United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Recognizes that African American spirituals are a poignant and powerful genre of music that have become one of the most significant segments of American music in existence. Requests that the President issue a proclamation that reflects on the important contribution of African American spirituals to American history and that names the African American spiritual as a national treasure.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006
Reaffirms that statements or songs that symbolize the unity of the Nation, including the National Anthem, the Oath of Allegiance sworn by new U.S. citizens, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States, should be recited or sung in English, the common language of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006
Municipal Illegal Immigration Relief Act of 2006 - Authorizes grants to local governmental units for increased expenses incurred in responding to the needs of undocumented immigrants, including: (1) law enforcement; (2) health care; (3) public housing; (4) inmate transportation; and (5) jail overcrowding.
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 · 26 April 2006
Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006 - Expands the: (1) authority of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Bureau) to include membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) (and raises the grade of the Chief from lieutenant general to general); and (2) functions of the Bureau to include facilitating and coordinating, with other federal agencies and the states, the use of Guard personnel and resources for, and in, contingency operations, military operations other than war, natural disasters, and support of civil authorities. Directs the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense on Guard programs and activities to address such gaps. Requires annual Department of Defense (DOD) budget justification documents to include separate amounts for Guard training and equipment for military assistance to civil authorities and other domestic operations. Establishes within the JCS an Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for consideration of eligible reserve officers for promotion to the grades of lieutenant general or vice admiral on the active duty list. Requires the position of Deputy Commander of the U.S. Northern Command to be filled by a qualified Guard officer eligible for promotion to the grade of lieutenant general.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Independence from Oil with Agriculture Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to delete provisions that terminate tax credits after a certain time (thus extending such credits) for: (1) alcohol fuels; (2) biodiesel fuels; (3) alcohol fuel mixtures; (4) biodiesel mixtures; (5) electricity produced from wind and open-loop or close-loop biomass facilities; and (6) alternative fuel vehicle refueling property. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) increase the applicable volume of renewable fuel for calendar years 2008-2012 that must be part of gasoline in the United States (except in noncontiguous states or territories); and (2) increase the number of gallons of renewable fuel in the calculation used to determine the required volume of renewable fuel in gasoline for calendar years 2013 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Securing America's Energy Independence Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2015: (1) the investment tax credit for solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property; and (2) the tax credit for residential photovoltaic, solar water heating, and fuel cell property expenditures. Modifies the maximum amounts for such residential credits based upon kilowatt of capacity. Allows such credits to be taken against the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006
Expresses the sense of Congress that, as a matter of economic and national security, the U.S. Government should provide America's currency with the protection and support necessary to defend its integrity throughout the world, effectively deter counterfeiting, and preserve the status of the dollar as the world's reserve currency.
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
Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) include physical therapy within the definition of "primary health services;" and (2) make physical therapists eligible for the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (to assure an adequate supply of physical therapists among other health professionals).
