides phased-in increases of funding designed to reach a promised 40 percent Federal share of funding by FY 2011.) Makes appropriations in specified amounts for part B for FY 2005 through 2011 and thereafter. Provides an exception to local educational agency (LEA) maintenance of effort requirements under part B. Repeals certain provisions relating to LEA treatment of Federal funds as local funds under part B.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to make beach nourishment projects that meet such standards as the Secretary of the Army may establish eligible for inclusion in mitigation plans and for hazard mitigation assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable credit against the alternative minimum tax for certain stock options sold or exchanged at a loss.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2004
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Anti-Slavery Day (February 27, 2004). Encourages each city and State to adopt laws that: (1) protect slaves who are victims of human trafficking; (2) increase communication between social service agencies, local, State, and Federal law enforcement; (3) provide training and support to the public, social services providers, and law enforcement officials so that they can better identify trafficked persons.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Safeguarding Schoolchildren of Deployed Soldiers Act of 2004 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require a State or local educational agency, for the duration of the military service on which a child's change of residence is based and at the request of a parent, to treat a child who changes residence based on such service as if the child has the residence held before the change of residence, for purposes of enrollment in elementary or secondary school.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program Extension and Reform Act of 2005 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to repeal the authorization to use certain funds in the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fund (Fund) by the Secretary of Agriculture for rural land reclamation. Revises guidelines governing: (1) the availability of moneys from the Fund: (2) the disposition of unappropriated Fund balances; (3) transfers to the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit Fund; and (4) submission of quarterly reports by operators of surface coal mining operations. Revises requirements governing allocation of funds and allocation of funds to states and Indian tribes. Prescribes guidelines for initial program sites and bond forfeiture sites with insolvent sureties. Revises requirements for the granting of funds to set forth guidelines governing: (1) the application processing deadline; (2) the disposition of unexpended funds; and (3) a state set-aside program. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to require that states assume responsibility for administering the emergency reclamation program in order to remain eligible to receive grants. Authorizes the Secretary to propose regulations prescribing conditions under which the Fund would be used to promote remining of eligible lands, including reclamation fee rebates or waivers and other incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Pathways Advancing Career Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make formula matching grants to States with approved plans for programs of vocational education, training, employment counseling, and related services, including tuition assistance, for: (1) single parents and displaced homemakers; and (2) secondary and postsecondary students pursuing nontraditional training and employment. Provides that State boards designated or created as State agencies responsible for vocational and technical education vocational education agency shall administer such programs and make competitive subgrants to eligible entities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 - Adjusts the basic Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity amount for surviving spouses, age 62 and older, of former military personnel to: (1) 35 percent of the retired pay of the decedent (current law), for months before October 2005; (2) 40 percent for months after September 2005 and before October 2008; (3) 45 percent for months after September 2008 and before October 2014; and (4) 55 percent for months after September 2014 . Adjusts similarly percentage amounts with respect to survivors of reserve personnel and survivors of persons who die while on active duty. Provides a corresponding phased elimination of the SBP supplemental annuity authorized to be provided to such surviving spouses. Requires periodic recomputation of: (1) annuity amounts beginning in October 2005; and (2) retired pay reductions for supplemental survivor annuities. Provides a one-year open enrollment period for SBP participation, commencing October 1, 2005, for those currently not participating, those electing to increase current coverage, and those wishing to participate in the supplemental SBP. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to require appropriate premiums for SBP participation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2004
Expresses support for the goals of National Manufacturing Week. Congratulates manufacturers and their employees for their contributions to growth, innovation, and the Nation's future. Recognizes that the manufacturing sector is facing serious, new challenges which affect prospects for growth of the U.S. economy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2004
Corporate Subsidy Reform Commission Act of 2004 - Establishes an independent Corporate Subsidy Reform Commission to: (1) identify Federal programs and laws that provide inequitable Federal subsidies; (2) review such subsidies; (3) conduct public hearings on agency recommendations regarding inequitable subsidies; and (4) report to Congress recommendations for termination, modification, or retention of each subsidy reviewed. Requires each Federal agency to include in budget documents submitted in FY 2005 a list of programs or laws within that agency that provide inequitable Federal subsidies, together with recommendations for appropriate action. Expresses the sense of Congress that, following submission of the Commission's report, the House of Representatives and the Senate should promptly consider legislation that would enact changes in Federal statutes necessary to implement the Commission's recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2004
Program Reform Commission Act of 2004 - Establishes an independent Program Reform Commission to: (1) identify unnecessary Federal programs; (2) review such programs; (3) conduct public hearings on agency recommendations regarding unnecessary programs; and (4) report to Congress recommendations for termination, modification, or retention of each program reviewed. Requires each Federal agency to include in budget documents submitted in FY 2005 a list of programs within that agency that are unnecessary, together with recommendations for appropriate action. Expresses the sense of Congress that, following submission of the Commission's report, the House of Representatives and the Senate should promptly consider legislation that would enact changes in Federal statutes necessary to implement the Commission's recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2004
Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2004 - Provides that, if there is a deficit in a fiscal year, then: (1) any pay adjustment (including a cost of living adjustment) for Members of Congress scheduled to take effect in the succeeding calendar year shall be null and void; and (2) rates of pay for Members shall be reduced by a specified percentage, but not below zero. Specifies the mandatory pay rate reduction at: (1) five percent, for the first year; or (2) ten percent, for any consecutive subsequent year that expenditures exceed revenues. Specifies conditions for restoration of the original pay rate, together with otherwise scheduled adjustments. Vests authority in the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to make determinations of whether or not a deficit exists in any fiscal year. States that, in making any such determination, the Director shall exclude any budget outlays which directly relate to a military conflict that lasts over 30 days or that is in direct response to a terrorist attack on the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2004
Welcomes Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the United States, asks the Prime Minister to communicate to the Turkish people the continued support of Congress and the American people, and recognizes the Prime Minister's visit as a significant step toward strengthening the relationship between the United States and Turkey. Thanks the Prime Minister and the Government and people of Turkey for their assistance in Afghanistan and postwar Iraq, and for their willingness to contribute to international peace, especially in the greater Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2004
Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946 (or to their survivors). Includes service in the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. Exempts benefits paid under this Act from taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2004
Expresses support for Iranians in their struggle for democracy and reform and encourages the Islamic Republic of Iran to conduct open and fair elections. Urges the President of the United States to: (1) support Iranians in their struggle for freedom and democracy; (2) continue to pursue areas of common interest with Iranians while taking an uncompromising stance on terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and human rights; and (3) use all available diplomatic means to support the Iranian people's demand for an immediate release of political prisoners and freedom of the press.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2004
Help Everyone Achieve Lower Taxes for Health Care Act of 2004 or Health Care Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the income tax deduction for medical expenses by eliminating the 7.5 percent threshold requirement. Allows all taxpayers (whether or not they itemize deductions) to deduct from gross income medical expenses exceeding $200 for which they can provide adequate substantiation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2004
Supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event co-sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and established to recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. Congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education, and for the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for this Nation.
![Official portrait of Rep. English, Phil [R-PA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000187_200.jpg)