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal to the next of kin or personal representative of each passenger or crew member on board United Airlines Flight 93 who is identified by the Attorney General as having aided in the effort to resist the hijackers on board the plane, in recognition of heroic service to the Nation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such gold medal. Declares such medals to be national medals. Requires that proceeds from the sale of duplicate bronze medals be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) Modernization and Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the firearms provisions of the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties. Requires fines to be based upon the nature and severity of the violation, the size of the firearms business involved, and the prior record of the firearm's licensee. Requires the Attorney General to make a preliminary determination on federal firearms license applications and to notify applicants in writing of intent to deny an application. Grants applicants the right to a hearing for license denials. Directs the Attorney General to establish guidelines for Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigations of firearms violations. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to review the operations of ATF relating to the gun show enforcement program and blanket residency checks of prospective and actual firearms purchasers. Limits the authority of federal agencies to disclose information on firearms purchasers. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to repeal the authority of the Attorney General to delegate to ATF responsibility for investigating violent crimes and acts of domestic terrorism. Grants a firearm licensee whose license has expired or has been suspended or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory. Allows purchasers of existing firearms businesses the right to cure firearms violations attributable to such businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers (other than sugar cane and sugar beet producers) who have incurred qualifying: (1) 2005 crop losses due to weather or related conditions (including crop disease, insects, and delayed harvest); and (2) 2006 crop losses due to flooding in California and Hawaii that occurred prior to the date of enactment of this Act and for which a petition for a disaster designation has been filed with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) payments through the 2002 livestock compensation program for livestock disaster losses during calendar years 2005 and 2006 for losses that occurred prior to of enactment of this Act (including wildfire disaster losses in Texas and other states); (2) livestock indemnity payments to producers who have incurred 2005 and 2006 livestock disaster losses prior to enactment of this Act (including wildfire disaster losses in Texas and other states), including losses due to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and anthrax; (3) indemnity payments to poultry producers in hurricane-affected counties, and for 2006 ewe lamb replacement and retention; (4) compensation for certain owners of flooded crop and grazing land in North Dakota; (5) sugarcane and sugar beet disaster assistance for qualifying producers and first processors in Louisiana counties designated as disaster areas due to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita, or to qualifying producers and first processors in Florida for 2005 losses due to hurricanes, floods, rain, or storms; (6) assistance to sugarcane growers in Texas (for additional Baton Rouge demurrage costs and raw sugar transportation and storage costs) and Hawaii (for an agricultural transportation cooperative); (7) assistance to specialty and nursery crop producers in hurricane-affected counties; (8) assistance to dairy producers in hurricane-affected counties; (9) assistance to producers and first handlers of cottonseed; (10) grants for agricultural promotion; (11) supplemental economic loss payments under a specified rate to producers who received crop year 2005 commodity assistance; (12) assistance to tree producers (including Christmas, potted, ornamental, and nursery trees, shrubs, and vines) in hurricane-affected counties; and (13) emergency watershed protection and emergency conservation program activities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) financial and technical assistance to remove debris and animal carcasses that could adversely affect health and safety on non-federal land in hurricane-affected counties; and (2) immunizations to Department of Agriculture employees involved in direct recovery work in hurricane-affected counties. Directs the Secretary to hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to assist in agricultural disaster and economic assistance programs. Appropriates emergency drought assistance funds for: (1) the Army Corps of Engineers; and (2) the Bureau of Reclamation (Department of the Interior). Defines "hurricane-affected county" as a county, or contiguous county, covered by a natural disaster designation related to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, or Wilma.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the National Trails System Act to extend the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to include: (1) the route followed by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the preparation phase of their expedition, starting at Monticello, near Charlottesville, Virginia, and traveling to Wood River, Illinois, and in the return phase from Saint Louis, Missouri, to Washington, D.C.; and (2) designated Lewis and Clark sites in Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Illinois. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete a suitability and feasibility study to include the extended route within one year from the date funds are first made available for that purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Supports the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month, including raising public awareness about the importance of financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Dam Safety Act of 2006 - Amends the National Dam Safety Program Act to require (currently, authorizes) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to maintain and update information on the inventory of dams in the United States, including an assessment of each dam based on inspections completed by either a federal agency or a state dam safety agency. Requires the strategic plan for dam safety prepared by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish performance measures, in addition to goals, priorities, and target dates, toward effectively administering the Act to improve dam safety. Requires a state dam safety program, to be eligible for assistance under such Act, to include: (1) the authority to require or perform inspection at least every five years of those dams and reservoirs that pose a significant threat to human life and property; (2) a procedure for more detailed and frequent safety inspections; and (3) the authority to issue notices to require owners of dams to install and monitor instrumentation. Reauthorizes appropriations for the National Dam Safety Program, the National Dam Inventory, research, training, and staff.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Homeowners Preservation of Equity Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with federal banking agencies, the National Credit Union Administration, and the appropriate state bank supervisors of each state contained in whole or in part in the GO Zone (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code), to establish a program to provide temporary emergency mortgage payments on behalf of an eligible individual whose principal residence was significantly damaged or made uninhabitable by Hurricane Katrina or related flooding.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2006
Earmark Transparency and Accountability Act of 2006 - Prohibits a federal agency from obligating funds made available in an appropriation Act or other Act to implement an earmark: (1) that is included in a congressional report accompanying such legislation, unless the earmark is also included in the Act; or (2) if the earmark was not in the House-passed or Senate-passed version of that measure committed to the conference committee. Amends rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit consideration of a bill or amendment between the chambers or conference report on such bill unless a list of all earmarks in it, an identification of the Member who proposed it (if possible), and an explanation of the essential governmental purpose for the earmark are available to all Members, and made available to the general public on the Internet for at least 72 hours before its consideration.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Security and Accountability For Every Port Act or the SAFE Port Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance the security of the maritime transportation system. Directs the Secretary to develop protocols for the resumption of trade in the event of a transportation security incident that necessitates the suspension of trade. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a plan for improving the Automated Targeting System for identifying high-risk containers moving through the international supply chain. Requires states to submit to the Secretary biographic information on current and future employees who have access to secured areas of seaports and to compare such information against terrorist watch lists. Establishes in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a Director of Cargo Security Policy to coordinate DHS cargo security policies and programs with other executive agencies relating to cargo security. Establishes minimum standards and verification procedures for securing containers in transit to an importer in the United States, including international standards for the security of containers moving through the international supply chain. Directs the Secretary to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for the deployment of radiation detection equipment at all ports of entry. Establishes the Container Security Initiative (CSI) to identify and examine maritime containers that pose a risk for terrorism at foreign ports before they are shipped to the United States. Establishes: (1) the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) to strengthen and improve the overall security of the international supply chain and U.S. border security; and (2) a third tier of C-TPAT (Greenlane) that offers additional benefits to validated C-TPAT participants that demonstrate a sustained commitment beyond the minimum requirements for participation in C-TPAT. Establishes a port security grant program to allocate federal assistance to U.S. ports on the basis of risk and need
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Military Retirees' Health Care Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed health benefits obligation to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to civilian employees; and (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage beneficiaries, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for beneficiaries. Prohibits an increase after December 31, 2005, in: (1) a premium, deductible, copayment, or other charge prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for medical and dental health care coverage for military personnel; and (2) the dollar amount of a cost-sharing requirement under the DOD pharmacy benefits program. Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day; and (2) after December 31, 2005, an increase in premiums under TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) for certain members of the Selected Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006
Commends the Africa Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in monitoring the N'Djamena Ceasefire Agreement in Darfur and its role in diminishing some acts of violence. Condemns: (1) the continued genocide against civilians in Darfur by the government of Sudan and government-sponsored militias; and (2) the continued violations by both parties to the Agreement. Calls on both parties to the Agreement to abide by its terms and engage in good-faith negotiations to end the Darfur conflict. Calls on the government of Sudan to: (1) withdraw all military aircraft from the region; and (2) cease support for the Janjaweed militia and rebels from Chad; and (3) disarm the Janjaweed militias. Calls on: (1) the African Union (AU) to work closely with the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to strengthen its capacity to deter violence and instability until a U.N. peacekeeping force is fully deployed in Darfur; and (2) NATO to extend its AU advisor mission. Calls on the U.N. Security Council to approve a trained and adequate Darfur peacekeeping mission. Urges the President to take steps to improve the security situation in Darfur, including by: (1) proposing that NATO implement an interim civilian protection force; and (2) requesting supplemental funding to support AMIS and a NATO mission in Darfur.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the National Cancer Institute, to establish special programs of research excellence in the area of pediatric cancers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a grant mechanism for the establishment of Research Fellowships in Pediatric Cancer to support adequate numbers of pediatric focused clinical and translational investigators. Requires the Director to award a grant for the operation of a population-based national childhood cancer database, the Childhood Cancer Research Network. Requires the Secretary to award grants to recognized childhood cancer professional and advocacy organizations to raise public awareness of currently available information, treatment, and research with intent to ensure access to best available therapies for pediatric cancers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States Reform Act - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to revise provisions concerning presidential authority to review any mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers (transactions) that could result in foreign control of persons engaged in interstate commerce in the United States. Directs the President, after receiving written notification of a transaction, to determine whether the transaction may possibly have an effect on U.S. national security. Requires an investigation whenever a review determines that the transaction could result in foreign control of persons engaged in U.S. interstate commerce. Provides that, when a review determines that conditions must be established on the transaction before its approval, such determination shall not be final until approved by the President and either the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. Outlines national security investigation requirements and procedures. Authorizes the President to establish interim protections in the case of a withdrawal of written notice of a proposed or pending transaction before a review or investigation is completed. Provides additional factors to be considered in an investigation, including whether the transaction affects U.S. critical infrastructure. Requires annual and quarterly reports to Congress on such reviews and investigations. Reestablishes the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) as a multi-agency committee (currently, a committee within the Department of the Treasury).
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006
Declares the sense of the Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school. Recognizes NAMM, the International Music Products Association, for its efforts to emphasize the importance of school music programs in the academic and social development of children.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006
21st Century Innovation Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award scholarships to students who: (1) are enrolled in undergraduate programs concurrently offering degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and elementary or secondary school teacher certification; and (2) agree to teach in such fields for at least five years. Awards matching grants to institutions of higher education to establish such programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) state and local educational agencies to establish summer institutes offering elementary and secondary school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers continuing education, and to train them to provide advanced courses; and (2) institutions of higher education offering part-time master's degree programs to such middle and secondary school teachers. Augments the funding available for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers program at designated federal agencies. Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish programs awarding undergraduate and graduate scholarships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics on the basis of criteria to be established by the Secretary, but addressing areas of national need identified by program advisory bodies. Creates a Presidential Innovation Award, periodically conferring a medal upon individuals who develop unique scientific or engineering ideas serving the national interest. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure which shall prioritize funding provided to the NSF and the Department of Energy (DOE) under this Act for the construction and maintenance of higher education and federal research facilities. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the extended stay of aliens who obtain the equivalent of a doctorate in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or other fields deemed important to the national interest, and seek or secure employment in such fields. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within the DOE to award competitive energy research and development grants and contracts to institutions of higher education, companies, or consortia of such entities, which may include federal laboratories, to reduce our dependence on energy imports by 50% over the next 10 years. Provides for the recoupment and redeployment of such funding.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006
National Defense Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2006 - Prohibits a corporation from owning, or being authorized to manage or operate, any system or asset that is included on the national defense critical infrastructure list (list) unless the corporation meets specified critical infrastructure national security management requirements, including: (1) being organized under the laws of the United States; (2) having a board of directors the majority of whom are U.S. citizens; (3) having a chief executive officer and board chairman who are U.S. citizens; (4) having a majority of voting shares and nonvoting shares being owned by U.S. citizens; and (5) having more than 50 percent of the board members approved by the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Requires any such corporation to promptly notify the Secretary of certain corporation acquisition, ownership or other control obtained by a foreign person. Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain such list; and (2) notify the congressional defense committees of any list revisions. Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to provide for the confidentiality of information obtained during an investigation of corporate mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers (transactions) that may affect U.S. national security. Allows the President to suspend or prohibit a transaction if there is credible evidence that a foreign interest exercising control might take action that threatens to impair the national security or affect the ability of domestic industries to meet existing production requirements for defense or homeland security. Provides additional national security factors to be considered by the President when reviewing a proposed transaction, including defense production and potential effects on the control of critical infrastructure and access to strategic natural resources. Requires the President to be notified of a proposed transaction that may affect U.S. national security. Prohibits any cargo transported by commercial motor vehicle from Canada or Mexico, and any cargo transported by vessel, from entering, or being unloaded in, the United States unless the appropriate officer or employee has inspected the cargo to ensure compliance with all U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) rename the low-income housing tax credit as the affordable housing credit; (2) revise the applicable percentage rates for the credit; (3) increase the credit for low-income buildings that are part of state-designated projects; (4) allow the credit for buildings eligible for moderate rehabilitation assistance under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937; (5) repeal certain repayment requirements for qualified mortgage revenue bond issues; (6) qualify displaced homemakers, single parents, and certain disaster victims for mortgage revenue bond-financed first-time home loans; (7) repeal rules requiring recapture of income from sales of low-income buildings that are reasonably expected to be operated on a low-income basis; (8) impose recapture reporting requirements on owners of qualified low-income buildings eligible for housing credits; (9) exempt affordable housing tax credit amounts from the alternative minimum tax; and (10) exempt interest on certain exempt private activity bonds, qualified mortgage revenue bonds, qualified veterans' mortgage bonds, and certain exempt facility bonds used for residential rental projects from the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Promote Responsibility by Improving Development Education Act of 2006 - Character Education Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated in FY2007 for the Fund for the Improvement of Education. Reserves a specified amount of such Fund's appropriations in FY2007 and FY2008 for the Partnerships in Character Education program. Directs the Comptroller General to develop a model state character education curriculum. Childhood Adoption Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for adoption expenses and make it refundable. Increases the tax exclusion for employer-paid adoption expenses. Amends title IV, part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of the Social Security Act to increase the levels of adoption incentive payments to states and the FY2006-FY2008 authorization of appropriations for such payments. Borrower's Bill of Rights Act - Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Financial Education in the Department of the Treasury. Amends the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act to direct such Secretary to establish a financial literacy pilot program for middle and high school students. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) require that mandatory disclosures governing loan transactions be easy for consumers to comprehend; (2) prohibit loan flipping and mandatory arbitration; (3) lower the interest rate threshold for high-cost mortgages; (4) require creditors to ensure that consumers receive counseling before extending credit to them under high-cost mortgages; and (5) limit the rollover or refinancing of payday loans with the same creditor. Amends the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 to repeal the preemption of state mortgage usury laws. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to provide that a state's laws or constitution which expressly limit loan interest, rates, or other charges apply to all depository institutions and credit unions doing business in the state with customers who reside in or are located in the state. Amends the federal bankruptcy code to set an employee's claim to a debtor's equity securities held in a pension fund within the fourth order of priority and exempts such benefits from subordination agreement constraints. Increases the amount of an employee's earnings and benefits within such priority order.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should enact legislation to assist American farmers adversely affected by natural disasters and unforeseen production costs during the 2005 crop year and that such legislation should give farmers a choice of a supplemental direct payment or yield-loss disaster payments.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006
Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the construction or financing of an unauthorized tunnel or subterranean passage that crosses the international border between the United States and another country. Imposes a 20-year prison term for such offense. Imposes a 10-year prison term on any person who recklessly permits the construction or use of such a tunnel or passage on land that such person owns or controls. Doubles penalties for persons who use such a tunnel or passage to unlawfully smuggle an alien, illegal goods, controlled substances, weapons of mass destruction, or members of a terrorist organization. Subjects to forfeiture any property involved in, or traceable to, the construction or financing of such a tunnel or passage. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend sentencing guidelines to provide for increased penalties for persons convicted of criminal offenses related to the construction or financing of such a tunnel or passage.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring that all gasoline motor vehicle fuel sold or dispensed to consumers in the United States after 2012 contain not less than 10% renewable fuel on an annual average basis.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Amends rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order, with certain exceptions, for the House to consider a measure or matter until 72 hours after its text (and any accompanying reports) have been made available to Members and the general public (excluding Saturdays, Sunday and holidays when the House is not in session). Requires such text to be posted continuously, during the 72 hours, on the Internet in an accessible, searchable format. Prohibits the House from considering a general appropriations bill, with certain exceptions, until at least 72 hours (currently, three calendar days) after the printed hearings of the Committee on Appropriations related to it have been available to Members. Requires privileged reports to be made available to the general public before their consideration in the House. Amends rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) to require, before House consideration, the same 72 hour availability to Members and the general public, including Internet accessibility, of the text of conference reports, accompanying joint explanatory statements, and Senate amendments reported by a conference committee in disagreement. Declares that nothing in this resolution shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner. Expresses the sense of the House that the House Committee on Rules should develop standardized policies and procedures to require that proposed amendments major in size, scope, or cost (except those offered under an open rule) be posted on the Internet for an appropriate number of hours.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006
Honors the National Association of State Veterans Homes and the 119 state veterans homes providing long-term care to veterans. Commends all individuals who work in, or on behalf of, state veterans homes for their contributions in caring for elderly and disabled veterans. Recognizes the importance of the partnership between the states and the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing long-term care to veterans. Affirms the support of Congress for continuation of the state homes program to address the known and anticipated needs of veterans for institutional long-term care services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006
Domestic Energy Production through Offshore Exploration and Equitable Treatment of State Holdings Act of 2006 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to revise the determination of adjacent zones and planning areas in the subsoil and seabed of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Prescribes guidelines for: (1) lease administration; (2) lease grants; (3) lease receipts ; and (4) allocations to states and coastal municipal political subdivisions. Modifies review guidelines for OCS exploration plans and drilling permits. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to include in each five-year program lease sales that offer at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS Planning Area for oil and gas or natural gas leasing. Revises requirements for review of OCS development and production plans. Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund. Declares without force or effect all provisions of existing federal law that prohibit spending appropriated funds for OCS oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing. Prohibits a federal agency from permitting certain activities on federal OCS or in state waters that are incompatible with either oil or natural gas leasing, or with exploration and production of tracts that are geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to revise regulation of surface-disturbing activities. Redesignates the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Resources and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2005 - Amends the OCSLA to prescribe requirements for the use of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms for mariculture, artificial reef, and scientific research. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the requirement for: (1) a comprehensive inventory of OCS oil and natural gas resources; and (2) payments for oil shale and tar sands leases. Establishes the Federal Energy And Mineral Resources Professional Development Fund. National Geologic Data and Mapping Fund Act of 2006 - Establishes the National Geologic Data and Mapping Fund. Prescribes implementation guidelines for leasing areas located within 100 miles of California or Florida. Amends the OCSLA to repeal the coastal impact assistance program.
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 · 14 February 2006
Savings for Working Families Act of 2006 - Allows certain low-income individuals between age 18 and 61 to establish tax-exempt individual development accounts (IDAs) to pay for certain qualified expenses, including education expenses, first-time homebuyer costs, and business capitalization or expansion costs. Sets forth rules for the establishment, maintenance, and termination of IDAs. Permits tax-free withdrawals from IDAs for qualified expenses, but requires IDA beneficiaries to complete one or more financial education courses prior to making an IDA withdrawal. Allows certain financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, and Indian tribes to sponsor and administer IDAs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow such entities a business-related tax credit for the cost of administering IDAs and for making matching contributions to IDAs in parallel accounts. Provides that IDA amounts shall be disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance under certain means-tested federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prescription drug plans to provide enrollee notice of less expensive part D covered drugs that may be substituted for dispensed drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Royalty Relief for American Consumers Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to suspend relief from any federal requirement to pay royalty (thus requiring the payment of royalties to the federal government) for production of oil or natural gas from federal lands (including submerged lands) during any period in which average prices of either crude oil or natural gas exceed specified amounts. Instructs the Secretary to seek to renegotiate certain existing leases authorizing production of oil or natural gas on federal land to conform with this Act. Conditions eligibility for renewal of such leases or new leases for existing lessees upon compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006
Recognizes and commends the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR), the NASCAR Universal Technical Institute, and a collaboration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities for their creation of a strategic alliance to increase the number and quality of job opportunities for African-American students in key racing and other related automotive business activities. Encourages the Departments of Education and Labor and other appropriate federal agencies to support this effort.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend the 2006 open enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans through September 30, 2006.
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%.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2006
Mathematics and Science Teaching Corps Act of 2006 - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to create a Math and Science Teaching Corps to significantly improve mathematics and science achievement among secondary school students in the United States. Requires the Director of the Corps to carry out a program that awards: (1) Math and Science Teaching Corps Fellowships for Prospective Teachers (MSTC Fellowships) who possess comprehensive subject area knowledge; (2) grants to partner institutions to pay the tuition, fees, and overhead costs of the fellows; and (3) grants to participating local educational agencies to pay the expenses associated with facilitating the induction and professional development services for the fellows. Requires MSTC Fellowship recipients to: (1) receive specified pedagogical training; and (2) teach mathematics or science in a secondary school, for which they shall receive a stipend, and participate in induction programs of participating local educational agencies, for four years. Requires the Director to carry out a program that awards Math and Science Teaching Corps Fellowships for Experienced Teachers (MSTC Master Fellowships). Requires an MSTC Master Fellowship recipient to: (1) continue to teach mathematics or science in a secondary school of a participating agency for at least five of the seven years after receiving such fellowship, for which he or she shall receive a stipend; (2) serve as a leader within the individual's department and school; (3) mentor other recipients; and (4) attend subject or pedagogy workshops offered by the participating local educational agency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to promote the emergence of a democratic Palestinian governing authority that denounces and combats terrorism, upholds human rights for all people, and has agreed to recognize Israel as an independent Jewish state. Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance under such Act or any other provision of law to the Palestinian Authority (PA) only during a period for which a presidential certification has determined: (1) that no PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization and no member of a foreign terrorist organization serves in a PA ministry, agency, or instrumentality; (2) that the PA has publicly acknowledged Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the government of the United States, the government of Israel, and the international community; and (3) that the PA has made demonstrable progress toward purging from its security services individuals with ties to terrorism, dismantling all terrorist infrastructure and cooperating with Israel's security services, halting anti-Israel incitement, and ensuring democracy and financial transparency. Directs the President to make and transmit such certifications to Congress every six months. Prohibits during a period in which a certification is is not in effect with respect to the PA.: (1) assistance to nongovernmental organizations for the West Bank and Gaza (exempts assistance for basic human health needs from such limitation.); (2) U.S. contributions to the United Nations intended for U.N. agencies providing assistance directly to the PA; (3) visa issuance to any PA official or affiliated person (with a case-by-case exemption for U.S. security needs); (4) travel outside of a 25-mile radius of the U.N. headquarters building for officials and representatives of the PA and of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) who are stationed at the United Nations in New York City; and (5) establishment of an office, headquarters, premises, or other facilities within U.S. jurisdiction at the direction of, or with funds provided by, the PA or the PLO. Requires the President to direct the executive director at each international financial institution to use U.S. influence to prohibit assistance to the PA during any such period. Directs the Secretary of State to audit and report respecting duplicative entities and functions of: (1) the United Nations Division for Palestinian Rights; (2) the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People; (3) the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority; (4) the NGO Network on the Question of Palestine; (5) the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories; and (6) any other entity the Secretary determines results in duplicative efforts or funding or fails to ensure balance in the approach to Israeli-Palestinian issues. Withholds specified U.S. contributions to the United Nations for such entities until the report's recommendations are implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that during any such period the territory controlled by the PA should be deemed to be in use as a terrorist sanctuary for purposes of the Export Administration Act of 1979, and of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989. Prohibits funds to be used by any U.S. officer or employee to negotiate, attend official meetings, or have official contacts with members or official representatives of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or any other Palestinian terrorist organization, until such organization: (1) recognizes Israel's right to exist; (2) renounces terrorism; (3) dismantles the terrorist infrastructure; and (4) recognizes all previous agreements and understandings between Israel and the PA.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2006 - Extends from one to two years the lobbying ban for former senior executive personnel, former Members of Congress, and legislative branch officers and employees. Denies floor privileges to any former Members and House officers if he or she is a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress and senior congressional staff of employment negotiations. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to revise requirements for lobbying disclosures reports. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to: (1) exclude gifts from lobbyists from the gift ban exceptions; and (2) prohibit privately funded travel by a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee. Establishes the Office of Public Integrity within the Office of Inspector General of the House. Amends the LDA to increase the penalty for failure to comply with lobbying disclosure requirements. Requires certification that congressional travel meets certain conditions, subject to civil fines for false certifications. Establishes mandatory annual ethics training for House employees. Makes it out of order to consider any reconciliation legislation which has the net effect of reducing the surplus or increasing the deficit compared to the most recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate for any fiscal year. Limits recorded electronic votes to 20 minutes, except in certain circumstances. Makes requirements for earmarks in funding measures. Makes it out of order to consider a resolution providing for adjournment sine die unless, during at least 20 weeks of the session, a quorum call or recorded vote was taken on at least four of the weekdays (excluding legal public holidays). Makes it out of order, with certain exceptions, for the House to consider a bill or joint resolution until 24 hours, or in the case of legislation containing a district-oriented earmark or limited tax benefit, until three days after copies of such measure are available. Makes a motion to request or agree to a conference on a general appropriation bill in order only if the House expresses its disagreements with the Senate in the form of numbered amendments. Requires all provisions on which the two chambers disagree to be open to discussion at any meeting of a conference committee. Prescribes minimum requirements for political appointees holding public safety positions. Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (OFPPA) to require an executive agency, after awarding a contract, to make specified information regarding it available to the public, including over the Internet in a searchable database. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (FPASA) to prohibit awarding of a monopoly federal contract to a single contractor. Specifies conditions under which such contracts may be awarded. Amends the FPASA to require revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require competition for certain multiple award contracts. Provides for suspension and debarment of unethical contractors. Amends the federal criminal code to impose fines and penalties on cheating taxpayers and wartime fraud. Revises requirements and prohibitions regarding contractor conflicts of interest. Requires disclosure of certain government contractor overcharges. Subjects individuals to penalties for improper sole-source contracting procedures. Prescribes disclosure requirements for organizations established to raise funds for creating, maintaining, expanding, or conducting activities at a former or existing presidential archival depository or its facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Stimulating Leadership in Cutting Expenditures Act or SLICE Act of 2006 - Amends the Congressional and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide for expedited consideration of certain proposed rescissions in budget authority provided in Public Law 109-59 or in an appropriation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Celebrates the 40th anniversary of Texas Western's 1966 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball championship. Recognizes the groundbreaking impact of the title game victory on diversity in sports and civil rights in America.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006
Expresses support for the federal and state missions of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Recommends that the Department of Defense (DOD) propose to fully fund the National Guard's equipment needs. Urges DOD to consult with the states' chief executive officers and Congress on any proposed changes to the National Guard force structure. Requests that: (1) any DOD plan regarding force structure take into account the National Guard role in homeland defense and other state missions; (2) DOD prepare budget projections that detail cost savings from any changes in force structure, as well as projected costs in the event large personnel increases are necessary to respond to a national emergency; and (3) DOD assure Congress and the chief executive officers that potential changes in force structure will not impact the safety and security of the U.S. people.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ford, Harold E., Jr. [D-TN-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000262_200.jpg)